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New refugee exodus from Syria as Turkey opens borders

A new refugee crisis in Syria has seen up to a million people trapped along the Turkish border in desperate conditions. Overcrowded camps there and in Greece face major risks from the spread of coronavirus.

US withdrawal from Syria would redraw imperialist carve up

In late December Donald Trump abruptly announced plans for the withdrawal of US troops from Syria.

Idlib’s fate caught up in imperialist power struggle over Syria

A last minute deal struck between Russia and Turkey in September halted plans for a massive military assault on Idlib—Syria’s last rebel-held province.

Western attacks on Syria will only bring more horror

The US, Britain and France have launched new airstrikes against targets in Syria. More Western bombing only increases the chances of the war escalating even further.

Turkey, the Kurds and the war in Syria

Yildiz Önen will visit Australia for Solidarity's Keep Left conference next month. She spoke to Solidarity about Erdogan’s Turkey, the Kurds and the war in Syria

US bombing no solution in Syria

Donald Trump’s strike on the Shayrat airbase in Syria demonstrated his willingness to flaunt the US’s military power. It will do nothing to end the brutal war in Syria. More US bombing can only feed the conflict and increase civilian deaths.

Oppose Trump’s air strikes: Oppose all US and Australian bombing in Syria

Donald Trump’s firing of 60 cruise missiles into a Syrian air base in retaliation for Assad’s use of chemical weapons can only escalate the war and result in even more civilian casualties.

Syria: the defeat of a popular revolution

While the most powerful forces in Syria are now the ruthless dictatorship and reactionary armed groups, the echo of the popular revolution is still visible, writes James Supple

Imperialist powers feed Syria’s war

Russia and the Assad regime are continuing their horrific campaign of carpet bombing against Aleppo.

More bombing won’t end the war in Syria

Hundreds have died in recent weeks as Russia and Syria have unleashed a horrific wave of bombing on rebel held areas of Aleppo.

Imperialist carve up as Turkish tanks enter Syria

Turkish tanks, backed by US air strikes, have swept into northern Syria and attacked Kurdish YPG forces.

Protests rise from ashes amid Syria truce

Syrians in opposition-held territories marked the fifth anniversary of the revolution with protests in over 100 locations, declaring “the revolution continues.”

More bombing of Syria won’t ‘destroy’ Islamic State

French President Francois Hollande called the attacks in Paris an “act of war”. Within days, France responded by bombing Raqqa, the so-called capital of Islamic State in Syria. There will be more to follow, with France moving its only aircraft carrier, which Hollande boasted would “triple our capacity to take action”, to the region.

Russia forces the West to embrace Syria’s dictator Assad

Russia’s intervention to shore up the Assad regime and begin bombing in Syria has decisively turned the tables on the US and its regional allies.

No choice for Syrians but to risk dangerous voyage

Syrian refugees face hellish conditions in neighbouring countries, and aid money is running out, forcing larger numbers to use people smugglers to escape writes Solidarity

Abbott’s Syria refugee announcement: Too little, too discriminatory and too hypocritical

As the refugee crisis unfolded in Europe and the photo of the lifeless body of a three year-old on a Turkish beach galvanised calls for action, an outpouring of public pressure has forced the Abbott government to take 12,000 Syrian refugees.

Abbott’s bombs will make Syria’s crisis worse

Tony Abbott is cynically trying to use the Syrian refugee crisis as his excuse for extending Australian airstrikes into Syria.

Syria between both Assad’s and IS’s counter-revolution

What began in Syria in March 2011 as peaceful pro-democracy protests inspired by the Arab Spring’s demands for democracy and social justice has become a nightmarish military quagmire.

Syria, war and imperialism: Why the main enemy is at home

The history of socialists’ opposition to war provides insights for today, argues Geraldine Fela British Prime Minister David Cameron and US President Barack Obama have...

Don’t bomb Syria: no Australian support

US air strikes on Syria have been delayed to allow President Bashar Al-Assad the chance to surrender his stockpiles of chemical weapons. But US...

Syrian dictator Assad is no anti-imperialist

The Syrian regime has postured as part of an “anti-imperialist” alliance with Iran and Hezbollah and is seen as a supporter of the Palestinians. But...

Who’s who in Syria’s revolution?

The Syrian revolution began with peaceful mass demonstrations in the city of Deraa in April 2011. More than 60 protesters were shot in the...

Stop the bombing of Syria

The US is preparing to bomb Syria, with the full support of the Australian government and backing from France and other countries. But Western...

Imperialism, sectarianism and Syria’s revolution

Joseph Daher is a member of the Syrian Revolutionary Left Current and runs the blog syriafreedomforever.wordpress.com. He spoke with Solidarity’s Mark Goudkamp about the...

Imperialism a growing threat to Syria’s revolution

Syria's revolution, which was inspired by the Arab Spring in Tunisia and Egypt, has now become a full blown civil war open to growing...

