Middle East
War by other means: US/EU sanctions aimed at crippling Syria
By Jean Shaoul, 27 April 2019
Washington is seeking to crash the Syrian economy to create the conditions for a rebellion so as to impose a pro-US regime in Damascus.
Amid mass beheadings, Wall Street scrambles for Saudi profits
By Bill Van Auken, 27 April 2019
With the blood of 37 men decapitated in public squares barely dry, top financiers rushed to Riyadh in search of deals with the ruling monarchy.
New study documents over 1,600 killed in US siege of Raqqa, Syria
By Bill Van Auken, 26 April 2019
The killings in Raqqa, like those in Mosul, Iraq, constituted massive war crimes committed in the so-called war against ISIS.
Macron moves to prosecute journalists who revealed French arms sales in Yemen war
By Will Morrow, 26 April 2019
French security services have summoned Disclose journalists for questioning over their April 15 report documenting French arms supplies to Saudi Arabia’s war in Yemen.
Leaked documents implicate French government in war crimes in Yemen
By Kumaran Ira, 26 April 2019
Leaked intelligence documents expose top French officials’ denials that Saudi-led coalition forces use French-made weapons against Yemeni civilians as bald-faced lies.
US-backed Saudi regime beheads 37 political prisoners
By Bill Van Auken, 25 April 2019
The barbaric bloodbath exposes the criminality of not only the House of Saud, but also US imperialism, which counts it as its principal pillar in the Arab world.
Turkey’s political crisis escalates after mob attack on CHP leader
By Ulas Atesci, 24 April 2019
The near lynching of the head of the main opposition party is the outcome of a bellicose nationalist campaign mounted by President Erdogan, his AKP, and their far-right MHP allies.
As Israeli Labor vote collapses
Netanyahu prepares to form fourth consecutive government
By Jean Shaoul, 11 April 2019
Netanyahu will head a coalition of ultra-orthodox religious and right-wing parties, as well as an openly fascistic organization.
No clear winner in Israeli elections
By Barry Grey, 10 April 2019
Exit polls had conflicting projections, with most giving opposition candidate Benny Gantz a narrow victory over incumbent prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Libya’s descent into civil war: The bitter fruit of the pseudo-left's pro-imperialism
By Bill Van Auken, 10 April 2019
The escalating civil war in Libya has served as one more demonstration of the criminal role played by the pseudo-left proponents of “humanitarian” imperialist intervention.
US labels Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps a terrorist group
By Barry Grey, 9 April 2019
Trump and Pompeo made a point of threatening other foreign countries, officials and businesses with retaliatory sanctions and possible criminal prosecution.
Israel holds most right-wing elections in its history
By Jean Shaoul, 9 April 2019
The rival campaigns are inextricably linked to the Greater Israel project of Zionist expansion upon which the wealth of Israel’s elite depends.
Netanyahu embraces Brazil’s Bolsonaro during Israel visit
By Jean Shaoul, 6 April 2019
Under Netanyahu, Israel has become a pole of attraction for right-wing ideologues, ultra-nationalists and neo-fascists the world over.
As Washington hails victory over ISIS, media ignores massive human toll
By Bill Van Auken, 30 March 2019
The Pentagon’s admission of 1,250 civilians killed in four years of bombardment of Iraq and Syria is a vast underestimate of the real death toll.
Saudi attack on hospital kills eight as war in Yemen enters fifth year
By Niles Niemuth, 28 March 2019
At least eight people, including five children, were killed when a missile slammed into a gas station near a medical facility that had been placed on a no-strike list.
US threatens Turkey over Russian S-400 air defence purchase
By Jordan Shilton, 28 March 2019
Despite Washington’s threats of sanctions and a downgrade in US-Turkish military security ties, Erdogan has vowed to proceed with the purchase and deployment of the S-400.
As strikes and protests escalate, Algeria’s army chief demands Bouteflika’s ouster
By Bill Van Auken, 27 March 2019
The call by General Salah for Bouteflika to be declared “unfit to rule” marks a desperate attempt to salvage the regime in the face of a popular uprising.
