Politics
Australian Labor leader hails US alliance as Biden is inaugurated
By Oscar Grenfell, 22 January 2021
Albanese’s line was that a Labor government would be best placed to deepen the US-Australia alliance under the new Democratic Party administration, as it prepares for war with China.
Yellen takes aggressive stance on China in treasury secretary confirmation hearing
By Nick Beams, 21 January 2021
Yellen’s nomination seems assured, as she enjoys support from both the Republicans and Wall Street.
Oregon faces legal challenges after establishing blacks-only COVID-19 relief fund
By Dominic Gustavo, 21 January 2021
The Oregon Cares Fund revived criteria similar to the racist “one drop” rule to determine eligibility to receive financial aid.
Weakened Italian government clings to power
By Peter Schwarz, 21 January 2021
Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte survived confidence votes in both chambers of the Italian parliament and now heads a minority government.
UK: Investment banker adviser to Tory government appointed BBC chair
By Paul Bond, 21 January 2021
Sharp’s appointment demonstrates that the BBC’s long and carefully constructed fiction of impartiality is now increasingly rejected by the ruling class, who want more open support for their anti-democratic and repressive measures, and less airing of dissent and criticism.
Free COVID-19 whistleblower Rebekah Jones!
By Bryan Dyne, 18 January 2021
Jones is being prosecuted by the state of Florida for exposing its effort to cover up cases of COVID-19 and opposing the state’s policy of prematurely reopening schools.
New Zealand PM silent on Trump’s culpability for Washington coup
By John Braddock, 16 January 2021
Labour Party Prime Minister Ardern has deliberately evaded criticising President Trump’s role in the attempted fascist coup in the US.
Renzi’s resignation threatens to bring down the Italian government
By Alex Lantier, 15 January 2021
The Italian government faces collapse amid mounting social anger at “herd immunity” policies and political uncertainty after the January 6 fascist coup in Washington.
The pandemic and Trump’s coup attempt
By Andre Damon, 15 January 2021
To implement its homicidal policy of herd immunity, the ruling class is resorting to ever more violent and dictatorial forms of rule.
Britain’s Socialist Workers Party and Counterfire apply political chloroform over Trump’s coup
By Chris Marsden, 14 January 2021
Callinicos and the Socialist Workers Party have spent months minimising the threat from Trump, despite mounting evidence that he was planning a coup.
After Trump’s coup attempt: German politicians call for massive military build-up
By Johannes Stern, 14 January 2021
While the ruling class in Germany reacts with a mixture of shock, nervousness and aggression to the fascist coup attempt in the US, all the establishment parties are intensifying their great power offensive.
India’s Supreme Court feigns concern for farmers, while laying groundwork for illegalizing seven-week mass protest
By Wasantha Rupasinghe and Keith Jones, 14 January 2021
The Supreme Court ruling is aimed at ensnaring the farmers’ in a phony mediation process that is rigged against them, while laying the ground for outlawing their struggle if it is not shifted to an alternate site or sites.
Canada deepens support for US-led anti-China offensive
By Laurent Lafrance and Roger Jordan, 14 January 2021
Tensions between Canada and China are growing sharper as Ottawa swings ever more openly behind US imperialism’s aggressive diplomatic, economic and military-strategic offensive against Beijing.
New details about January 6 riot reveal need for full-scale investigation
By Eric London, 11 January 2021
Trump’s January 6 fascistic insurrection had high level support from within the Republican Party and critical sections of the police and military-intelligence apparatus.
Bolsonaro endorses Trump coup, threatens to do same in Brazil’s 2022 election
By Miguel Andrade, 11 January 2021
It is no secret that the fascistic Bolsonaro sees in the January 6 putsch a blueprint for his own takeover in 2022.
New Zealand inquiry covers up police dismissal of anti-Muslim threats prior to 2019 terror attack
By Tom Peters, 11 January 2021
The royal commission accepted all the claims by Australian and New Zealand agencies that they could not have prevented the Christchurch terror attack, and dismissed evidence to the contrary.
Canada’s political leaders nervously downplay Trump’s coup attempt, claim US democracy strong
By Roger Jordan and Keith Jones, 9 January 2021
Canada’s political leaders all blurred over the most salient fact: that the coup attempt was organized by Trump with the complicity of the Republican Party leadership and sections of the security apparatus.
Australian political and media establishment responds nervously to Trump coup attempt
By Oscar Grenfell, 9 January 2021
The Australian ruling class is fearful of the domestic and international implications of intense political instability and upheaval in the US, the centre of world capitalism and Australia’s chief strategic ally since World War II.