Syria’s armed revolt is product of popular uprising

The Assad regime is using tanks, jet fighters and helicopter gunships to re-establish control in Damascus and Aleppo. Though severely out gunned, the opposition...

Syria’s revolution from below still gaining strength

There was renewed talk of Western military intervention into Syria following the Houla massacre in May and the downing of a Turkish military jet...

Hope for Syria is with the struggle, not the West

After weeks of relentless bombardment Syrian troops have retaken the city of Homs including the neighbourhood of Baba Amr, an opposition stronghold. Homs is considered...

Western intervention not the answer in Syria

Syrian President Assad’s brutal crackdown on the city of Homs has killed up to 400 people in the space of a week, as the...

Facing down the regime’s crackdown in Syria

The wave of Arab revolutions appears to have stalled in Syria in the face of a massive crackdown by the regime. Opposition to the...

Victory for strikers at Egypt’s Mahalla factory

Thousands of workers at Egypt’s Mahalla Spinning and Weaving Company have won pay rises after a week-long strike.

The First Intifada: When Palestinians rose up against Israel

The Palestinian Intifada that began in 1987 exposed the brutality of life under occupation and how Palestinians have no choice but to organise resistance, writes Maeve Larkins.

Israeli attack on UNRWA aid another genocidal act

Israel’s allegations against the UNRWA aid organisation in Gaza have been rapidly exposed as lies.

Israel set to launch murderous assault on Rafah as Albanese sits by

With more than 30,000 dead and much of Gaza reduced to rubble Israel’s genocidal assault shows no sign of relenting.

Western attacks on Yemen risk spreading war

The attacks on Yemen show that President Joe Biden’s calls for Israel to exercise “restraint” are hollow hypocrisy.

Iran’s ‘axis of resistance’ can’t bring the challenge to imperialism needed

The Houthis are part of what some commentators have called an “axis of resistance” in the Middle East linked to Iran.

How the Arab nationalist revolt challenged imperialism

The national independence movements of the 1950s fought Western imperialism, but the states that resulted were not capable of winning real liberation, writes Miro Sandev

How Labor supported Israel’s bloody birth in 1948

The Australian Labor Party’s leaders have backed Israel from the beginning, playing a key role in the UN partition plan in 1947 that triggered the Nakba, writes Tom Orsag.

Israel threatens wider war on Lebanon against Hezbollah resistance

Israel is threatening to widen its war into Lebanon.

Solidarity Sydney manifesto for building the Palestine Movement

The heroic struggle of the Palestinian people has inspired a mass, global movement.

Israeli terror state preparing savage new assault on south of Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue to decimate Gaza “with full force” following the brief ceasefire.

How resistance can turn into revolution

Ending the domination of Israel in the Middle East and the Western imperialism behind it will require revolution, writes James Supple.

Biden’s embrace of Israel designed to cement US power

US President Joe Biden has given Israel’s murderous rampage in Gaza his full and absolute backing.

Australia the US’s partner in crime not puppet

Anthony Albanese and the Australian government back the US and Israel as junior partners in bullying and exploiting the world, argues David Glanz.

Revolution in the Arab world the key to Palestinian liberation

The solidarity for Palestine across the Middle East needs to feed into a revolt to bring down the corrupt regimes that collaborate with imperialism.

Rebellion shakes Putin but Ukraine’s offensive stalled

The aborted rebellion in June by Yevgeny Prigozhin exposed fractures in Putin’s regime. But this could easily make the war in Ukraine even more dangerous as Western escalation continues.

The Nakba 75 years on

Israel was founded 75 years ago through the massacre and expulsion of Palestinians, argues Raul Haagensen, and the brutality and dispossession continues today.

Iraq war showed the brutal cost of US power—don’t let them do it again

Mark Gillespie looks at the chaos and death the US unleashed on Iraq following the invasion in 2003—and why we need a new movement against war.

US bases positioned for war against China

The US is the biggest bully in the Pacific, with rings of military bases blocking and threatening China, writes Tom Orsag.

Ukraine war set to grind on as US and Russia dismiss negotiations

Russia has suffered a further defeat in Ukraine, withdrawing from Kherson, the only regional capital that Russian forces successfully occupied since their invasion earlier this year.

Sabra and Shatila 40 years on—Israel’s brutal war crime

The massacre at the Sabra and Shatila refugee camps in Lebanon was one of Israel’s most shocking war crimes against the Palestinians, writes Ella Haber

Sanctions: a double-edged weapon of imperialist war

Sanctions are a cruel weapon of war. But the imperialist powers that impose them can also face unintended consequences. David Glanz looks at a new book that explores the history of sanctions.

Pressure grows for urgent intake as Morrison abandons Afghan refugees

The Afghan crisis has exposed everything that is rotten about Morrison and the government’s anti-refugee policies.

