US Militarism
US seeks to develop close military ties with Sri Lanka
By Vijith Samarasinghe, 8 April 2016
The US Seventh Fleet flagship’s visit to Colombo indicates moves by the Sri Lankan government to tie the country into US war plans.
Global military spending increased in 2015
By Thomas Gaist, 6 April 2016
Governments worldwide spent $1.7 trillion on military costs in 2015, spurred on by deepening geopolitical strife in Eastern Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
US, NATO preparing new air and ground attacks against Libya
By Thomas Gaist, 5 April 2016
Barely five years after destroying Libya as a functioning society, the imperialist powers are preparing a new bombing campaign and ground invasion.
US navy prepares third provocation in South China Sea
By Peter Symonds, 5 April 2016
Amid large US-Philippine war games, the Pentagon is preparing a new “freedom of navigation” operation to challenge China’s maritime claims.
Why is the CIA putting bombs on Virginia school buses?
By Nick Barrickman, 5 April 2016
A substance found in a school bus was identified as C-4, which the CIA said had been used to conduct detection training exercises in a school bus yard.
Obama’s nuclear summit underscores danger of war
By Peter Symonds, 2 April 2016
The aim of US “non-proliferation” policy is not to rid the world of nuclear bombs but to ensure the US retains its nuclear dominance over any potential rival.
War: The great unmentionable in the 2016 US elections
By Joseph Kishore, 31 March 2016
While it is not a topic of significant debate among the various candidates contending for the presidential nomination, the growing international war drive, spearheaded by the United States, looms over the election campaign.
Warnings of global arms race ahead of Nuclear Security Summit
By Andre Damon, 30 March 2016
As world leaders gather for this week’s nuclear summit in Washington, leading think tanks are warning of a “new arms race” and the need to plan for “Armageddon.”
Military chiefs seize on Brussels attacks to send more US troops to Iraq
By Thomas Gaist, 29 March 2016
More than four years after the official end of the US occupation of Iraq, and with a current presence of some 5,000 troops, military leaders are calling for additional military assets.
Japan’s security laws: Another milestone in the drive to world war
By Peter Symonds, 29 March 2016
The implementation of the military legislation is a major step in the revival of Japanese militarism, encouraged by Washington as part of its war preparations against China.
Historic city of Palmyra falls to Syrian government forces
By Thomas Gaist, 28 March 2016
The renewed push by the Syrian military, aided by Russian air cover, followed last week’s visit of US Secretary of State John Kerry to Moscow.
Australia: Socialist Alternative and the US “pivot to Asia”
By Oscar Grenfell, 25 March 2016
Socialist Alternative’s response to the Defense White Paper is aimed at obscuring Australia’s central role in the US drive to war against China.
Indian analyst urges US to use secret diplomacy in harnessing Delhi to anti-China “pivot”
By K. Ratnayake, 25 March 2016
A prominent military-strategic analyst has criticised the very public manner in which the US is pressing for India to act as a “frontline state” in its war drive against China.
US airstrike kills 40 in Yemen
By Gabriel Black, 24 March 2016
The US airstrike on AQAP forces comes after a series of significant territorial gains by the jihadist militia throughout southern Yemen.
Northwestern University faculty oppose selection of US general to head global studies institute
By Alexander Fangmann, 23 March 2016
Eikenberry, a former commander of American forces in Afghanistan, was selected in order to more closely integrate the university into the plans of American imperialism.
US accelerating military encirclement of China
By Peter Symonds, 22 March 2016
Beijing responded to the implementation of the US-Philippines basing agreement by warning that Washington was turning Asia into “a new Middle East.”
Syrian war enters sixth year with graver dangers still ahead
By Bill Van Auken, 18 March 2016
The recent “cessation of hostilities” and partial withdrawal of Russian forces will not stop the escalation of US militarism in the region and beyond.
US-trained Chechen ISIS commander Abu Omar al-Shishani survives US assassination strike
By Thomas Gaist, 14 March 2016
The Georgian militant’s career exemplifies the close ties between US imperialism and its supposed enemies in the Islamic State.
Pentagon deploying drone aircraft within the US
By Joseph Kishore, 12 March 2016
The use of military drones is part of a broader expansion of domestic military activity, under the cover of the “war on terror,” which is a serious warning to the working class.