Canada extends military missions in Ukraine and Mideast, allies with Trump in refugee crackdown
By Roger Jordan, 23 March 2019
The Trudeau government’s right-wing, militarist policies underscore yet again the Liberal Party’s role in advancing the predatory interests of Canadian imperialism.
Amid deepening economic and political crisis, Turkey holds local elections
By Ulas Atesci, 21 March 2019
The ruling AKP faces bitter tensions with Washington and Turkey’s other NATO allies and an economic crisis triggered by the Trump administration’s trade war measures.
Israel mounts savage air bombardment on Gaza
By Jean Shaoul, 16 March 2019
Hamas denied any responsibility for the two ineffectual rockets launched against Tel Aviv.
Hundreds of thousands march in Algeria to demand fall of Bouteflika regime
By Will Morrow, 9 March 2019
Videos on social media show waves of predominantly young people chanting “The people want the downfall of the regime,” and “Thieves, you have eaten the country!”
Teachers strike wave spreads across five continents
By Eric London, 7 March 2019
From Bamako to Buenos Aires and Sacramento to São Paulo, the teachers’ strike movement shows the international character of the class struggle.
Netanyahu to face charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust
By Jean Shaoul, 1 March 2019
The indictment announcement comes amidst mounting tensions within the Israeli political establishment exacerbated by Netanyahu’s increasingly pronounced far-right orientation, including the cultivation of neo-fascist forces.
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
South African gold miners’ strike at Sibanye in third month, Kenyan striking nurses defy back to work order
22 February 2019
As the strike by workers at Sibanye gold mine continues, the company announced the closure of two mines costing 7,000 jobs. Meanwhile Kenyan nurses are defying a back to work order by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
The Iranian Revolution—Forty Years On
By Keith Jones, 13 February 2019
It is the Stalinist Tudeh Party and the politics of Stalinism that were principally responsible for the tragic derailing of the Iranian Revolution.
Strike wave hits Kosovo
By Paul Mitchell, 6 February 2019
The Kosovan government is determined to prevent workers overturning years of stagnant or declining wages.
French President Macron visits the hangman of Cairo
By Will Morrow and Alex Lantier, 30 January 2019
Macron’s visit to Egyptian dictator Abdel Fattah el-Sisi is a warning that his government intends to drastically step up repression of the “yellow vests” and broader popular opposition.
Afghanistan peace talks and the debacle of the war on terror
By Bill Van Auken, 29 January 2019
Whether Washington withdraws US troops remains to be seen; what is certain is that Afghanistan is viewed through the prism of preparations for far wider wars.
US ratchets up threats against Iran, Turkey amid Syria withdrawal plans
By Bill Van Auken, 15 January 2019
While the timetable for US troops to pull out of Syria remains unclear, Washington is steadily escalating tensions in the region.
US, Turkey clash over Turkish plan to buy Russian S-400 missiles
By Baris Demir, 15 January 2019
The US team is expected to warn Ankara that Washington will not tolerate a Turkish purchase of Russian air defence systems.
Massive campaign to defend Israeli religious students accused of killing Palestinian mother of nine
By Jean Shaoul, 14 January 2019
The murder and its aftermath highlight the utter lawlessness and racism inherent in the Greater Israel project from which the settler movement stems.
Pompeo in Cairo: The ugly face of US imperialism
By Bill Van Auken, 12 January 2019
Reflecting US imperialism’s priorities in the region, Pompeo mentioned Iran 25 times in his speech, compared to a mere dozen references to “terrorism.”
US-Turkish tensions rise over Syria withdrawal plan
By Bill Van Auken, 9 January 2019
Turkey’s president denounced statements by national security adviser John Bolton on the Syrian Kurds after refusing to meet with a US delegation.
