Middle East
US-backed Iraqi government guns down protesting workers
By Patrick Martin, 17 July 2018
Mass protests have erupted across southern and central Iraq over unemployment, the cutoff of electricity and running water, and the lack of opportunity for young people.
Israel carries out biggest air strikes on Gaza since 2014 war
By Keith Jones, 16 July 2018
In recent days, Israel has stepped up its campaign to crush resistance in Gaza, intensifying its economic blockade, shooting scores of protesters, and mounting massive air strikes.
Mass protests in Iraq’s southern provinces
By Alec Andersen, 16 July 2018
Thousands took part in mass demonstrations in southern Iraq over the weekend against the intolerable economic conditions that prevail 15 years after the US-led war for regime change.
Battle rages for Hodeidah as Yemen faces threat of mass starvation
By Bill Van Auken, 19 June 2018
With 8 million already on the brink of famine and 22 million dependent upon food aid, the paralysis of Hodeidah threatens to claim millions of lives.
US war crimes in Syria exposed
By Niles Niemuth, 7 June 2018
Unlike the hysteria generated over the fake gas attack in Douma earlier this year, the revelations of massive US war crimes in Raqqa have been treated as a non-event by the media.
Israel’s Netanyahu tours Europe to advocate action against Iran
By Jean Shaoul, 7 June 2018
For all their differences with Trump, and evident distaste for Netanyahu, the European leaders did not seek to distance themselves from his demands because they know he speaks for Washington.
Amnesty International report finds US guilty of war crimes in Syria
By Bill Van Auken, 6 June 2018
The report documents the deaths of hundreds of civilians in the US siege of Raqqa last year, including the massacre of entire families.
Washington considers direct intervention in siege of Yemeni port city
By Bill Van Auken, 5 June 2018
The Saudi-led and US-backed assault on the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah threatens to plunge millions more into famine.
Report exposes UK role in Saudi Arabia’s war on Yemen
By Barry Mason, 21 May 2018
The US, UK and other western countries have supported the Saudi intervention. Like Saudi Arabia, they regard the war against the Houthis as a proxy conflict with Iran.
European Union tries to salvage Iran nuclear accord from US unilateralism
By Jean Shaoul, 17 May 2018
The European powers are furious because Trump’s threats cut across their attempts to exploit Iran economically and fear sanctions presage a war that will destabilise the Middle East
More Palestinian deaths as Israel attacks protests in Gaza and West Bank
By Jean Shaoul, 16 May 2018
The death toll rose above the 58 announced Monday due to two additional shootings and the death of an eight-month-old baby due to gas inhalation.
Mass murder in Gaza
By Bill Van Auken, 15 May 2018
The shooting dead of at least 60 unarmed protesters in Gaza, along with the wounding of over 2,700 more, is a war crime for which all involved bear collective and personal responsibility.
Election result in Iraq portends further political and social conflict
By James Cogan, 15 May 2018
No grouping of parties has won anywhere near the support needed to form a government.
US withdrawal from Iran nuclear deal drives Ankara into a corner
By Halil Celik, 14 May 2018
Washington’s reimposition of punishing economic sanctions on Iran, and its plans to force other countries to follow suit, threatens to roil the already crisis-ridden Turkish economy.
US steps up pressure on Iran with new round of sanctions
By Jordan Shilton, 12 May 2018
Announced the same day as Israel launched its largest-ever direct assault on Iranian infrastructure in Syria, the sanctions mark a further step by US imperialism in the direction of an all-out military confrontation with Iran.
Israeli army kills one, wounds hundreds during latest round of Gaza protests
By Niles Niemuth, 12 May 2018
The Gaza Health Ministry reported that among the hundreds who were wounded in the attack on unarmed, peaceful protestors, 143 were shot with live ammunition.
Middle East teeters on brink of region-wide war after US withdrawal from Iran deal
By Jordan Shilton, 10 May 2018
After Israeli war planes targeted Iranian personnel in Syria for the third time in less than a month, Iranian Quds forces reportedly launched rockets into northern Israel.
Trump torpedoes Iran nuclear accord
By Keith Jones, 9 May 2018
In its reckless and ruinous drive for global hegemony, US imperialism, like the Nazi regime, makes diplomatic agreements only to break them when expedient.
Tensions rise with Trump set to announce decision on Iran nuclear deal
By Bill Van Auken, 8 May 2018
With Trump’s allies signaling that he will rip up the agreement, Israel has issued increasingly bellicose threats against Iran.
Against imperialism, counterrevolution and war! For a socialist Middle East!
