US Militarism
Washington revives Syria chemical weapons propaganda as pretext for war
By Bill Van Auken, 23 May 2019
The threat of a new US attack on Syria follows a report exposing the last chemical weapons incident attributed to the Syrian government as a staged provocation.
Washington threatens new attack on Syria amid US war buildup in Persian Gulf
By Bill Van Auken, 22 May 2019
With the Trump administration threatening a new attack on Syria on the pretext of chemical weapons, Democrats signed a letter urging an even more aggressive policy.
Persian Gulf tensions rise as Trump threatens “end” of Iran
By Bill Van Auken, 21 May 2019
The apocalyptic tweet from the US president came amid provocative drills by US warships in the Arabian Sea.
US warships provocatively challenge China’s claims in South China Sea
By Peter Symonds, 21 May 2019
The so-called freedom of navigation operation underscores the danger that trade war with China will escalate into military conflict as the US seeks to ensure its global domination.
US security forces storm Venezuelan embassy in Washington, D.C.
By Nick Barrickman, 17 May 2019
The raid of the embassy is of a piece with the reckless and illegal actions taken by the Trump administration in an effort to force a regime change in Venezuela.
No to war against Iran!
By Bill Van Auken, 15 May 2019
The threat of all-out war in the Middle East is greater than at any time since the 2003 US invasion of Iraq, and the potential consequences are far graver.
With B-52s, carrier battle group in place, US war against Iran on a hair trigger
By Bill Van Auken, 11 May 2019
The threatening deployments come in the midst of a new round of bellicose statements from Washington.
Iran conflict intensifies transatlantic tensions
By Peter Schwarz, 11 May 2019
The European governments are doing all they can to avoid triggering a broader mobilisation against war.
US indicts whistleblower who exposed Obama’s drone assassination program
By Kevin Reed, 11 May 2019
Former US intelligence officer Daniel Hale was indicted and arrested on Thursday on charges of violating the Espionage Act.
Washington uses terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka to strengthen ties with Colombo
By Rohantha De Silva, 11 May 2019
The “assistance” in the terror investigations is to bind Sri Lanka ever-more closely as Washington steps up its aggressive confrontation with China.
US seizes North Korean ship
By Mike Head, 10 May 2019
This week’s developments demonstrate that the Trump administration has no intention of striking a deal with Pyongyang unless it involves a total capitulation and embrace of Washington’s offensive against China.
Venezuela tensions mount after arrest of coup leader
By Bill Van Auken, 10 May 2019
Washington continues to threaten military intervention in the oil-rich South American country.
Imperialist war, the working-class upsurge in the Mideast and North Africa, and the strategy of Permanent Revolution
By Keith Jones, 10 May 2019
We are publishing here the text of the speech to the 2019 International May Day Online Rally delivered by Keith Jones.
The defense of Venezuela and the struggle for socialism in Latin America
By Bill Van Auken, 10 May 2019
We are publishing here the text of the speech to the 2019 International May Day Online Rally delivered by Bill Van Auken.
Neo-Nazi networks exposed across US military
By Jacob Crosse, 4 May 2019
Recent independent investigations have shown that multiple white supremacist groups are operating freely across all branches of the military.
Protesters oppose US extradition proceedings against Julian Assange
By Robert Stevens, 3 May 2019
The British government and the judiciary are doing everything possible to facilitate the US capture of the journalist who has been found guilty of nothing more than a bail offence.
Media lies in service of war for regime change in Venezuela
By Bill Van Auken, 3 May 2019
As top Trump administration officials make increasingly explicit military threats, the corporate media acts as a propaganda service for imperialist intervention.
Guaidó launches abortive military coup in Venezuela
By Bill Van Auken, 1 May 2019
By late Tuesday, there was little indication that Guaidó’s call had provoked any significant uprising within Venezuela’s military.
Preparing for World War Three
Global military spending tops $1.8 trillion, highest on record
By Niles Niemuth, 30 April 2019
Nearly three decades after the end of the Cold War, the world’s capitalist elite, led by the United States, are preparing for a devastating conflict of global proportions.
Pentagon fires Guantanamo prison commander for calling attention to US crimes
By Bill Van Auken, 30 April 2019
Vice Admiral Ring was removed from his post after telling the media that the US prison camp had to prepare for “end-of-life” care for detainees.
War by other means: US/EU sanctions aimed at crippling Syria
By Jean Shaoul, 27 April 2019
Washington is seeking to crash the Syrian economy to create the conditions for a rebellion so as to impose a pro-US regime in Damascus.
US Navy SEAL officers attempted to cover up evidence of war crimes
By Josh Varlin, 27 April 2019
Navy SEAL officers told lower-ranking soldiers not to report war crimes, including the murder of civilians and a wounded teenager in Iraq.
Amid mass beheadings, Wall Street scrambles for Saudi profits
By Bill Van Auken, 27 April 2019
With the blood of 37 men decapitated in public squares barely dry, top financiers rushed to Riyadh in search of deals with the ruling monarchy.
