War and militarism
Two US aircraft carriers in war games in South China Sea
By Peter Symonds, 6 July 2020
The “high-end” exercises sought to test US naval capabilities in a conflict with China involving both offensive operations using war planes and defending the ships from any counter-attack.
Spain participated in failed 2019 US coup in Venezuela
By Alejandro López, 4 July 2020
New information emerging about the coup exposes Spain’s ruling “left populist” party, Podemos, as a tool of imperialism’s bloody foreign policy in Latin America.
German defence minister plans more effective organization of army’s far-right elite force
By Peter Schwarz, 4 July 2020
After new details came to light about the far-right terrorist networks inside the Special Forces Command, the German defence minister announced the restructuring of the army’s 1,600-strong elite unit.
Australian government seeks to place country on war footing
By Mike Head, 4 July 2020
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has identified the Indo-Pacific as the likely arena for another world war, directed against China.
Germany’s motto for the EU Council presidency: For militarism and war
By Johannes Stern, 4 July 2020
The German government’s motto for the EU Council presidency is “Gemeinsam. Europa wieder stark machen” (“Together. Making Europe strong again”)—Berlin’s counterpart to Trump’s “Make America Great Again.”
Why Canada’s media is fawning over the war criminal John Bolton
By Roger Jordan, 4 July 2020
Canada’s ruling elite wants a more stable and strategic-minded partner in the White House, who can more effectively employ intrigue, intimidation and war in pursuing their common imperialist agenda.
The Assange precedent in action
Australian journalist threatened with prosecution for exposing war crimes in Afghanistan
By Oscar Grenfell, 3 July 2020
Like Assange, Australian Broadcasting Corporation journalist Dan Oakes faces prosecution for publishing evidence of war crimes in Afghanistan.
Australian government unveils military boost aimed against China
By Mike Head, 1 July 2020
Over the next decade, $575 billion will be spent on the armed forces, including an expanded $270 billion military hardware buildup, featuring “long-range strike capabilities.”
Merkel, Macron promote EU militarism amid growing conflicts with Washington
By Johannes Stern and Alex Lantier, 30 June 2020
The leaders of Germany and France called for stepped-up military spending and austerity to ensure Europe’s ability to wage war independently from Washington.
India’s opposition parties back Modi’s bellicose stand in border conflict with China
By Wasantha Rupasinghe, 30 June 2020
The Congress Party and Stalinist CPI and CPM have extolled the military for “defending” India’s borders and pledged their support for the BJP government in confronting Beijing.
Hands off the Sri Lankan Trotskyists
SEP demands military stops harassing its election candidates in Jaffna
By the Socialist Equality Party (Sri Lanka), 30 June 2020
The SEP has been targeted because it fights for the unity of the working class across ethnic lines on a socialist program.
Legal settlement lets Australian military off the hook over PFAS pollution
By Patrick Davies, 29 June 2020
The settlement will see victims share just $126 million of a $212 million payout and releases the Defence Department from any further claim over financial loss.
France backs Egypt’s threat to intervene against Turkey in Libyan war
By Alex Lantier, 24 June 2020
Even as COVID-19 threatens millions in Africa, the NATO powers risk escalating their nine-year carve-up of Libya into a major regional or even global conflict.
Fascist US Army soldier faces terrorism-related charges
By Jacob Crosse, 24 June 2020
Ethan Melzer, 22, is facing life in prison for passing on information regarding the deployment of his unit to an occult neo-Nazi organization, Order of the Nine Angels.
India and China rush troops, weaponry to disputed border region
By Keith Jones, 22 June 2020
India has placed on the “highest alert” the 300,000 troops it has arrayed along its 3,500-kilometer border with China.
NATO grants Ukraine enhanced status as US steps up military aid
By Jason Melanovski, 22 June 2020
Amid the most profound economic crisis since the Great Depression, the imperialist powers are responding to the growing class tensions by escalating their drive to war.
