Why sanctions are another form of war: The U.S. has imposed economic sanctions on Iran, Cuba, Venezuela, Russia, North Korea, and other countries. But sanctions aren’t effective, writes AFSC’s Jennifer Deibert. They rarely convince world leaders to change their behavior. Instead, they punish innocent people and worsen humanitarian conditions. (Anabaptist World)
The Pillsbury family celebrates a win for Palestinian rights: In 2021, Pillsbury family members made the tough decision to call for a boycott of their own family brand, established by their ancestor 150 years ago. They joined AFSC and partners to urge General Mills to stop manufacturing Pillsbury products on stolen Palestinian land. Today, they’re enjoying cookie dough again after celebrating General Mills’ decision to divest from the occupation.
Tell Congress: Invest in peace—not war and militarism: This week, the House of Representatives took up the National Defense Authorization Act. Members voted on Pentagon spending, nuclear weapons, and other critical issues that affect the lives, safety, and health of people around the globe. We need to keep up the pressure on Congress to move away from militarism and invest in peace. If you haven’t already, urge your representative to cut the Pentagon budget!
New border wall could end legacy of Friendship Park: For decades, Friendship Park has been a sacred place on the border between Tijuana, Mexico and San Diego, California. That’s where loved ones could see each other and talk through the border fence, despite being separated. But today the Biden administration plans to build two, 30-foot border walls that would end those gatherings. “We want to make sure the public is aware of this, that they also have a say and provide their ideas of why Friendship Park should remain open,“ says AFSC’s Pedro Rios says. (NBC 7)
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