Articles
Saturday, September 2, 2017
Killing Communists in Havana by Steve Cushion describes the struggle to maintain an independent and militant Trades Union Movement in Cuba in the period before the revolution. this was in the face of right wing government attempts to undermine it and take it over. It was a struggle which included the use of violence, gangsterism and the interference of the USA. There were assassinations and many paid a high price for their principled activity on behalf of the Cuban working class.
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.
Monday, May 22, 2017
Palestinian prisoners in Israel are on hunger strike demanding that their basic human rights are respected. Violations include, torture, solitary confinement, medical negligence and denial of visits. Approximately 20% of the population has been detained, affecting every Palestinian family. in a letter to the New York Times, the leader of the strike, Marwan Barghouti explains why it came about.
Sunday, May 21, 2017
The Russian revolution, although the most important and successful case, was part of a wider movement of mutiny, rebellion and strikes which were happening across Europe at the same time. In Germany and Hungary workers also seized power. in France there was wide spread mutiny in the army and navy and in Britain there was industrial unrest and resistance in the armed forces. Sympathy for the Russian revolution helped stop the military intervention aimed at the new socialist state.
Sunday, May 21, 2017
Without any proof the Western media has been quick to point the finger at President Assad for the chemical weapons attack in Idlib. But he would seem to have little to gain from such an action as he is winning the civil war. There are, however, several competing factions within the country and regional powers who would have plenty to gain.
Friday, May 19, 2017
The Spanish civil war is still of live significance today. The coming of the Second Republic in Spain posed a challenge to the reactionary forces which had dominated the country and offered hope workers and peasants. European capitalism, still reeling from the Russian Revolution, preferred to side with the fascist military coup against the democratically elected government. In doing so it not only ensured the defeat of the republican forces, but also paved the way for further fascist aggression and the Second World War.
Thursday, May 18, 2017
The desire of the people of Haiti for progressive change has been thwarted over decades by the ruling elite and external intervention. Recent elections have had low turn outs and been subject of endemic manipulation and fraud. Though people are disillusioned just now things will not stay that way.