World News
Human Rights Watch report documents attack on democratic rights in US and Europe
By Tom Hall, 1 February 2016
The group’s annual report warns, “blatant Islamophobia and shameless demonizing of refugees have become the currency of an increasingly assertive politics of intolerance.”
World Health Organization: Zika virus “spreading explosively” in Americas
By Kate Randall, 29 January 2016
In Brazil, there have been an estimated 500,000 to 1.5 million people infected by Zika as of early January, and nearly 4,000 children have been born with congenital microcephaly.
German IYSSE wins four seats in Humboldt University Student Elections
By our correspondent, 21 January 2016
According to the preliminary election results released early Thursday morning by Humboldt University in Berlin, the International Youth and Students for Social Equality received 149 votes and will have four seats in the student parliament.
European governments plan intensified military intervention in Syria
By Johannes Stern, 27 November 2015
Whoever is not prepared for military intervention in the struggle of the major powers for influence in the Middle East will be left out of any division of the spoils.
IMF-World Bank meeting confronts lowest global growth since 2009
By Nick Beams, 9 October 2015
The world capitalist economy is being hit by two interconnected and toxic processes: worsening economic stagnation and the mounting risk of a major financial crisis.
Worldwide displaced population reaches record 59.5 million in 2014
By Evan Blake, 20 June 2015
The annual UNHCR report documents the plight of refugees and internally displaced persons globally and traces some of the conflicts that have created this humanitarian disaster.
FIFA head resigns amidst US-led campaign over bribery scandal
By Niles Williamson, 3 June 2015
Sepp Blatter announced his resignation Tuesday in the face of immense pressure from the United States and European powers, upset above all by his closer relations with Russia.
Existing safety equipment would have prevented Philadelphia Amtrak disaster
By Alan Whyte, 15 May 2015
The disaster would never have occurred if safety equipment were in place to monitor the train and automatically activate its emergency braking system.
The worldwide persecution of refugees
By Bill Van Auken, 14 May 2015
From Europe, to Asia, to the Americas, the world is witnessing growing numbers of refugees and a wave of state violence directed at denying them their fundamental democratic rights.
Amtrak train derails in Philadelphia, killing at least seven
By Alan Whyte and Jeff Lusanne, 14 May 2015
A high-speed crash on America’s busiest passenger route injured more than 200 people Tuesday.
General election produces political earthquake in Britain
By Chris Marsden and Julie Hyland, 8 May 2015
The general election has claimed the scalp of three party leaders.
Greece makes €450 million payment to International Monetary Fund
By Christoph Dreier, 10 April 2015
In the face of the dire social conditions in Greece, the Syriza-led government’s pledge to repay all debts are an unmistakable commitment to further austerity.
European Central Bank bond-buying program fuels financial turbulence
By Nick Beams, 12 March 2015
The commencement of the European Central Bank’s bond-buying program is already sending shock waves through global financial markets.
Empty commitment by G20 to boost global growth
By Nick Beams, 17 November 2014
The G20 summit pledge on economic growth is belied both by the actions of the major powers and the text of the final communiqué itself.
Sham opposition on display at Brisbane G20 protests
By Mike Head, 17 November 2014
Far from challenging the G20 agenda, all of the officially-sanctioned protest groups sought, in one way or another, to appeal to the assembled leaders.
Amidst slowdown in global economy
Europe threatened with deflationary spiral
By Barry Grey, 30 October 2014
There are growing warnings of a deflationary spiral, in which falling prices create a vicious cycle of bankruptcies and layoffs leading to more bankruptcies and layoffs.
Dutch report into Ukraine jetliner disaster continues cover-up
By Robert Stevens, 10 September 2014
The Dutch Safety Board’s preliminary report into the crash of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 is being portrayed by imperialist governments as confirmation that anti-Kiev rebels in eastern Ukraine shot down the plane.
Food and water deprivation, abuse and overcrowding in Michigan’s women’s prison
By Naomi Spencer, 10 September 2014
Statements by the ACLU and prisoners at the Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility describe widespread human rights abuses in Michigan’s only women’s prison.
France’s new government shaken by early ministerial resignation
By Anthony Torres, 10 September 2014
The Elysée presidential palace announced the resignation of Thomas Thévenoud, the minister for foreign trade, tourism, and overseas Frenchmen.