Election campaign confirms further shift to the right by Israeli political establishment
By Jean Shaoul, 9 January 2019
The campaign is dominated by the right-wing and militaristic agenda shared by all Israeli parties, allies and opponents of Likud alike.
Trump says there is no set date for Syria troop withdrawal
By Bill Van Auken, 4 January 2019
While Trump bemoaned Washington’s “never-ending war,” his acting Defense Secretary told the Pentagon to focus on “China, China, China.”
Syrian government troops deployed to flashpoint city of Manbij
By Bill Van Auken, 29 December 2018
Turkey and Russia are staging high-level talks on the future of Syria’s northeast following the US troop withdrawal.
Trump’s visit to Iraq and Washington’s never-ending war in the Middle East
By Bill Van Auken, 28 December 2018
Trump’s buffoonish performance in Iraq carried one serious message: With or without troops in Syria, the decades-long US war for hegemony in the Middle East goes on.
Trump stages visit to Iraq amid mounting crisis over Syria troop withdrawal
By Bill Van Auken, 27 December 2018
The surprise visit appeared aimed at mollifying sections of the military-intelligence apparatus and reasserting Trump's commitment to US militarism in the Middle East.
Israel’s Netanyahu calls early election amid corruption charges
By Jean Shaoul, 27 December 2018
While Netanyahu will have to fight the election under a cloud, he sees this as preferable to doing so as an indicted crook.
Israeli premier demands German government stop funding Jewish Museum Berlin
By Sybille Fuchs, 27 December 2018
Benjamin Netanyahu’s letter accuses the museum of “anti-Israel activities” for seeking to engage in dialogue with Muslims and others.
European powers condemn Trump’s withdrawal from Syria
By Johannes Stern, 24 December 2018
Trump’s planned withdrawal of US troops from Syria and the subsequent resignation of defence secretary James Mattis have provoked a fierce response from European leaders.
The resignation of General Mattis and America’s crisis of class rule
By Bill Van Auken, 22 December 2018
The panic and hysteria over the resignation of the former Marine Corps general reflects a deep-going crisis within the US ruling establishment.
South Africa Sibanye miners’ strike made illegal
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
21 December 2018
Some 15,000 workers at three mines operated by Sibanye’s three gold mines are continuing a strike that has now been declared illegal based on allegations of violence on the part of workers.
Trump’s Syrian withdrawal order sparks political firestorm in Washington
By Bill Van Auken, 20 December 2018
The announcement follows discussions between Trump and Erdogan, who has threatened to send Turkish troops into the northeastern Syrian region where US troops are based.
Turkey threatens to invade Syria amid tensions with Washington
By Barış Demir, 20 December 2018
Trump’s call yesterday for a US withdrawal from Syria reflected growing conflicts between Ankara and Washington over the bloody proxy war in Syria.
Brutal crackdown on West Bank as Netanyahu pledges stepped-up land grab
By Jean Shaoul, 20 December 2018
The Palestinians have faced not just the Israel Defense Forces but also Israeli settlers who have been attacking cars and civilians.
Israel rolls out the welcome mat for Europe’s neo-fascists
By Bill Van Auken, 14 December 2018
Netanyahu’s hailing of Italy’s far-right Interior Minister Salvini as a “great friend of Israel” demonstrates the affinity between the Zionist state and neo-fascism.
Republican senators say “zero question” Saudi prince ordered Khashoggi assassination
By Bill Van Auken, 5 December 2018
A closed-door briefing Tuesday by CIA Director Gina Haspel confirmed Mohamed bin Salman’s responsibility for the murder of the Saudi journalist.
Taliban attack kills three US soldiers in Afghanistan
By Bill Van Auken, 28 November 2018
The attack, which also wounded four Americans, came amid a worsening deterioration of the US position after 17 years of war.
UAE pardons British PhD student Matthew Hedges on spying charges
By Paula Smith, 26 November 2018
The United Arab Emirates’ rulers granted British PhD student Matthew Hedges “gracious clemency.” Just days earlier a court in Abu Dhabi sentenced him to life imprisonment.
