DNC protests in Chicago

Protests are expected at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago from August 19-22, focusing on the conflict in Israel and the perceived failures of the Democratic Party to address the needs of marginalized communities. Muslim Democrats are organizing mass demonstrations in response to Vice President Kamala Harris' controversial selection of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate, interpreting it as a sign of growing momentum for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war. Meanwhile, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has expressed concerns about potential violence from pro-Palestinian groups, citing previous protests that have been marked by vandalism and heated rhetoric. In contrast, organizers from the U.S. Palestinian Community Network have rejected these claims, asserting that their protests have been peaceful. The political landscape is also shifting, as pro-Israel groups successfully targeted progressive incumbents like Reps. Jamaal Bowman and Cori Bush, while other Squad members face less scrutiny. As the DNC approaches, the tensions between pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian factions within the Democratic Party continue to unfold, raising questions about the party's future direction.