Germany: Official report speaks of “deliberate sabotage” by secret service in NSU case
By Sven Heymann, 10 September 2014
The final report of the Thuringia state parliamentary committee of inquiry into the series of murders by the far-right National Socialist Underground makes serious allegations against the state security authorities.
New Jersey, New York part of a national trend
Northeastern US states seek to cut public worker pensions
By Philip Guelpa, 10 September 2014
Governments in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York are mounting efforts to severely reduce public worker pension benefits.
Toronto’s mayoralty candidates ignore growing poverty
By Carl Bronski, 10 September 2014
A report compiled by the Social Planning Council and various community groups concluded that child poverty in Toronto has reached “epidemic” levels.
US, EU intensify military threats against Russia
By Kumaran Ira, 10 September 2014
The US and the EU are escalating military threats against Russia, while preparing a raft of new economic sanctions targeting key sections of the Russian economy.
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.
Companies sell mobile phone spying tools to governments worldwide
By Thomas Gaist, 26 August 2014
High-tech systems allowing users to pinpoint and manipulate cellular devices are increasingly available for purchase around the world.
US and NATO threaten Moscow as Russian aid convoy crosses into Ukraine
By Niles Williamson, 23 August 2014
The crossing of a Russian humanitarian aid convoy into Ukraine on Friday quickly drew threats from the Obama administration, NATO and the US-backed regime in Kiev.
New York Mayor de Blasio’s mantle of “progressivism” wears thin
By Fred Mazelis, 23 August 2014
De Blasio and his advisers have sought to claim the mantle of “progressivism” within the Democratic Party.
The homeless “problem” in Florida
By Matthew MacEgan, 23 August 2014
A recent study has shown that rehabilitating homeless people is actually more cost effective than keeping them on the streets and arresting them.
UK minister signals further welfare cuts ahead of 2015 general election
By Tony Robson, 23 August 2014
In a keynote address, the top British official for Work and Pensions signaled the further intensification of his government’s assault on social spending.
Workers and young people speak on Ferguson, Missouri, police violence
By a WSWS reporting team, 22 August 2014
The killing of unarmed teenager Michael Brown and other recent police shootings evoked an angry response from workers and young people across the US.
More Israeli crimes against Palestinians
Killings in Gaza, arrests on West Bank
By Patrick Martin, 22 August 2014
Israeli air strikes killed another 26 in Gaza Thursday, including three top Hamas leaders.
German government to deliver weapons to Kurds in northern Iraq
By Ulrich Rippert, 22 August 2014
The defence minister has signalled a new stage in the revival of German militarism.
War and social attacks spread throughout Ukraine
By Christoph Dreier, 22 August 2014
The Ukrainian army has expanded its offensive against the rebel-controlled cities of Luhansk and Donetsk, fighting house-to-house battles with rebel groups.
“Poor Door” for lower-income tenants underscores class divide in New York
By Steve Light, 22 August 2014
A 33-story luxury building under construction will have a separate back entrance for those who live in its “affordable” apartments.
One-third of the US population has no retirement savings
By Jake Dean, 22 August 2014
New reports continue to expose worsening economic conditions for millions.
Scottish National Party issues its hollow “Declaration of Opportunity”
By Jordan Shilton, 22 August 2014
Under conditions of the deepest crisis of global capitalism since the 1930s, working people are to believe that a new capitalist mini-state offers the basis for a return to social reformism.
Clashes in Monrovia, Liberia as West African Ebola epidemic grows
By Niles Williamson, 22 August 2014
Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf announced late Tuesday the imposition of a nationwide curfew and quarantines as part of an effort to halt the spread of the Ebola virus.
Washington seizes on Malaysian airliner crash in Ukraine to threaten Russia
By Alex Lantier, 18 July 2014
Before anyone could determine how this tragedy took place, US politicians and media demanded stepped-up action against Russia.
Amnesty International report details worldwide torture
By Thomas Gaist, 15 May 2014
Despite international covenants banning torture, the barbaric practice reached epidemic proportions during the past three decades, according to Amnesty International.
Turkish interest rate leaps amid currency market turmoil
By Nick Beams, 29 January 2014
The massive rate hike followed warnings of financial “carnage” amid growing concerns over the stability of “emerging markets.”
Deflation threat poses new dangers to world economy
By Nick Beams, 17 January 2014
At a speech in Washington on Wednesday, IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde warned that strengthening deflationary trends posed a threat to the global economy.