US stokes India-China conflict, blames Chinese “aggression” for border clash
By Keith Jones, 20 June 2020
Senior US official David Stilwell provocatively told a press briefing that the Chinese army had “invaded” the “contested area” between India and China.
Turkish army launches ground attacks into Iraqi Kurdistan to target PKK
By Ulaş Ateşci, 19 June 2020
Amid growing international conflicts over Libya, the eastern Mediterranean and Syria, Turkey has invaded northern Iraq to attack Kurdish-nationalist militias.
Top French general announces preparations for “state against state” wars
By Will Morrow, 19 June 2020
Drawing an analogy to the coronavirus pandemic, Burkhard stated that the eruption of a major war “is missing only the patient zero of the epidemic war.”
The India-China border clash and the inflammable state of world geopolitics
By Keith Jones, 18 June 2020
The Indo-China border dispute is only one of numerous global flashpoints where US aggression has incited or aggravated inter-state conflicts and transformed them into potential catalysts of a global conflagration.
US Navy deploys three aircraft carriers to Pacific against China
By Peter Symonds, 13 June 2020
The deployments underscore the strategic shift by the Pentagon from the so-called “war on terror” to great power competition that heightens the danger of conflict between nuclear-armed powers.
As US withdraws troops, German politicians, media step up militarist campaign
By Johannes Stern, 13 June 2020
Washington's announcement that 9,500 US soldiers stationed in Germany might be withdrawn has been met with defiant criticism and calls for a more independent German-European military policy.
Service Prosecuting Authority drops all but one investigation into British war crimes in Iraq
By Jean Shaoul, 13 June 2020
The British government is serving notice that it has no intention of honouring domestic or international law outlawing abuse, torture and murder by its military and security forces.
Washington steps up strategic bomber flights threatening Russia, China
By Alex Lantier, 12 June 2020
As social anger grows over police brutality and the COVID-19 pandemic, the danger that the ruling elite will try to suppress class conflict with external wars is rising.
More Australian war crimes exposed in Afghanistan
By Jason Quill, 6 June 2020
The exposure of Ziauddin’s killing highlights the years of coverups by successive Australian governments, both Liberal-National and Labor, of military abuses in the Middle East.
Tamil nationalists exploit remembrance of war victims to advance pro-imperialist agenda
By Subash Somachandran, 4 June 2020
Last month marked the eleventh anniversary of the bloody end of Sri Lanka’s nearly 30-year war against the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.
Trump escalates anti-China campaign
By Peter Symonds, 30 May 2020
US President Trump dramatically escalated his reckless anti-China campaign yesterday, making clear that a dangerous confrontation between the two countries is all but inevitable.
Trump intrudes in China-India border standoff
By Keith Jones, 29 May 2020
US President Donald Trump intruded into the tense border standoff between China and India Wednesday with a spurious offer to mediate and even “arbitrate” “their now raging border dispute.”
Yemen’s health care system collapses under weight of pandemic
By Jean Shaoul, 28 May 2020
The UN has warned that if its programmes close, “the world will have to witness what happens in a country without a functioning health system battling COVID-19”.
US sets stage for anti-China sanctions over Hong Kong
By Peter Symonds, 28 May 2020
The determination by the US secretary of state that Hong Kong is not autonomous from Beijing is a further step in the Trump administration’s accelerating anti-China campaign.
Canadian court rules extradition trial of top Huawei executive can proceed
By Roger Jordan, 28 May 2020
Yesterday’s ruling strengthens Washington and Ottawa in their virulent anti-China campaign, which has been ratcheted up still further with mendacious claims that Beijing is responsible for the coronavirus pandemic.
Israel’s new government plans war on Palestinians and working class
By Jean Shaoul, 26 May 2020
The new National Emergency Government, headed by an indicted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his deputy Benny Gantz, has taken office amid a political crisis unprecedented in the country’s 72-year history.