Zionism and the Middle East—why the West arms Israel

Israel was established as a colonial settler state with the backing of the great powers, argues James Supple, and is still key to imposing Western control of the Middle East

Labor backs Coalition’s indefinite detention powers

The government has rammed through legislation that dramatically entrenches its powers to indefinitely detain refugees.

Biden’s spending plans aim to bail out US capitalism

US President Joe Biden’s spending plans have been hailed by some as a dramatic turn to the left. But they are designed above all to restore business profits and the US’s economic power.

Don’t expect serious change from Joe Biden

Joe Biden’s first moves on the economy and climate change have been bolder than some expected. But they are full of indications that he has no plans to challenge big business or the rich.

Coronavirus and capitalism—Big Pharma’s addiction to profit

As the coronavirus spreads around the world, David Glanz looks at how capitalism and the corporate control of medicine means profit comes before public health

Trump’s plan for total Israeli domination of Palestine

After years of build-up Donald Trump has finally released his “deal of the century”, touted as a “peace settlement” between Israel and the Palestinians.

Democrats’ impeachment effort fails to damage Trump

The Republican-majority Senate acquitted Trump of all charges in early February. But instead of furthering resistance, Trump’s approval ratings have actually increased to a record high of 49 per cent.

Trump takes US to the brink of war with Iran

The US and Iran have stepped back from the brink of war, after Donald Trump’s assassination of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani threatened to bring on a dangerous conflict in the Middle East.

Exploring a world in revolt

With anti-government movements erupting across the globe, Sadie Robinson looks at the root causes and how the struggles can win

Editorial: Morrison channels Trump as Liberals’ right-wing agenda exposed

Scott Morrison didn’t just visit Donald Trump on his trip to the US—he started channelling him.

Defend Medevac, but fight to open the borders

The battlelines over Medevac are already drawn. Eleven peak medical colleges, as well as the AMA, have publicly called on the government not to repeal the Medevac legislation.

Kurds abandoned by US imperialism—again

Turkey has begun a military offensive against Kurdish areas of northern Syria, after US President Donald Trump announced the withdrawal of US troops giving the green light for the operation.

Hong Kong fights on amid moves towards emergency rule

The uprising in Hong Kong has successfully forced the withdrawal of the hated extradition bill. But protesters are not prepared to trust Chief Executive Carrie Lam and have continued hitting the streets in their hundreds of thousands.

Iran crisis: Why US aggression is to blame

The Trump administration and a coterie of allies—including Australia—are ratcheting up aggression against Iran and another disastrous war in the region shouldn’t be ruled out.

Don’t let Dutton repeal Medevac Bill

Since the election of the Morrison government, Manus Island and Port Moresby have become a pit of despair.

The Australian roots of the Christchurch massacre

Paddy Gibson explores some of the Australian roots of the murderous ideology of fascist terrorist Brenton Tarrant

Brutal murder exposes dictatorship the West backs

The brutal murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi has thrown into sharp relief the relationship between the West and the Saudi police state in the Middle East.

Nazi rampage in Chemnitz a warning from Germany

On Sunday 26 August news agencies around the world broadcast shocking footage of thousands of Nazis rampaging through the streets of Chemnitz in Eastern Germany hunting for “foreigners”.

Stalin’s imperialism in Eastern Europe

Those who side with Russia against the US today are making the same mistake some on the left did during the Cold War, writes Lachlan Marshall

Agriculture and the first states

The emergence of agriculture and the first states were among the most dramatic changes in human history. James C. Scott has produced an accessible and thought provoking account of how the first states arose and functioned.

Trump’s tariffs an effort to revive US dominance

Ever since his election, Donald Trump has threatened to impose tariffs and blamed “unfair trade deals” for hurting US industries. Now he is starting to act—threatening trade wars and destabilising global capitalism.

Europe further tightens border controls

The European Union is further increasing its efforts to keep out migrants and refugees. European leaders have agreed to ask North African countries to host detention camps for refugees and migrants, in an effort to stop boats arriving in Europe.

The Western Front: How war turned into revolt

As efforts to celebrate the role of Australian troops on the Western Front ramp up, Lachlan Marshall looks at how the horror of war gave rise to mutiny and revolution

The rise of China—a dilemma for Australia’s rulers

China’s rise poses a dilemma for Australia’s rulers, writes David Glanz. The left needs to oppose both imperialist powers, as well as Australia’s own imperialist bullying

Imperialist powers abandon Kurds in Afrin

Once again the Kurds have been abandoned, with imperialist powers including the US and Russia allowing the Turkish military to do as it likes.

More refugees get to US but problems mount in new Manus compounds

More refugees from Manus have been flown for resettlement in the United States this month. But this will bring the total to just 230 people resettled in 14 months. What is certain is that there are hundreds more refugees than the US has agreed to resettle.

Saudia Arabia and the West create human misery in Yemen

Yemen is in the grip of what the UN has called the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. This month Save the Children said it faced “the worst diphtheria outbreak in a generation” with at least 52 deaths already.