Biden names conservative appeals court judge Merrick Garland as attorney general
By Jacob Crosse, 9 January 2021
Freezing out Bernie Sanders and Sanders’ fellow “progressives,” President-elect Joe Biden rounded out his right-wing cabinet by selecting Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo as secretary of commerce and Boston Mayor Marty Walsh as labor secretary.
Modi boasts about “Indian” vaccines as COVID-19 virus rages through the country
By Saman Gunadasa, 8 January 2021
Workers and the poor continue to be the primary victims of the pandemic, while India’s media focuses on vaccinations.
“It’s going to take the working class to stop them”
Workers denounce Trump’s coup
By our reporters, 8 January 2021
Autoworkers, teachers, retirees and other sections of the working class reacted with outrage as fascist supporters of President Trump stormed the US Capitol Wednesday afternoon, forcibly disrupting the certification of Biden’s presidential victory.
Hong Kong police carry out largest arrests since imposition of national security law
By Ben McGrath, 8 January 2021
Beijing’s primary fear is that the working class will start to fight for its own class interests in Hong Kong and opposition will spread throughout the rest of China.
European politicians and media downplay coup in the United States
By Peter Schwarz, 8 January 2021
The central concern within ruling circles is that the advanced decomposition of American democracy could strengthen opposition to similar developments in Europe.
Republican state senators in Pennsylvania refuse to seat reelected Democrat
By Our reporter, 7 January 2021
Democratic state senators, after scattered protests, allowed the anti-democratic farce to proceed.
UK government refuses to publish list of airstrikes in Yemen involving civilian casualties
By Jean Shaoul, 7 January 2021
While the UK’s Ministry of Defence has listed a staggering 516 potential International Humanitarian Law violations by the coalition of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the real number is far higher.
Tape reveals Trump gangster methods in pursuing election coup
By Patrick Martin, 4 January 2021
The US president demanded Georgia state officials “find” the votes required to overturn the result of the November 3 election, threatening retaliation if they refused.
Spanish officers plot fascist coup to impose “herd immunity” COVID-19 policy
By Alejandro López and Alex Lantier, 31 December 2020
The “left populist” Podemos party and its ruling social-democratic allies are hushing up active plotting for a coup that has taken place throughout virtually the entire year.
As scientific council warns of “uncontrolled resurgence of epidemic”
Macron government rejects national lock-down in France
By Samuel Tissot, 31 December 2020
Ignoring the recommendations of scientists, the government has determined to reopen schools and workplaces in the New Year
UK Tory government manipulated statistics to play down COVID-19 danger to educators
By Henry Lee, 5 December 2020
Boris Johnson’s government is attempting to rubbish any conclusion that teaching is a high-risk occupation, using a combination of manipulated statistics and outright lies.
140 Trump admin sanctions ICC officials
15 June 2020
Democratic presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren mixes anti-corruption demagogy with identity politics at New York City rally
By Sandy English, 21 September 2019
Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren sought to bolster illusions that the Democratic Party is capable of reining in the domination of the US government by the super-rich.
Fascistic elements in Republican Party threaten Democrats O’Rourke and Ocasio-Cortez
By Matthew Taylor, 14 September 2019
Both incidents reflect the growing threat of political violence from the far-right.
The Democratic presidential debate: A million miles from American social reality
By Patrick Martin, 14 September 2019
The 10 candidates on the stage in Houston avoided any discussion of the deepening social crisis in America and the growing opposition to social inequality.
Democratic Socialists of America launches nationwide campaign for Bernie Sanders
By Genevieve Leigh, 12 September 2019
The DSA is a faction of the Democratic Party, which is backing the Sanders campaign as it seeks to divert opposition among workers and youth into safe channels.
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.
Washington Post pushes xenophobic campaign against Chinese-Americans
By Andre Damon, 10 September 2019
The Washington Post has published an editorial giving its stamp of approval to a report by the Hoover institution arguing that Chinese nationals and ethnic Chinese Americans potentially pose a national security threat to the United States.
New York court hears argument from “John Doe” that documents related to Jeffrey Epstein should remain sealed
By Kevin Reed, 7 September 2019
In a hearing before a Manhattan judge, arguments were presented on Wednesday for keeping the identity of individuals named in the court record of a defamation lawsuit filed against a confidante of Jeffrey Epstein in 2015 either sealed or redacted.
Former Fed official calls on central bank to end accommodation to Trump
By Nick Beams, 31 August 2019
An extraordinary intervention by former New York Federal Reserve president Bill Dudley reflects rising political tensions, fuelled by the growing prospect of a US recession.
