AAWC continues to foster local activism

by Emily Hanlon

After organizing the largest local demonstration against the Bush administration and the Iraq war this past November 2nd, the Athens Anti-War Coalition (AAWC) is preparing winter quarter to work further on the ongoing effort across the country to end the war. Formerly named the Athens Can’t Wait Coalition, the group changed names after completely breaking ties with the national office of the World Can’t Wait. The name change and broken ties have done little to change the dynamic of the grassroots activist group, as they continue to function locally and govern themselves democratically. “Even when we were affiliated with the World Can’t Wait we were independent and carried out our own things not associated with the national office,” said coalition member Damon Krane.

An important strategy to end the war being utilized by the AAWC is counter-recruitment; the main purpose of the demonstration that occurred November 2nd. By disrupting local recruitment centers the enlistment numbers go down, thus making it more and more difficult to keep the war in Iraq going.

This strategy has become of interest to the Department of Defense, which has been surveying local anti-war movements across the country over the past year. NBC news leaked a report compiled by the Department of Defense, and among the names in the body of the report was AAWC member, Will Klatt. Given the broadness of the report, the coalition has reason to believe that their actions have been under surveillance. The AAWC sent out a press release January 9th stating, “The Defense Department’s focus on counter recruitment efforts confirms the very real threat our activism poses to the Bush administration’s illegal war on Iraq.”

Along with Interact, the AAWC plans to bring the Pittsburgh Organizing Group to Athens for a presentation on the Counter-Recruitment movement. POG came to Athens on October 19th, covering campaign development, media relations, interactions with recruiters and legal defense. The AAWC plans to meet with parents sympathetic with the coalition’s desire to provide other options to high school students who are considering enlisting. The AAWC also may be involved in organizing a protest March 19th, the two-year anniversary of the war in Iraq. Nationwide protests and demonstrations are being orchestrated by United for Peace and Justice, a coalition of more than 1,300 local and national groups across the country. A website for the AAWC is currently being constructed that will include past projects, coverage of November 2nd, and contact information. Those interested in becoming involved with future projects can contact the group at athensantiwar@hotmail.com.