US reignites controversy over Chinese lease of Australian port
By Peter Symonds, 12 March 2016
The Australian government is already feeling the heat from Washington for failing to carry out a military intrusion into Chinese-claimed waters in the South China Sea.
The International Socialist Organization agitates for war with Russia over Syria
By Alex Lantier, 12 March 2016
Amid bitter disputes within the American state over Obama’s Syria policy, the ISO is seeking to build broader support for an escalation of US involvement in the Middle East war.
Washington steps up threats over Iran missile tests
By Bill Van Auken, 11 March 2016
While the tests by Iran do not violate the nuclear accord, Washington sees them as an intolerable affront to its drive for hegemony.
US generals push for more troops in Iraq, Syria
By Bill Van Auken, 10 March 2016
In congressional testimony, a top commander made clear that the US intervention is aimed not merely at ISIS, but at Iran and Russia as well.
Western powers prepare military operations in Libya
By Niles Williamson, 9 March 2016
Plans for a renewed imperialist intervention in Libya have reached an advanced stage following the deployment of US and European special forces to the country in recent weeks.
US-South Korean militaries rehearse pre-emptive strikes on North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 8 March 2016
This year’s joint war games are based on a new operational plan that includes pre-emptive attacks on North Korean missile and nuclear sites and “decapitation” raids to kill its leaders.
US airstrike massacres 150 at al-Shabaab training camp in Somalia
By Joseph Kishore, 8 March 2016
The attack north of the Somali capital of Mogadishu marks a significant escalation of US operations in the Horn of Africa, which lies next to critical oil routes leading into the Indian Ocean.
US moves to harness India to anti-China “pivot”
By Keith Jones, 8 March 2016
Washington is determined to make India a “frontline state” in its drive to strategically isolate, encircle and potentially wage war against China.
US sends aircraft carrier to challenge China in South China Sea
By Peter Symonds, 5 March 2016
The dispatch of a US carrier strike group is part of a wave of provocations over China’s alleged militarisation of the South China Sea.
US presses India to join anti-China alliance
By K. Ratnayake, 5 March 2016
The head of the US Pacific Command urged India to take steps that would make it a “frontline state” in the US drive to encircle and prepare for war against China.
UN Security Council imposes harsh US-sponsored sanctions on North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 4 March 2016
The punitive new measures will intensify North Korea’s economic and social crisis and greatly heighten tensions on the Korean Peninsula and throughout the region.
US admiral claims Russia’s intervention in Syria has implications for Arctic
By Roger Jordan, 4 March 2016
Both Canada and the US are moving to rapidly expand their military capabilities in the Arctic, citing heightened tensions with Russia in Eastern Europe and the Mideast.
US, China agree to new UN sanctions on North Korea
By Ben McGrath, 1 March 2016
The draft resolution contains measures reportedly the strictest in 20 years and will further heighten tensions on the Korean Peninsula and throughout the region.
New York Times on Clinton and Libya: Portrait of a war criminal
By Bill Van Auken, 1 March 2016
The Times piece details the leading role played by Clinton in fomenting a war of aggression that killed tens if not hundreds of thousands.
Syria fighting continues into third day of US-Russian “truce”
By Thomas Gaist, 29 February 2016
US war planes continue to strike targets throughout large areas of the country, while American commandos organized offensive operations by an array of proxy forces.
US fires ICBMs amid war threats against Russia
By Bill Van Auken, 27 February 2016
The Pentagon described the unusual launching of two unarmed missiles in the space of a week as a “signal” that Washington is ready for nuclear war.
Pentagon inflates “China threat” to justify massive build-up in Asia
By Peter Symonds, 27 February 2016
The only conclusion that can be drawn is that advanced preparations are being made for war with China.
US and the Philippines move rapidly to implement military deal
By Dante Pastrana, 26 February 2016
The Enhanced Defense Cooperative Agreement paves the way for a major US military build-up in the Philippines that will greatly heighten tensions with China.
Sticking point in Syria truce: Washington’s support for Al Qaeda
By Bill Van Auken, 25 February 2016
Amid bitter recriminations over the “cessation of hostilities” brokered by the US and Russia, all the lies used to promote both regime-change in Syria and the “war on terror” are disintegrating.