By Johannes Stern, 8 May 2018
The following speech was delivered to the ICFI’s International Online Rally by Johannes Stern, a leading member of the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei, the German section of the ICFI, and the World Socialist Web Site editorial board in Germany.
Israel denounces Iran nuclear deal after new missile strikes on Syria
By Bill Van Auken, 1 May 2018
Netanyahu’s bellicose speech indicting Iran, following on the heels of missile strikes on Syria, underscores the growing threat of a region-wide war.
Israel again opens fire on Gaza protesters, killing three and wounding hundreds
By Will Morrow, 28 April 2018
For the fifth Friday in a row, the Israeli army rained gunfire on thousands of unarmed protesters in Gaza, bringing the number killed since March 30 to 45.
Saudi airstrike kills 33 at wedding in northern Yemen
By Niles Niemuth, 24 April 2018
With the full support of the US and its allies, Saudi Arabia has been waging an unrelenting war against Yemen for more than three years, killing thousands of civilians.
US lashes out at Russia, as OPCW inspectors prepare to enter Douma
By Peter Symonds, 17 April 2018
Western governments and media that propagated unsubstantiated claims of a chemical weapons attack to justify illegal missile strikes on Syria are seeking to cover their tracks.
US-British-French missile strikes on Syria heighten danger of a catastrophic war
By Barry Grey, 16 April 2018
The bases for new provocations and fresh pretexts for military aggression are already being laid.
US and imperialist allies launch strikes against Syria
By The World Socialist Web Site Editorial Board, 14 April 2018
All of the governments participating in this new onslaught are crisis-ridden and lack any electoral legitimacy.
War fever grips German media
By Peter Schwarz, 14 April 2018
Die Welt demanded the “eradication of the Assad regime” and the deployment of “hundreds of thousands of soldiers” to Syria to “in the worst case scenario, fight Russians and Iranians.”
Israeli troops again target peaceful protests with live ammunition and tear gas
By Jean Shaoul, 14 April 2018
Yesterday’s casualties follow Israel Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman’s earlier pledge of a “reaction of the harshest kind.”
Momentum builds toward US-led strike on Syria
By James Cogan, 13 April 2018
The US secretary of state nominee, CIA head Mike Pompeo, left no doubt yesterday that the Putin regime in Russia is the main target behind the war crisis in the Middle East.
Escalation of Syria war sends economic and strategic shockwaves across region
By Jordan Shilton, 13 April 2018
The Russian, Turkish and Iranian economies are coming under pressure amid the growing war danger, while Israel is preparing for a wider regional conflict.
US media demands full-scale assault against Syria
By James Cogan, 11 April 2018
The New York Times and Washington Post have sent a clear message to Trump that a limited attack will be denounced as worse than useless.
Canada rallies behind US in its incendiary anti-Russia offensive
By Roger Jordan, 11 April 2018
Canada has signalled its support for the coming US attack on Syria, by pledging to work with its “international partners” to punish Syria and “its backers” with “all available means.”
UK and French forces on ground in Syria as US prepares wider war
By Halil Celik, 10 April 2018
The alleged chemical weapons attack provides an all-too convenient excuse for both countries to deepen their existing operations in Syria.
CIA stages gas attack pretext for Syria escalation
By Patrick Martin, 9 April 2018
The rhetoric of the Trump administration indicates that preparations are being made by the Pentagon for stepped-up military operations in Syria.
Trump reverses himself on Syria pullout order
By Patrick Martin, 6 April 2018
The move came after intense pressure from the Pentagon and much of the corporate media for a more aggressive anti-Russian and anti-Iranian posture.
Israel kills 17 border demonstrators in Gaza
By Jean Shaoul, 31 March 2018
Demonstrations are set to continue for six weeks until May 15, the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the state of Israel and the subsequent war between Israel and her Arab neighbours.
Egyptian presidential elections mark new stage in counterrevolution
By Johannes Stern, 26 March 2018
The al-Sisi regime has been mobilizing tens of thousands of heavily armed troops and security forces across the country to stifle any protest.
Trump boasts of arms deals, backs Saudi slaughter in Yemen
By Bill Van Auken, 22 March 2018
The White House gave the Saudi regime unconditional support for its war in Yemen, while cementing the anti-Iranian alliance between Washington and Riyadh.
Fifteen years since the launching of the Iraq War
By Patrick Martin, 21 March 2018
Neither the warmongers in Washington and London, nor their media apologists, have been held to account for the greatest crime of the 21st century.
Turkey’s seizure of Afrin and the growing threat of a regional war in the Middle East
By Halil Celik, 21 March 2018
While drifting away from its NATO partners, Ankara has forged closer relations, including both trade and military ties, with Russia and Iran, two main targets of US imperialism.