US threatens to “disconnect” Australia if it strays from conflict with China
By Mike Head, 26 May 2020
Pompeo’s bullying intervention is part of an intensifying campaign by Washington to confront China economically and militarily.
US withdraws from Open Skies Treaty, heightening danger of war with Russia
By Clara Weiss, 22 May 2020
US withdrawal from the Open Skies Treaty is a deliberate escalation of military tensions not only with Russia, but also with the major European imperialist powers.
Trump issues new threats as Iranian tankers approach Venezuela
By Bill Van Auken, 22 May 2020
The Trump administration has vowed to take unspecified “measures” to block the shipment of Iranian fuel to Venezuela, raising the threat of state piracy on the high seas.
Washington incites India in tense border dispute with China
By Keith Jones, 22 May 2020
Washington’s vocal support for New Delhi is in marked contrast with its stance during the 2017 Indo-China border dispute, and is part of a dramatic escalation of its anti-China offensive.
New Zealand government stokes tensions with China
By Tom Peters, 22 May 2020
New Zealand, a de facto American ally and member of the US-led Five Eyes intelligence network, is integrated into the anti-China build-up.
No to the anti-China campaign! For international solidarity against the pandemic and capitalism!
By Joseph Kishore—Socialist Equality Party candidate for president, 22 May 2020
The SEP rejects the chauvinistic attacks by the Trump administration and Democrats aimed at shifting responsibility for the mass death due to the coronavirus pandemic from the American ruling class.
The Trump administration makes Taiwan latest front in anti-China campaign
By Peter Symonds, 21 May 2020
The US has provocatively hailed the re-election of Taiwanese president Tsai Ing-wen and pressed Taiwan’s case at the annual World Health Organisation (WHO) ministerial assembly.
US prepares anti-Russian war games amid COVID-19 pandemic
By Andrea Peters, 21 May 2020
In a little over two weeks, 6,000 US and Polish troops will simulate ground and airborne attacks about 35 miles from the Russian territory of Kaliningrad.
Sri Lankan president demands legal immunity for the military
By Pradeep Ramanayake, 21 May 2020
The real purpose of Gotabhaya Rajapakse’s defence and promotion of the military is to prepare for another savage war against the working class.
Firing of State Department inspector general tied to Saudi arms deal
By Bill Van Auken, 20 May 2020
The firing stemmed from a probe into the Trump administration’s declaration of a “state of emergency” to prevent Congress holding up arms sales to the Saudi monarchy.
Civilian casualties mount as foreign powers continue to fuel Libya’s civil war
By Alberto Escalera, 20 May 2020
Libya’s civil war is fueled by a complex interplay between the competing interests of international energy monopolies and local power struggles to control oil and gas revenues.
999 Anti-China campaign
20 May 2020
Britain’s covert operations to overthrow Syrian government exposed
By Jean Shaoul, 18 May 2020
Sarkha is one of many programmes in a vast network of fake news activities carried out by the intelligence arms of the US and European powers.
German Defence Ministry plans to wage international drone warfare
By Gregor Link, 18 May 2020
Germany’s ruling elite is responding to the mounting tensions between the major powers triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic by intensifying its drive to war.
Trump threatens to cut all ties with China
By Peter Symonds, 16 May 2020
The US president’s phony allegations—that China failed to prevent COVID-19 becoming a global pandemic—have been integrated into Washington’s trade war measures.
Washington places Cuba and Venezuela on “terror” list
By Bill Van Auken, 16 May 2020
After fostering an abortive mercenary invasion aimed at overthrowing Venezuela’s government and murdering its president, the US placed Caracas on a list of governments deemed uncooperative in the “war on terrorism.”
The drums of economic nationalism are beating louder
By Nick Beams, 15 May 2020
A series of comments published in the New York Times in recent days points to the rise of economic nationalism within the US political establishment the logic of which is war against China.
German armed forces deploy 300 soldiers to EU mission “Irini” in Mediterranean
By Martin Kreickenbaum, 14 May 2020
The mission’s mandate includes stopping and searching ships suspected of transporting weapons to Libya.
