US Militarism
US air strikes kill scores of civilians in Afghanistan
By Bill Van Auken, 4 November 2016
More than 15 years after the Bush administration invaded Afghanistan, the US-backed regime controls less territory than ever, and the slaughter of civilians is escalating.
Putin criticizes the US and pleads for a change in course
By Andrea Peters, 4 November 2016
As military, economic and diplomatic pressures mount, Putin feels obliged to discuss the aggressive and provocative character of US policy toward Russia.
New York Times promotes war hysteria over Estonia
By Bill Van Auken, 2 November 2016
The Times piece amounts to war propaganda, echoing the hysterical claims of the Baltic states that a Russian invasion is imminent and glorifying the legacy of Nazism.
Sectarian tensions rise in Iraq as Mosul offensive enters third week
By Jordan Shilton, 1 November 2016
Iraqi government troops entered the eastern outskirts of the northern Iraqi city Monday amid ongoing warnings of a humanitarian catastrophe facing its residents.
The political anatomy of pseudo-left war propaganda
Part one
By Eric London, 1 November 2016
A Road Unforeseen employs postmodernist political categories and identity politics in constructing an argument for war in the Middle East.
Sixty killed in new US-Saudi war crime in Yemen
By Bill Van Auken, 31 October 2016
At least 60 civilians were killed in the latest bombing raid, which comes on the heels of reports warning of mass starvation.
UN warns US-Saudi war threatens mass starvation in Yemen
By Bill Van Auken, 29 October 2016
After 18 months of bombardment, the catastrophe unfolding in the poorest nation in the Middle East constitutes a war crime of historic proportions.
US-backed Islamist rebels launch offensive in Syria
By Jordan Shilton, 29 October 2016
Continuing its grotesque double standards over human rights violations, the US media broadly welcomed an Islamist rebel offensive in Aleppo that included indiscriminate shelling of civilian areas.
Aleppo, Mosul and “war crimes”
By Bill Van Auken, 28 October 2016
Those denouncing Russia for “war crimes” in Aleppo have carried out atrocities over the course of the past three quarters of a century that vastly eclipse the events in the embattled Syrian city.
US-Russian war tensions mount over Eastern Europe and Syria
By Bill Van Auken, 27 October 2016
NATO countries meeting in Brussels have promised to deploy troops and heavy weapons on Russia’s borders in the biggest buildup since the height of the Cold War.
Philippine President Duterte says he wants US troops out of the country in two years
By Joseph Santolan, 27 October 2016
The abrupt shift in Manila’s foreign policy toward China is an expression of the immense geopolitical tensions stoked by Washington's policies.
New Zealand: The US warship visit and the fraud of Peace Action
By Tom Peters, 27 October 2016
Peace Action Wellington and Auckland Peace Action do not represent any alternative to the Greens and other organisations which have discredited themselves by embracing imperialist war preparations.
US “pivot to Asia” in disarray
By Peter Symonds, 26 October 2016
Far from making a retreat, Washington’s response to its setbacks will be to escalate its diplomatic intrigues and military provocations in the Asia Pacific.
Making the case for war in Eastern Europe
Robert D. Kaplan’s In Europe’s Shadow
By Clara Weiss, 26 October 2016
The latest book by Robert D. Kaplan advocates transforming Romania into a military staging ground for US imperialism and preparing for all-out war against Russia.
Mosul offensive intensifies regional tensions as Turkish soldiers intervene in Iraq
By Jordan Shilton, 24 October 2016
The dispute between the Iraqi and Turkish governments is only one of a vast array of regional and sectarian divisions being inflamed by the US-backed offensive on the northern Iraqi city.
Report signals renewed US pressure on Australia to line up against China
By Peter Symonds, 24 October 2016
The US Studies Centre document examines risks to the US-Australia alliance, raising concerns, in particular, about the lack of public support for the US military build-up in Asia.
What is behind the anti-Russia campaign in the US?
By Andre Damon, 22 October 2016
A major theme of the 2016 US presidential campaign has been the campaign to depict Russia as intent on manipulating the election through cyber warfare.
US navy sends destroyer to challenge China in South China Sea
By Peter Symonds, 22 October 2016
The latest US “freedom of navigation” operation came as Philippine President Duterte’s tilt to Beijing dealt a blow to Washington’s “pivot to Asia” strategy.
Public rifts erupt in Australian government
By Mike Head, 22 October 2016
The internal warfare wracking the Liberal-National Coalition cannot be explained by a dispute over gun laws.
