Tell Biden & Secretary Blinken to end military aid to Azerbaijan! ACT NOW

Dear John,

Last week, Azerbaijan reignited war with Armenia by attacking its borders. It’s interesting to note that U.S. lawmakers are approaching this conflict very differently from the war in Ukraine. Members of Congress like Adam Schiff are saying the U.S. needs to halt military aid to Azerbaijan! We at CODEPINK agree, arming any country will lead to prolonged wars and more human suffering. 

Tell Biden & Secretary Blinken to end military aid to Azerbaijan! 

Justice and peace isn't always popular. Calling for a halt to weapons sales and military aid will always have fervent opposition. I was a toddler when CODEPINK was resisting the invasion of Iraq by protesting outside the White House. It's important to remember that even though Medea Benjamin, Jodie Evans, and thousands of peace activists were resisting a war that would end up killing over a million Iraqis, their calls for peace were met with disbelief and derision.

Unfortunately, war and militarism continues to be a popular agenda amongst our politicians and blinkered media. This is why I am writing to you today to let you know what we’ve been up to and to remind you why it’s important to resist the next war even when it seems impossible to stop it. Twenty years after our first protest, it feels like our work has only just begun! 

Last week we visited over 30 congressional offices telling them we need diplomacy to stop the war on Ukraine. It coincided with the Peace in Ukraine coalition’s week of action! 

In Chicago, young organizers are resisting the influence of weapons companies on their local politicians. They are one year into their campaign that’s only gotten bigger and more influential. Embracing true community organizing, they’ve had success by just talking to as many of their neighbors as possible. 

Also in Chicago, our Divest team got a resolution to divest the city from weapons companies!

We protested outside of Nancy Pelosi’s home for her travels to Taiwan and warmongering against China. 

We helped publish a report on Turkey’s attacks on Iraqi Kurdistan that have been killing civilians for years. 

We gathered over 10,000 signatures to say that Cuba is NOT a sponsor of terror, but a sponsor of global healthcare. 

We covered the entrances to the Air and Water show in messages to show attendees that the show was nothing more than military propaganda. We also included the message that War is Not Green, and the warplanes flying in the Air and Water show are killing the only planet that we have.

Because of your activism and commitment, we've made some progress. Afghanistan's bank reserves have been partially unfrozen and the United States is very close to rejoining the nuclear deal with Iran. 

We say all this to let you know you’re not alone in resisting militarism and war spending. Activating and organizing is what reignites hope, so always reach out to us if you want to tap into CODEPINK’s work at the local level. Together, a better world is not only possible, but inevitable! 

Take the first step by telling President Biden to prevent the next war by ending U.S. military aid to Azerbaijan!

Starting next week, Medea Benjamin is on a tour for her new book on Ukraine. See upcoming events in your area or sign up to host Medea in your city here.

Towards Peace,
Danaka, Farida, Ann, Isabella, Justina, Jodie, Kelly, Lola, Marcy, Maha, Mark, Medea, Melissa, Michelle, Nancy, Olivia, Paki, Sam, Shea, Samantha, Teri, and Tim 

P.S. Wear the message of peace and start the conversation with CODEPINK gear!