Middle East
In wake of bloody factory bombing
Saudi Arabia and UAE prepare for major US-backed ground offensive in Yemen
By Niles Williamson, 1 September 2015
Five months of airstrikes, facilitated by US military intelligence and logistical support, have been supplemented by a growing ground invasion by Saudi and UAE military forces.
Mass protests against failing infrastructure shake Lebanon
By Jean Shaoul, 1 September 2015
Protests demanding the treatment of uncollected trash also express opposition to Lebanon’s endemic corruption and its sectarian system of government.
Yemen faces humanitarian crisis as US-backed assault continues
By Niles Williamson, 20 August 2015
Reports released this week document the devastating impact of the Saudi-led onslaught on Yemen, which has killed hundreds of children and limited access to food, water and medicine.
New York Times uses rape allegations to promote a wider war in the Middle East
By Barry Grey, 15 August 2015
Rape was not a serious problem before Washington intervened to occupy Iraq and topple Saddam Hussein, overthrow and murder Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, and ignite a sectarian civil war in Syria.
Turkish government steps up repression of political opponents
By Halil Celik and Jean Shaoul, 12 August 2015
Police have violently broken up peaceful antiwar demonstrations, and the government has blocked more than 90 news websites.
Abadi announces reforms aimed at “decentralization” of Iraq
By Thomas Gaist, 11 August 2015
Iraqi Prime Minister Abadi’s political reforms are based on a strategy worked out in coordination with the Obama administration during the opening months of 2015.
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
7 August 2015
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Over 450 civilians killed by US-led air strikes in Iraq and Syria
By Will Morrow, 5 August 2015
The real death toll is undoubtedly far higher, because the US and its allies cover up all evidence of civilian deaths.
Clashes erupt on West Bank after child is murdered by Zionist settlers
By Thomas Gaist, 1 August 2015
Friday’s arson attack bears the hallmarks of previous atrocities committed by religious nationalist forces.
The Iran nuclear pact and US imperialism’s drive for global hegemony
By Keith Jones, 21 July 2015
Obama’s “engagement” with Iran is a strategic bet that through a combination of pressure and inducements US imperialism will be able to harness Tehran to its predatory agenda.
UK defence secretary admits flouting parliamentary ban on military involvement in Syrian war
By Chris Marsden, 21 July 2015
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon used the parliamentary debate to propagandize for war.
UN Security Council approves pact on Iranian nuclear programs
By Peter Symonds, 21 July 2015
Despite the UN vote, the nuclear pact still faces concerted opposition in the US Congress and political establishment.
Iran signals closer collaboration with West
By Peter Symonds, 18 July 2015
While hardliners have expressed some opposition to this week’s nuclear agreement, significant layers of business are already positioning themselves for the lifting of sanctions.
Obama at the Pentagon: No end to ISIS war
By Thomas Gaist, 7 July 2015
Flanked by a phalanx of military officials and commanders, Obama outlined a perspective of endless war in Iraq, Syria and beyond.
Canada’s participation in US military-strategic offensives grows
By Roger Jordan, 7 July 2015
Ottawa is integrating Canada ever more fully into Washington’s main military-strategic offensives against Russia, China and the Middle East.
Egyptian air force bombs Sinai after heavy clashes with ISIS affiliate
By Thomas Gaist, 3 July 2015
The strikes left at least 23 dead, one day after heavy fighting in the peninsula between government troops and Islamist forces killed some 120 people.
Turkey, Jordan discuss moves to seize territory in Syria
By Thomas Gaist, 1 July 2015
Turkish and Jordanian military forces are on the brink of intervening in Syria to establish occupation zones in the northern and southern areas of the country.
Iran nuclear talks to go past June 30 deadline
By Keith Jones, 29 June 2015
The US is threatening to walk away from the talks unless Tehran capitulates to its demands for further sweeping concessions.
UN report details Israeli war crimes in Gaza
By Jean Shaoul, 24 June 2015
The UN commission recognised that the death and destruction carried out by Israel last year followed the atrocities of previous wars on Gaza and Lebanon.
As cease-fire talks in Geneva collapse
Renewed Saudi-led bombardment kills, wounds dozens of Yemeni civilians
By Thomas Gaist, 22 June 2015
Saudi and Gulf forces pounded targets across Yemen over the weekend after negotiations between Saudi and Houthi leaders ended without any deal on Friday.
The US arming of ISIS
By Bill Van Auken, 3 June 2015
Underlying the massive rearmament of ISIS forces with captured US weapons are the contradictory and vastly destructive policies pursued by US imperialism.
Pentagon chief hints at shift in US policy in war with ISIS
By Patrick Martin, 25 May 2015
In an interview with CNN, Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said that the ISIS victory at Ramadi showed that Iraqi government forces did not have the “will to fight.”