The Democratic Socialists of America Convention: A marketing gimmick for the Democratic Party
By Joseph Kishore, 30 August 2019
The main resolutions adopted at the convention centered on the DSA’s political support for the Democratic Party and its dedication to bolstering the anti-working-class trade unions.
Trump again “jokes” about extending his presidency
By Patrick Martin, 15 August 2019
There is nothing funny about an American president publicly mulling over the prospects for becoming dictator-for-life.
US media continues to downplay suspicions about Jeffrey Epstein’s death
By David Walsh, 14 August 2019
After days of breathless coverage, the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal both removed the Epstein story from the front pages of their print editions on Tuesday.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand: #MeToo, McCarthyism and machine politics
By Josh Varlin, 12 August 2019
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s campaign, combining feminism and anti-Russia witch-hunting, has yet to mobilize significant support.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to Wall Street financial vultures: Please be nice to Puerto Rico
By Genevieve Leigh, 10 August 2019
Democratic Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, has intervened to attempt to contain growing social unrest and anger.
Bowing to House Democratic leadership, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez purges staff
By Genevieve Leigh, 7 August 2019
The purge came after staff members criticized Democratic Party leaders over the passage of a bill funding Trump’s war on immigrants.
Donald Trump’s fascist strategy
By Eric London, 17 July 2019
Trump is proceeding according to a deliberate political strategy worked out with the White House’s fascist brain trust.
House Democrats ratify $733 billion for US military
By Patrick Martin, 15 July 2019
The bill was passed with more than a dozen amendments, all of which will eventually be removed, to ensure the support of Democratic “progressives.”
The Democratic presidential candidates: A socialist appraisal
Pete Buttigieg: The made-to-order political “outsider”
By Tom Hall, 15 July 2019
The sudden elevation of Buttigieg is an effort to shift the Democratic presidential campaign to the right, particularly on issues related to national security.
Trump’s nominee for top US military commander calls for nuclear buildup to confront China
By Bill Van Auken, 13 July 2019
General Milley, tapped as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, predicted that the US would be in confrontation with China for the next 100 years.
The phony war between Pelosi and Ocasio-Cortez
By Patrick Martin, 11 July 2019
The policy of the House Democrats is being set, not by the “lefts,” but by the most right-wing faction with close ties to the military-intelligence apparatus.
The Democratic presidential candidates: A socialist appraisal
Elizabeth Warren espouses economic nationalist policies aligned with Donald Trump
By Patrick Martin, 11 July 2019
Despite her public image as a representative of the “left” wing of the Democratic Party, Warren is a highly conscious and self-declared advocate of capitalism.
US-British relations hit bottom following ambassador’s leaked Trump criticism
By Chris Marsden, 10 July 2019
Trump’s attack on May over Brexit is the latest broadside supportive of her likely successor Boris Johnson and of the breakup of the European Union.
H. Ross Perot, billionaire third-party US presidential candidate, dead at 89
By Fred Mazelis, 10 July 2019
The Texas tycoon won the biggest support for a third-party candidate since Theodore Roosevelt in 1912.
Trump’s Fourth of July: The militarist bombast of a crisis-ridden system
By Joseph Kishore, 6 July 2019
Intended as a demonstration of the eternal power and greatness of American capitalism, what was instead exposed in the grotesque spectacle is a beleaguered and isolated ruling class.
American injustice: Trump and cronies protect a murderous US Navy SEAL
By Jacob Crosse, 6 July 2019
In the months leading up to Edward Gallagher’s acquittal, several members of his defense team were revealed to have close ties to the White House.
Trump unleashes torrent of militarism in Fourth of July speech
By Tom Hall, 5 July 2019
Trump’s hour-long paean to the military was designed to further elevate the military as the supreme arbiter of American politics and buttress of his own personalist rule.
Fourth of July 2019: Militarism and the specter of dictatorship
By Patrick Martin, 4 July 2019
The official celebration of the Fourth of July holiday in Washington today will be marked by an unprecedented presence of the military.
"Socialism 2019" conference: A Democratic Party operation
By Alexander Fangmann, 4 July 2019
The featured speakers and panels at the Socialism Conference reveal an event devoted to channeling the leftward movement of workers and youth back into the confines of the Democratic Party.
Amid revelations of fascist network at Customs and Border Protection
Ocasio-Cortez, other Congress members threatened by border police
By Barry Grey, 3 July 2019
The promotion of fascist elements in the immigration agencies is being directed from the White House.
Harvard awards fellowship to Rick Snyder, Flint’s poisoner-in-chief
By Sheila Brehm, 3 July 2019
The former Michigan governor, who presided over the lead poisoning of Flint’s water supply, has been awarded a prestigious senior research fellowship at Harvard University.