New study documents over 1,600 killed in US siege of Raqqa, Syria
By Bill Van Auken, 26 April 2019
The killings in Raqqa, like those in Mosul, Iraq, constituted massive war crimes committed in the so-called war against ISIS.
Hillary Clinton’s McCarthyite rant
By Joseph Kishore, 26 April 2019
In a column published Wednesday in the Washington Post, the former Democratic Party presidential candidate resurrects the conspiracy theories that were the staple of Cold War anticommunism.
US imperialism resurrects the Monroe Doctrine
By Bill Van Auken, 24 April 2019
The repeated invocation of the nearly two-century-old canon of US imperialist policy constitutes a warning that Washington is preparing for intensified military intervention in the region.
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.
Washington tightens sanctions to cut Iran oil exports to “zero”
By Bill Van Auken, 23 April 2019
The lifting of waivers granted to five countries that imported substantial quantities of Iranian oil represents a dangerous escalation of US economic warfare against Tehran.
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.
Vetoing congressional resolution, Trump reaffirms US support for Saudi slaughter in Yemen
By Niles Niemuth, 18 April 2019
Trump’s veto is a declaration of the absolute authority of the president to wage war without the fig leaf of congressional approval.
Defying US threats, Turkey vows to deploy Russian air-defence system
By Keith Jones, 12 April 2019
In a New York Times op-ed, senior Democratic and Republican leaders have signaled bipartisan Congressional support for the Trump administration’s threats to roil Turkey’s economy if it deploys the S-400.
German parliament celebrates 70 years of NATO and demands escalation of military rearmament
By Johannes Stern, 10 April 2019
Politicians from the governing and opposition parties took turns in hailing the largest military alliance in history and demanded an escalation of German rearmament.
US labels Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps a terrorist group
By Barry Grey, 9 April 2019
Trump and Pompeo made a point of threatening other foreign countries, officials and businesses with retaliatory sanctions and possible criminal prosecution.
US escalates threats against Turkey, leverages election controversy
By Keith Jones, 5 April 2019
The conflict over Ankara’s S-400 air defence purchase is a flashpoint for larger geopolitical conflicts arising from Washington’s turn to “strategic conflict” with Russia and China.
New York Times laments stalled Venezuelan coup
By Bill Van Auken, 5 April 2019
The Times has a filthy record of supporting US wars for regime change and right-wing coups across the planet.
Confrontation between Chinese and Taiwanese fighter jets
By Peter Symonds, 3 April 2019
The incident highlights the dangers of a war in Asia fueled by the Trump administration, which has deliberately inflamed the region’s volatile flashpoints.
As Washington hails victory over ISIS, media ignores massive human toll
By Bill Van Auken, 30 March 2019
The Pentagon’s admission of 1,250 civilians killed in four years of bombardment of Iraq and Syria is a vast underestimate of the real death toll.
Xi Jinping tours Europe amid growing divisions between America and EU
By Alex Lantier, 29 March 2019
As bitter tensions erupt between Washington and the European Union over China’s policies in Eurasia, European imperialism is furiously rearming.
Saudi attack on hospital kills eight as war in Yemen enters fifth year
By Niles Niemuth, 28 March 2019
At least eight people, including five children, were killed when a missile slammed into a gas station near a medical facility that had been placed on a no-strike list.
Tensions rise between US, Russia and China over Venezuelan coup
By Bill Van Auken, 28 March 2019
The arrival of a relative handful of Russian military personnel this week triggered a flurry of denunciations from Trump administration officials.
US threatens Turkey over Russian S-400 air defence purchase
By Jordan Shilton, 28 March 2019
Despite Washington’s threats of sanctions and a downgrade in US-Turkish military security ties, Erdogan has vowed to proceed with the purchase and deployment of the S-400.
Pentagon announces transfer of $1 billion for border wall construction
By Meenakshi Jagadeesan, 28 March 2019
The Pentagon announcement came as Congress failed to override Trump’s veto supporting his declaration of a national emergency on the US-Mexico border.
Democrats abstain from voting on their own “Green New Deal”
By Genevieve Leigh, 28 March 2019
Despite the policy’s co-sponsorship by 100 Democrats, including 11 senators, not a single Democrat backed the Green New Deal in Tuesday’s Senate vote.
The media and the Mueller report
By Barry Grey, 27 March 2019
The Mueller report is a political debacle for the Democratic Party, the New York Times and the bulk of the corporate media, which day after day pumped out unsubstantiated claims and outright lies.
US stages another provocation in the Taiwan Strait
By Ben McGrath, 26 March 2019
The move on Sunday is part of increased US military relations with Taiwan, risking a clash with China.
US defence secretary takes aim at China
By Peter Symonds, 19 March 2019
Shanahan’s focus on China as the chief “threat” parallels the Trump administration’s trade war measures, aimed at shoring up US global dominance.
A US budget for worldwide war
By Patrick Martin, 12 March 2019
The Trump administration is seeking a record $750 billion in military spending, more than the next 14 countries combined.
After ripping up of INF treaty
Pentagon escalating buildup on Russia’s borders
By Bill Van Auken, 9 March 2019
The top US commander in Europe told a Senate panel that the Pentagon needs more troops and more warships to counter alleged Russian “threats.”