The fall of Ramadi and the criminality of US imperialism
By Bill Van Auken, 20 May 2015
The threat of both a sectarian bloodbath and region-wide war is the byproduct of Washington’s predatory interventions in the Middle East.
Saudi Arabian monarchy calls for more executioners
By Niles Williamson, 20 May 2015
The US-backed kingdom is in desperate need of swordsmen as it is on pace to more than double the number of beheadings carried out last year.
Yemen war rages on through first day of humanitarian “cease-fire”
By Thomas Gaist, 14 May 2015
From the beginning, the Saudi-led bombing campaign in Yemen has been backed by the United States, which is determined to retain control over the geostrategically critical country.
Soldiers reveal Israeli war crimes in 2014 Gaza assault
By Jean Shaoul, 14 May 2015
A recent report alleges that the Israel Defence Force reduced whole neighbourhoods to rubble for no clear operational reason, just to “demonstrate presence in the area.”
The bin Laden assassination and the lies of the “war on terror”
By Patrick Martin, 13 May 2015
The latest exposure by Seymour Hersh dismantles the official story of the assassination of Osama bin Laden, exposing systematic lying by the US government and the media.
War in the Middle East, imperialism and the lessons of the Egyptian Revolution
By Johannes Stern, 9 May 2015
This speech was delivered by Johannes Stern, leading member of the Partei für Soziale Gleichheit in Germany, to the May 3 International May Day Online Rally.
Link to audio
Netanyahu forms far-right coalition government in Israel
By Jean Shaoul, 8 May 2015
Netanyahu’s maneuvers leaves him in charge of a fractious cabinet and subject to blackmailing by his partners in pursuit of their own interests.
Record number of internally displaced people globally in 2014
By Niles Williamson, 7 May 2015
A record 38 million people were displaced within the borders of their own country by ongoing conflicts through the end of 2014.
US-Al Qaeda offensive against Syrian regime
By Patrick Martin, 29 April 2015
An alliance of anti-Assad rebels, led by the al-Nusra Front, the Syrian branch of Al Qaeda, is armed with US-supplied TOW anti-tank missiles.
Australian government to share intelligence with Iranian regime
By Peter Symonds, 24 April 2015
The foreign minister’s mission in Tehran was to feel out the possibilities for Washington for greater collaboration with Iran in securing US interests in the Middle East.
White House and Congress reach deal over Iran nuclear talks
By Thomas Gaist, 17 April 2015
The Obama administration signaled approval Tuesday for legislation that would give Congress a role in the event that a deal is reached on Iran’s nuclear program.
Report documents carnage of US drone war in Yemen
By Niles Williamson, 17 April 2015
A report released this week documents nine separate instances in which workers, merchants, pregnant women and children were either killed or wounded by American airstrikes.
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
17 April 2015
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Iranian regime cautiously embraces international nuclear deal
By Peter Symonds, 10 April 2015
Public criticism has been largely limited to the terms of the agreement, with no prominent figure calling for an end to the talks.
NDP opposes Canada’s role in Mideast war on tactical grounds
By Roger Jordan, 10 April 2015
The debate over Canada’s participation in the US-led war in the Middle East has once again demonstrated that the New Democrats are a pro-imperialist party.
Obama defends Iran nuclear pact as Pentagon prepares for war
By Bill Van Auken, 7 April 2015
The Pentagon tested a new “bunker-buster” bomb, the most destructive non-nuclear weapon it has, to ensure Washington is “able to provide military options for Iran.”
Iran nuclear deal: US prepares for new wars
By Peter Symonds, 6 April 2015
The agreement with Iran does not represent a US turn towards peace, but is aimed at buttressing Washington’s position as it plans for war with Russia and China.
Political crisis in Pakistan as Saudi Arabia demands it join war against Yemen
By Sampath Perera, 6 April 2015
Islamabad fears its participation in the US-backed war will intensify conflicts with its neighbor Iran while fueling sectarian tensions within the country.
Iran makes sweeping concessions to US in nuclear “framework” deal
By Keith Jones, 3 April 2015
Obama touted the agreement as a diplomatic coup for the US, while boasting that Iran has been brought to heel by the “toughest sanctions in history.”
Dozens of refugees killed in Saudi-led airstrike on Yemen
By Niles Williamson, 31 March 2015
Now in its sixth day, the Saudi-led, US-backed assault claimed the lives of at least forty people at a refugee camp in northern Yemen on Monday.
The war in Yemen and the American drive for global domination
By Niles Williamson, 28 March 2015
The United States is backing the Saudi-led assault in Yemen as part of a wider drive to dominate the Middle East, Eurasia and, ultimately, the entire world by means of military violence.
