Articles
Thursday, August 31, 2017
After partition Pakistan was ruled by highly reactionary and repressive forces. The country moved into the orbit of US imperialism and the web of influence that it was building in Asia. However a general election in 1954 lead to an overwhelming victory for democratic parties. The reaction was the suspension of parliament by the Governor-General and the establishment of a dictatorship.
Thursday, August 31, 2017
Following the revolt the Indian Army against British domination in 1857 the imperial power set out to learn lessons. The central one was that the policy of divide and rule must be rigorously enforced in the army and in civil life. So that different groups would not make common cause they were separated into different fighting units and differences and antagonisms were actively encouraged. Conflicts of religion, caste and nationality were nurtured as tool of British rule.
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
Karl Marx gives a contemporary account of the 1857 revolt of the Indian Army against British colonial rule. 160 years later his insights into its importance are still valid. In particular how opposition to imperial domination overcame the British tactic of divide and rule and Hindus and Muslims fought together against their oppressor.
Friday, May 26, 2017
Decent and affordable accommodation for ordinary people in London has been systematically undermined by national and local government policy and by the inflated market in housing. Social housing is increasingly hard to get and buying a home is completely unaffordable. How can this be changed?
Thursday, May 25, 2017
On June 8th we have the chance to change Britain: to end austerity and create a just society where everyone has opportunities not just the privileged few.
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
The Labour Party led by Jeremy Corbyn promises a different Britain, for the many not the few. The Tories will use their election machine to try to replicate their success at the last election, however, predictions of a landslide have shaky foundations. There is everything to fight for.
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
British imperial policy expressed in the Balfour declaration was behind the creation of the State of Israel. It was motivated by rivalries with other powers and a desire to undermine working-class movements, including the new revolution in Russia. It had little concern for Jewish people and even less for the Arab population of Palestine.
Monday, May 22, 2017
President Trump's inexperience is demonstrated in the inconsistency of his foreign policy and the conflicts that have arisen in his administration. This came to a head with his sacking of the Director of the FBI, James Comey who was investigating links between the Trump team and Russia. He surrounds himself with family members and close allies. There are fears that he will stumble into a major international conflict due to his impulsiveness.