• IMMEDIATELY: call local media outlets and members of Congress to denounce the attack

• THURSDAY – SATURDAY: Organize actions outside and inside Congressional offices to demand an end to the assault on Falluja and an end to the occupation (action ideas below)

Download leaflet | Download talking points


The assault on Falluja has started. U.S. warplanes are dropping huge bombs on civilian neighborhoods, and ground troops are beginning to enter the city. One hospital, Nazzal Emergency Hospital, was destroyed in an air strike; another, Falluja General Hospital, has been seized by U.S. forces, making it unlikely that injured civilians will be able to go there for treatment. The estimated 50,000 civilians who remain in Falluja lack running water, electricity, and food.

There will undoubtedly be many civilian injuries and deaths: during the last siege of Falluja in April, at least 600 Iraqis were killed, most of them civilians. In the current assault -- contrary to the perception that the U.S. military only employs high-tech, surgical weapons, to minimize civilian casualties -- AC-130 gunships are being used, which fire only “dumb” munitions.

The death toll is expected to be high on the U.S. side as well: Marine commanders have warned that deaths among U.S. forces could reach levels not seen since the Vietnam War.

The U.S. assault on Falluja is a catastrophic action that will result in horrific and unnecessary bloodshed, fuel anger and resentment against the U.S.. We need to raise our voices in opposition to this attack, insist that the U.S. return to peace negotiations, and call for our troops to be brought home now.

TAKE ACTION!

ORGANIZE ACTIONS THIS THURSDAY THROUGH SATURDAY
We need to be vocal and visible in our opposition to the assault on Falluja. Organize actions this week outside local Congressional offices, while Congress is in recess, or in a high-profile location in your community.

Be sure to list your actions on our calendar so we can publicize and amplify all of our voices.

Ideas for action include:
• candlelight vigils to mourn the deaths that will be caused by this attack
• creative/visual street protests that use coffins or enlarged images of Iraqi civilian casualties or people dressed as bloodied and bandaged civilians or soldiers
• sit-ins inside Congressional offices
• meetings with members of Congress
• collaborations with Veterans For Peace groups on Veterans Day events (Thursday, 11/11), emphasizing the message that in order to support our future veterans, we need to get them out of Falluja and out of Iraq
• holding banners and/or distributing leaflets at busy intersections, shopping districts, or other high-traffic locations (Download leaflet here)

CONTACT LOCAL MEDIA OUTLETS
Flood your local media outlets with messages of opposition to the assault on Falluja, and demand that they talk about the civilians who are being killed and injured. Millions of people listen to talk radio every day: organize people to call the shows in your area and speak out. Write letters to the editor and send in opinion pieces. Ask reporters if they would like to interview an anti-war activist. Download talking points here; a sample letter to the editor will be posted soon.

TELL YOUR CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVES YOU OPPOSE THE ASSAULT ON FALLUJA<
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Call the
Congressional switchboard at (202) 225-3121 and ask to be transferred to your Representative or Senator. Download talking points here

KEEP ABREAST OF PLANS FOR PROTEST AND DEVELOPMENTS IN IRAQ
Plans are being made for a protest in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, 11/16, the day that Congress goes back into session; if you’re not already on the UFPJ action alert list, be sure to subscribe so you'll receive updates

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