US Militarism
Trump, announcing new missile defense program, ramps up nuclear arms race
By Andre Damon, 19 January 2019
Trump’s latest boondoggle for the military and defense contractors is part of the largest and most sustained military buildup since the Cold War.
The Congressional Budget Office points US spending priorities towards “great power” conflict: Part One
By Nancy Hanover, 18 January 2019
The latest CBO report emphasizes the need to fund ever-expanding wars while outlining various “options” for eviscerating social services and public education.
Killing of US troops in Syria feeds furor over withdrawal
By Bill Van Auken, 17 January 2019
The suicide bomb attack took place in Manbij, the flashpoint in the multi-sided conflict created by the US intervention in Syria.
The US boosts military ties with Sri Lanka
By Vijith Samarasinghe, 17 January 2019
US Navy moves to establish a logistics hub at Trincomalee port come as the Trump administration ratchets up its trade war measures against China.
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.
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.”
Landlords reap profits from dilapidated US military housing tainted with lead, mold, brown tapwater
By Zaida Green, 11 January 2019
Property developers are left free to pocket federal housing stipends under fifty-year leases whilst hazardous homes cripple soldiers’ children and send entire families to the hospital.
US Navy SEAL accused of war crimes, murder, pleads not guilty
By Jacob Crosse, 9 January 2019
Navy prosecutors allege Edward Gallagher stabbed and killed a 15-year-old boy being treated for injuries sustained during the “Mosul Massacre.”
Bolton walks back Trump’s Syria troop withdrawal
By Bill Van Auken, 8 January 2019
Whatever the intent of Trump’s demagogic promise to “bring the troops home,” the ruling establishment is determined to continue the US wars for hegemony in the Middle East.
US Senate confirms top-level political “fixer” as ambassador to Australia
By Mike Head, 8 January 2019
Culvahouse’s appointment underscores Washington’s determination to ensure there is not the slightest deviation in Australia’s front line role in any conflict with China.
8 January 2019
Trump deploys troops to central Africa following disputed Congo election
By Eddie Haywood, 7 January 2019
Washington is making it clear that it intends to install a pliant government in Kinshasa that will ensure that America’s economic interests are secured.
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.”
Trump administration opens 2019 with tear gas attack on migrants at US-Mexico border
By Niles Niemuth, 3 January 2019
Border patrol agents fired three volleys of gas at a group of approximately 150 people as they sought to cross over a border fence from Tijuana into the United States.
In deleted tweet, US nuclear command declares itself “ready” to “drop something”
By Andre Damon, 3 January 2019
On New Year’s Eve, the US Strategic Command, which oversees the United States’ nuclear arsenal, posted a tweet declaring its readiness to “drop something much, much bigger” than the “big ball” at Times Square in New York.
South Australian university partners with US defense contractor Lockheed Martin
By Eric Ludlow, 31 December 2018
The decision by the University of Adelaide, behind the backs of students and staff, marks the further integration of Australian universities into the US-led war drive against China and Russia.
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 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.
Moon targeted for further exploration, orbiting space stations and militarization
By Henry Allan and Bryan Dyne, 27 December 2018
The development of the Lunar Gateway cannot be seen outside the context of the plan to create a “Space Force” as the sixth branch of the US military and the growing militarization of space in general.
Blackwater mercenary convicted of first-degree murder in Iraq massacre
By Jacob Crosse, 24 December 2018
Nick Slatten will face life in prison for his role in the 2007 massacre in Baghdad’s Nisour Square.
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.
Defense Secretary Mattis resigns amid Washington backlash over Syria troop withdrawal
By Bill Van Auken, 21 December 2018
Driving the outrage of Republicans, Democrats, Washington think tanks and major media are the imperialist interests underlying the Syrian intervention.
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.
Bombings kill 62 in Somalia amid escalating US scramble for Africa
By Bill Van Auken, 18 December 2018
The intensive US air strikes in Somalia came on the heels of Washington’s unveiling of a new policy based upon Africa as an arena of great power conflict.
Fighting reported in Yemeni port, despite cease-fire
By Bill Van Auken, 15 December 2018
The renewed fighting in Hodeidah came barely 24 hours after the US- and Saudi-backed Yemeni puppet government and the Houthis signed an agreement in Sweden.
