US Militarism
010 Trump imeachment/Justice IG report
10 December 2019
020 Ukraine
10 December 2019
200 Afghanistan Papers
10 December 2019
America’s torturers and their co-conspirators must be prosecuted
By Tom Carter, 9 December 2019
Five years after the release of the Senate report on CIA torture, the gruesome drawings contained in the Seton Hall Law School paper on “How America Tortures” are a powerful indictment of the entire US political establishment.
US prepares to deploy thousands more troops against Iran
By Bill Van Auken, 6 December 2019
While the Pentagon denied a report that 14,000 more troops are being sent to the Persian Gulf, it made clear that a major escalation is under discussion.
Pompeo vows intervention against “riots” in Washington’s “own backyard”
By Bill Van Auken, 5 December 2019
Immediately following Pompeo’s provocative speech, the US slapped new sanctions on Venezuela and Cuba, which the secretary of state accused of fomenting violence.
NATO bitterly divided as London summit begins
By Alex Lantier, 3 December 2019
NATO heads of state arrived yesterday in London for a two-day summit beginning today, 70 years after NATO’s foundation in the aftermath of World War II in 1949.
Iranian government kills hundreds in bid to suppress the worst protests in decades
By Jean Shaoul, 3 December 2019
There is no doubt that the US, Saudi Arabia, the Gulf monarchies and Israel are seeking to exploit the escalating crisis confronting Iran.
US carries out fresh massacre in Afghanistan, killing entire family with drone strike
By Bill Van Auken, 3 December 2019
The bloody attack came in the wake of Trump’s claim that peace talks with the Taliban had resumed.
Imperialist powers intensify pressure on Iranian regime in wake of protests
By Jordan Shilton, 30 November 2019
US imperialism is chiefly responsible for the tense standoff in the Persian Gulf. But the claims of the Iranian regime that “collective security” can be achieved by establishing a closer military alliance with Beijing and Moscow are reactionary.
Trump signs Hong Kong “democracy” bill
By Nick Beams, 29 November 2019
Entitled the “Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act”—and passed by the US Congress with only one dissenting voice, making it veto-proof—the legislation has nothing to do with either.
Over 250 students arrested in Michigan by ICE in fake university scam
By Jacob Crosse, 29 November 2019
After arresting 161 students in January and February earlier this year, US Immigrations and Customs Enforcement revealed that they had detained an additional 91 students in an ongoing sting operation conducted by the federal agency.
In defiance of repression, Colombian workers mount second national strike in the past week
By Evan Blake, 28 November 2019
In the face of intense police repression that has already killed four protesters, workers and youth took to the streets to voice their hostility to the right-wing Duque administration.
Trump threatens to designate Mexican cartels as “terrorists”
By Andrea Lobo, 28 November 2019
The step would set the stage for direct US military interventions in Mexico, while pressuring the Mexican government to escalate militarized repression of social opposition.
US media ramps up anti-China campaign over Uyghur “human rights”
By Peter Symonds, 28 November 2019
Washington has a long record of cynically exploiting “human rights” to justify regime-change operations, military provocations and wars, while ignoring the gross abuses of key allies.
999 DSA article on Bolton and impeachment
28 November 2019
Trump’s war crime pardons: Cultivating a fascistic base in the military
By Bill Van Auken, 27 November 2019
The unprecedented intervention in defense of Navy Seal Edward Gallagher is aimed not just at facilitating war crimes abroad, but at preparing forces to be used against the working class at home.
US navy secretary fired in case of pardoned SEAL war criminal
By Bill Van Auken, 26 November 2019
The crimes of Gallagher and the other war criminals pardoned by Trump account for a minuscule portion of the civilians massacred in the illegal wars waged by US imperialism over the past 18 years.
Who decided the US should fight a “hot war” with Russia?
By Andre Damon, 23 November 2019
The impeachment inquiry has exposed a US conspiracy to spend billions of dollars to overthrow an elected government in Ukraine and foment a civil war that has killed thousands of people.
NATO riven by tensions between major powers
By Alex Lantier, 22 November 2019
The NATO foreign ministers summit in Brussels dealt with political fallout from French President Macron’s statement that the US-European alliance is “brain dead.”
Trump overrides Navy’s bid to evict war criminal from SEALS
By Bill Van Auken, 22 November 2019
This was the fourth intervention by the US president in the case of Edward Gallagher, a Navy SEAL charged with shooting civilians and murdering a prisoner during the 2017 siege of Mosul.
