Marchers urge Republicans to halt Iraq war

0 Comments | AFP, September, 2008

ST PAUL, Minnesota (AFP) — They came in their thousands -- veterans, grandmothers, young families and even disgruntled Republicans bearing banners and peace flags, and calling in one voice to end the war in Iraq.

Under the watchful eye of scores of police in riot gear, thousands of protestors marched through the streets of St. Paul urging Republicans gathered for the party convention to bring US troops home.

Snipers looked on from nearby buildings and a helicopter hovered overhead, at times drowning out the shouts from the parade.

Trouble flared when one group split away from the beginning of the march and tussled with police, who fired pepper spray on the crowd, including at an AFP photographer. Reports said five people were arrested.

But the...