Sunday, April 19: War on Iran – What’s Happening and What we can do

Every day we are flooded with details about the U.S. and Israel’s war on Iran that began February 28. It is a war of aggression, of choice, and of changes: in motivations, in strategies and tactics, in circumstances under which it might end. It includes the bombing and potential shooting war, as well as the less violent war of economic sanctions that our country has leveled on Iran, and Iran’s retaliation of both military strikes and a reduction in oil supplies.

One thing that hasn’t changed is the degree of senselessness that has beset the war. And that could come to include the enormous amount of tax dollars Americans will be asked to allocate to prosecute the war. (At this moment the projected ask from the Pentagon is up to $200 billion.) Another consistent element is the effects that seem never to have been considered by the people who started it…from the pounding of world financial markets down to the price of gas down the street.

The world is asking the questions: What will happen next and how can it end?

On Sunday April 19 at 5 PM, PASMC will host a Zoom meeting with Etan Mabourakh, Organizing Manager for the National Iranian American Council (NIAC). Etan will discuss where we are and where the war is going – which is very likely to be in a different spot than right now – and what we all can do in the short and long term. Watch this space for the link to join.

NIAC is a grassroots organization that advocates for the people of Iran by trying to influence U.S. policy toward the country. Its work includes war-and-peace as well as immigration issues. NIAC also concerns itself with matters relating to relations with Israel by Iran and Palestine.

Etan Mabourakh is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics, and brings to NIAC his expertise in digital communications, organizing, and campaign strategy. Etan is occupied with the organization’s nationwide grassroots network, which includes chapters in San Francisco and Los Angeles. He has also brought in leaders from the Iranian American community who help to activate volunteers engaging with lawmakers, working on political campaigns and elevating Iranian American voices and culture.

Etan frequently shares information and ideas with the Peace Action national affiliate calls. On April 19, we get to hear from him and respond as local activists. We look forward to seeing you!