Articles
Wednesday, March 28, 2018
The conflict between the USA and North Korea is a David and Goliath contest, so to blame both equally is wrong. We also need to know about the devastation caused to North Korea by the United States during the Korean war to understand its position now. It is the US which has rejected North Korean overtures for dialogue, violated the treaty ending the Korean war and ripped up a previously working agreement. The view presented by the media in the west is dangerously skewed and part of war preparations, however, there are powerful voices who also want peace on the Korean peninsula.
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.
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
US defence strategy has shifted from terrorism to "threats" posed by Russia and China and the Pentagon is lobbying for more resources to take them on. Allegations of links between Trump and Russia and interference by Russia in elections there and elsewhere, need to be seen in this context.
Saturday, September 16, 2017
President Trump's threats of war against North Korea should not be dismissed. Though there are concerns about his stance, nevertheless the demonisation of North Korea looks very similar to the media narratives about Iraq and Libya before the West launched wars there and Saddam and Gaddafi were overthrown. the build up of US military power in the area is a further concerning move.
Thursday, September 14, 2017
New US sanctions against Russia are a blatant attempt by the United States to pursue its economic interests in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in opening up supplies of gas to countries in the region. However, this not only threatens Russia's interests, but also those of Germany, Austria and the European Union. Germany and Austria have protested vehemently against the sanctions. The region remains volatile, with Ukraine still a flash point.
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.
Sunday, December 11, 2016
Discusses the neglect of class in the debate about the rise of Trump and how identity politics have undermined a class analysis.