Mosul offensive stirs a cauldron of conflicts
By James Cogan, 21 October 2016
Before Mosul even falls, savage fighting threatens to break out between nominal allies in the operations against Islamic State.
The siege of Mosul and the crimes of US imperialism
By Bill Van Auken, 20 October 2016
The offensive against Mosul is the latest in a series of US war crimes that have killed, maimed and displaced millions across the Middle East.
US-backed Iraqi forces tighten noose around Mosul
By James Cogan, 18 October 2016
The increasingly clear intent is to use air strikes, starvation and desperation to weaken what remains of ISIS’s fighting strength.
EU foreign ministers adopt statement denouncing Russia and Syria
By Alex Lantier, 18 October 2016
The European Union statement is aligned with the flood of anti-Russian propaganda emanating from Washington over the NATO war for regime change in Syria.
US amplifies its support for India’s military strikes on Pakistan
By Deepal Jayasekera, 18 October 2016
Washington’s endorsement of India’s jettisoning of “strategic restraint” will only encourage New Delhi to carry out still more aggressive and provocative military actions.
The US-directed assault on Mosul and imperialist hypocrisy
By James Cogan, 17 October 2016
In both Syria and Iraq, US objectives are the same: asserting its dominance over the key oil-producing region of the world.
US escalating covert war in Somalia
By Jordan Shilton, 17 October 2016
The secret dispatch of US troops to Somalia demonstrates that the Obama administration has dragged the American people into another war without even a semblance of public debate.
US steps up anti-Russian rhetoric over Syria as EU foreign ministers meet
By Robert Stevens, 17 October 2016
The US, UK and France are seeking to impose additional sanctions on Russia over the conflict in Syria.
The ISO and the New America think tank denounce opposition to the war in Syria
By Eric London, 17 October 2016
The ISO last week published an interview on its Socialist Worker web site with a journalist linked to the New America think tank who advocates an escalation of the US military intervention in Syria.
The great diversion: Democrats focus on sex scandal as conflict with Russia escalates
By Andre Damon, 15 October 2016
Behind the scandal-mongering that dominates the presidential election campaign, the United States is weighing a major military escalation against Syria and Russia.
US launches missile strikes against Yemen
By Bill Van Auken, 14 October 2016
Without any debate, the American people are being dragged into an ever-widening war with catastrophic consequences.
Washington threatens military intervention in Yemen following reported missile attacks on US warship
By Barry Grey, 13 October 2016
The missile incidents follow a savage bombing carried out last Saturday by Saudi war planes on a packed funeral hall in Sanaa, killing at least 140 civilians.
The Bellingcat research collective: War propaganda masquerading as “citizen journalism”
By Steve James, 13 October 2016
Bellingcat founder Eliot Higgins is employed by the Atlantic Council, a leading US geopolitical strategy think tank.
Kerry charges “war crimes” as US escalates tensions with Russia
By Bill Van Auken, 8 October 2016
The US secretary of state charged Moscow with “war crimes” as US-backed, Al Qaeda-affiliated “rebels” appeared close to defeat in Aleppo.
Pentagon paid British PR firm $500 million to create fake al-Qaeda recruiting videos
By Jean Shaoul, 8 October 2016
The US military paid British public relations firm Bell Pottinger half a billion dollars to make fake terrorist videos as part of a secret propaganda programme in Iraq.
Fifteen years of the war in Afghanistan
By James Cogan, 7 October 2016
The US has been the central instigator of the Afghan tragedy for a period that now spans 38 years, with a toll in dead and wounded that numbers well over a million people.
Beating the drums for war with Russia
By Bill Van Auken, 6 October 2016
The New York Times and other major media are weighing in on the side of escalating the US intervention in Syria and militarily confronting Russia.
Tunisian men reveal new details of torture at CIA black sites
By Kevin Martinez, 6 October 2016
The ex-detainees described gruesome forms of torture not mentioned in the Senate Intelligence Committee report on the CIA torture program.
Threat of US-Russia clash grows after Washington cuts off Syria talks
By Bill Van Auken, 5 October 2016
The Obama administration is set to discuss military options even as Russia has begun deploying more sophisticated anti-aircraft missiles to Syria.
US suspends talks with Russia as danger mounts of escalation in Syrian war
By Jordan Shilton, 4 October 2016
Washington’s attempt to pin the blame on Russia for the breakdown of diplomacy in Syria is thoroughly dishonest and hypocritical.
US defence secretary announces “third phase” of military build-up against China
By Peter Symonds, 4 October 2016
Ashton Carter made clear that the US would sharpen its “military edge” in the Asia Pacific so as to remain the most powerful military in the region.”
