LONDON/WASHINGTON, Sept 24: Thousands of anti-war demonstrators rallied in Washington and London on Saturday, demanding withdrawal of US and British troops from Iraq.

US public opinion polls show that a majority now believe the US-led invasion was a mistake.

Carrying signs saying, “Bring the Troops Home Now”, many of the demonstrators travelled from long distances to attend the rally in Washington, which organizers hope will bring pressure to bear on Congress and President George W. Bush.

The featured speaker for the protest is Cindy Sheehan, whose 24-year-old son, Casey, was killed in Iraq during his army tour of duty. Sheehan breathed new life into the anti-war movement in August when she camped outside the president’s ranch in Crawford, Texas.

The demonstrators are buoyed by opinion polls that show a growing majority disapprove of Bush’s handling of the war and question the rationale for US military action.

“It seems to be playing out the way it did with Vietnam. As time goes on, more and more people begin to have doubts,” said Frank Nicosia, a history professor who travelled by bus with his wife from Vermont to attend the march.

Nicosia said he demonstrated against the Vietnam war in Washington in 1967 as a university student, and he hopes that this time, public opinion will take less time to shift.

Supporters of the Bush administration plan a counter-demonstration on Sunday, arguing that an early withdrawal of US troops could trigger civil war and jeopardize US interests.

In London, thousands of people marched through central city, demanding that Prime Minister Tony Blair withdraw British troops from Iraq.

Three streams of marchers carrying banners, chanting and blowing horns set off from various parts of London aiming to pass parliament and converge on Hyde Park to hear anti-war speeches.

Protesters carried banners with slogans such as “Blair Liar”, “Bush world No. 1 terrorist”, “No war, no nukes” and “Blair’s taking liberties, troops home now”.—Reuters