At least 85,000 child deaths in Yemen highlight Saudi-US war crimes
By Mike Head, 23 November 2018
Washington is intent on asserting US dominance over the oil-rich and strategically-critical Middle East, regardless of the terrible human cost.
Trump rules out further action against Saudi regime over Khashoggi’s murder
By James Cogan, 21 November 2018
Trump’s only real concern is US “national interest”—namely, lucrative economic relations with the Saudi monarchy and Saudi support for US aggression in the Middle East.
Pakistan prime minister visits Beijing amid heightened US-China tensions
By Pradeep Ramanayaka, 21 November 2018
If Khan was hoping for an immediate financial bailout from China, he was disappointed as Beijing offered no specific aid and signed no significant agreements.
Israel: Netanyahu’s coalition government collapses, forcing early elections
By Jean Shaoul, 17 November 2018
Lieberman has pushed Netanyahu into an election campaign that will be fought over the Gaza debacle and the prime minister’s “weakness.”
Civilian death toll mounts as US escalates offensive in Syria
By Bill Van Auken, 16 November 2018
The so-called campaign against ISIS is aimed at carving out a US-controlled zone in eastern Syria and ultimately overthrowing the Damascus government.
US imposes limited sanctions on Saudi officials over Khashoggi’s murder
By Mike Head, 16 November 2018
The announcement’s timing points to the White House seeking to shore up the latest Saudi version of the events, which protects Crown Prince Mohammed.
US, Turkey risk direct military clash as they escalate war in Syria
By Barış Demir, 8 November 2018
Ankara is threatening an outright military occupation of large parts of Syria, which could provoke a direct clash with US forces.
The siege of Hodeidah: Washington doubles down on its war crime in Yemen
By Bill Van Auken, 7 November 2018
Washington’s supposed demand for a ceasefire has only produced a sharp escalation in the world’s most murderous war.
US escalates illegal economic war on the people of Iran
By Keith Jones, 6 November 2018
Speaking like a mafia don, Pompeo offered Iran “a choice” between making a “180-degree turn from its outlaw course of action” and seeing “its economy crumble.”
Europe and America clash over Washington’s economic war on Iran
By Keith Jones, 5 November 2018
Washington’s imposition of sweeping new sanctions on Iran—aimed at strangling its economy and precipitating regime change—is roiling world geopolitics.
US expands illegal, unilateral sanctions against Iran
By Mike Head, 3 November 2018
The measures Washington outlined yesterday are tantamount to a declaration of war.
Washington calls for Yemen ceasefire as Saudis escalate siege of Hodeidah
By Bill Van Auken, 2 November 2018
The hypocritical “peace effort” advanced by Washington places full blame for the genocidal war in Yemen on the Houthi rebels and Iran.
As sanctions tighten, Washington threatens Iran with “military might”
By Keith Jones, 2 November 2018
The US is dramatically escalating its illegal, economic war against Iran, with the aim of crashing its economy and imposing a pro-US regime in Tehran.
Canada upholds $15 billion Saudi arms deal after Khashoggi murder
By Roger Jordan, 29 October 2018
Ottawa’s muted response to Khashoggi’s murder has been aimed not just at upholding the arms deal, but also strengthening Canada’s predatory partnership with Washington.
Saudi airstrike kills 21 civilians in Yemen
By Jacob Crosse, 27 October 2018
Two children among the dead as the US-backed coalition prepares offensive
Turkish president brands Khashoggi killing a premeditated murder
By Peter Symonds, 24 October 2018
While Erdogan had promised to expose the “naked truth,” his less-than-full account of the killing indicates that he is exploiting the issue to further Turkish interests in the Middle East.
Europe makes delayed criticism of Saudis over Khashoggi murder
By Jean Shaoul, 23 October 2018
Britain’s quiescence reflects its dependence on the House of Saud for policing the oil-rich Gulf peninsula.