Iran destabilised by US amid COVID-19 pandemic
By Jean Shaoul, 14 May 2020
US sanctions have shattered the country’s economy and blocked access to critical food, pharmaceutical and industrial supplies, making it more difficult for Iran to respond to the pandemic.
US agencies drum up allegations of Chinese hacking of vaccine research
By Peter Symonds, 13 May 2020
The claims of Chinese hacking of vaccine research are not only part of the Trump’s anti-China propaganda war but will be used to justify US cyber warfare against Beijing.
19 Iranian sailors killed in live-fire exercise
By Bill Van Auken, 12 May 2020
The Iranian military’s accidental missile strike on one of its own ships came amid mounting tensions over US Navy deployments in the Persian Gulf.
Japan’s PM exploits pandemic to push pro-war constitutional revisions
By Ben McGrath, 11 May 2020
Abe is pressing ahead with his long-held agenda of revising the country’s constitution to remove barriers to remilitarization and to tear up democratic rights.
The COVID-19 pandemic and global imperialist war
By Bill Van Auken, 9 May 2020
For all of the vapid talk about us all being in it together, the US ruling class views the pandemic as an instrument of war.
Trump vetoes war powers resolution on Iran
By Bill Van Auken, 8 May 2020
As anticipated, the US Senate failed to muster the two-thirds vote necessary to override the veto of a bill purporting to limit the president’s power to launch aggressive war against Iran.
Why is Canada’s ruling elite deploying the military amid the COVID-19 pandemic?
By Roger Jordan, 8 May 2020
While Canadian military personnel are now being deployed to assist overwhelmed staff at long-term care facilities, the CBC has reported that troops are also readying to quell “public disturbances” in a “worst case scenario.”
Seventy-five years since the end of World War II in Europe
By Peter Schwarz, 8 May 2020
Three quarters of a century after the end of the war, fascism and war are imminent global dangers once again.
Blaming China, Trump says COVID-19 “attack” worse than Pearl Harbor and 9/11
By Nick Beams, 7 May 2020
The war rhetoric is being intensified because the Trump administration knows that its return-to-work policy is going to result in tens of thousands more deaths in the US.
European media launches propaganda lies blaming China for COVID-19
By Alex Lantier, 7 May 2020
European governments’ handling of the pandemic shows they place far more value on their strategic aims against China in Eurasia than on workers’ lives at home.
German government plans purchase of 138 fighter jets and prepares for nuclear war
By Gregor Link and Johannes Stern, 7 May 2020
Germany’s government is preparing to purchase 93 Eurofighters and 45 US-made F-18 fighter jets for a total cost of almost €20 billion.
Trump’s “Bay of Pigs” in Venezuela
By Bill Van Auken, 7 May 2020
The abortive mercenary invasion is part of a campaign of aggression that involves “maximum pressure” sanctions and the deployment of US warships off Venezuela’s shores.
US ramps up COVID-19 propaganda war against China
By Peter Symonds, 6 May 2020
The crude attempt to blame China is aimed at diverting attention from the Trump administration’s criminal negligence in failing to respond to the dangers of COVID-19.
Washington and its puppet Guaidó implicated in armed attacks on Venezuela
By Bill Van Auken, 5 May 2020
At least two of those captured in the abortive invasion plot have been identified as US citizens.
US trains Sri Lankan naval elite forces during COVID-19 lockdown
By Vijith Samarasinghe, 4 May 2020
US combat training of Sri Lankan navy personnel forces is part of Washington’s military preparations throughout the Indo-Pacific against China.
Trump escalates attacks on China over COVID-19
By Peter Symonds, 2 May 2020
US President Trump has stepped up his propaganda war and threats against China, blaming it for the deadly COVID-19 pandemic that has cost the lives of more than 230,000 people internationally.
Australian government places country on frontline of anti-China witch hunt
By Mike Head, 2 May 2020
Australia unilaterally called for an international inquiry into the COVID-19 pandemic, boosting the Trump administration’s unsubstantiated accusations against China.