Trump’s war on immigrants
Nearly 15,000 children held in detention camps across the US
By Niles Niemuth, 14 December 2018
The growth of the child detainee population and the Trump administration’s escalation of workplace raids represent an attack on the entire working class.
Limited movement in US-China trade talks
By Nick Beams, 13 December 2018
Trump’s first major public comment on the arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou has blown apart the pretence it had nothing to do with the US trade war against China.
Former US State and Defense Department officials discuss prospects for nuclear war
By J. L'Heureau, 7 December 2018
The Council on Foreign Relations’ forum on “Do Nuclear Weapons Matter” was held against the backdrop of rising global military tensions.
The state funeral for George H. W. Bush and the ritual of oligarchy
By Patrick Martin, 6 December 2018
The passing of the 41st US president has evoked not the slightest sadness in the American population, despite the massive effort to present George H. W. Bush as a sympathetic and historic figure.
Washington’s ultimatum on INF treaty heightens threat of nuclear war
By Bill Van Auken, 6 December 2018
While charging Moscow with violating the accord, US imperialism’s real aim is to build up its own forces for aggressive war against both Russia and China.
Faculty protest hits NYU’s coverup for UAE in Matthew Hedges case
By Josh Varlin, 30 November 2018
Faculty and PhD students at New York University have demanded that NYU President Andrew Hamilton condemn the imprisonment of UK academic Matthew Hedges by the United Arab Emirates.
Ukraine’s provocation in the Azov Sea
By Clara Weiss and Andre Damon, 29 November 2018
The Ukrainian military, with the support of high-level figures within the US state, has instigated a major international crisis ahead of this week’s G20 summit.
US airstrikes kill at least 30 civilians in Afghanistan
By Oscar Grenfell, 29 November 2018
The strikes were part of a surge in US bombings aimed at terrorising the population.
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.
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.
The political fraud of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s “Green New Deal”
By Will Morrow, 23 November 2018
Ocasio-Cortez’s proposal, as with her entire politics, is characterized by a massive political fraud.
US and Mexican officials stoke up nationalist backlash against immigrants
By Norisa Diaz, 22 November 2018
Following an anti-caravan demonstration on Sunday in Tijuana, Border Patrol closed down the San Ysidro Port of Entry Monday morning, leaving tens of thousands in panic, in an effort to stoke up anger and confusion.
At APEC, PM puts Australia on frontline of US confrontation with China
By Peter Symonds, 21 November 2018
Australian Prime Minister Morrison lined up with US Vice President Pence at the recent APEC meeting, as China’s policies were denounced across the board.
US vice president beats war drums in Asia
By Peter Symonds, 20 November 2018
Mike Pence in effect issued an ultimatum to China: either accept a subservient, semi-colonial status, or confront the full force of US diplomatic, economic and ultimately military weight.
US vice president steps up confrontation with China at APEC summit
By Peter Symonds, 19 November 2018
For the first time in APEC’s 29-year history, the summit did not issue a final communique after the United States and China failed to agree on its wording.
US has spent almost $6 trillion on wars since 2001
By Trévon Austin, 17 November 2018
The Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Syria wars cost $5.6 trillion alone, not including future interest on money borrowed that will total at least $8 trillion.
Bipartisan panel: US must prepare for “horrendous,” “devastating” war with Russia and China
By Andre Damon, 16 November 2018
A bipartisan commission appointed by Congress has provided the Democrats’ rubber stamp to the Trump administration’s plans to prepare for war between “great powers.”
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.
010 Bipartisan Congressional review calls for more military spending
15 November 2018
Pentagon chief heads to border as first refugees from caravan arrive
By Bill Van Auken, 15 November 2018
General Mattis defended the deployment of thousands of active duty troops to confront refugee men, women and children as a “moral and ethical mission.”
US threats dominate Indo-Pacific summits
Trump’s envoys issue ultimatums to China and other Asian countries
By Mike Head, 15 November 2018
Washington’s representatives, Pence and Bolton, effectively sought to veto any agreements struck with China by the region’s governments.
Kidnapping, rape and murder by US border patrol agents
By Norisa Diaz and Meenakshi Jagadeesan, 15 November 2018
Numerous migrants, mostly women and girls, have been victims of murder, attempted murder, kidnapping or rape at the hands of US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) agents.
The armistice of November 11, 1918 and the lessons for today
By Nick Beams, 12 November 2018
The silencing of the guns 100 years ago was not the end of the bloodshed and carnage but was simply the conclusion of the first phase of what was to become a thirty-year international war between the major capitalist powers.