Iranian workers’ revolt against inequality holds the key to freedom

In late December a wave of mass protests in Iran began that spread to all corners of the country. Spontaneous protests erupted in nearly 70 cities.

The First Intifada—30 years since Palestinians rose up against Israel

Thirty years ago Palestinians rose up against Israel in the first intifada. Nick Clark looks at the Palestinians’ struggle and the lessons for resisting...

Iranian workers’ revolt against poverty and inequality holds the key to freedom

The wave of mass protests in Iran that began in late December has spread to all corners of the country. This is the largest display of public defiance since 2009.

Israel’s 1967 war: Six days that entrenched imperialism

Israel’s war on the Arab states 50 years ago entrenched Western imperialism in the Middle East and led to misery for Palestinians in the Occupied Territories, writes Tooba Anwar

Austria turns to the right as fascists join government

The Austrian election in October showed the dangerous growth of racism and the far right in Europe. The conservative People’s Party headed by Sebastian Kurz will form a coalition government with the fascist Freedom Party, which gained 26 per cent of the vote.

US and regional powers crush Iraqi Kurds’ independence bid

In September, Iraqi Kurds voted by 93 per cent to support independence. The referendum result drew immediate opposition and threats from the neighbouring governments of Iraq, Iran, Turkey and Syria.

Inside the System

Workers in UK stage first ever McStrike; Poor bear the brunt of Hurricane Harvey; Elite jobs run in the family; Leaks reveal Pine Gap’s role in drone killings; Arms companies exempt from anti-discrimination; Research shows why you can’t live on Newstart

Trump, China and the new world disorder

The decline of US power has led to increased imperialist tensions and war, with the rise of Donald Trump a new element of instability, writes James Supple.

Another Manus death—Turnbull is worse than Trump

The death of Hamed Shamshiripour has rocked the Manus detention centre. Hamed, a 31 year-old Iranian refugee, was found hanging from a tree on 7 August behind the school, near the East Lorengau Transit Centre.

Mosul ‘liberation’ leaves city destroyed

Last month Iraq’s Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi declared victory against Islamic State in Mosul. But there was little to celebrate for the city’s residents.

Mass protests against poverty and repression shake Morocco

Ordinary people in Morocco have again taken to the streets, as the protest movement which started last October spreads. Last month, hundreds of thousands of protesters filled the country’s capital, Rabat, after activists were arrested as part of a crackdown on opposition.

Blockade on Qatar highlights Middle East rivalries

On 5 June this year, Saudi Arabia and its Middle East allies made the shock decision to sever diplomatic ties with Qatar, cut off transport access and expel Qatari citizens from their territories.

How the West creates terrorism

It is not Islam or extremist ideas but the destruction of the Middle East by Western imperialism, and the racism accompanying it, that causes terrorism, argues Miro Sandev.

UK election shock: Corbyn surge brings Tories to the brink

Universally ridiculed and mocked by the media, the Tories, and many senior Labour MPs, Jeremy Corbyn has achieved an amazing electoral breakthrough that leaves the Tories unable to form a majority government.

Editorial: Unite against Turnbull’s racism and his attack on penalty rates

Turnbull has taken another lurch to the right, whipping up racism in a desperate effort to claw back support, as the Liberals keep trailing in the opinion polls.

Civilian deaths soar as US coalition unleashes bombs on Mosul

There has been a surge in civilian casualties in Iraq, as US bombing intensifies in the city of Mosul.

Homophobic horror in Chechnya: a product of Putin’s power

Over 100 people in Chechnya have been tortured in secret detention centres many are calling concentration camps. This follows an anti-gay offensive pushed by Putin for the last several years.

Europe resists racism and the far right as Wilders gains ground in the Netherlands

Marches against racism have been held across Europe, from Vienna to London, Warsaw, Athens and Paris, during a national weekend of action beginning on 18 March.

US eyewitness: resistance to Trump spreading

Crisis after crisis has plagued Donald Trump’s first month in the White House. He has the lowest approval ratings of any incoming president ever recorded.

As US deal disintegrates, time to #BringThemHere

Although Trump hung up on Turnbull 25 minutes into their famous phone call and tweeted doubts about the deal, Prime Minister Turnbull still says there is a deal to resettle refugees in the US. It's hard to believe him.

Inside the system

Centrelink bullies target the poor in phony debt scam; Obama drops three bombs per hour; More evidence of abuse in NT juvenile detention; Hillary Clinton throws party for millionaire donors; Elite US unit’s atrocities revealed; Top CEOs earn average year’s wage in five days

Trump’s dangerous games in Asia

Donald Trump’s preparation for office has been laced with a series of threats aimed at China and the US’s NATO allies, underlining the uncertainty his election has injected into global politics.

Human disaster looms in Mosul amid US-led offensive

A US-led coalition is entering the eighth week of a major assault on the city of Mosul in northern Iraq, currently controlled by the Islamic State.