Record 50.8 million people internally displaced in 2019
By Jean Shaoul, 2 May 2020
The plight of tens of millions of internally displaced people is virtually ignored, attracting little global attention during the escalating global pandemic.
Millions spent by Trump to “salute” health care workers with military flyovers
By Trévon Austin, 1 May 2020
Vast sums of money are being spent to fly military aircraft over America’s hospitals while health care workers still lack adequate protection from the coronavirus.
Majority of US veterans back full withdrawal from Afghanistan, other overseas conflicts
By Warren Duzak, 30 April 2020
A new poll reveals that more than half of US military veterans believe that the US government should be less engaged in foreign wars.
Global arms spending tops $1.9 trillion as fight against COVID-19 is starved of resources
By Bill Van Auken, 29 April 2020
The continued spending of trillions on arms and war amid the present pandemic represents a crime against humanity.
Is Sri Lankan President Rajapakse plotting a coup under cover of anti-pandemic measures?
By K. Ratnayake, 28 April 2020
The government is using the COVID-19 pandemic as the pretext to mount a power grab, insert the military into the running of the state, and run roughshod over working people’s democratic rights.
Amid warnings of famine and unrest in Venezuela, Maduro renews talks with US-backed opposition
By Andrea Lobo, 25 April 2020
The timing of the renewed talks makes it clear that any settlement with US imperialism would be centrally aimed against a challenge from below.
Canadian government sends military into care homes as it pushes for a premature return to work
By Roger Jordan and Keith Jones, 25 April 2020
The deployment is a tacit admission of the catastrophic conditions in many longterm care facilities.
US provocatively dispatches warships to South China Sea
By Peter Symonds, 23 April 2020
As it amplifies its inflammatory rhetoric blaming China for the COVID-19 pandemic, the Trump administration is also raising military tensions in the South China Sea.
Germany’s right-wing Bild newspaper agitates against China
By Peter Schwarz, 23 April 2020
The accusation serves to divert attention away from the ruling elite’s failure to deal with the pandemic, while at the same time whipping up public opinion for war with China.
Merchants of death: Multibillion-dollar bailout for arms industry amid rising COVID-19 toll
By Bill Van Auken, 23 April 2020
Workers in arms plants, classified as “essential infrastructure,” have protested and struck against the coronavirus threat that confronts the entire working class amidst the drive for a return to work.
Over 1,000 sailors on French carrier Charles de Gaulle sick with COVID-19
By Anthony Torres, 20 April 2020
The French Navy refused to allow the ship’s commanding officer to stop its mission while the coronavirus spread like wildfire among the crew.
Pentagon activates military units to defend Washington
By Bill Van Auken, 18 April 2020
The shift of the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region to operational mode indicates rising concern within the US government that the crisis will unleash social upheavals.
US ramps up attacks on China over COVID-19
By Peter Symonds, 17 April 2020
Trump’s crude remarks are a transparent attempt to deflect attention from his own administration’s irresponsible actions in allowing the spread of the virus in the US.
Pentagon escalates tensions with Iran in Persian Gulf
By Bill Van Auken, 17 April 2020
Washington claimed Iranian vessels engaged in “dangerous” actions as US warships conducted provocative maneuvers off the Iranian coast.
As COVID-19 spreads through the ranks, Pentagon stages show of force against China
By Bill Van Auken, 16 April 2020
With COVD-19 plaguing its carrier battle groups, the US military staged an “elephant walk” of B-52s and other warplanes on Guam as a demonstration of fire power against China.
Five Came Back: Hollywood filmmakers and World War II
By Joanne Laurier, 16 April 2020
The three-part documentary focuses on five major American directors—John Ford, John Huston, William Wyler, George Stevens and Frank Capra—who enlisted with the US War Department to create propaganda films between 1941 and 1945.
