Articles
Wednesday, June 20, 2018
Apartheid developed in south Africa along with vicious repression of the non-white population. During most of this time it was supported by western countries and at times the situation of the black majority seemed hopeless. However, apartheid was defeated by the struggles of the South African people and international pressure and campaigns for boycotts and sanctions. This offers hope to the Palestinians today that they can achieve freedom and justice.
Friday, June 15, 2018
Despite the challenges of being a small island with few natural resources, the US blockade and the collapse of support from the former socialist countries, Cuba has preserved the gains of the Revolution. It provides free universal healthcare, lifelong education and opportunities for all.
Thursday, June 14, 2018
A review of The Slaves of the Cool Mountains by Alan Winnington. Written in the late 1950s and based on his experience, Winnington describes the work of the Chinese Communists in winning over isolated peoples in remote areas of the country to socialism and the benefits that brought them.
Monday, March 26, 2018
We live in a very dangerous world dominated by neo-liberalism which fuels inequality, conflict and a drive to war. As well as making the lives of millions miserable there are growing tensions between rival imperial and aspiring imperial powers. Nearly 30 years since the end of the Soviet Union what kind of world is capitalism creating and how is being re-shaped? Despite its dominance, however, neo-liberalism has not won people to support its system. Forces from the left, the extreme right, religions and nationalists are gaining ground.
Monday, March 26, 2018
The United State's decision to move its embassy to Jerusalem may not have the entirely positive consequences both it and Israel imagine. The city was seized forcibly by Israel and the United Nations has repeatedly rejected Israeli claims to sovereignty over the whole of Jerusalem. The US move has already provoked a reaction in the international community and may galvanise Palestinians and the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions campaign to step up[ activity. It may also spell an end to the Oslo peace process, which has been ineffective in producing justice for the Palestinians.
Sunday, March 25, 2018
President Macron is driving through anti-worker measures to make France more "competitive" with other low wage economies and bringing it into line with the UK and Germany. He is attacking workers rights, eroding job security, cutting public services and jobs and privatising publically owned assets. There is opposition, however, it is weaker and more divided than it was. This weakness on the left is providing fertile ground for the right to make advances.
Sunday, March 25, 2018
The Syrian government, with the help of Russia and Iran, is making significant advances in eradicating terrorist forces like Islamic State. The United States is still trying to frustrate this process as it pursues its own objectives in the region.
Saturday, March 24, 2018
Whilst Jacob Zuma was a problem he was not the only issue facing South Africa and the African National Congress. His departure has offered hope of change, but there are more deep-seated problems which need to be tackled. Despite advances, there has been corruption and growing inequality within South Africa. Opportunists have joined the ANC for personal advancement. Too often the needs of capital have come first. The ANC itself has produced critiques of these problems, but tackling them will be a major challenge.