Anti-refugee backlash fuels German far right

The far right Alternative for Deutschland (AfD) won 14.2 per cent of the vote in September’s elections to enter Berlin’s state parliament for the first time.

Stalemate with right-wing as Corbyn re-elected leader

British left-winger Jeremy Corbyn has won a landslide victory to be re-elected as Labour Party leader. He actually increased his share of the vote to 62 per cent despite a campaign by the right-wing that blocked 130,000 members from voting, most of whom were pro-Corbyn.

Inside the system

Unionists banned from using the word ‘scab’; Apple says $19 billion in unpaid tax is “crap”; Nine Vice Chancellors rake in over $1 million; Turnbull to unleash more Middle East bombing; Comatose Aboriginal man handcuffed to hospital bed; Top CEOs make $5.5 million each

The Boer War—Australian atrocities for empire

The hellholes on Manus Island and Nauru can trace their lineage from Australia’s participation in the world’s first concentration camps—more than 100 years ago on the South African veldt.

Refugees not to blame for attacks in Europe

Politicians and the media are fanning a backlash against refugees and demanding more security measures after a horrific series of killings in Germany and France.

Fighting racism and Islamophobia: How can we stop Pauline Hanson?

Mass protests and campaigning to debunk and expose her racism is key to driving back Pauline Hanson, and the mainstream Islamophobia that feeds her, argues James Supple

Hundreds of thousands died in Iraq: Blair lied—and so did Howard

The Chilcot report into Britain’s involvement in Iraq has overwhelmingly condemned the decision to go to war. And everything the report says about Tony Blair also applies to then Australian Prime Minister John Howard.

Brexit vote a revolt against the elite

Britain’s vote to leave the European Union has caused a political earthquake. The far right has tried to claim credit for the vote. Cory Bernardi was quick to tweet his support for the racist right-wing UKIP leader, Nigel Farage.

Why Islam is not to blame for homophobia

Singling out Islam or religion in general misunderstands where homophobia comes from and why it persists, argues Amy Thomas.

Hillary Clinton—the best President US capitalism could ask for

Hillary Clinton reflects the true values of the Democratic party, argues Lachlan Marshall.

Brexit vote brings Tory crisis—don’t cry for the EU

Britain has voted to exit the EU. No doubt, some people voted Leave for anti-immigration reasons. But this was also an anti-austerity vote—a revolt against big business and the politicians.

Homophobic murder in Orlando—don’t let racists hijack grief

For the LGBTI community everywhere, the mass killing at gay club Pulse in Orlando feels very real and extremely personal. We have a duty not to let racist politicians exploit this horrible tragedy to further their Islamophobia, their racism, and their wars.

European Union: Britain should leave this bosses’ club

Divisions in Britain’s governing Conservative Party have forced a referendum on 23 June over whether to continue membership of the European Union (EU). The EU is a capitalist institution with neo-liberalism hard-wired into it that the left should not support.

Manus will close: Offshore detention in tatters

The decision by the PNG Supreme Court means that one half of the government’s offshore processing regime is finished, writes Ian Rintoul.

The horrible history of the Assad regime

Lachlan Marshall explains the Syrian regime’s history of deals with imperialism and attacks on its own working class in order to boost its own wealth and power

Turnbull turns to racism and scapegoating after Brussels bombing

When he took over as Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull distanced himself from efforts to encourage Islamophobia. But his response to the terror attack in Brussels in March, that left 32 dead, had him sounding just like Tony Abbott.

Turnbull spends billions on war despite budget austerity

Massive investment in new weaponry aimed at containing China, a commitment to more war, and more intervention in the South Pacific—that’s the Turnbull government’s vision for a “capable, agile and potent” defence force in the 2016 Defence White Paper.

Fortress Europe: open the borders

Governments across Europe are shutting the door to refugees. James Supple argues they can welcome the boats and open the borders

A red in the white house? Bernie sanders, socialism and the Democrats

Bernie Sanders has shown radical ideas can find a serious audience in the US. Peter Jones looks at what he stands for and where his campaign for president is headed

US primaries shake the candidates of the corporations

As the US presidential race gets under way, both major parties are being shaken by a revolt against the preferred candidates of the party establishment and the corporate elite.

What would socialism be like?

Erima Dall explains what we mean by socialism, and how a world run on the basis of human and environmental need, not competition and profit, would work.

Racists use Cologne attacks to demonise Muslims and refugees

Racist politicians are trying to use horrific New Year’s Eve attacks on women in German cities to undermine solidarity with refugees. These attempts are...

Islamophobia and climate failure expose Turnbull’s true colours

The aftermath of the Paris attacks has seen an even more determined campaign to scapegoat the Muslim community. And Turnbull’s embrace of Abbott’s policies has been displayed at the climate summit.

Tragedy in Paris fuelled by West’s wars and racism

Western governments have been quick to seize on the tragedy in Paris, using rhetoric about national unity to justify more anti-democratic counter-terrorism measures, more bombing in Syria and more Islamophobic rhetoric.