Threat of US attack on Syria grows amid fall of “rebel” stronghold
By Bill Van Auken, 20 March 2018
The imminent fall of the Damascus suburb of eastern Ghouta has been accompanied by Turkey’s overrunning of Afrin in the north, signaling a new stage in the seven-year-old Syrian war.
Russia threatens counter-strikes on US forces in Syria
By Halil Celik and James Cogan, 14 March 2018
Russia’s top military commander has vowed to retaliate against any attack on its forces in Syria, while Turkey is intensifying its offensive against US-backed rebels.
Germany: Grand coalition expands foreign operations in Afghanistan and Iraq
By Johannes Stern, 8 March 2018
No sooner had the membership of the SPD voted for the continuation of the government alliance with the CDU/CSU, plans for new military operations were announced.
Netanyahu, Trump discuss war preparations against Iran
By Bill Van Auken, 7 March 2018
Netanyahu, facing criminal indictment in Israel, and Trump, his administration in deepening crisis, met to discuss plans for an escalation of military aggression against Iran.
A new “left” appeal for imperialist intervention in Syria
By Bill Van Auken, 2 March 2018
The “open letter” was clearly addressed to Washington and its allies, demanding the escalation of their use of armed force against the war-ravaged country.
US airstrike kills dozens amid mounting Western war propaganda over Syria
By Bill Van Auken, 28 February 2018
The orchestrated outcry over civilian deaths in Ghouta and chorus of chemical weapons allegations are aimed at preparing a major new imperialist escalation in the Middle East.
Fighting continues in Syria after another UN ceasefire
By Chris Marsden, 26 February 2018
Tensions between the United States, Russia, Iran, and Turkey remained high in the wake of a US attack that killed dozens of Russian troops.
Syrian government offensive prompts calls for intensified US military intervention
By Jordan Shilton, 22 February 2018
US media outlets have seized on the escalation of violence to call for the expansion of Washington’s illegal military intervention.
Washington delivers new ultimatum on Iran
By Bill Van Auken, 20 February 2018
The Trump administration is threatening to abrogate the Iran nuclear agreement in order to force the European powers to adopt a hard line against Tehran.
Multiple reports confirm US killed Russians in Syrian oilfield airstrikes
By Bill Van Auken, 14 February 2018
The deaths of Russian military contractors under the rain of bombs and missiles unleashed by the Pentagon has sharply escalated war tensions.
German government plans massive military expansion in Iraq
By Johannes Stern, 13 February 2018
Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen announced the build-up in the course of her trip to the Middle East last weekend.
Israeli attack on Syria heightens danger of wider Mideast war
By Chris Marsden, 12 February 2018
Israel attacked 12 of the country’s main air defence sites, which the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) described as “Iranian targets.”
Russians reported killed in US strikes in Syria
By Bill Van Auken, 10 February 2018
The reports of Russian casualties came as Turkey resumed its own air strikes against the Kurdish enclave of Afrin.
US threat to escalate Syria war over alleged gas attacks
By Bill Van Auken, 7 February 2018
Washington’s threat to retaliate over alleged use of chemical weapons comes amid a steady widening of the multi-sided war in Syria.
Growing opposition to Israeli government’s plans to deport African refugees
By Jean Shaoul, 1 February 2018
Israel has a less than one percent success rate for asylum seekers, far below that of European Union countries.
India: First-ever visit by an Israeli PM used to strengthen strategic ties
By Wasantha Rupasinghe, 27 January 2018
India’s burgeoning military-strategic partnership with Israel dovetails with its ever-more pronounced alignment with Washington and its principal Asian allies, Japan and Australia.
US announces indefinite deployment of military forces in Syria
By James Cogan, 19 January 2018
The pretext that the motive of the US in Syria was to combat the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria has been cast aside.
US to set up 30,000-strong “border force” in Syria
By Peter Symonds, 16 January 2018
Having proclaimed the defeat of ISIS, Washington is determined to prosecute its goal of ousting the Iranian- and Russian-backed Syrian regime.
Trump vows to renew all-out economic war on Iran
By Keith Jones, 13 January 2018
Trump insisted he will issue no further waivers of economic sanctions unless the Iran nuclear agreement is rewritten in accordance with his demands.
Members and supporters of 20 groups banned from entering Israel
By Jean Shaoul, 13 January 2018
The move is a violation of free speech and the right of free movement and travel.
Iran: Anti-government protests abate in face of mass repression
By Jordan Shilton and Keith Jones, 8 January 2018
None of the grievances fueling the working class protests that swept across Iran in recent days have been addressed, let alone resolved.