French President Hollande announces Lebanese arms deal in Saudi Arabia
By Rosa Shahnazarian, 3 January 2014
French President François Hollande traveled to Saudi Arabia to meet with Saudi and Lebanese officials on Sunday and Monday.
Syrian war, threat of global conflict dominate G20 summit
By Alex Lantier, 6 September 2013
The threat of a major war and deep US-Russian tensions over Syria have overshadowed the St. Petersburg G20 summit of leaders of the world’s 20 largest economies.
Snowden defends actions as Obama administration pushes for prosecution of whistleblower
By Thomas Gaist, 14 June 2013
FBI director Robert Mueller pledged to take “all necessary steps” to go after Snowden, as the former intelligence employee said from Hong Kong: “I am not here to hide from justice; I am here to reveal criminality.”
US-backed Turkish government threatens violent crackdown
By Johannes Stern, 14 June 2013
The US-backed Turkish government of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is preparing for a massive police crackdown on anti-government protests.
Tens of thousands protest closure of public television in Greece
By Christoph Dreier, 14 June 2013
Tens of thousands of workers protested the closure of the Greek public broadcaster on Thursday, defying threats of arrest.
FEMA refuses disaster relief to West, Texas
By Matthew MacEgan, 14 June 2013
The federal government has refused to provide additional money to help rebuild the small Texas town of West, where a fertilizer plant explosion killed 15 people in April.
Japanese stocks plunge amid global financial turmoil
By Andre Damon, 14 June 2013
The Japanese stock market plunged 6.4 percent Thursday, closing down by 21 percent over the last three weeks.
Deadly chemical plant explosion in Louisiana
By Matthew MacEgan, 14 June 2013
On Thursday an explosion and fire at a chemical plant in Geismar, Louisiana, killed at least one person and injured at least 73 others.
Philadelphia inspector involved in building collapse commits suicide
By Nick Barrickman, 14 June 2013
On Wednesday night the body of Philadelphia building inspector Ronald Wagenhoffer was found with a gunshot wound to the chest.
Libya destabilised by factional and military infighting
By Jean Shaoul, 14 June 2013
The massacre of 31 people by the Libya Shield Force, an Islamist militia, was the worst single death toll since the end of the 2011 NATO-led civil war.
Germany: The SPD’s new press spokesman
By Peter Schwarz, 14 June 2013
The more the SPD tries to improve its electoral chances, the clearer it becomes that it supports the current government’s right-wing policies.
Student killed by fascists in central Paris
By Pierre Mabut, 14 June 2013
An 18-year-old student and anti-fascist was beaten to death by a group of fascist thugs June 5 near the St. Lazare rail station in central Paris.
Who are Detroit’s creditors?
By Nancy Hanover, 14 June 2013
As Detroit’s emergency manager prepares to release his plan for reorganizing the poorest large city in America, the media is demanding that the population of Detroit pay.
White House convenes meetings on Syria escalation
By Bill Van Auken, 11 June 2013
The Obama White House is convening meetings this week to discuss measures to escalate the US-backed war for regime-change in Syria.
Obama administration initiates criminal prosecution of NSA whistleblower
By Thomas Gaist, 11 June 2013
Representatives of the US establishment demanded swift action to punish the man responsible for leaks detailing the government’s massive surveillance program.
Egypt: Supreme Constitutional Court invalidates Shura Council, Constituent Assembly
By Johannes Stern, 11 June 2013
Egypt’s Supreme Constitutional Court has ruled that the upper legislative house and the Constituent Assembly lack any legal foundation.
Swiss referendum on asylum law
By Marianne Arens, 11 June 2013
A referendum was held Sunday on proposals to strengthen the law against asylum seekers.
Media silent on the state killing of Boston bombing witness
By Tom Carter, 11 June 2013
The ubiquitous silence from the political establishment and the media amounts to an acknowledgement that Todashev was terminated by the state.
Alter-Summit in Athens: A pseudo-left response to growing social opposition in Europe
By Christoph Dreier, 11 June 2013
Trade unions and pseudo-left groups organized a so-called Alter-Summit in Athens, backing the European Union institutions that impose austerity throughout Europe.
Philadelphia schools to lay off nearly 4,000 teachers
By Nick Barrickman, 11 June 2013
The “doomsday” budget passed last month will devastate the Philadelphia public school system.