Amid crisis over Khashoggi murder
US State Department “socialists” discover the war in Yemen
By Barry Grey, 23 October 2018
The ISO and the DSA respond like political weathervanes to shifting winds within the US intelligence agencies in regard to Saudi Arabia’s current ruler.
Saudi regime admits Khashoggi was killed in its Istanbul consulate
By James Cogan, 20 October 2018
The Saudi version of events, a crude cover-up attempt, is a compilation of improbable lies.
Historian seeks release of Israel’s secret papers on Kfar Qasem massacre
By Jean Shaoul, 20 October 2018
Historian Adam Raz believes what has long been rumoured—that behind the horrific massacre in which 51 people were killed was a secret plan developed at the highest level of the Israeli state to transfer Israel’s Palestinians to Jordan.
Feigning moral outrage, the Times’ Thomas Friedman comes to the defense of the Saudi killer regime
By Barry Grey, 18 October 2018
Friedman poses the problem of how to respond to the murder of Khashoggi from the “practical” standpoint of imperialist Realpolitik.
Trump backs Saudi Arabia, suggesting “rogue killers” murdered Khashoggi
By Peter Symonds, 16 October 2018
While Trump’s remarks are absurd, the hypocrisy of his critics in American ruling circles, given their long support for the murderous Saud regime, is staggering.
US, European powers threaten Saudi crown prince after Khashoggi murder
By Alex Lantier, 15 October 2018
Evidence that America’s closest Arab Middle East ally murdered a well known journalist exposes the criminality of the entire global financial aristocracy.
As evidence mounts of Khashoggi’s murder
Trump rejects calls for US to end arms sales to Saudi monarchy
By Jordan Shilton, 13 October 2018
The imperialist powers, with the US in the lead, are up to their necks in the blood-soaked repression of the Saudi regime, which has been exposed once again by the apparent murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
US student critical of Israel detained at Tel Aviv airport for more than a week
By Jean Shaoul, 12 October 2018
Lara Alqasem, 22, was targeted because she is president of the University of Florida’s chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine, which supports the BDS campaign against Israel.
Israeli mass murder of Gazans targets children
By Jean Shaoul, 8 October 2018
The ongoing slaughter of men, women and children by the Israel Defense Forces has been treated as a non-event by the major imperialist powers and the corporate media.
Demolition of Bedouin village highlights Netanyahu’s “Greater Israel” plan
By Jean Shaoul, 4 October 2018
The authorities have already demolished 26 homes in the community, making 132 people homeless, 77 of them children and teenagers, over the last 12 years.
Iran fires missiles at Islamist “rebels” as US vows to remain in Syria
By Bill Van Auken, 2 October 2018
Washington and Tehran, already at odds over escalating US sanctions, are coming into increasing conflict over military operations in Syria.
World Bank warns Gaza faces economic collapse
By Jean Shaoul, 1 October 2018
The organization warned that half of Gaza residents live in poverty and youth unemployment is over 70 percent.
Washington amplifies war threats against Iran, bullies the world
By Keith Jones, 27 September 2018
In his two days at the UN, Trump threatened much of the world, giving voice to the insatiable aspirations of US imperialism and the dissatisfaction of its ruling elite at the erosion of its economic power.
Against backdrop of UN General Assembly
Trump to intensify economic war on Iran
By Keith Jones, 25 September 2018
The US sanctions are both manifestly illegal and reckless; under international law, they are tantamount to an act of war.
Release the framed-up Istanbul airport workers!
No to pressure and intimidation against the working class!
By the Socialist Equality Group of Turkey, 25 September 2018
Construction workers framed by the government should be released instantly, and their demands for humane and decent working conditions granted.
Twenty-nine killed in attack on military parade in southwestern Iran
By Keith Jones, 24 September 2018
Tehran has accused Washington and its Gulf client states of facilitating Saturday’s attack.
Iran responds to economic crisis and US destabilisation with repression of working class
By Jean Shaoul, 21 September 2018
This year has witnessed increasing social and economic unrest among all layers of the Iranian working class over high unemployment and soaring inflation.