As first sailor from COVID-19-stricken carrier dies, Pentagon stresses readiness for war
By Bill Van Auken, 14 April 2020
The deadly coronavirus has spread to a number of other ships in the Navy and is infecting members of every other branch of the US military.
US blocks IMF loan for Iran’s fight against COVID-19
By Bill Van Auken, 11 April 2020
The denial of desperately needed aid as Iran confronts one of the worst coronavirus outbreaks in the world is part of a US sanctions regime that is tantamount to a state of war.
Brazilian ruling class backs growing military control as COVID-19 pandemic grips country
By Miguel Andrade, 10 April 2020
Barely 35 years after being ousted from power by mass strikes, the military is being welcomed back as caretakers amid the mounting COVID-19 crisis.
Acting US Navy secretary resigns amid furor over firing of aircraft carrier Captain Crozier
By Barry Grey, 8 April 2020
Modly had become the focus of mounting tensions within the military and between sections of the uniformed officer corps on one side and President Trump and his civilian Pentagon leadership on the other.
US deal with Taliban breaks down while coronavirus spreads in Afghanistan
By Bill Van Auken, 8 April 2020
The Taliban has withdrawn from talks with the crisis-ridden Kabul regime over its failure to act on a prisoner release agreement brokered by Washington.
US military calls for another $20 billion to counter China
By Peter Symonds, 7 April 2020
Even as the COVID-19 pandemic spreads, an Indo-Pacific Command report to the US Congress sets out plans for a further military build-up in the region directed against China.
German government expands war operations despite coronavirus pandemic
By Johannes Stern, 7 April 2020
The dramatic spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has done nothing to change German war policy. The ruling class is utilising the crisis in order to push forward its foreign policy offensive.
COVID-19 pandemic threatens millions in war-torn Libya and Syria
By Kumaran Ira, 7 April 2020
Imperialist wars and proxy conflicts costing hundreds of thousands of lives have destroyed infrastructure critical to fight the spread of coronavirus.
Fired aircraft carrier commander has COVID-19
By Patrick Martin, 6 April 2020
The diagnosis underscores the real dangers facing the crew of the USS Theodore Roosevelt, and all military personnel, to which Trump is entirely indifferent.
Ten years since WikiLeaks published Collateral Murder
By Oscar Grenfell, 6 April 2020
The video exposed the criminality of the Iraq war and had a profound impact on the consciousness of millions of workers and young people the world over.
Warning of food riots, Rome sends 20,000 troops to patrol southern Italy
By Allison Smith, 6 April 2020
Residents contacted by the WSWS denied that any mass food riots are taking place, even as workers in lockdown run out of money to buy food.
No to the domestic deployment of the German army!
By Johannes Stern, 6 April 2020
The German army's so-called “Coronavirus operation” is the largest military operation in country’s post-war history.
Amid war threats, Washington blocks UN resolution demanding end to sanctions
By Bill Van Auken, 4 April 2020
The Trump administration has brushed aside calls for an end to punishing sanctions against Venezuela and Iran, threatening both countries with military aggression.
US Navy aircraft carrier commander seeks evacuation of entire crew to stem outbreak of coronavirus
By Patrick Martin, 2 April 2020
The crisis on the USS Theodore Roosevelt is only the most acute indication of the serious impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the operations of the American military machine.
Amid growing anger over criminal response to COVID-19 crisis, Washington threatens war
By Bill Van Auken, 2 April 2020
Trump issued threats against Iran and Venezuela yesterday, both weaponizing the pandemic and desperately seeking to divert mounting social tensions in the US itself.
Washington harnesses coronavirus pandemic to promote Venezuela coup
By Bill Van Auken, 1 April 2020
The so-called “Democratic Transition Framework” is a patent attempt to weaponize the global pandemic as a means of installing a puppet regime in Caracas.
German government preparing major domestic military deployment
By Johannes Stern, 31 March 2020
Regardless of how much medical assistance the military ends up providing, its deployment must be understood as a warning.
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