SEP mayoral candidate speaks at two Detroit election forums
By Bryan Dyne, 11 June 2013
D’Artagnan Collier, the Socialist Equality Party’s candidate for Detroit Mayor, spoke at candidate forums Friday and Saturday, calling for a mass movement of the working class to oppose the financial manager.
SEC rules that Harrisburg misled investors
By Douglas Lyons, 11 June 2013
The Securities and Exchange Commission has sided with bondholders against the city of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
California’s San Onofre nuclear plant to shut down permanently
By Richard Vargas, 11 June 2013
The plant has been inoperative for more than a year due to radioactive steam leakage.
Nashville Symphony threatened by foreclosure
By Fred Mazelis, 11 June 2013
The Nashville Symphony Orchestra is the latest prominent US musical institution to face the threat of dissolution, as its biggest creditor, the Bank of America, has begun foreclosure proceedings.
Turkish police round up young protesters for use of social media
By Bill Van Auken, 6 June 2013
Dozens of people ranging in age from 18 to 24 have been rounded up in the Turkish port city of Izmir on charges of “encouraging rebellion” through the use of Twitter and other social media.
Obama reshuffles national security staff
By Alex Lantier, 6 June 2013
Obama announced Wednesday that his national security advisor, Thomas Donilon, will be replaced by the current US ambassador to the UN, Susan Rice.
Bradley Manning’s supervisors testify in third day of court martial
By Naomi Spencer, 6 June 2013
The government is determined to connect Manning to Al Qaeda, arguing that because the WikiLeaks web site is publicly available to anyone, Manning must have intended to “aid the enemy.”
Worker dies from extreme heat at Georgia auto parts plant
By Kristina Betinis and Jerry White, 6 June 2013
Teresa Pickard, a 42-year-old Sewon auto parts worker, died May 29 after working on a weld line in the LaGrange plant.
Wall Street embraces Humala’s “left” government in Peru
By Armando Cruz, 6 June 2013
Measures carried out by Humala, who won the presidency in 2011 promising to battle “neo-liberalism,” have placed him to the right of his predecessors.
Canada: Growing evidence Conservatives illegally suppressed vote in 2011 federal election
By Carl Bronski, 6 June 2013
A Federal Court judge has found that a nationwide voter suppression campaign was initiated from the Conservative Party’s central database during the 2011 federal election.
Hamtramck latest Michigan city declared in “financial emergency”
By Bryan Dyne, 6 June 2013
Michigan Governor Rick Snyder took the first step in installing an emergency manager for Hamtramck, the small enclave surrounded by Detroit.
Protests in Kyrgyzstan continue
By Clara Weiss, 6 June 2013
Last week’s protests against the Canadian-owned coal mine Kumtor in Kyrgyzstan have spread from the northern district Dzhety-Oguz to other parts of the country.
Number of UK million-pound earners almost doubled in past two years
By Robert Stevens, 6 June 2013
A total of 18,000 people in the UK now earn £1 million. Two year ago, 10,000 individuals earned more than £1 million, and in 1999-2000, only 4,000 people did so.
Unemployment, lack of education lead to higher US mortality rate
By Jake Dean, 6 June 2013
A new report finds that unemployment is one of the leading factors behind the growing gap in mortality rates between educated and non-educated white women in America.
US: Kansas legislature passes budget slashing education
By Matt Sloan, 6 June 2013
Among other measures, the budget will gouge the state’s universities, colleges, and community colleges of tens of millions of dollars.
Bradley Manning’s court martial begins
By Naomi Spencer, 4 June 2013
After 1,100 days in prison, Army private Bradley Manning faced a military court martial Monday. Day one of the trial was characterized by government secrecy, vindictiveness, and lies.
Turkish clashes continue as Erdogan brands protesters “extremists”
By Bill Van Auken, 4 June 2013
Confrontations between demonstrators and riot police continued Monday in Istanbul, Ankara and cities across Turkey.
US Supreme Court allows police to take DNA samples of arrestees
By Joseph Kishore, 4 June 2013
The US Supreme Court decision is a major attack on the Fourth Amendment protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.
Syrian opposition forces launch rocket attacks in Lebanon
By Thomas Gaist, 4 June 2013
US-backed Syrian opposition forces pummeled Shia targets in Lebanon as Hezbollah fighters continued massing near Aleppo.