Target Muslims, stoke fear: Australian politicians and the media’s response to Paris

After the attacks in Paris, the Coalition and the Murdoch media worked hand-in-glove, casting around for ways to make political mileage.

Why we don’t stand for the national anthem

When the Murdoch media got wind in late October that Muslim students at a primary school in Victoria had left assembly to avoid singing Advance Australia Fair, all hell broke loose.

Turned back: Jewish refugees and WWII

As Europe faces its greatest refugee crisis since 1945, Solidarity looks at the mistakes made then in turning back Jewish refugees, and how they are being repeated

Statement: Defend the Mufti—no to Islamophobia, no to war

The campaign against the Grand Mufti and the National Imams Council following their statement on the Paris terror attacks has shown that some politicians and the Murdoch press are determined to continue to stir up racism against the Muslim community.

Paris tragedy is the bitter fruit of war and racism

The mass killings in Paris were horrendous acts. They will only allow France and other powers to respond with more violence and more anti-Muslim racism.

Letter from Paris—from Charlie Hebdo to Paris killings: France’s ‘war on terror’ and the...

Friday night’s horrifying carnage in Paris has caused revulsion around the world. But the response of French political leaders will only fan the flames of violence and retard the possibility of peace, writes Nick Riemer.

Inside the system

Use of force on asylum seekers in detention up 2700 per cent; Top 1 per cent own half the world’s wealth; Australians work some of world’s longest hours; SA cop unpunished after threat to lynch Aboriginal man; Abbott hits speaker’s circuit with ‘fascistic’ address; NAB increases interest rates while posting record profits; Things they say

War and chaos boost Erdogan back to power in Turkey

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has secured a majority in Turkey’s re-call election, after refusing to form a coalition government following previous elections in June.

Editorial: Abbott’s fate shows Turnbull can be beaten

The end of Tony Abbott is a victory for all those who have demonstrated and campaigned against his cuts, racism and homophobia. The scale of the protests and opposition to his first budget crippled his government.

Opposition to the Abbott agenda brought down PM

Abbott was never a popular figure. But it was the sweeping cuts in his first budget that sealed his fate.

Turnbull stirs Islamophobia over raids and radicalisation

The Turnbull led-Coalition claims to be “resetting” the relationship between the government and the Muslim community. Turnbull has junked reference to “Team Australia”, as well as Abbott’s favoured term for Islamic State, “death cult”. But changing the rhetoric hasn’t changed the substance.

Mass protests in Lebanon and Iraq show hope for Middle East

The Arab Spring, four years ago a source of inspiration and hope across the Middle East, has given way to a wave of counter revolution, sectarianism and war. But in recent months, new upsurges in struggle have taken place in Iraq and Lebanon—two of the countries most wracked by sectarianism.

Can Jeremy Corbyn shift British Labour?

Jeremy Corbyn’s phenomenal victory in the British Labour leadership race, with 60 per cent of the vote and support from UNITE and eight other unions, has created irreconcilable tensions in British politics.

‘Germany can cope with refugee influx, it’s a question of priority’

Christine Buchholz, socialist MP and member of die Linke, reports on the refugee "crisis" in Germany.

Why australia wanted war in Vietnam

Australia has been an enthusiastic partner of US imperialism in an effort to advance its own interests in the region, argues Vivian Honan

Turnbull—a new salesman but the same agenda

Just two years into his term as Prime Minister, Tony Abbott has been toppled by his own party. This is cause for celebration for...

Abbott’s ship sinking quick—time to build the resistance

The Abbott government continues to lurch from one disaster to the next. The Canning by-election, due as we went to press, could be the final straw. Even a big swing against the Liberals will again put Abbott’s leadership on life support.

Wave of refugees challenges Fortress Europe

Europe is being confronted with its greatest refugee crisis since World War Two. The scale of the crisis is immense. Germany alone expects to receive 800,000 asylum seekers this year.

Turkey begins bombing IS—and the Kurds

The Turkish government has begun military operations targeting IS in Syria and Iraq, collaborating with US forces.

Opposition to austerity in Greece forces Syriza back to the polls

After capitulating to Europe’s rulers and signing a new austerity deal worse that any before, Greece’s Syriza Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has called a snap election for 20 September.

Racism and economic crisis: Lessons from fighting the far right in Greece

Greek socialist Petros Constantinou spoke at Keep Left 2015 on the racism accompanying the economic crisis in Greece and how the left has organised to stop the rise of the fascist Golden Dawn. We reproduce his speech here.

More blood won’t solve the Middle East crisis

Former Australian army officer David Kilcullen has become a widely cited establishment expert on counter-terrorism. A hired gun for western imperialism, Kilcullen likes to present himself as the thinking person’s warmonger.