US blocked talks with North Korea before nuclear test
By Peter Symonds, 23 February 2016
For seven years, the Obama administration has stymied any resumption of the six-party negotiations to resolve the nuclear standoff with North Korea.
War and the 2016 US elections
By Joseph Kishore, 22 February 2016
There is no discussion in the US presidential campaign of the preparations of the ruling class for an immense escalation of war following the elections in November.
US launches airstrikes against Libya
By Bill Van Auken, 20 February 2016
Five years after toppling Libya’s government, Washington and its allies are embarking on a new military campaign under the banner of the war on terror.
Labor Party steps up demands for Australia to “stand up” to China
By James Cogan, 20 February 2016
Labor is serving as the catspaw of the US military establishment and seeking to dramatically ratchet up military tensions with Beijing.
Western powers move closer to new military intervention in Libya
By Marianne Arens, 19 February 2016
The main task of the national unity government in Libya will be to give the green light to a new military intervention in the oil rich North African country.
Rhetoric escalates over Chinese missile installation in Paracel Islands
By James Cogan, 19 February 2016
The entire issue has been inflated and exaggerated for definite political and diplomatic purposes.
US condemns Chinese missiles in the South China Sea
By Peter Symonds, 18 February 2016
Much of the US and international media coverage of the Chinese missile revelations is exaggerated and deliberately misleading.
Obama lectures Russia on Syrian “quagmire”
By Bill Van Auken, 18 February 2016
If there is a “quagmire” in the Middle East, it is of Washington’s creation, the product of unending wars for regime change aimed at imposing US hegemony over the region and its vast energy resources.
US push on South China Sea falls short at ASEAN summit
By Peter Symonds, 17 February 2016
Obama’s failure to secure a tough statement against Beijing will not stop the provocative US freedom of navigation operations challenging Chinese maritime claims.
Syria fighting escalates as ceasefire deadline approaches
By Bill Van Auken, 16 February 2016
The intensifying clashes on the Syrian-Turkish border have placed the five-year-old conflict in Syria on a hair trigger for provoking a global confrontation.
Civilian casualties in Afghanistan hit record in 2015
By Thomas Gaist, 16 February 2016
Responsibility for the social catastrophe in Afghanistan lies with American imperialism, which has fomented and waged a series of wars against the Afghan people.
US military boosts anti-missile systems in South Korea
By Peter Symonds, 16 February 2016
Far from being a defensive move, the restructuring of US forces in South Korea is bound up with more aggressive war plans, agreed last year between Washington and Seoul.
Washington denounces Russia, backs escalation of Syria war
By Alex Lantier, 15 February 2016
The NATO powers are supporting plans for a Turkish and Saudi invasion of Syria that could engulf the entire Middle East in war and trigger a global conflict.
Regional tensions and falling oil prices deepen crisis of Saudi monarchy
By Jean Shaoul, 15 February 2016
The Saudi monarchy is seeking to impose onto the working class the full cost of the deepening economic crisis and its disastrous military interventions.
US prepares harsh new sanctions on North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 12 February 2016
Washington and its allies are escalating a dangerous confrontation with Pyongyang following its recent nuclear test and rocket launch.
Obama budget proposes increases in military, security spending
By Patrick Martin, 10 February 2016
The budget’s proposed increases in domestic spending are empty election-year posturing, but the increases in military and security spending will almost certainly be enacted.
New York Times vents recriminations over Syria debacle
By Bill Van Auken, 9 February 2016
Roger Cohen’s hysterical column expresses rage within sections of the military and intelligence apparatus over the fate of the US regime-change operation.
Top US general confirms Pentagon plans for permanent combat role in Afghanistan
By Thomas Gaist, 8 February 2016
Statements from the commander in Afghanistan are the latest in a series of acknowledgements by US officials that the American military is planning a permanent occupation of the country.
Threat of wider war looms as Saudi monarchy proposes Syria intervention
By Bill Van Auken, 6 February 2016
The deployment of Saudi troops on the pretext of fighting the Islamic State of Syria and Iraq would inevitably be aimed at toppling the Assad government.