Trump threatens Palestinian aid cut-off
By Jean Shaoul, 6 January 2018
A cut to the budget of the UNRWA for Palestinian refugees would have a devastating impact, particularly in the city of Gaza.
The working class unrest in Iran: The WSWS replies to an apologist of the Iranian regime
By Keith Jones, 6 January 2018
The WSWS’s attitude toward Iran is based on two fundamental factors: Iran’s character as a historically oppressed country that must be defended against imperialism and the antagonistic relationship between the Iranian bourgeoisie and working class.
Over 700 Yemeni civilians killed and wounded by US-backed Saudi airstrikes in December
By Bill Van Auken, 29 December 2017
The savage intensification of the Saudi bombing campaign is a function of both Riyadh’s frustration over the stalemate in its war and the unstinting support of Washington.
Russia charges Pentagon with training ex-ISIS fighters
By Bill Van Auken, 28 December 2017
The report that the US is training former ISIS militants is one more indication that Washington is preparing a new phase of the war in Syria.
Pentagon admits presence of US troops in Yemen as cholera cases top one million
By Bill Van Auken, 23 December 2017
Washington is deepening the catastrophe in Yemen as part of its war preparations against Iran, threatening the lives of millions.
Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital deepens crisis of Arab leaders
By Jean Shaoul, 20 December 2017
Egypt’s military junta downplayed Trump’s announcement so as not to further inflame tensions already running high due to soaring food prices and unemployment.
UN condemns Iraq’s mass hanging of accused ISIS fighters
By Bill Van Auken, 18 December 2017
The mass execution constitutes one more war crime in the bloody US-backed war in Iraq and Syria.
Putin stages “mission accomplished” visit to Syria
By Bill Van Auken, 12 December 2017
The Russian President's pronouncement of a 'victory' over ISIS presages not peace, but an even more direct and aggressive conflict between the US and Russia.
Two Palestinians killed, hundreds wounded in clashes following Trump announcement on Jerusalem
By Jordan Shilton, 9 December 2017
Thousands of Palestinians demonstrated in the West Bank and Gaza Strip on Friday following Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
US indicts Turkish banker Mehmet Atilla amid mounting US-Turkish tensions
By Halil Celik, 6 December 2017
The case poses a direct threat to Turkish President Recept Tayyip Erdogan, amid mounting divisions over US wars in Syria and Iraq, and US threats against Iran.
Terror attack on Egyptian mosque kills at least 235 worshippers
By Niles Niemuth, 25 November 2017
The Egyptian government has declared that the attack in the northern Sinai is the deadliest in the country’s modern history.
Israel responds to defeat of Islamist rebels in Syria with threat of wider regional war
By Jean Shaoul, 25 November 2017
Israel is seeking to counter Iranian influence and the Syrian government’s consolidation of control over the areas previously held by the various Islamist militias.
US steps up aid to Saudi Arabia’s slaughter in Yemen
By Bill Van Auken, 20 November 2017
Washington is initiating a series of new policies aimed at building up the Saudi military as it carries out a siege of Yemen that could claim the lives of millions.
US-backed Saudi war and blockade puts millions of lives at risk in Yemen
By Niles Niemuth, 18 November 2017
Nearly the entire population of Yemen, 20 million out of 28 million, are in need of some form of humanitarian assistance.
French president travels to Saudi Arabia amid danger of war with Iran
By Francis Dubois, 11 November 2017
In a surprise visit to Riyadh, Emmanuel Macron argued against a regional escalation of the Middle East wars flowing from the NATO countries’ imperialist interventions.
US-Saudi blockade threatens millions of famine deaths in Yemen
By Bill Van Auken, 10 November 2017
Washington and Riyadh have created the world’s worst humanitarian catastrophe with the three-year-old war against the poorest nation in the Arab world.
100 years since the Balfour Declaration
Part two
By Jean Shaoul, 8 November 2017
This is the conclusion of a two-part article on the Balfour Declaration that was to lead to the establishment of the state of Israel in Palestine.
100 years since the Balfour Declaration
Part one
By Jean Shaoul, 7 November 2017
This is the first of a two-part article on the Balfour Declaration that was to lead to the establishment of the state of Israel in Palestine.
Lebanese crisis bound up with war drive against Iran
By Bill Van Auken, 6 November 2017
Prime Minister Hariri announced his resignation in Riyadh, echoing the virulent anti-Iranian rhetoric of the Saudi monarchy.
Iraqi counter-offensive roils Kurdish Regional Government
By Keith Jones, 2 November 2017
With the US having stoked sectarian conflict in the Mideast, McCain and other congressional war-hawks are now claiming a new intervention may be needed to “save” the Kurds.