US, EU gave over $20 billion in military and economic aid to Ukraine since 2014
By Patrick Martin, 21 November 2019
Testimony at the final impeachment hearing confirmed the massive scale of imperialist operations in Ukraine, aimed at undermining and attacking Russia.
Naval command challenges President Trump’s war crimes pardon
By Kevin Reed, 21 November 2019
In an extraordinary and open conflict between the leadership of the US Navy and the White House, Rear Admiral Collin Green pressed forward on Wednesday with plans to remove Edward Gallagher from the SEALs following his exoneration by President Trump.
The bloodbath in Baghdad
By Bill Van Auken, 19 November 2019
The US media has remained largely silent as more than 330 unarmed demonstrators have been killed in the streets of the Iraqi capital.
Obama joins effort to push Democratic primary campaign to the right
By Patrick Martin, 18 November 2019
Obama declared his opposition to anything “revolutionary” or “crazy” being put forward by presidential candidates whom he did not name, although he was clearly referring to Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren.
Louisiana governor wins re-election in blow to Trump
By Patrick Martin, 18 November 2019
Edwards won despite three campaign appearances by President Trump and an all-out effort by the Republican National Committee.
Former US Secretary of State Kissinger points to danger of “catastrophic” conflict between US and China
By Nick Beams, 16 November 2019
Former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger has warned of an inevitable “conflict” between the US and China that “will be worse than the world wars that ruined European civilisation.”
Seeking to cultivate fascistic base, Trump pardons two war criminals and promotes a third
By Evan Blake, 16 November 2019
Trump’s unprecedented pardoning of war criminals highlights the authoritarian character of his administration.
The Trump impeachment and US policy in Ukraine
By Patrick Martin, 16 November 2019
The public hearings on impeachment have brought to light bitter recriminations within the US ruling elite sparked by the failure of its anti-Russia efforts in Ukraine.
Popular resistance mounts against Bolivian coup
By Andrea Lobo, 15 November 2019
Thousands of workers and peasants in Bolivia’s capital of La Paz, the neighboring district of El Alto and in Cochabamba have taken to the streets in defiance of police-military repression.
Brazil’s Bolsonaro threatens use of dictatorship-era law against Lula for “inciting violence”
By Miguel Andrade, 15 November 2019
Bolsonaro and the military brass met immediately after Lula was allowed to leave prison while appealing a corruption sentence.
Former Israeli soldiers tour US to speak out against occupation of Palestinian territories
By Fred Mazelis, 13 November 2019
The soldiers’ own experiences have led them to rebel against the criminal policies of the Israeli government.
In Berlin Wall speech, Pompeo advances crusade against Russia and China
By Bill Van Auken, 11 November 2019
In a hypocritical address invoking a worldwide crusade for “freedom,” Pompeo escalated US threats of global war.
Democratic Socialists of America “International Committee” denounces “reckless” withdrawal of US troops from Syria
By Genevieve Leigh, 9 November 2019
The response of the DSA to Trump’s announced troop withdrawals from Syria is indistinguishable from that of the Democratic Party and Trump’s critics within the military and intelligence apparatus.
US seizure of oil fields escalates tensions in Syria
By Bill Van Auken, 8 November 2019
Russia has issued a warning that it will not cooperate with US forces in the region, raising the threat of a military clash.
Trump calls for US troops to wage “war” on drug cartels in Mexico
By Eric London, 6 November 2019
Trump tweeted: “This is the time for Mexico, with the help of the United States, to wage WAR on the drug cartels and wipe them off the face of the earth.”
Washington Post and New York Times incite racist campaign against Chinese-Americans
By Andre Damon, 5 November 2019
The newspapers most closely associated with the Democratic Party and the US intelligence agencies are inciting racially-motivated suspicions of Americans of Chinese ancestry.
Death toll mounts as Iraqi protests defy repression
By Bill Van Auken, 5 November 2019
At least 260 people have been killed and hundreds more wounded since protests against unemployment and social inequality erupted last month.
Democrats, media silent over identification of CIA “whistleblower”
By Patrick Martin, 4 November 2019
The official who filed a complaint against Trump has been identified by pro-Republican sources as 33-year-old Eric Ciaramella, a CIA analyst who worked in the White House under Obama and Trump.
Hundreds protest police violence in Brooklyn, New York subway
By Josh Varlin, 4 November 2019
Recent incidents of police violence in the subway system, connected to the crackdown on “fare evasion,” have fueled growing anger among workers in New York City.