Saudi Arabia, Egypt prepare US-backed invasion of Yemen
By Niles Williamson, 27 March 2015
The State Department announced US “intelligence sharing, targeting assistance, and advisory and logistical support” for the Saudi-led invasion of Yemen.
Israeli settlers, soldiers attack Palestinians in East Jerusalem and Nablus
By Patrick Martin, 21 March 2015
The attacks signal a new offensive by settlers encouraged by the election victory of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition.
Right-wing Israeli parties begin talks on coalition
By Patrick Martin, 19 March 2015
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to head his fourth coalition government committed to the expansion of illegal settlements on the West Bank.
US intensifies pressure on Iran at nuclear talks
By Peter Symonds, 16 March 2015
US Secretary of State Kerry has made clear that the US will walk away from the negotiating table if Iran does not meet its demands.
With Senate letter, tensions mount over US policy toward Iran
By Bill Van Auken, 12 March 2015
The extraordinary intervention of Senate Republicans to derail any nuclear treaty with Iran is symptomatic of deep divisions within the US government.
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
6 March 2015
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Obama administration bows to Israel on eve of speech by Netanyahu
By Bill Van Auken, 3 March 2015
The Israeli prime minister has organized a speech to the US Congress behind the back of the White House in a bid to scuttle a nuclear deal with Iran.
US-Iran negotiations inch toward a nuclear agreement
By Peter Symonds, 26 February 2015
The prospect of a deal has fuelled considerable tension between the US and its allies in the Middle East, particularly Israel.
In leaked recording, Egyptian minister calls for machine-gunning protesters
By Thomas Gaist, 25 February 2015
Mass protests could leave the US-backed Sisi dictatorship "helpless" unless they were crushed, Interior Minister Mohamed Ibrahim warned subordinates last year.
UN survey documents Israeli war crimes in Gaza
By Jean Shaoul, 18 February 2015
Israel’s war on Gaza last summer killed at least 2,205 Palestinians, including 540 children, according to UN estimates.
US threatens military intervention as UN warns of “disintegration” in Yemen
By Thomas Gaist, 14 February 2015
Comments from the top UN official and US politicians suggest that escalated military intervention in Yemen is imminent.
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
13 February 2015
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US closes diplomatic facilities in Yemen
By Thomas Gaist, 12 February 2015
US Special Forces operations and drone strikes will continue despite the closure of the American embassy, according to statements from the Pentagon.
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
6 February 2015
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Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
30 January 2015
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Israel threatens war following clashes with Hezbollah
By Thomas Gaist, 29 January 2015
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said that the world should “look at what happened in the Gaza Strip” as a model for what Israel plans in Lebanon and Syria.
Imperialist mourning for King Abdullah
By Patrick Martin, 26 January 2015
The close collaboration between Washington and the Saudi regime speaks volumes about the nature of American intervention in the Middle East.
On the fourth anniversary of 2011 uprising
At least 18 dead as Egyptian military regime violently represses demonstrations
By Thomas Gaist, 26 January 2015
At least 18 protestors were killed by security forces during mass demonstrations marking the anniversary of protests that led to the downfall of the Mubarak regime.
Yemeni president resigns as Houthi insurgents consolidate control over capital
By Thomas Gaist, 23 January 2015
Hadi’s resignation marks a major defeat for US-Saudi efforts to counter the accelerating breakdown of Yemen’s political order.
Israeli strike in Syria threatens wider war
By Bill Van Auken, 22 January 2015
Israeli troops and anti-missile batteries have been rushed to the country’s northern border in the wake of Sunday’s assassination strike.
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
16 January 2015
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Yemen moving towards civil war
By Jean Shaoul, 12 January 2015
Escalating protests and attacks are largely the outcome of the intervention of the American and Saudi governments
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
9 January 2015
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Palestinian Authority signs up to International Criminal Court
By Jean Shaoul, 3 January 2015
The move by Abbas and his Fatah-dominated Palestinian Authority, backed by the Arab regimes, is a last-ditch attempt to preserve their credibility.
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
19 December 2014
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US blocked negotiations for hostages killed in Yemen raid
By Niles Williamson, 13 December 2014
The US government stymied attempts to ransom British-American photojournalist Luke Somers and South African teacher Pierre Korkie, who were both killed last weekend.
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
12 December 2014
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Israeli prime minister Netanyahu calls March 2015 general election
By Jean Shaoul, 8 December 2014
Netanyahu called the general election for March 17, appealing for the support of ultra-nationalist and religious parties.
