Articles
Friday, July 1, 2016
Russia's involvement was key to the fragile Syrian ceasefire agreed in February 2016. It has also been important in enabling the Syrian government to begin to turn the tide of the war against the terrorists and in doing so has established itself as a major power in the region. The deal is under threat, however, from hawks within the US and from regional powers who wish to see regime change in Syria.
Friday, July 1, 2016
In the former socialist countries of eastern Europe social housing was once plentiful, cheap and good quality. Mass privatisation has lead to escalating rents, erosion of tenants rights and the enrichment of property owners. Patterns that are familiar from the British experience of so-called right-to-buy policies.
Friday, July 1, 2016
The allegations of anti-Semitism directed against the Labour Party are part of a concerted effort by the pro-Israel lobby to undermine the increasingly successful Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions campaign. These false allegations are also supported by those who wish to launch another coup against the Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn. Individuals leading these attacks have strong links to pro-Israel institutions.
Monday, November 30, 2015
The United States is using a strategy of divide and rule and permanent war to maintain its dominance in the Middle East. It uses regional gendarmes - Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Israel - each of which has its own competing interests. It has failed to create a "moderate" opposition to Assad in Syria and backs terrorist groups allied with Al Qaeda. Russia and Syria learned lessons from the destruction of Iraq and Libya and are standing firm against US power.
Monday, November 30, 2015
The world has changed markedly since Marx and Lenin wrote about nationalism and the formation of nation states. What relevance do their writings have today? National movements should be judged by their objective class content.
Monday, November 30, 2015
The harsh bailout conditions inflicted on Greece include the privatisation of billions of Euros worth of state assets. It is often German companies who are benefiting from this, acquiring profitable enterprises at bargain prices.
Wednesday, July 1, 2015
The European Union is imposing swingeing austerity and privatisation on Greece, flouting the democratic wishes of its people and disrespecting its government. Other countries have suffered similar treatment. Despite some differences between Germany and others about the best way to deal with these problems, we can be sure that it will be working people who pay the price.
Wednesday, July 1, 2015
The crisis in Ukraine has been created by direct interference by the west in the internal affairs of the country. This has lead to the ousting of the elected President and confrontation with Russia. The extreme right has also been fostered and fascists play a significant role in the new regime. There is civil unrest with strong opposition to the coup and to repression by the pro-western forces in certain quarters. Russia, while acting in its own interests, has effectively held off the threat of encirclement by the west. Western countries, seeking advantage for themselves, are divided about how to act. Popular opposition in Ukraine and abroad combined with Russian power and western division have so-far prevented all out war.