US threatens Iran after fall of ISIS “capital” of Raqqa
By James Cogan, 23 October 2017
The end of ISIS control has not ended the carnage in Syria and Iraq, but opened up a potentially even bloodier stage.
Iraqi forces seize back more Kurdish-held territory
By James Cogan, 18 October 2017
Washington, Germany and other powers are applying immense diplomatic pressure on the Kurdish region to submit.
Iraqi seizure of oil-rich Kirkuk from Kurds risks broader war
By Jordan Shilton, 17 October 2017
While the US military and corporate media sought to downplay the scale of the clashes Monday, the Iraqi army’s advance will have explosive consequences for the entire region.
Transatlantic antagonisms deepen after Trump threatens withdrawal from Iran deal
By Jordan Shilton, 16 October 2017
Transatlantic relations have deteriorated throughout 2017 as Trump has resorted to “America first” nationalism and the major European powers, above all Germany, have advanced their own imperialist ambitions.
Trump to light fuse under Iran nuclear deal, as part of more aggressive anti-Iran strategy
By Jordan Shilton, 11 October 2017
In addition to certifying Iran as non-compliant with the 2015 nuclear deal, Trump is said to be preparing to designate Iran’s Revolutionary Guards a “terrorist organization.”
Washington condemns Kurdish referendum as Iraq mobilizes its army
By Halil Celik, 3 October 2017
Washington has long promoted the KRG, but views its current independence bid as an obstacle to US plans to escalate military-strategic confrontation with Iran.
US-Russian tensions flare in Syria
By Bill Van Auken, 26 September 2017
The death of a Russian general and claims by US-backed Kurdish forces of Russian air strikes have brought Washington and Moscow to the brink of an armed clash.
Iraqi Kurdish referendum stokes Mideast war tensions
By Jean Shaoul and Jordan Shilton, 25 September 2017
Washington has long served as a patron of the Kurdish Regional Government but opposed the referendum fearing it would create greater regional instability.
US initiates plan to blow-up Iran nuclear deal
By Keith Jones, 21 September 2017
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson outlined Washington’s demands for the “renegotiation” of the Iran nuclear accord at a meeting yesterday of its signatories.
Israeli electricity shutoff deepens social crisis in Gaza
By Jean Shaoul, 5 September 2017
The combined measures of Israel and Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas have reduced Gaza to 19th century conditions.
Turnbull government defends reported killing of Australian children in Syria
By Mike Head, 25 August 2017
If proven, it would be the first known case of the government facilitating the targeted assassination of Australian citizens since the “war on terrorism” was launched.
Antiquated signalling system leads to another deadly train crash in Egypt
By Jean Shaoul, 15 August 2017
A horrific train collision just south of Alexandria, Egypt’s second city, on the Mediterranean coast, left at least 41 people dead and 179 injured on Friday.
Thousands of textile workers strike in defiance of Egyptian dictatorship
By Johannes Stern, 11 August 2017
Reports indicate that the regime is not willing to meet the demands of the workers and is preparing for a confrontation.
Turkey launches mass trial of officers charged in July 2016 coup attempt
By Halil Celik, 4 August 2017
On August 1, Ankara’s Fourth Criminal Court launched a trial of 486 defendants accused of complicity in the attempted coup in Turkey on July 15 of last year.
Israel: Netanyahu forced to remove metal detectors from the al-Aqsa compound
By Jean Shaoul, 2 August 2017
Israel’s ultra-nationalists feel emboldened by Trump’s apparent support for Israel, as part of his attempt to build a regional alliance against Iran..
New US provocation in Persian Gulf as Washington expands Iran sanctions
By Bill Van Auken, 31 July 2017
The strategy of the Trump White House and Pentagon is to provoke Iran either into abrogating the nuclear accord, or into an outright military clash with the US.
US-trained Iraqi troops ordered to “kill anything that moves” in western Mosul
By Bill Van Auken, 28 July 2017
Two weeks after the Iraqi government hailed Mosul’s “liberation,” the criminal nature of the mass slaughter there continues to emerge.
Trump threatens Iran, plots to scuttle nuclear accord
By Jordan Shilton, 24 July 2017
Trump’s bellicose remarks came just days after he reluctantly agreed to certify Iran’s compliance with the terms of the 2015 nuclear accord.
Three Palestinians dead after clashes between Israeli police and protesters
By Peter Symonds, 22 July 2017
The violent clashes erupted yesterday after Israeli authorities imposed tough new security measures at the al-Aqsa mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem.
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