Author Archives: Medea Benjamin

About Medea Benjamin

Medea Benjamin is cofounder of www.codepink.org and www.globalexchange.org. She is one of the organizers of Occupy AIPAC, which will take place March 3-5 in Washington DC.

Tunisia hosts World Social Forum, and reflects challenges to Arab Spring

Posted on April 2, 2013 by Medea Benjamin

“The new regimes want constitutions to be more religious, and women all over the region are taking a stand against this,” said Hamouda Soubhi from Morocco at the World Social Forum

Posted in Israel/Palestine | 9 Comments

Following Rand Paul’s historic filibuster there is room for common cause in challenging killer drones

Posted on March 7, 2013 by Medea Benjamin

While progressives have all sorts of reasons to dislike Rand Paul’s Tea Party, small government libertarian views, killer drones is one issue on which progressives should make common cause with Paul and his growing legions of supporters. After all, it’s not about the messenger but the message. And compared to the Democratic Senators who have, with few exceptions, remained either silent or support of President Obama’s killer drones, Rand made a heroic stand. In gratitude, progressives should “Stand with Rand.”

Posted in US Policy in the Middle East, US Politics, War on Terror | 10 Comments

10 questions to ask John Brennan at his CIA confirmation hearing

Posted on February 5, 2013 by Medea Benjamin

John Brennan’s confirmation hearing to become head of the CIA will take place at the Senate Intelligence Committee on Thursday, February 7. If CODEPINK had a chance to question John Brennan as his hearing on Thursday, here are some questions we would ask.

Posted in US Policy in the Middle East, US Politics, War on Terror | 7 Comments

John Brennan, assassin

Posted on January 9, 2013 by Medea Benjamin

The man Obama wants for CIA director is the architect of a drone program that has killed hundreds of innocents

Posted in Israel/Palestine | 14 Comments

From the ruins of Israel’s latest assault, Gaza has questions for Obama

Posted on December 5, 2012 by Medea Benjamin
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Medea Benjamin reports from a delegation to Gaza. Jamal Dalu, the shopkeeper whose home in Gaza City was demolished by an Israeli bomb that left 12 dead, including his wife and four children asked, “Obama, you say you want to teach us about democracy and the rule of law. Is this what you mean by democracy? Is this the rule of law?”

Posted in Activism, BDS, Gaza, Israel/Palestine, On the ground reports, US Policy in the Middle East, US Politics | Tagged | 7 Comments

Pushing Obama’s arc toward peace

Posted on November 12, 2012 by Medea Benjamin

Foreign policy played a minor role in a presidential election that focused on jobs, jobs, jobs. But like it or not, the United States is part of a global community in turmoil, and U.S. policies often help fuel that turmoil. The peace movement, decimated during the first Obama term because so many people were unwilling to be critical of President Obama, has a challenge today to re-activate itself, and to increase its effectiveness by forming coalitions with other sectors of the progressive movement. Over the next four years, this movement must grapple with key issues such as the Afghan war, killer drone attacks, maintaining peace with Iran, US policy vis-a-vis Israel and Palestine, and the bloated Pentagon budget.

Posted in Activism, Iran, Israel Lobby, Israel/Palestine, US Policy in the Middle East, US Politics, War on Terror | 8 Comments

A Sunday morning chat about drones with counter-terrorism chief John Brennan

Posted on November 5, 2012 by Medea Benjamin

Medea Benjamin visits Obama’s counterterrorism chief John Brennan at home to talk with him about her recent trip to Pakistan and the effects of US drones.

Posted in Activism, US Policy in the Middle East, US Politics, War on Terror | 10 Comments

CODEPINK protester victorious over AIPAC assailant

Posted on July 31, 2012 by Medea Benjamin

CODEPINK activist Rae Abileah and her lawyers settle a case against with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) volunteer lobbyist, Stanley Shulster, who violently attacked Abileah at Occupy AIPAC in March 2011.

Posted in Activism, American Jewish Community, BDS, Israel Lobby, Israel/Palestine, Israeli Government, Occupation, US Policy in the Middle East, US Politics | 58 Comments

‘Shame on You’: Why I interrupted Obama counter-terrorism adviser John Brennan

Posted on May 2, 2012 by Medea Benjamin

Counterterrorism adviser John Brennan spoke at the Woodrow Wilson International Center in Washington DC on April 30 to mark the one-year anniversary of the killing of Osama bin Laden. It was the first time a high level member of the Obama Administration spoke at length about the U.S. drone strikes that the CIA and the Joint Special Operations Command have been carrying out in Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia.

Posted in US Policy in the Middle East, US Politics | 45 Comments

Ten reasons why AIPAC is so dangerous

Posted on February 28, 2012 by Medea Benjamin

Occupy AIPAC is taking place this upcoming weekend in Washington DC. Medea Benjamin explains how AIPAC’s clout helps fuel a never-ending cycle of violence in the Middle East.

Posted in Activism, American Jewish Community, BDS, Israel Lobby, Israel/Palestine, Israeli Government, Neocons, Occupation, Settlers/Colonists, US Policy in the Middle East, US Politics | Tagged | 121 Comments

Police chief Timoney– meet Bahraini mothers

Posted on February 22, 2012 by Medea Benjamin

American-made teargas is killing Bahrainis in villages targeted for collective punishment of Arab spring protests

Posted in Israel/Palestine | Comments Off

No way to honor Dr. King

Posted on August 27, 2011 by Medea Benjamin

The ceremonies for the new Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington DC were kicked off on August 24 at an event billed as Honoring Global Leaders for Peace. But some of those honored are a far cry from King’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Israel/Palestine | 9 Comments

Does your Congressperson represent you – or Israel?

Posted on August 9, 2011 by Medea Benjamin

In this time of economic austerity, when jobs are being slashed and Americans are fearful about their future, the Congressional recess is the time for our elected representatives to be home in their districts, reaching out to their constituents and … Continue reading →

Posted in Israel/Palestine | 47 Comments

International solidarity & history in the making

Posted on June 29, 2011 by Medea Benjamin

Yesterday we had a great international press conference. There were representatives from Greece, Sweden, France, Norway, Canada, Spain, Turkey and of course, the U.S. The room was packed with press and passengers; there was really a feeling that we are … Continue reading →

Posted in Israel/Palestine | 28 Comments

Gaza Freedom March set to bring 1300 from 42 countries to blockaded border

Posted on December 13, 2009 by Medea Benjamin

Medea Benjamin of Code Pink writes: Over 1,300 delegates from 42 countries have signed up to participate in the December 31 Gaza Freedom March that will mark the one-year anniversary of the Israeli invasion and call for an end to … Continue reading →

Posted in Gaza | 6 Comments