The “major and deadly” wars to come
By Andre Damon, 3 October 2016
A report by a leading geopolitical strategy think tank makes clear that the US military is engaged in intensive planning for wars involving massive casualties.
New York Times brands Russia an “outlaw state”
By Bill Van Auken, 30 September 2016
The Times’ hysterical rhetoric reflects a debate within ruling circles over whether to launch a major escalation of war before or after the US election.
More US troops sent to Iraq ahead of assault on Mosul
By James Cogan, 30 September 2016
Justifications have been given in advance for the slaughter of every person labelled a member of ISIS and for large numbers of civilian casualties.
US threatens Russia with end to cooperation in Syria as fighting rages in Aleppo
By Jordan Shilton, 29 September 2016
Kerry’s blunt warning to Lavrov that the US is considering ending all bilateral cooperation with Russia in Syria shows how close the situation is to all-out war.
Pentagon chief outlines preparations for nuclear war with Russia
By Bill Van Auken, 28 September 2016
Defense Secretary Ashton Carter delivered a chilling speech in favor of nuclear escalation to US Air Force personnel in charge of launching strategic bomber and missile attacks.
Syria and the pro-imperialist pseudo-left
By Alex Lantier, 27 September 2016
The response of leading spokesmen of state capitalist and Pabloite tendencies reflect the increasingly open pro-war policies of substantial sections of the international pseudo-left.
US accuses Russia of “war crimes” as danger of clash in Syria mounts
By Jordan Shilton, 26 September 2016
The hypocritical accusations of war crimes hurled at Moscow by the US, Britain and France are an attempt to provide a cover for their reckless policy of regime change in Syria.
US intensifies campaign against Russia following attack on aid convoy in Syria
By Bill Van Auken, 21 September 2016
The same Western media that proclaimed the US airstrike on the Syrian army an “accident” have rushed to pin the blame on Russia and Syria for attacking an aid convoy.
UN General Assembly convenes amid global military escalation
By Andre Damon, 21 September 2016
US President Barack Obama delivered remarks at the UN assembly on Tuesday against the backdrop of escalating conflicts in the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Asia.
UK parliamentary report criticises Libya war but conceals its geo-strategic aims
By Jean Shaoul, 21 September 2016
The Foreign Affairs Committee describes Libya’s political and economic collapse and the growth of the Islamic State group in North Africa.
International Socialist Organization backs NATO escalation in Syria
By Alex Lantier and David North, 21 September 2016
The close links between CIA war propaganda and the ISO’s writings supporting war in Syria are virtually self-evident.
NATO sends 4,000 combat troops to Poland and Baltic states
By Johannes Stern, 20 September 2016
The sending of additional NATO troops to Eastern Europe is part of the preparations for war against Moscow adopted in early July at the NATO summit in Warsaw.
The threat of world war: The great unmentionable in the 2016 campaign
By Patrick Martin, 19 September 2016
Neither Clinton nor Trump is discussing the increasing likelihood of a US war with Russia or China, although the Pentagon is making active preparations.
62 dead, 100 wounded as US bombs Syrian army near Deir ez-Zor
By Alex Lantier, 19 September 2016
The bombing threatens to escalate the Syrian conflict into all-out war pitting the US-led NATO alliance against Russia and Syria.
Philippine foreign secretary says Manila will no longer be US “little brown brother”
By Joseph Santolan, 19 September 2016
As President Duterte downplays the South China Sea dispute with China, Washington is mounting a cynical “human rights” campaign to pressure the Philippines back into line.
US ambassador backs campaign against “Chinese influence” in Australia
By Peter Symonds, 15 September 2016
Berry’s intervention confirms American involvement in the anti-Beijing crusade, and highlights US determination to ensure Canberra’s support for its war drive against China.
US has spent nearly $5 trillion on wars since 9/11
By Bill Van Auken, 14 September 2016
A new report from Brown University estimates that Washington has squandered nearly $5 trillion since September 11, 2001 on the wars launched under the pretext of fighting terrorism.
American B-1 bombers send menacing warning to North Korea
By our reporter, 14 September 2016
The fly-past at South Korea’s Osan Air Base was also designed to send a message to Beijing to ramp up pressure on North Korea.
US triples special operations deployment to Latin America
By Neil Hardt, 14 September 2016
From 2007 to 2014, the US drastically expanded its training programs of Central and South American death squads.
The witch-hunt against Chinese influence in Australia
By Peter Symonds, 14 September 2016
The campaign against politicians, commentators and businessmen not fully supportive of the US “pivot” against China is a warning of the advanced character of war preparations in Asia.