Democrats back Trump’s massive “World War III” military budget
By Andre Damon, 1 July 2019
Senate Democrats voted overwhelmingly for the largest US military budget ever in a bill that gives Trump a green light for war with Iran and backs his “state of emergency” on the border.
First Democratic debate: Demagogy on social issues, silence on war
By Patrick Martin, 29 June 2019
The stage-managed spectacle marked the formal beginning of an electoral process dominated by big money and thoroughly manipulated by the corporate-controlled media.
DSA-endorsed “progressive” wins Democratic primary for Queens District Attorney
By Isaac Finn, 29 June 2019
Cabán had the backing of Representative Ocasio-Cortez, presidential candidates Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, and the New York Times, voice of the Democratic Party establishment.
As Democrats give Trump billions more for border war
Image of drowned father and daughter sparks global outrage against US anti-immigrant rampage
By Barry Grey, 27 June 2019
The Democratic Party has voted overwhelmingly to grant another $4.5 billion dollars for Trump’s Gestapo-like anti-immigrant agencies.
Democratic debate begins the 2020 election campaign with a blast of demagogy
By Patrick Martin, 27 June 2019
All of the Democratic candidates, like President Trump, defend the profit system and the worldwide interests of American imperialism.
The Impeachers: The Trial of Andrew Johnson and the Dream of a Just Nation, by Brenda Wineapple
The failed removal of Andrew Johnson and the emergence of the American working class
By Eric London, 26 June 2019
Brenda Wineapple’s The Impeachers: The Trial of Andrew Johnson and the Dream of a Just Nation is a factual and easy-to-read account of one of the most overlooked and poorly understood turning points in American history.
The class issues in the fight to free Julian Assange
By Joseph Kishore, 25 May 2019
Assange is the victim of one of the most massive political frame-ups in modern history, which has received the active support of the entire political establishment and the media.
Knock Down the House and the Democratic Party politics of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
By Genevieve Leigh, 25 May 2019
Knock Down the House reviews the election campaigns of several Democratic Party primary candidates in the 2018 congressional elections, focused on Ocasio-Cortez in New York City.
Trump, Democrats clash over investigations
By Patrick Martin, 23 May 2019
Trump has issued an unprecedented ultimatum: Halt investigations or no political business will be done in Washington.
As more Democrats call for impeachment inquiry
Former White House counsel refuses to testify before House committee
By Barry Grey, 22 May 2019
The Democrats are warning about a “constitutional crisis” and the threat of dictatorship, but their own fecklessness is bound up with the reactionary basis of their opposition to Trump.
Kicking off his presidential campaign
Biden makes right-wing plea for “unity” with Republicans
By Patrick Martin, 20 May 2019
At the kickoff rally for his campaign, the Democratic frontrunner avoided any mention of the growth of social inequality or the domination of a financial aristocracy over America.
Democrats back trade war with China
By Patrick Martin, 18 May 2019
The main criticism of Trump’s trade policy by congressional Democrats and most presidential candidates is that the president should focus exclusively on China and enlist Canada, Mexico and the European Union in an anti-China coalition.
Alabama abortion ban: Back to barbarism
By Patrick Martin, 16 May 2019
The purpose of the law is to give the new right-wing majority on the US Supreme Court the opportunity to overturn Roe v. Wade.
Trump says he reported $1.17 billion in losses over 10 years to evade paying taxes
By E.P. Milligan, 14 May 2019
Trump’s statement that he claimed losses in order to evade taxes is tantamount to an admission of tax fraud.
The working class and the threat of dictatorship in the US
By Patrick Martin, 13 May 2019
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other top Democrats admit that there is a “constitutional crisis” but refuse to conduct a serious struggle against Trump’s authoritarian actions.
Trump rally roars approval for call to “shoot” immigrants
By Eric London, 10 May 2019
When an audience member at a Trump rally Wednesday yelled that the US should “shoot” immigrants, Trump laughed. Meanwhile, the government is arresting record numbers of families at the border.
US tariff hike against China goes ahead
By Nick Beams, 10 May 2019
Trump said talks with Chinese representatives would proceed, but “I have no idea what’s going to happen.”
Changing poverty formula, Trump administration to make millions ineligible for social programs
By Alex González, 10 May 2019
The “chained CPI” plan is based on a previous attack on the poor and elderly proposed by the Obama administration.
Chelsea Manning released, faces new imprisonment for refusing to testify against Assange
By Niles Niemuth, 10 May 2019
Even before she was released on Thursday, Manning was served with a new subpoena to demand testimony before a different grand jury. She could be returned to jail as early as next week.