North Korea announces satellite launch
By Ben McGrath, 6 February 2016
The proposed launch has further raised tensions following Pyongyang’s fourth nuclear test and will undoubtedly be exploited by the US to justify its military buildup in Asia.
Pentagon budget: A blueprint for World War III
By Bill Van Auken, 4 February 2016
Defense Secretary Ashton Carter’s preview of the Pentagon budget spelled out Washington’s advanced preparations for war against both Russia and China.
Syrian war negotiations collapse after two days
By Thomas Gaist, 4 February 2016
The talks have been postponed for at least three weeks amid an upsurge of fighting between US and Russian-backed forces.
Geneva talks begin as US-backed war in Syria expands
By Bill Van Auken, 2 February 2016
The opening of the talks was overshadowed by a vicious bombing attack on a Shia shrine outside the Syrian capital of Damascus.
Washington to escalate US Mideast wars
By Bill Van Auken, 30 January 2016
The Obama White House is set to approve Pentagon demands for more troops in Iraq and another US military intervention in Libya.
Pentagon prepares another war in Libya
By Bill Van Auken, 29 January 2016
Having first devastated Libya in the name of “human rights,” Washington is now about to attack it again on the pretext of fighting terrorism.
War and the destruction of social infrastructure in America
By Andre Damon, 28 January 2016
The water crisis in Flint, Michigan highlights the slashing of funds for public infrastructure to pay for war and the enrichment of the financial elite.
US secretary of state demands China act against North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 28 January 2016
Kerry threatened to expand the US military presence in Asia unless Beijing took tough measures in response to Pyongyang’s latest nuclear test.
US planning to keep military forces in Afghanistan for “decades”
By Thomas Gaist, 27 January 2016
The US military is planning on using Afghanistan as a launching pad for military operations throughout South and Central Asia, senior US military officials told the Washington Post.
US think tank outlines master plan for war with China
By Peter Symonds, 26 January 2016
The CSIS report represents the voice of the vast American military establishment, which regards China as the chief threat to untrammelled US strategic dominance in Asia.
On eve of Syria “peace talks,” Washington threatens escalation across region
By Bill Van Auken, 25 January 2016
Top US officials have declared that they are prepared to seek a “military solution” in Syria, put “boots on the ground” in Iraq and launch another US-NATO war in Libya.
Australian prime minister visits US military commander in Hawaii
By Mike Head, 23 January 2016
Over the past year, the admiral has played a vocal role in inflaming tensions with China, particularly over its territorial claims in the South China Sea.
Japan heightens its profile in the South China Sea
By Peter Symonds, 22 January 2016
Japan, like the US, is exploiting the tensions in the disputed waters to advance its own economic and strategic interests in South East Asia.
Twenty-five years since the first Gulf War
Desert Slaughter: The Imperialist War Against Iraq—an enduring contribution to waging war on war
By Eric London, 21 January 2016
In 1991, the Workers League, forerunner of the SEP, published this valuable compendium of articles and statements providing a Marxist analysis of the imperialist war in Iraq and the breakdown of the postwar international order.
Obama thanks Australian prime minister for war efforts
By Peter Symonds, 20 January 2016
While the tone was not as strident as his predecessor, Turnbull’s underlying message was the same: full support for US militarism around the world.
BAYAN’s phony opposition to the US basing deal in the Philippines
By Joseph Santolan, 16 January 2016
The Maoist-dominated BAYAN has called for the armed defense of the Philippines’ territorial claims in the South China Sea and has led repeated demonstrations outside the Chinese embassy.
US Navy vessels impounded in Iranian waters
By Keith Jones, 13 January 2016
US Republicans seized on yesterday’s incident to repeat their charge that Obama is “appeasing” Tehran and demand a renewed campaign of economic sanctions and military threats against Iran.
Turkey and Western powers escalate war rhetoric in response to Istanbul attack
By Thomas Gaist, 13 January 2016
Tuesday’s suicide attack in the heart of Istanbul has provoked an outburst of war threats and moralizing from the Turkish and NATO elites.
Philippine Supreme Court declares US basing deal constitutional
By Joseph Santolan, 13 January 2016
The decision gives the legal green light for the deployment of US military forces to the Philippines, in direct confrontation with China.
Pentagon calls for “pivot” to target Latin America
By Bill Van Auken, 13 January 2016
The calls from within the military envision a struggle with China over domination of the hemisphere.
