Large demonstrations across multiple U.S. cities are showing strong support for Palestine, with protestors calling for a halt to the shipment of American weapons to Israel due to its ongoing war in Gaza.
These protests are taking place alongside the Democratic Party convention in Chicago, where Kamala Harris was officially nominated to run against Republican candidate Donald Trump in the upcoming presidential election. Demonstration organizers and anti-aggression campaigners issued a statement emphasizing the urgent need for the United States to stop arming Israel immediately to facilitate a ceasefire in Gaza.
To discuss this issue, the Tehran Times interviewed Ali Salaam, a Muslim convert living in Iran, who is an independent journalist and the editor-in-chief of Basira Press.
What follows is the text of the interview:
Q: We are witnessing an unprecedented scene in the U.S. with these demonstrations. What is their significance, especially with the calls to ban arms sales to Israel?
Ali Salaam: These demonstrations are significant because they reveal the crumbling facade of the Democratic Party, which once portrayed itself as a champion of peace and goodwill. Even just a few years ago, this level of opposition wasn’t as visible. Many who previously supported the Democratic Party, despite their stance on Palestine, are now rejecting them due to their complicity in the ongoing conflict.
However, some groups still reduce the Palestinian issue to a mere humanitarian concern that can be solved through negotiations, similar to the Oslo Accords. These groups, often funded by large NGOs, still back the Democrats. Meanwhile, the average person is increasingly aware of the crimes being committed and refuses to support them.
The Democratic Party, despite paying lip service to Palestinian rights, seeks to impose another Oslo-like agreement to suppress Palestinians through non-military means. They aim to install a puppet government in Gaza, akin to Mahmoud Abbas’ regime in the West Bank, and replace Netanyahu with a more liberal Zionist figure to distract from the ongoing genocide.
Q: Why do you think the demonstrations are taking place near the Democratic convention?
Ali Salaam: The decision to hold demonstrations near the Democratic convention is strategic, as the Biden administration bears significant responsibility for the current conflict. While U.S. presidents are often seen as puppets of special interests like the Zionist lobby and major banks, this doesn’t absolve them of responsibility. Some presidents have shown independence and paid a price, such as John F. Kennedy, who was allegedly targeted for opposing Israel’s nuclear weapons program.
The Democrats want to portray Trump as the root of America’s problems, but this hypocrisy has shocked many Americans who see the genocide in Gaza being carried out in their name by so-called liberal Democrats.
Q: Is there a real division within the American Democratic Party?
Ali Salaam: It’s not just a division—it’s an exodus. Many Americans are waking up to the reality that neither major political party represents their values. The awakening is both anti-capitalist/anti-globalist and traditionalist, but no political party currently reflects this opposition to liberalism in both economics and social issues. There’s a growing trend among Americans to return to traditional Christianity or convert to Islam, but no political force within the U.S. represents this movement. The American system, built on Masonic liberal values, may need to be completely restructured to address the moral corruption at its core.
Q: Can this movement influence American policies toward Israel?
Ali Salaam: It’s unlikely that any movement within the two major political parties will significantly affect U.S. policy toward Israel, as the foundation of American politics is deeply entwined with Zionist interests. Real change might only come if the American people undergo a spiritual awakening and reject the corrupt system established in the late 18th century.
Q: How committed is Kamala Harris to her election platform regarding Palestine and the Middle East?
Ali Salaam: Harris is committed to maintaining American dominance through soft power. While Republicans prefer overt hostility, Democrats like Harris use diplomacy as a facade while continuing aggressive policies behind the scenes. For example, Obama negotiated the JCPOA with Iran while simultaneously supporting ISIS. The resistance in the region is already strong, and Harris’ administration may continue to fail in its attempts to weaken it.