CIA death squads responsible for spike in Afghan civilian casualties
By Bill Van Auken, 2 November 2019
A Human Rights Watch report documents extrajudicial executions, forced disappearances and attacks on medical facilities by militias trained, funded and directed by the CIA.
Pentagon awards $10 billion cloud computing contract to Microsoft
By Kevin Reed, 1 November 2019
Amazon was widely expected to win the ten-year agreement, but Trump’s intervention apparently tipped the contract to Microsoft.
Washington threatens to fight Syria and Russia for oil
By Bill Van Auken, 31 October 2019
The restatement of US objectives in seizing Syria’s oil fields came amid border clashes between Turkish and Syrian troops.
Iraqi regime responds to mass protests with brutal crackdown
By Jean Shaoul, 30 October 2019
The Iraqi police and security services have killed at least 250 people and injured thousands in a crackdown against the mass protests that erupted earlier this month.
Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and the forgotten history of Iraq
By Andre Damon, 29 October 2019
Whether Baghdadi was an enemy of the United States, a CIA asset, or both, one thing is certain: the rise of ISIS was the byproduct of criminal actions by the US government spanning four decades.
Court ruling declares House impeachment inquiry to be legal
By Patrick Martin, 28 October 2019
The ruling by Judge Beryl A. Howell constitutes a rebuttal of the arguments made by the White House and congressional Republicans against the constitutionality of the impeachment inquiry.
The murder of Baghdadi and Washington’s crisis in the Middle East
By Bill Van Auken, 28 October 2019
The targeted assassination of the ISIS leader was politically timed to deflect criticism within the US ruling establishment and its military and intelligence apparatus of Trump’s Syria policy.
Trump shifts from ending “forever wars” to sending tanks into Syria’s oil fields
By Bill Van Auken, 26 October 2019
While pitched as a defense against ISIS, the proposed occupation of the oil fields is aimed at denying vital resources to Syria’s government.
NATO defense ministers meet in Brussels to call for new Middle East wars
By Alex Lantier, 25 October 2019
NATO officials began a two-day summit yesterday in Brussels, calling for new military escalation in the Middle East after the debacle of their eight-year war in Syria.
US troops withdraw across Syrian border into Iraq
By Patrick Martin, 22 October 2019
While Trump has sought to strike a phony antiwar posture with his pullout order, the troops leaving Syria will remain in the Middle East.
US claims “ceasefire” deal in Turkey’s invasion of Syria
By Bill Van Auken, 18 October 2019
After US Vice President Pence and Turkish President Erdogan met Thursday, Turkish officials bragged that Ankara got everything it wanted.
Trump defends US pullback in Syria
By Bill Van Auken, 17 October 2019
Amid mounting opposition from within Congress and the military, Trump defended his order to withdraw a small contingent of US special forces from northeastern Syria.
The Democrats support the “Forever War”
By Bill Van Auken, 16 October 2019
The Democratic Party’s saber-rattling response to the Syrian fiasco helps Trump fraudulently posture as an opponent of war.
US impeachment inquiry: State Department official testifies in defiance of Trump ban
By Patrick Martin, 14 October 2019
Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch is the first Trump administration official to testify before the House Intelligence Committee since the White House declared its policy of noncooperation with the impeachment inquiry.
No to American fascism! Build a mass movement to force Trump out!
By the Political Committee of the Socialist Equality Party, 14 October 2019
The defeat of Trump’s efforts to create an extreme rightwing authoritarian regime and the defense of democratic rights require the political mobilization of the working class.
US sends 3,000 more troops to defend Saudi monarchy
By Bill Van Auken, 12 October 2019
The escalation of the US troop deployment in the region followed on the heels of a missile attack on an Iranian oil tanker in the Red Sea.
Trump admits US killed millions in war based on lies
By Bill Van Auken, 10 October 2019
Whatever his immediate intentions, Trump has admitted that successive US governments have engaged in war crimes resulting in mass murder.
“Defender 2020”: NATO powers threaten war against Russia
By Gregor Link, 8 October 2019
In the coming year, armed forces from 17 NATO states, including the US and Germany, will carry out the “Defender 2020” manoeuvres.
US impeachment campaign escalates with claim of second whistleblower
By Patrick Martin, 7 October 2019
The Democratic Party continues to draw support from the intelligence agencies for its anti-Trump effort.
Pompeo signs US-Greek military alliance and threatens Iran, Russia, China
By Alex Lantier and V. Gnana, 7 October 2019
Aggressive US and European foreign policy is intensifying the risk that great-power conflict over the Balkans and the Middle East can trigger a global war.