US, Japan conclude massive war games targeting China
By Ben McGrath, 10 November 2018
The Keen Sword exercises have placed additional pressure on China while further militarizing the western Pacific.
US-North Korean talks called off
By Peter Symonds, 9 November 2018
While the US said the meeting was merely postponed, the cancellation is another sign of an impasse in negotiations over North Korea’s nuclear program.
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.”
Democratic candidates praise Trump’s attacks on immigrants as troops arrive at the border
By Eric London, 5 November 2018
The Democrats are either silent or supportive of police state measures that are putting the lives of immigrants in imminent danger and preparing the way for violent attacks on all workers.
Washington imposes new sanctions against Venezuela and Cuba
By Bill Van Auken, 3 November 2018
Bolton’s speech on the Trump administration’s policy toward Latin America amounted to a demand for regime change in Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua.
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.
Chinese president tells military to prepare for war
By Peter Symonds, 30 October 2018
Xi Jinping’s speech was a response to the Trump administration’s aggressive actions in intensifying trade war and overtly readying for military conflict with both China and Russia.
Trump deploys military to confront “immigrant invasion”
By Eric London, 30 October 2018
The White House, deploying thousands of troops to the border, is seeking to to whip up a climate of right-wing chauvinist hysteria on the eve of the November 6 midterm elections.
US armed forces deployed to Mexico border in preparation for expected closure
By Norisa Diaz, 29 October 2018
A violent clash is being prepared on the US-Mexico border as Washington readies emergency powers to close the border.
“Trident Juncture” manoeuvres begin: NATO rehearses for war against Russia
By Philipp Frisch, 25 October 2018
The month-long manoeuvres in Norway heighten the danger of war between NATO and Russia.
In racist, anti-immigrant diatribe, Trump declares, “I am a nationalist”
By Barry Grey, 24 October 2018
In speeches in the run-up to the November 6 mid-term elections, Trump has seized on the Central American caravan to step up his appeal to fascistic elements in the Republican base.
US missile treaty withdrawal: “Prepare for nuclear war”
By Andre Damon, 24 October 2018
The Trump administration’s withdrawal from the INF treaty has put the world closer to nuclear annihilation than at any time since the end of the Cold War.
Trump’s threat to tear up nuclear pact with Russia met with alarm in Europe, silence from Democrats
By Bill Van Auken, 23 October 2018
The sole criticism from the Democratic Party is that Trump has failed to articulate a clear strategy for confrontation between the world’s two major nuclear powers.
Another US provocation against China: Two warships sail through Taiwan Strait
By Peter Symonds, 23 October 2018
The naval operation follows an inflammatory speech by US Vice-president Mike Pence earlier this month criticising China on all fronts.
War, censorship, and the invention of “fake news”
By Andre Damon, 22 October 2018
Under conditions of mounting social opposition and escalating plans for military conflict, the US political establishment is moving to ever more brazenly implement internet censorship.
Central American caravan reaches Mexico chanting “We are international workers!”
By Andrea Lobo, 22 October 2018
The caravan is becoming a symbol of working class internationalism and is being denounced by every government in North and Central America.
Trump says US will withdraw from Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces treaty
By Alex Lantier, 22 October 2018
As it targets Russia, China and other major powers, Washington is scrapping the entire framework of nuclear arms control that emerged from the Cold War.
Australian government backs far-right “OK to be white” motion in Senate
By Mike Head, 19 October 2018
The government’s embrace of the slogan, long championed by alt-right and neo-Nazi groups, has a far-reaching significance.
Trump administration accelerates war drive against China
By Peter Symonds, 19 October 2018
Since Vice President Mike Pence’s denunciations of Beijing two weeks ago, the anti-China drumbeat from top US officials has increased.
San Diego State University and the military-university complex
By Anthony del Olmo with the IYSSE at SDSU, 18 October 2018
Over the past several decades, universities in San Diego have developed into key assets for US militarism by becoming regional hubs for military training programs.
Amid furor over Khashoggi murder, UN warns millions more face starvation in Yemen
By Bill Van Auken, 17 October 2018
While leading Democrats and Republicans have called for sanctions over the Saudi journalist’s killing, Washington has maintained a discreet silence over the US-backed mass murder in Yemen.
A reply to French daily Libération
Is the WSWS exaggerating the threat of war?