School district of Philadelphia passes “doomsday” austerity budget
By Nick Barrickman, 4 June 2013
Under a plan approved May 30, Philadelphia schools will be deprived of many needed essentials, including learning programs, supplies and staff.
Britain’s Accident and Emergency services reach breaking point
By Mark Blackwood and Ajanta Silva, 4 June 2013
Scenes of A&E units with patients waiting to be seen lying on trolleys in corridors for hours have become commonplace in UK hospitals.
UN warns against social unrest in Europe
By Christoph Dreier, 4 June 2013
In the face of rising social inequality, growing unemployment and the absence of popular confidence in the region’s governments, the International Labour Organization (ILO) warned Monday about the prospect of social unrest in Europe,
Spanish Popular Party government seeks to turn back the clock on abortion rights
By Alejandro López, 4 June 2013
The right-wing Popular Party government is seeking to reform abortion laws, returning them to a state similar to that which existed under the fascist regime of General Franco.
Connecticut legislature nears passage of austerity budget
By Dorian Griscom, 4 June 2013
Connecticut’s Democratic governor and state legislature are in the final stages of drafting a state budget that will cut nearly $2 billion in social spending over the next two years.
Patriot Coal bankruptcy approved, thousands of retirees to lose health care
By Clement Daly, 4 June 2013
Patriot Coal has been granted permission to tear up its collective bargaining agreements with the United Mine Workers and escape its obligations to provide health care to its retirees.
Detroit emergency manager threatens sale of all cultural treasures
By Bryan Dyne, 4 June 2013
In line with his earlier appraisal of the value of the works at the Detroit Institute of Arts, Kevyn Orr is now determining whether the city should sell off every other public asset.
First US drone strike in Pakistan since Obama’s drone speech kills seven
By Niles Williamson, 30 May 2013
On Wednesday the US launched a drone strike in Pakistan’s North Waziristan tribal region that killed at least seven people.
US banks post record profits in first quarter
By Nick Barrickman, 30 May 2013
US banks posted a record $40.3 billion in the first quarter of 2013, according to a report by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Guatemalan high court upholds overturning of Rios Montt conviction
By Bill Van Auken, 30 May 2013
Guatemala’s Constitutional Court Tuesday upheld its decision to throw out the conviction of ex-dictator Efrain Rios Montt on charges of genocide and crimes against humanity.
Greek government divided over “anti-racist” law
By Christoph Dreier, 30 May 2013
Tensions have risen in the Greek government over draft legislation against racist incitement and state financing of the fascist party Golden Dawn.
Germany’s Left Party supports austerity in Bulgaria
By Peter Schwarz, 30 May 2013
Hans Modrow, chair of the Left Party’s council of elders, has pledged his unreserved support for the Bulgarian Socialist Party and the government it hopes to lead.
Spanish government imposes more austerity measures
By Alejandro López, 30 May 2013
Spain’s Popular Party government has announced another raft of measures aimed at slashing the budget deficit to the European Union’s 3 percent target by 2016.
Top UK universities call for cuts to funding for poorer students
By Joan Smith and Paul Mitchell, 30 May 2013
According to the Times, vice-chancellors at Britain’s Russell group of 24 top research universities are “privately urging” government ministers to cut funding used to support poorer students.
Kenyan president moves to slash wages, continue war in Somalia
By Thomas Gaist, 30 May 2013
The Kenyan president is advancing an agenda of wage cuts and continuing Kenya’s role in the imperialist proxy war in neighboring Somalia.
Nine of Louisiana’s ten public hospitals to be privatized
By E.P. Bannon, 30 May 2013
In a state with one of the highest poverty rates in the country, the privatizations of public hospitals will have disastrous consequences for the poor and uninsured.
US officials cover up evidence of radioactive leak in Washington
By J. E. Noeli and Hector Cordon, 30 May 2013
The US Department of Energy and a private contractor managing waste at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation suppressed evidence of radioactive leakage for a year.
Defend the DIA! Culture is a social right!
By D’Artagnan Collier—SEP candidate for mayor of Detroit, 30 May 2013
The following statement was issued by SEP Detroit mayoral candidate D’Artagnan Collier in opposition to plans to sell off the masterpieces at the Detroit Institute of Arts.
European powers lift embargo, move to arm Syrian opposition
By Johannes Stern, 28 May 2013
On Monday the foreign ministers of the European Union (EU) met in Brussels and agreed not to renew the arms embargo against Syria.
Follow the WSWS