Naked City

Here's a brief selection of this week's events related to the war and war protests:

Thursday, March 27

Bitta Mostofi from Voices in the Wilderness discusses her experiences working with that group and the direct effects of sanctions on the daily lives of Iraqi people. She will also speak about effects that the current war will have on Iran. 7pm, UT's Gearing Hall, 24th and University Avenue. On Friday, Mostofi will be joined by Charlie Jackson from Texans for Peace, who will tell of his experiences in Iraq. 7pm, St. Edward's Mary Moody Northen Theatre (off Woodward).

The International Socialist Organization sponsors Stop the War!, a discussion of recent war developments and how the anti-war movement might respond. 7pm, UT Campus, Batts 215.

Friday, March 28:

Canadian Parliamentarian Joe Comartin (Windsor-St. Clair) describes his recent experience in Iraq, the war, and Canadian-American foreign policy. Comartin is the New Democratic Party's spokesperson for multiculturalism, the environment, and energy. 6pm, Concordia University, 1455 de Maisonneuve West (Hall Building), room 531.

New York Times reporter Chris Hedges presents "War Is a Force That Gives Us Meaning," based on his new book. The former Middle East bureau chief for the Times and the Dallas Morning News will unravel myths, tackle nationalism, and more. 7pm, UT Campus ACES Building (24th and Guadalupe), Avaya Auditorium, room 2.302.

Women of Masse Production holds "Vive la France," a party celebrating French cultural and American diversity. Music, readings of French lit, refreshments, and more. 6-10pm, Escapist Bookstore, 2209 S. First.

Sunday, March 30

Texas AFL-CIO leader Linda Chavez-Thompson, City Council Member Raul Alvarez, and others participate in a nonviolent, pro-peace Human Rights March. 9am, East Austin Neighborhood Center, 211 Comal. March to Capitol for 10am speakers. Organizers request no "anti-" slogans.

The Austin Against War Book Club discusses Phyllis Bennis' timely Before and After: US Foreign Policy and the September 11th Crisis. Interested parties are asked to beg, borrow, or (best of all) buy the book in order to arrive prepared for the discussion. 7pm, MonkeyWrench Books, 110 E. North Loop.

Tuesday, April 1

Pro-civil liberties advocates hold a town hall meeting to discuss the PATRIOT Act and whether a citywide resolution should be formulated to oppose it. Panelists include populist columnist Jim Hightower, Mayor Pro Tem Jackie Goodman, and Jim Harrington of the Texas Civil Rights Project. 6:30-8:30pm, Texas AFL-CIO, 1106 Lavaca.