Articles
Saturday, September 16, 2017
President Trump's threats of war against North Korea should not be dismissed. Though there are concerns about his stance, nevertheless the demonisation of North Korea looks very similar to the media narratives about Iraq and Libya before the West launched wars there and Saddam and Gaddafi were overthrown. the build up of US military power in the area is a further concerning move.
Thursday, September 14, 2017
New US sanctions against Russia are a blatant attempt by the United States to pursue its economic interests in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in opening up supplies of gas to countries in the region. However, this not only threatens Russia's interests, but also those of Germany, Austria and the European Union. Germany and Austria have protested vehemently against the sanctions. The region remains volatile, with Ukraine still a flash point.
Saturday, September 9, 2017
The Saudi war in Yemen is causing a humanitarian disaster and is being supported logistically and through the sale of arms by the United States and Britain. However, opposition to the war is growing and Saudi credibility and its strategy in the area is being undermined.
Friday, September 8, 2017
The success of the Syrian government in retaking control of large parts of the country has forced the United States into an acceptance of this reality. the US has not, however, given up its aim of dividing the country and still offers support to terrorist groups in areas outwith government control, where other parties to the conflict like Turkey also pursue their own interests.
Thursday, September 7, 2017
US strategy in Iraq has been similar to the one it is pursuing in Syria. a main plank of this is trying to fragment the country to better control its energy resources. It uses terrorist groups to support its aims, plans to maintain a military presence in Iraq and promotes ethnic and religious divisions.
Wednesday, September 6, 2017
Saudi Arabia's attempts to role back Qatar's influence in the Gulf have been largely unsuccessful and have created more divisions. This has caused some re-alignment of forces in the region with powers such as Russia, China and Iran taking advantage to extend their influence. The US has interests in both Saudi Arabia and Qatar but has also sought to divide and rule. This is further evidence that it is creating instability and problems that it cannot control.
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
British imperial policy expressed in the Balfour declaration was behind the creation of the State of Israel. It was motivated by rivalries with other powers and a desire to undermine working-class movements, including the new revolution in Russia. It had little concern for Jewish people and even less for the Arab population of Palestine.
Monday, May 22, 2017
President Trump's inexperience is demonstrated in the inconsistency of his foreign policy and the conflicts that have arisen in his administration. This came to a head with his sacking of the Director of the FBI, James Comey who was investigating links between the Trump team and Russia. He surrounds himself with family members and close allies. There are fears that he will stumble into a major international conflict due to his impulsiveness.