House committee votes contempt charge against Trump’s attorney general William Barr
By Patrick Martin, 9 May 2019
The conflict between Congress and the White House represents the breakdown of the institutional framework through which American capitalist politics has operated for more than two centuries.
Trump floats proposal to cancel 2020 elections
By Eric London, 8 May 2019
Bourgeois politics has degenerated to such a degree that political and legal norms considered fundamental since the American Revolution are now challenged by presidential tweet.
Former Trump chief of staff John Kelly joins board of migrant detention firm
By Genevieve Leigh, 8 May 2019
The retired general and anti-immigrant demagogue is profiting from the draconian policies he helped implement while working in the Trump administration.
Georgia governor signs “heartbeat” anti-abortion legislation
By Kate Randall, 8 May 2019
The “Living Infants Fairness and Equality Act” marks a new stage in an orchestrated campaign to outlaw abortion.
Conflicts flare between Trump and House Democrats
By Patrick Martin, 7 May 2019
On a range of issues, the Trump administration is refusing to provide documents and witnesses subpoenaed by the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives.
The nationalist “socialism” of Bernie Sanders
By Patrick Martin, 6 May 2019
Sanders presents Chinese workers, the largest single contingent of the international working class, as the enemy of American workers.
Washington political warfare intensifies with lawsuits, looming contempt charges
By Patrick Martin, 4 May 2019
The chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, which would handle impeachment proceedings, warned that “the system of not having a president as a dictator is very much at stake.”
Bernie Sanders attacks Biden from the right on China trade
By Ben McGrath, 4 May 2019
In criticizing the former vice president, Sanders echoed Trump's anti-China demagogy and economic nationalism.
US-China trade talks enter final phase
By Nick Beams, 4 May 2019
One of the main sticking points is agreement on the procedure by which US tariffs imposed on $250 billion worth of Chinese goods would be lifted if a trade agreement is reached.
The imperialist “lie in the soul”
Politicians celebrate “World Press Freedom Day” as Julian Assange languishes in prison
By David Walsh, 4 May 2019
No one associated with UNESCO or World Press Freedom Day made mention of the persecution of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange during this week’s events.
US attorney general refuses to testify before House Judiciary Committee
By Patrick Martin, 2 May 2019
Barr’s decision came after a contentious day-long hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee where he took questions on his handling of the report by Special Counsel Robert Mueller.
Biden holds first campaign rally in Pittsburgh-area union hall
By Patrick Martin, 30 April 2019
The former vice president appealed for support from working-class voters while embracing the organizations that have betrayed them.
New York Times column falsifies legacy of Eugene Debs
By Tom Mackaman, 30 April 2019
Isserman portrays the early American socialist as a moralistic reformer.
Trump orders officials to refuse congressional subpoenas
By Eric London, 29 April 2019
The Democrats have responded by threatening to withhold funds from noncomplying agencies and to jail administration officials who are in contempt of Congress.
Fascist gunman attacks California synagogue
By Patrick Martin, 29 April 2019
President Trump is the moral author of this latest expression of fascistic violence in America and internationally.
Former Vice President Biden officially enters Democratic presidential race
By Tom Hall, 26 April 2019
Biden’s announcement video focuses on the danger of Trump while concealing the role of the Obama-Biden administration in paving the way for Trump’s authoritarian politics.
CIA Democrats enter the race: Seth Moulton announces bid for presidential nomination
By Tom Eley, 24 April 2019
The congressman is virtually unknown to voters, but he is a leading figure among the CIA Democrats.
Trump administration escalates threats against Cuba
By Alexander Fangmann, 20 April 2019
The Trump administration is imposing unilateral sanctions aimed at punishing foreign corporations, particularly European and Canadian, with investments in Cuba.
US preparing more charges against Julian Assange
By Kristina Betinis, 19 April 2019
A report by CNN confirms the warnings made by the WSWS that if the journalist is extradited to the United States, additional, possibly capital, charges would be brought against him.
Bernie Sanders silent on Assange, vocal in promoting nationalism at Michigan rally
By Tom Hall, 15 April 2019
Sanders’ silence on Assange signals his support for the persecution of the former WikiLeaks editor.
Trump, ultra-right media target Representative Ilhan Omar
By Patrick Martin, 15 April 2019
The ongoing campaign of anti-Muslim vilification is an incitement to violence.
Who funded the ISO? An analysis of the financial basis of pseudo-left politics
By Eric London, 15 April 2019
The now defunct International Socialist Organization was funded by government-linked think tanks, wealthy Democrats and right-wing conservative groups.
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