Fifteen years since the 9/11 attacks
By The WSWS editorial board, 12 September 2016
The attacks of September 11, 2001 provided a pretext for a vast escalation of global military operations that threaten a Third World War.
US and allies threaten North Korea with sanctions and military attack
By Peter Symonds, 12 September 2016
Another round of punitive measures over Pyongyang’s latest nuclear test will exacerbate tensions on the Korean Peninsula and heighten the danger of war.
Fighting rages on in Syria in wake of US-Russia brokered agreement
By Jordan Shilton, 12 September 2016
Washington has acceded to the agreement to give some respite to its proxy forces around Aleppo, where government troops have made substantial gains over recent weeks.
Obama pledges to veto legislation allowing 9/11 victims to sue Saudi government
By Tom Carter, 12 September 2016
This legislation, together with the Obama administration’s opposition to it, marks the continued unraveling of the official narrative of the September 11 attacks.
Political prisoner Chelsea Manning begins hunger strike
By Tom Hall, 12 September 2016
Manning began her hunger strike in military prison on Friday in protest against the abuse and harassment that drove her to attempt suicide in July.
Twenty-year-old Muslim recruit killed by officers at Marine boot camp
By Eric London, 12 September 2016
Raheel Siddiqui, the son of a Michigan autoworker, jumped out of a third-floor window after being abused by officers at Parris Island, South Carolina.
Drone Valley: The University of California and the business of high-tech slaughter
By Toby Reese, 12 September 2016
The appointment of a number of new academics and scientists to the University of California, San Diego’s (UCSD) Contextual Robotics Institute is bound up with the US drive to war.
Media misinformation and the US election’s war agenda
By Bill Van Auken, 10 September 2016
The arrest of two young men in North Carolina for hacking into the accounts of top officials and government agencies casts a stark light on the media’s anti-Russia campaign.
Obama heightens antagonisms with China at East Asia Summit
By Joseph Santolan, 9 September 2016
Unable to enlist the Philippines or a reliable proxy from other ASEAN members, Obama was compelled to directly intervene.
Clinton and Trump bow to the military
By Patrick Martin, 8 September 2016
The unstated premise of Wednesday night’s forum before a veteran’s group in New York City was that the military should have veto power in the selection of the next US “commander-in-chief.”
Obama cancels meeting with Philippine President Duterte
By Joseph Santolan, 6 September 2016
The real source of the tensions is Washington’s increasing displeasure over Duterte’s failure to play his assigned role in the US pivot to Asia.
Obama and the US secret war in Laos
By Peter Symonds, 6 September 2016
Obama is the first US president since the Vietnam War to visit Laos, the scene of one of US imperialism’s bloodiest crimes, even as his administration is preparing new wars on a far greater scale.
Rising global tensions surface at G20 summit
By Nick Beams, 5 September 2016
It is a sure sign of the deepening malaise of the global capitalist economy, afflicted by lower growth and falling trade, that “overcapacity” in steel was at the very centre of the G20 economic agenda.
Clinton’s “American exceptionalism” speech: A bipartisan policy of militarism and war
By Patrick Martin, 2 September 2016
The Democratic presidential candidate’s speech to the American Legion was an attack on Trump from the right, pledging to be more ambitious and decisive in the use of American military power.
Spurning Washington’s appeals, Turkey vows to expand assault on US-backed Kurdish forces in Syria
By Barry Grey, 1 September 2016
The contradictions of US policy are underscored by the fact that US Special Operations forces are embedded within the Kurdish YPG and could come under attack from CIA-backed Sunni militia.
War clouds overhang Obama’s Asian trip
By Peter Symonds, 1 September 2016
Obama will attend international summits in China and Laos amid escalating geo-political rivalries, particularly between Washington and Beijing.
Australian establishment discusses prospect of US-China war
By James Cogan, 1 September 2016
ASPI began with the question “under what circumstances would Australia join in a war against China?”
Tamil Nationalists hail US “Operation Pacific Angel” in Sri Lanka
By K.Nesan, 1 September 2016
The US Pacific Command has launched Operation Pacific Angel in conjunction with the anti-China “pivot to Asia.”
US war planes and battleships to start using Indian bases
By Deepal Jayasekera, 31 August 2016
With the signing of the basing agreement, India is being transformed into a “frontline” state in the US drive to isolate, encircle, and prepare to wage war on China.
US deepens military ties with Sri Lanka
By Vilani Peiris, 31 August 2016
Washington wants to use Sri Lanka as one of its bases in the event of war with China.