Death toll in Iraq protests tops 105
By Bill Van Auken, 7 October 2019
According to Iraq’s Interior Ministry, five days of mass protests also left more than 6,100 wounded.
220 Snowden book review
7 October 2019
White supremacist Coast Guard officer pleads guilty to drug and weapons charges
By Matthew Taylor, 5 October 2019
A list of potential targets found on Paul Hasson’s computer included the Democratic Party politicians and media figures routinely attacked by President Donald Trump and his supporters.
FBI arrests US soldier with far-right ties
By Kevin Reed, 25 September 2019
A US Army specialist was arrested on Saturday by the FBI and charged with one count of distributing information over social media related to explosives and weapons of mass destruction.
US political warfare explodes over Trump and Ukraine
By Patrick Martin, 23 September 2019
The US president admitted Sunday that he had discussed with the Ukrainian president a possible investigation into Democrat Joe Biden and his son.
Department of Homeland Security counterterrorism strategy targets left-wing politics as “violent extremism”
By Kevin Reed, 23 September 2019
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a new strategy document expanding the definition of terrorism to include what it calls “domestic actors inspired by violent extremist ideologies.”
Australian prime minister endorses US trade war and militarism
By James Cogan, 23 September 2019
Morrison conducted himself as the head of a middle-order power that has functioned since World War II as the willing enabler of the predatory policies of its great power ally.
US Justice Department sues Edward Snowden to block proceeds of memoir
By Kevin Reed, 23 September 2019
The 26-page lawsuit is aimed at intimidating other whistleblowers and publishers who might be thinking about telling the truth and exposing the crimes of the US government.
US deal with El Salvador puts new roadblock to asylum seekers
By Norisa Diaz, 23 September 2019
The attempt to label El Salvador as a “safe third country” is a deeply sadistic measure to undermine the rights of asylum guaranteed by international asylum law.
Joe Biden: A familiar face, a deeply reactionary record
By Patrick Martin, 23 September 2019
Obama’s vice president for two terms, Biden is identified with some of the worst crimes of the American government over the past 50 years, including wars in the former Yugoslavia, Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya.
US drone massacre in Afghanistan
By Jacob Crosse, 21 September 2019
At least 30 Afghan farmers and day laborers were killed and 40 others injured Wednesday night in a US drone attack, despite previous notification given to local officials of farming activity in the area.
US sending more troops to Saudi Arabia amid rising war tensions
By Bill Van Auken, 21 September 2019
The announcement followed a White House meeting between US President Donald Trump and his National Security Council to discuss proposals for military action against Iran.
Trump meets with security council on Iran war plans
By Bill Van Auken, 20 September 2019
Washington has yet to produce a shred of evidence of Iran's responsibility for the Saudi attacks, which have been seized upon as a pretext for escalating a war for regime change.
Trump reviewing target lists as Iran war threat mounts
By Bill Van Auken, 19 September 2019
US Secretary of State Pompeo described Saturday’s attacks on Saudi oil installations as “an act of war,” attributing them—still with no evidence—to Iran.
US seeks to intimidate Beijing in the South China Sea
By James Cogan, 19 September 2019
The US Navy has now carried out two “freedom of navigation” incursions into Chinese-claimed waters in less than three weeks.
Washington steps up threats against Iran over strikes on Saudi oil facilities
By Bill Van Auken, 18 September 2019
The Pentagon has provided the Trump White House with a series of options for military aggression against Iran.
Washington’s rush to indict Iran over Saudi attacks
By Bill Van Auken, 17 September 2019
Without presenting a shred of evidence, the Trump administration charged Tehran with responsibility for attacks that provide a pretext for another US war in the Middle East.
Trump fires Bolton as national security advisor
By Patrick Martin, 11 September 2019
Disagreement over a proposed deal with the Taliban in Afghanistan was apparently the final straw in the internal White House conflict.
005 US Anti-China campaign
10 September 2019
Leaked document reveals state spying
FBI targets groups opposing Trump’s concentration camps as “Extremists”
By Eric London, 9 September 2019
As the fascist in the White House continues his dictatorial measures on the border, a bipartisan group of politicians and intelligence agents is working to criminalize political opposition.
080 Terrorism watch list found unconstitutional
9 September 2019
Washington escalates “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran
By Bill Van Auken, 6 September 2019
More than a year after re-imposing a punishing sanctions regime, and no closer to achieving regime change, the US is adopting increasingly reckless measures.
DARPA requests proposals for “Semantic Forensics” system
US Defense Department prepares for mass internet censorship
By Kevin Reed, 6 September 2019
The Pentagon is seeking proposals from corporate technology partners for the development of an automated system that will censor “false media assets” and “disinformation.”