By Alex Lantier, 17 October 2018
While admitting the WSWS accurately reports US military measures aimed at Russia and China, Libération claims that we are overstating US preparations for “total war.”
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.
Russia: Putin ally Kudrin pushes for rapprochement with the imperialist powers
By Clara Weiss, 13 October 2018
Underlying the push toward improving ties with imperialism are the growing class tensions in Russia itself.
Daniel Ellsberg’s The Doomsday Machine: A prescient warning of the danger of nuclear war
By Kevin Martinez, 13 October 2018
The famous whistleblower of the “Pentagon Papers” provides a disturbing and timely memoir of his days preparing nuclear war policies for the Pentagon.
Pentagon report points to US preparations for total war
By Andre Damon, 11 October 2018
Amid an intensification of military tensions with Russia and China, the Pentagon has produced a document proposing to “retool” US society for “great power conflict.”
Murder in Istanbul
By Bill Van Auken, 11 October 2018
The apparent brutal assassination of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul exposes the criminality not only of the Saudi regime, but also its principal patron, US imperialism.
The New York Times laments the exit of Nikki Haley
By Patrick Martin, 11 October 2018
The leading Democratic Party-aligned newspaper joined the Republican president in gushing over the US Ambassador to the United Nations.
Students denounce CIA partnership with University of Illinois Chicago
By the IYSSE at UIC, 11 October 2018
Among the many students who oppose the school’s partnership with the CIA is a medical student who told the IYSSE, “The CIA is the greatest terrorist organization in the world, and now it wants its tentacles on our campus.”
NYU’s Washington DC campus: Academia aligns with the Department of Defense
By Leslie Murtagh, 11 October 2018
New York University’s DC campus, heavily funded by the Department of Defense and military-affiliated philanthropists, operates as a conference hall and recruitment center for the intelligence agencies and armed forces.
Washington threatens preemptive strike against Russian missiles
By Bill Van Auken, 3 October 2018
The threat by the US envoy Kay Bailey Hutchison to “take out” Russian missiles raises the specter of a nuclear Third World War.
US and Chinese warships narrowly avoid collision in South China Sea
By Patrick O’Connor, 3 October 2018
Any misstep or accident in East Asia’s sea and airspace now threatens to trigger a full-scale war between the rival nuclear-armed powers.
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.
After Parkland: The militarization of high schools in the US
By Alex Johnson, 29 September 2018
The following article is part of a series of articles dedicated to exposing the militarization of schools and universities.
US wars claim soaring civilian casualties in Yemen and Afghanistan
By Bill Van Auken, 28 September 2018
The US media has all but ignored the escalating slaughter in the two countries as well as the clear evidence of Washington’s war crimes.
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.
US sells arms to Taiwan, confronts China
By Peter Symonds, 27 September 2018
The $330 million arms sale comes as the Trump administration is intensifying the US confrontation with China on all fronts—diplomatic, economic and military.
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.
Beijing cancels trade talks with Washington after US sanctions China for weapons purchases
By Nick Beams, 22 September 2018
The moves mark a further escalation of trade and military tensions between the US and China.
America: The garrison state
By Andre Damon, 20 September 2018
As the victims of Hurricane Florence were told no government money was available to help them rebuild their homes, the Senate quietly forked over $675 billion to the US military.
Over 5 million children face starvation as US-backed forces attack Yemeni aid port
By Bill Van Auken, 20 September 2018
The aid group Save the Children warned that the US-Saudi war threatens to kill “an entire generation of Yemen’s children.”
Russia implicates pro-NATO Ukrainian regime in MH17 shoot-down
By Kumaran Ira, 20 September 2018
Using serial numbers provided by European investigators, Moscow gave evidence that the missile that shot down MH17 was held not by Russian, but Ukrainian forces.
The militarist component of Trump’s trade war
By Nick Beams, 20 September 2018
While China is at present the prime target, the Trump administration sees the US as being involved in an economic war against the rest of the world.
Moscow blames downing of Russian plane near Syria on Israeli “provocation”
By Bill Van Auken, 19 September 2018
The killing of 15 Russian military personnel off the coast of Latakia has ratcheted up dangerous military tensions in Syria.
Report shows that US police militarization does not reduce crime
By Erik Schreiber, 19 September 2018
The results of the study directly contradict the assertions of law enforcement officials across the country.
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.
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