How governments treat Muslims as the enemy within

The obsession with radicalisation and the programs to supposedly combat extremism treat wide swathes of the Muslim community as suspect, writes James Supple

Inside the system

Nauru riot squad photographed with Hanson at racist rally; Obama sells more arms than Bush did; “Anti-Terror” harassment at airports takes off; Federal Government to spend $4 million on TV drama to deter refugees; Industrial action at Windsor Castle; Serco butcher non-clinical services at Fiona Stanley Hospital; Ultra-rich buy flying palaces

Nothing to celebrate in Anzac: The bloody history of the British empire

The Gallipoli campaign was not about democracy, but defending the profits and colonies of the British empire, one of the most brutal the world has seen.

Abbott ramps up attack on Muslims in desperate search for support

Tony Abbott made his most explicit attack on the Muslim community yet in a “national security statement” in late February, surrounded by Australian flags.

Sickening piece of propaganda for US power

It was incredibly hard to watch American Sniper. The prospect of a two-hour long justification—or, more accurately, glorification—of the Iraq war was not particularly exciting.

Sweeping new terror laws add to climate of fear

As the government considers escalating troop numbers in Iraq, it has pushed on with its anti-terror crusade at home. The second of three counter-terrorism...

Imperialism no ally for Kurdish fighters in Kobani

The defence of Kobani against the reactionary and sectarian Islamic State (IS) has inspired many on the left. But it would be wrong to idealise the situation.

US war in Iraq brings more sectarianism and death

Barack Obama has doubled the US troop commitment to the latest war on Iraq, and used the APEC conference to ask allies including Australia to send additional contributions too. But Western intervention will solve nothing.

Islamic State: who are they and where do they come from?

The emergence of the group Islamic state is a product of Western intervention and imperialist power games in the Middle East, writes James Supple

Editorial: War and terror—desperate moves from a desperate government

Abbott’s terrorism scare is a desperate ploy from a deeply unpopular government.

Inside the system

New war propels US defence stocks to record highs, Plastic sword seized in terror raids, Abbott’s war to cost only 200 million middies, Medibank chief to get 400 per cent pay rise, Israel promotes rape advocate as expert on Palestinians, Vice Chancellor millionaires’ club swells

US failure in Iraq returning to haunt it

In August, Barack Obama became the fourth consecutive US President to bomb Iraq and has also begun airstrikes inside of Syria. Tony Abbott has been the most enthusiastic member of his “coalition”, pledging Australian military support even before the terms of the war became clear.

US imperialism and the new world order

Paddy Gibson looks at the turmoil and renewed power games across the Middle East, Ukraine and Asia and what drives conflict among the world’s major powers.

US bombs won’t help the Kurds

The relentless advance of the Islamic State (IS) on the Kurdish city of Kobane has drawn international attention to the plight of the Kurds, caught between IS, on the one hand, and Turkey on the other.

Unpopular Abbott opts for war and terror scare

Abbott seized on the anti-terror raids on 18 September to declare that Australia was at “serious risk from a terrorist attack”. The government is trying to find a way out of its budget nightmare by beating up a terrorism scare campaign.

New war on Iraq no humanitarian mission

The US has stepped up its bombing in Iraq after President Obama announced plans to “degrade and destroy” the jihadist group the Islamic State (IS).

Terror raids fuel Abbott’s Islamophobia

Raids by 870 Australian Federal Police (AFP) and state police smashed their way into properties across Sydney and Brisbane yesterday, executing 28 search warrants in pre-dawn raids, billed as “the biggest counter-terrorism operation in Australia’s history”.

Inside the system

Corruption case a national embarrassment says DFAT; Zionist killers escape Libs’ anti-terror campaign; Charges over Frances Abbott scholarship leak help hide corruption; Detroit Mayor shuts off water supply; Budget cuts leave firies with no truck as hostel burns; Victorian education bosses wield axe and pocket millions in bonuses

Palestine needs solidarity against Israeli terror

After weeks of bombing and a ground invasion by Israeli troops, up to 30 per cent of Gaza’s population, or 520,000 people, are now without a home.

Collusion by Arab regimes allows Israel to punish Gaza

When it comes to support for Palestine, there is a yawning gap between the mass of the Arab population and their leaders.

US will worsen a tragedy of their creation in Iraq

The US has begun bombing raids on northern Iraq after President Barack Obama declared the US had to intervene against the Sunni Islamist group, the Islamic State.

Abbott bangs drums of war and racism

Australia has lent aircraft to the US intervention in Iraq while the Liberals are attempting to use the Islamic State to stir up nationalism and Islamophobia at home.

Iraq’s crisis and divisions created by the West

The dramatic capture of Iraq’s second largest city, Mosul, by sectarian extremists is the direct product of the US occupation and its imposition of divide-and-rule sectarianism.

Morrison’s refugee brutality unravels

While Scott Morrison and Tony Abbott try to portray Operation Sovereign Borders as the Coalition's stand out success, the contradictions of offshore processing are growing sharper by the day writes Ian Rintoul

Ukraine crisis ignites tensions between Russia and the West

Russia’s seizure of control of the Crimea has taken Ukraine to the brink of war and escalated tensions between the US and Russia.