The US in 2016: No money for social programs, cash to burn for the military
By Andre Damon, 12 January 2016
The US will spend hundreds of billions of dollars this year on warships, nuclear warheads and supersonic fighters, even as there is “no money” for vital social programs like food stamps.
Yemen: Five medical staff dead in third bombing of Doctors Without Borders facilities
By Thomas Gaist, 12 January 2016
The US-supported Saudi coalition destroyed two separate MSF facilities during the final months of 2015, before deploying cluster bombs against residential areas in Sanaa during the first week of 2016.
The New York Times and “human rights” imperialism in Syria
By Niles Williamson, 12 January 2016
The New York Times continues to play a filthy role, exploiting reports of starvation in the Syrian town of Madaya to push for the expansion of US military operations aimed at the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad.
US flies B-52 strategic bomber close to Korean border
By Peter Symonds, 11 January 2016
Washington has seized on the latest North Korean nuclear test to accelerate its military build-up in the region against China as part of the US “pivot to Asia.”
US, China tensions sharpen after North Korean nuclear test
By Peter Symonds, 9 January 2016
China is caught in a bind: not wanting North Korea to trigger an arms race in North East Asia, but also seeking to stave off a collapse of the unstable regime.
US, South Korea discuss deploying “strategic weapons”
By Ben McGrath, 8 January 2016
The stationing of nuclear weapons on the Korean Peninsula would be a major escalation of the US military build-up in Asia, directed primarily against China, not North Korea.
North Korea conducts fourth nuclear test
By Peter Symonds, 7 January 2016
The test will heighten the tense situation in North East Asia generated by the Obama administration’s confrontational “pivot to Asia” against China.
On the threshold of the New Year
By Joseph Kishore and David North, 31 December 2015
It is characteristic of a period of crisis that more and more the essential nature of capitalism—a system of exploitation, inequality, war and repression—comes into alignment with the everyday experiences of broad masses of people.
US commander prepared to seek more troops for Afghanistan
By Bill Van Auken, 31 December 2015
The US-backed government’s security forces have proven incapable of holding back an ongoing offensive by the Taliban.
US military to expand global operations in 2016
By Thomas Gaist, 29 December 2015
US imperialism is expanding its global Special Forces network, preparing new deployments of combat forces to confront Russia and China, and flooding every region of the world with advanced weaponry.
US-backed Iraqi forces recapture Ramadi from ISIS
By James Cogan, 29 December 2015
Amidst boasting by Iraqi Prime Minister of the “liberation” of Ramadi, even the sanitised media footage shows scenes of utter devastation.
US air strike kills 12 Iraqi civilians
By Bill Van Auken, 23 December 2015
The latest death toll from the US bombing campaign came as Iraqi troops and militias entered the ISIS-held city of Ramadi.
Six US soldiers killed as Taliban overruns Helmand district in Afghanistan
By Bill Van Auken, 22 December 2015
The suicide bomb attack on a US-Afghan patrol is symptomatic of the escalating crisis of the continued American occupation of Afghanistan.
US, European powers prepare new air and ground operations against Libya
By Thomas Gaist, 21 December 2015
Led by the US, Britain and France, the Western powers are preparing a new military onslaught on Libya, including the deployment of commando teams, hundreds of conventional ground troops and yet another bombing campaign.
The US terror scare
By Patrick Martin, 21 December 2015
The US ruling elite is whipping up an atmosphere of panic after the killings in San Bernardino, laying the ground for a further military escalation in the Middle East and North Africa.
Australia, Japan “strongly support” US, amid rising tensions with China
By Peter Symonds, 19 December 2015
As Japanese and Australian leaders met in Tokyo, an American paper reported a US military intrusion into Chinese-claimed air space in the South China Sea.
UN resolution papers over deep divisions on Syria
By Bill Van Auken, 19 December 2015
The resolution adopted Friday left open the future of Assad and the distinction between opposition and terrorist groups.
Obama responds to terror scare over San Bernardino attack
By Patrick Martin, 19 December 2015
The propaganda campaign over San Bernardino aims to shift US politics even further to the right and overcome popular opposition to expanded military operations in the Middle East.
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