New Zealand government extends troop deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan
By Tom Peters, 21 September 2018
The announcement that troops will remain in Iraq and Afghanistan further demolishes claims that the NZ Labour Party-NZ First-Greens coalition government is a “progressive” alternative.
Russian aircraft shot down during Israeli missile attack on main Syrian government port
By Bill Van Auken, 18 September 2018
Russian sources have reported that they tracked missiles launched by a French frigate at the time their aircraft was attacked.
Hundreds arrested as construction workers at Turkish airport clash with security forces
By Jerry White, 17 September 2018
Thousands of workers downed their tools Friday after the latest in a series of fatal and near-fatal accidents at a construction site near Istanbul.
Israel bombs target near Damascus as Syrian war threatens to escalate
By Jordan Shilton, 17 September 2018
Washington supports Israel's aggression in Syria as part of its strategy to drive back Iranian influence in the country and throughout the Middle East.
Twenty-five years after Oslo, a deepening catastrophe for the Palestinians
By Bill Van Auken, 14 September 2018
The anniversary has coincided with a series of increasingly punishing measures by Washington to back the Netanyahu regime in Israel and starve the Palestinians into submission.
Bloody siege of Yemeni port resumes as US certifies Saudi concern for civilians
By Bill Van Auken, 13 September 2018
Aid groups have warned that the renewed assault on Hodeidah threatens not only to kill tens of thousands of civilians, but to push millions more into starvation.
Seventeen years after 9/11: From “war on terror” to “great power conflict”
By Andre Damon, 12 September 2018
On the anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks, Washington is on the verge of launching a massive new Syrian offensive in defense of Al Qaeda-linked forces.
US Marines deploy to Syria for live fire exercise
By Jordan Shilton, 10 September 2018
The drill, which included air assaults backed by artillery fire, underscores that the seven-year war in Syria could rapidly escalate into a direct clash between the major powers.
Syriza jails Syrian swimmer Sara Mardini for helping refugees in Greece
By Kumaran Ira, 10 September 2018
This blatant attempt to criminalize humanitarian aid to refugees is a devastating exposure of the European Union and Greece’s Syriza government.
Civil war clashes erupt in Libya
By Marianne Arens, 10 September 2018
A fragile truce prevails in the Libyan capital of Tripoli following fierce fighting last week. The city’s Mitiga airport remains closed and fighting is continuing in the south of the city.
China denies establishing military base in Afghanistan
By Peter Symonds, 6 September 2018
Afghanistan is another key strategic arena for intensifying geo-political rivalry between the major powers.
Report by Working Group on Syria, Propaganda and Media undermines claims of chemical attack in Douma
By Paul Bond, 6 September 2018
In the face of the orchestrated attack on the Working Group on Syria, Propaganda and Media as “Apologists for Assad,” the careful work by Paul McKeigue, Jake Mason, David Miller and Piers Robinson is all the more noteworthy.
Washington escalates threats over Syria as Russia bombs Al Qaeda positions
By Bill Van Auken, 5 September 2018
Claims of “humanitarian” concerns and warnings over the use of chemical weapons signal a growing threat of US intervention in defense of the “rebels.”
As IAEA confirms Iranian compliance with nuclear deal
Washington and Tehran trade threats over the Strait of Hormuz
By Jordan Shilton, 3 September 2018
The latest IAEA findings expose the Trump administration’s provocative policy, which threatens to plunge the entire region into military conflict.
Trump administration ends funding for Palestinian refugees
By Jean Shaoul, 3 September 2018
The cutoff of funding is meant to punish Palestinians for protesting Washington’s recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
Sharp rise in right-wing attacks on Palestinians and Israeli peace and rights activists
By Jean Shaoul, 1 September 2018
The nationality law, enshrining Israel’s status as the nation-state of the Jewish people, not the state of all its citizens irrespective of religion or ethnicity, is fanning the flames of racial hatred.
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