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
5 December 2014
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Mine disaster deepens crisis of Turkish government
By Isaac Finn, 30 October 2014
The mining disaster in Turkey led to the cancellation of celebrations of a national holiday.
Turkish government seeks new police state powers
By Jean Shaoul, 21 October 2014
According to Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc, the Homeland Security Reform Bill would “give the upper hand to the police” and “more space to resort to new tools and measures.”
US-backed militias commit war crimes in Iraq
By Bill Van Auken, 16 October 2014
Shia militias, among the only ground forces to make advances against ISIS, have carried out a deadly campaign of sectarian violence against Sunnis.
Obama meets anti-ISIS “coalition” amid rising US-Turkish tensions
By Bill Van Auken, 15 October 2014
The meeting at Andrews Air Force Base could not mask the deepening divisions over the strategy guiding the US-led war in Iraq and Syria.
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
10 October 2014
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Turkey’s role in ISIS conflict threatens to reignite civil war
By Jean Shaoul, 9 October 2014
Ankara is determined that anti-ISIS operations do not strengthen Kurdish forces in either Syria or Turkey itself.
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
3 October 2014
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US plans massive military escalation in Syria and Iraq
By Patrick Martin, 29 September 2014
Statements from top US officials are part of a carefully orchestrated campaign to prepare public opinion for full-scale war in the Middle East.
French government exploits Islamist murder of Hervé Gourdel to expand Iraq war
By Pierre Mabut, 29 September 2014
The Islamist forces that murdered Gourdel benefited from the support of France and its allies amid the imperialist powers' proxy wars in Libya and Syria.
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
26 September 2014
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Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
12 September 2014
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Savage cuts in Israel follow Gaza war
By Jean Shaoul, 8 September 2014
While the Israeli working class faces more austerity, the Palestinian Authority has estimated that the reconstruction of Gaza will cost about $7.8 billion.
Netanyahu indicates Gaza ceasefire paves way for wider war
By Jean Shaoul, 1 September 2014
Netanyahu has faced criticism from within his Likud party and his coalition government for calling off military action short of his declared intention of obliterating Hamas and without consulting his security cabinet.
France admits it directly supplied arms to Syrian “rebels”
By Pierre Mabut, 27 August 2014
Paris’s role exposes France’s pseudo-left parties, who tried to falsely pose as critics of the government by calling for it to arm Syrian opposition militias.
Indefinite ceasefire commences in Gaza
By Peter Symonds, 27 August 2014
While the truce holds out the prospect of an end to Israel’s one-sided war on Gaza, the Israeli military remains poised to resume action at the slightest pretext.
Egypt, UAE conducted joint air strikes in Libya
By Patrick Martin, 27 August 2014
Armed conflicts now extend across North Africa and the Middle East in a continuous band from Tripoli to Baghdad.
Who is responsible for the murder of James Foley?
By Bill Van Auken, 22 August 2014
The vicious execution of the American journalist has been seized upon as the pretext for launching new US wars of aggression in the Middle East.
Obama authorises a new air war in Iraq
By Peter Symonds, 8 August 2014
Once again, US imperialism is playing the humanitarian card—the plight of Iraq’s Yazidi minority—to justify its predatory aims.
Turkey to hold first popular election for president
By Halil Celik, 8 August 2014
Behind the turn to a popular election, all the major parties are lining up behind the ruling class’s drive toward authoritarian rule and war.
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
2 August 2014
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US boosts missile sales to Iraq
By Peter Symonds, 1 August 2014
The deal is part of the Obama administration’s efforts to shore up the Baghdad regime and US interests in the region.
US rearms Israel as its war crimes mount in Gaza
By Mike Head, 31 July 2014
The Pentagon’s announcement laid bare the hypocrisy of the Obama administration’s expressions of “concern” about Israel’s killing of Palestinian civilians.
ISIS: The jihadist movement stamped “Made in America”
By Jean Shaoul, 30 July 2014
The US, the major European powers, and their regional allies all previously lent financial, military and political support to ISIS and similar groups.
Pakistan’s government mobilises the army in Islamabad
By K. Ratnayake, 29 July 2014
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s move amounts to establishing military rule in the capital.
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
25 July 2014
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European Union backs Israel’s Gaza offensive
By Chris Marsden, 24 July 2014
Ever since the Balkan wars of the 1990s, the EU has taken part in wars for regime-change in the name of “human rights.”
Oppose the Israeli invasion of Gaza
By Statement of the International Committee of the Fourth International, 18 July 2014
The aim of the offensive is to carry out mass killings and inflict mass destruction, leaving Gaza a smoking ruin.
Relations collapse between Iraqi government and Kurdish region
By James Cogan, 12 July 2014
Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki accused the Kurdish leadership of being part of a conspiracy with the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.
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