Taliban captures key Afghan district in fierce fighting
By Peter Symonds, 31 August 2016
The latest attack takes place against the backdrop of geo-political intrigue that is drawing the entire region, including Afghanistan, into US preparations for war against China.
Turkish air strikes kill civilians in US-backed invasion of Syria
By Jordan Shilton, 29 August 2016
The incursion of NATO member states into northern Syria heightens the potential for a direct clash between Russia and the US which could quickly spiral out of control.
US torture victim Abu Zubaydah given “hearing” at Guantanamo
By John Burton, 29 August 2016
Zubaydah, one of 41 inmates still not cleared for release or transfer eight years after Obama pledged to close Guantanamo Bay, made a brief, silent appearance on video.
“Godfather” Biden visits Turkey
By Andre Damon, 27 August 2016
One month after the failed coup, the vice president met with Erdogan.
Finland announces defence agreement with the US
By Jordan Shilton, 25 August 2016
Finland’s expanding ties with Washington are part of a broader process that is transforming the Nordic region into another front in the US-led offensive against Moscow.
New flashpoint in escalating war: Turkey shells ISIS and Kurdish forces in Syria
By Barry Grey, 24 August 2016
Turkey and the US are increasingly working at cross purposes in Syria, further frustrating Washington’s central aim of removing Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Biden’s blank check to the Baltic states: US will wage war on Russia in your defense
By Andre Damon, 24 August 2016
Vice President Biden said Washington’s commitment to militarily defend the tiny states of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia was a matter of America’s “sacred honor.”
US-South Korean war games inflame Asian tensions
By Peter Symonds, 23 August 2016
While nominally aimed against North Korea, the exercises consolidate Washington’s military alliance with Seoul as it makes preparations for conflict with China.
American jets scramble against Syrian aircraft bombing Kurdish rebels
By Alex Lantier, 20 August 2016
As US-backed Kurdish forces in Syria clash with pro-regime forces backed by Russia, Iran and China, the Middle East war threatens to escalate into all-out global conflict.
“Human rights” propaganda campaign paves way for military escalation in Syria
By Bill Van Auken, 19 August 2016
The saturation of the airwaves and the press with images of a five-year-old child in Aleppo should be taken as a warning that Washington is preparing public opinion for a major military escalation.
Socialist Equality Party vice presidential candidate Niles Niemuth condemns US-backed war in Yemen
19 August 2016
This statement was given in response to the ongoing assault on Yemen by Saudi Arabia, including the destruction of a Doctors Without Borders Hospital this week.
Growing disquiet in Washington over Russian-Iranian actions in Syria
By Bill Van Auken, 18 August 2016
The use by Russian bombers of Iranian bases to attack targets in Syria has provoked official US protests and warnings that Washington’s policy is creating a strategic crisis.
The New York Times whitewashes US imperialism in Middle East and contemplates ethnic cleansing
By Eric London, 17 August 2016
A essay published by the Times on Sunday concludes that the collapse of nationalist governments in the Middle East proves the necessity for a sectarian division of the region.
The Score of War: A haunting documentary film on Ukraine
By Bernd Reinhardt, 17 August 2016
In April of last year, the Ukrainian violinist and composer Mark Chaet, accompanied by a small film crew, travelled from Berlin to his home in Eastern Ukraine.
New York Times “human rights” warrior Nicholas Kristof demands military escalation in Syria
By David Walsh, 15 August 2016
Politically conscious workers, intellectuals and young people should know by now that when Kristof and the Times speak of human rights, they mean neocolonial war, mass killing and plunder.
The provocation in Crimea and the threat of world war
By Bill Van Auken, 13 August 2016
The terrorist attack in Crimea and ratcheting up of the war threat in Eastern Europe have exposed the real purpose of the anti-Putin hysteria in both the US election campaign and the Rio Olympics.
US Special Forces coordinating operations in Libya
By Thomas Gaist, 13 August 2016
US ground troops were involved in fighting in Libya this week in operations that include supporting local militias and coordinating air attacks from a secret base just outside of Sirte.
US military prepares new offensives in Syria and Iraq
By Peter Symonds, 12 August 2016
The US is planning major simultaneous operations to seize Mosul in Iraq and Raqqa in Syria that could unfold in the final weeks of the presidential election campaign.
US sells battle tanks to Saudi Arabia as it renews assault on Yemen
By Thomas Gaist, 11 August 2016
The latest weapons deal highlights the central role of American imperialism in organizing and facilitating the Saudi-led war in Yemen.
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