Pentagon begins second phase of diverting funds to Trump’s border wall
By Patrick Martin, 5 September 2019
Defense Secretary Mark Esper has selected $3.6 billion worth of military construction projects that will be deferred to help pay for the wall on the US-Mexico border.
Massive blast hits Kabul as US envoy announces draft deal with Taliban
By Bill Van Auken, 4 September 2019
The draft agreement would reportedly include a phased, “conditions-based” withdrawal of US troops.
Saudi airstrikes on Yemen prison kill more than 100
By Niles Niemuth, 2 September 2019
Monday’s mass slaughter ranks among the worst in a long string of war crimes carried out by Saudi Arabia with the backing of the American and British governments.
US operation aggravates tensions over South China Sea disputes
By James Cogan, 30 August 2019
The latest operation is intended to either provoke or intimidate the Beijing regime and Chinese military.
US alarmed over end to South Korea-Japan intelligence sharing
By Peter Symonds, 30 August 2019
Seoul’s decision to withdraw from a key intelligence-sharing agreement with Tokyo is part of the deepening rift between Washington’s two military allies in North East Asia over economic and strategic issues.
Department of Homeland Security using $155 million in FEMA disaster relief to fund Trump’s immigrant crackdown
By Kevin Martinez, 29 August 2019
The shuffling of funds comes one week after the Trump White House announced an end to the Flores settlement, as a result, the government will be using FEMA funds to imprison immigrant families indefinitely.
The US announces provocative arms sale to Taiwan
By Peter Symonds, 27 August 2019
The $8 billion sale of 66 F-16V fighter jets is the first such deal since the administration of President George H.W. Bush approved the sale of 150 fighter jets to Taiwan in 1992.
Australia joins US naval operation against Iran, foreshadows involvement in South China Sea
By James Cogan, 23 August 2019
Sixteen years after the Iraq war, US imperialism has plans for even more catastrophic crimes—against both Iran and China.
Blackwater mercenary Nicholas Slatten sentenced to life in prison for initiating 2007 Nisour Square Massacre
By Jacob Crosse, 17 August 2019
Eight months after being found guilty a third time for first-degree murder, Slatten was sentenced Wednesday for his role in the notorious massacre in Baghdad during the height of the US occupation of Iraq.
Iran tanker released in Gibraltar despite US bid to seize it
By Bill Van Auken, 16 August 2019
The decision to release the tanker, formally declared by Gibraltar, but clearly made in London, exposes rising tensions over Washington’s “maximum pressure” policy.
Taliban claim breakthrough in Afghanistan talks, US commander says operations continue
By Bill Van Auken, 15 August 2019
Trump is reportedly pushing for a withdrawal of US troops before the 2020 election, while leading Republicans are pressing for a “residual force” of special forces and CIA.
Southern separatists overrun Aden, exposing fraud of US, Saudi puppet regime in Yemen
By Bill Van Auken, 13 August 2019
The clashes in Aden after more than four years of murderous war in Yemen have laid bare the failure of the US-backed Saudi campaign to establish any viable regime.
Following AUSMIN talks, Australian politician compares China to Nazi Germany
By James Cogan, 10 August 2019
Andrew Hastie falsely compared the purported failure of Australia to respond to the threat posed by China with France’s lack of response to the “German advance in 1940.”
US defence secretary, NATO chief visit New Zealand to strengthen military ties
By Tom Peters, 10 August 2019
The visits by US defence secretary Mark Esper and NATO general secretary Jens Stoltenberg were aimed at incorporating New Zealand further into the military build-up against China, Russia and Iran.
While Trump cries crocodile tears over massacre victims
ICE rounds up nearly 700 immigrants in sweep through Mississippi poultry plants
By Norisa Diaz and Patrick Martin, 8 August 2019
The Trump administration has given its real response to the fascist massacre in El Paso, Texas by carrying out the largest immigration raid since Trump entered the White House.
US military testing domestic wide-area surveillance with high-altitude balloons
By Kevin Reed, 8 August 2019
The balloons also have high-resolution cameras capable of recording panoramic images that are then stitched together to provide a wide-area view of entire cities.
Washington orders international embargo on Venezuela, threatens invasion
By Andrea Lobo, 7 August 2019
US envoy Elliott Abrams declared: “If you told George Bush Sr. in 1988 that he would invade Panama, he would have called it madness. But two or three years later, it happened.”
Follow the WSWS