Articles
Friday, September 8, 2017
The success of the Syrian government in retaking control of large parts of the country has forced the United States into an acceptance of this reality. the US has not, however, given up its aim of dividing the country and still offers support to terrorist groups in areas outwith government control, where other parties to the conflict like Turkey also pursue their own interests.
Thursday, September 7, 2017
US strategy in Iraq has been similar to the one it is pursuing in Syria. a main plank of this is trying to fragment the country to better control its energy resources. It uses terrorist groups to support its aims, plans to maintain a military presence in Iraq and promotes ethnic and religious divisions.
Wednesday, September 6, 2017
Saudi Arabia's attempts to role back Qatar's influence in the Gulf have been largely unsuccessful and have created more divisions. This has caused some re-alignment of forces in the region with powers such as Russia, China and Iran taking advantage to extend their influence. The US has interests in both Saudi Arabia and Qatar but has also sought to divide and rule. This is further evidence that it is creating instability and problems that it cannot control.
Tuesday, September 5, 2017
The Palestinian prisoners' hunger strike, begun on 17th April has ended in victory, with 80% of their demands being met. It demonstrates the strength of the Palestinian people when unified round their cause and the power of solidarity. It also shows that Israel is vulnerable to pressure, both internal and external.
Monday, September 4, 2017
The picture across Latin America is now very different from the leftward surge of a few years ago. Progressive advances are being rolled back or are under threat from neoliberal forces internally and imperialist forces externally. Despite that there is strong resistance. Venezuela is at the centre of US attempts to reassert its dominance in the region. There are still positive developments as well and everything to fight for.
Sunday, September 3, 2017
John Reed an American journalist and communist was eye-witness to the Russian revolution. His account is electrifying and is a must read for anyone who wants to understand what happened in November 1917 and indeed any socialist revolutionary process.
Saturday, September 2, 2017
Killing Communists in Havana by Steve Cushion describes the struggle to maintain an independent and militant Trades Union Movement in Cuba in the period before the revolution. this was in the face of right wing government attempts to undermine it and take it over. It was a struggle which included the use of violence, gangsterism and the interference of the USA. There were assassinations and many paid a high price for their principled activity on behalf of the Cuban working class.
Friday, September 1, 2017
The end of colonial rule in India was not a magnanimous gesture by British imperialism. In fact it had no choice as it faced a popular upsurge against its rule. To preserve its interests and influence it reached agreement with the Indian capitalist and landowning classes which passed power to them. Just as in Ireland it utilised partition to create divisions and hamper progressive development. The independence of Burma likewise was engineered do that Britain retained access to its economy and military bases. it was also saddled with a huge debt.