Detention racism and refugee politics: A Solidarity pamphlet

Solidarity looks at the issues behind the war on refugees, from people smuggling to open borders, as well as the lessons of the successful...

Labor’s useless policies gave Abbott his chance

Labor’s explanation for their election loss is to decry “disunity” in government ranks brought on by the leadership debacle. Others, like The Greens’ leader...

Debating a one state solution for Palestine

After Zionism: One State for Israel and Palestine Edited by Antony Loewenstein and Ahmed Moor Saqi Books In their collection of essays After Zionism editors Antony Loewenstein...

Right wing sweeps to victory in Israeli elections

In January Israelis re-elected Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and gave unprecedented seats to far right settler parties. They now control a third of the...

Ten years since Iraq rallies: When millions marched against the war

Jean Parker looks at why the massive February 2003 global weekend of action didn’t stop the Iraq war—and the claim that this proves protests don’t work

Uprising of protest can stop Israel’s terror

Israel is again unleashing terror and death on the people on Gaza. But this new war comes amid a very different regional backdrop to...

Four Corners and the politics of people smuggling

Predictably enough, the Four Corners program provocatively entitled “Australia: Smugglers’ Paradise” (as if!) has unleashed a torrent of anti-refugee venom from shock jocks and...

Palestinian prisoners hunger strike sparks new wave of solidarity

Since April 17 this year (Palestinian Prisoners Day) a new wave of resistance has been launched by political prisoners in Israeli jails. Around 1600...

Bahrain, the Arab revolution ignored by the West

An estimated 100,000 people poured onto the streets of Bahrain’s capital in late March. It was the largest protest since the brutal crackdown on...

Putin’s rise and rule in Russia

Until the protest movement burst onto Russia’s streets at the end of 2011, Putin had presided over (as both President and Prime Minister) 11...

Anarchism: A Marxist Criticism

A short book outlining a Marxist critique of anarchism

One year on—Egypt’s deepening revolution

Mass people power brought down Mubarak’s dictatorship one year ago. Amy Thomas and Ernest Price look at where Egypt’s continuing strikes and demonstrations are...

Gaddafi’s gone—but West now wants to rule

The 42-year old Gaddafi dictatorship is over. Rebel forces have seized Tripoli, the capital of Libya and Gaddafi’s stronghold. The end of Gaddafi himself,...

The last wave of Arab revolt: Iraq’s 1958 revolution

Our of the last wave of Arab revolutions, Iraq developed the most powerful left in the region. Mark Gillepsie examines the lessons of that...

Stop Gillard ‘people trading’ with Malaysia

Julia Gillard’s asylum seeker swap with Malaysia is facing mounting opposition. Both houses of parliament have condemned it, a High Court challenge is underway,...

As the Arab spring jumps borders, Palestinian leaders play catch up

“THE PEOPLE want Tahrir in Palestine”—this was the chant unifying the thousands attempting to march on Israel’s borders from Lebanon and Syria and protesting...

Lessons from last time: national liberation in the Arab world

Many Arab leaders now facing revolts against their rule were themselves a product of the revolutionary wave in the Arab world in the 1950s...

Libya, Bahrain and beyond: the revolt continues to spread

A storm of revolutions, uprisings and revolts continues to thunder across the Middle East. Its speed and scale is breathtaking. Following the overthrow of Ben...

From Algeria to Iran, a mood of defiance is spreading

The invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan were justified by Western leaders with rhetoric about bringing “democracy” and “liberation” to the Middle East. But the...

Israel is still the US’s watchdog

Israel’s determination to build settlements on occupied Palestinian territory is worrying the US government. John Rose answers questions on the US-Israel relationship What is the...

Theory

To paraphrase Marx, the ruling ideas in society are the ideas of the ruling class. That's why they must be challenged and interrogated, and...

Imperialism and revolution in the Middle East

The Israeli assault on Gaza has exposed deep divisions between Arab ruling classes, their Western allies and the people of the region, argues Simon...

Gaza and the US war for control of the Middle East

Israel’s murderous assault on Gaza has, once again, been willingly backed by the US. Israel is the key US ally in the Middle East....

Gaza and the US war for control of the Middle East

The assault on Gaza is part of the wider US-backed "war on terror" across the Middle East. Ending the Australian government's continued backing for...

US activists interviewed on Obama’s victory

Socialist Worker in the US interviewed activists following Obama's victory for their understanding of the importance of his win Howard Zinn Historian and veteran activist Howard...

The Dark Knight: Fighting terror with terror

Directed by Chris Nolan THE DARK KNIGHT, sequel to Batman Begins, is the latest recreation of the 70 year old modern myth that is The...

Deported to danger

Review of A Well Founded Fear Directed by Bentley Dean and Anne Delaney Screened as part of the Sydney Film Festival, A Well Founded Fear investigates...