Amazon HQ2’s campus connection
The marriage of militarism, big business and academia in Northern Virginia
By Nick Barrickman, 9 March 2019
The integration of US imperialism, academia and corporate America raises the need to expropriate massive companies like Amazon and place them under democratic control.
Trump signs executive order cementing secrecy over US airstrikes and shadow wars
By Jacob Crosse, 9 March 2019
Previous minimal reporting procedures introduced under the Obama administration are being scrapped as the US escalates strikes in Africa and Asia.
US naval chief denounces China and calls for stronger military partnership with Sri Lanka
By Vijith Samarasinghe, 28 February 2019
Sri Lanka’s strategic location alongside the world’s busiest shipping route is vital to increasingly aggressive US geo-strategic and military manoeuvres against China.
Pence threatens war in Venezuela at Colombia summit: “There is no turning back”
By Eric London, 26 February 2019
“All options are on the table,” Pence said in a speech that combined threats of war with denunciations of socialism.
Trump administration bars US-born woman from re-entering the country
By Patrick Martin, 26 February 2019
The decision, based on Hoda Muthana’s past association with ISIS, is the first attempt to deprive someone of her citizenship on the grounds of “terrorism.”
Sanders throws his support behind US propaganda campaign over Venezuela
By Genevieve Leigh, 26 February 2019
Vermont senator and Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders has tweeted his support for the staged “humanitarian aid” provocation in Venezuela.
US imperialism stages provocation on Venezuela’s borders
By Eric London, 25 February 2019
The threat of a disaster of world historic proportions looms as the US moves toward war in Venezuela.
Mercenaries flown back to US after their arrest in Haitian capital
By John Marion, 22 February 2019
Eight men, five of them former US Special Forces or Marines, were arrested on the roof of the building housing Haiti’s national bank.
US missile treaty withdrawal sparks global nuclear arms race
By Andre Damon, 21 February 2019
A half-century after the Cuban Missile crisis brought humanity to within a hair’s breadth of destruction, Washington is fueling an even more dangerous global nuclear standoff.
Feds arrest fascist Coast Guard officer who plotted to kill socialists and Democrats
By Eric London, 21 February 2019
Court filings read, “The defendant intends to murder innocent civilians on a scale rarely seen in this country.”
Florida state senator calls for National Guard to be deployed on the streets of Jacksonville in response to recent spate of violence
By Matthew Taylor, 21 February 2019
The call for martial law shows that the Democrats, no less than the Republicans, have nothing but contempt for constitutional protections and will utilize any excuse to institute police state measures.
Trump declares global war on socialism
By Bill Van Auken, 19 February 2019
The presentation of Trump’s presidency as a global—and domestic—crusade against socialism resurrected the kind of language that characterized not only McCarthyism, but the rise of fascism in the first half of the 20th century.
CIA out of Northern Virginia Community College!
By the International Youth and Students for Social Equality, 19 February 2019
The IYSSE demands that NVCC repudiate all ties to the CIA, including barring it and other agencies of the US military-intelligence apparatus from recruiting students.
Trump adviser John Bolton to conduct pre-election visit to Australia
By Mike Head, 18 February 2019
One of Washington’s most vocal war hawks will arrive in the midst of a political crisis and on the eve of the federal election.
Munich Security Conference
German defence minister advocates German-European war policy
By Johannes Stern, 16 February 2019
Almost 75 years after the end of World War II, the imperialist powers are openly preparing for a new round of military conflicts.
Uncertainty hangs over US border deal as shutdown deadline nears
By Patrick Martin, 14 February 2019
President Trump has not yet guaranteed that he will sign the deal to provide $1.375 billion to fund his planned border wall.
One year since the Parkland high school massacre: A political balance sheet
By Genevieve Leigh, 14 February 2019
One year has passed since the mass shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, which killed 17 people and sparked nationwide protests by students and youth against gun violence.
Following Democrats' capitulation on border wall
Trump pushes for more anti-immigrant concessions from the Democrats
By Barry Grey, 13 February 2019
The government funding agreement represents a capitulation by the Democrats to Trump’s demand for a border wall and his mass detention of undocumented immigrants.
Week-long military exercises in Los Angeles raise serious questions
By Dan Conway, 13 February 2019
Six days of military exercises concluded in Los Angeles on Saturday with action in the latter half of the week centered on the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
US navy challenges China in the South China Sea
By Peter Symonds, 12 February 2019
The intrusion by two US destroyers is designed to send a menacing message to China as trade talks begin in Beijing on a deal to avert escalating US trade war measures.
Brazil’s Workers Party praises imperialist officials and Brazilian military involved in Venezuela regime change operation
By Miguel Andrade, 9 February 2019
As it feigns opposition to regime change in Venezuela, the PT has sent representatives to meet EU leaders who have been at the forefront of the siege of the country.
New York Times admission of Afghanistan fiasco provokes “human rights imperialist” backlash
By Bill Van Auken, 9 February 2019
The Times editorial supporting a US withdrawal from Afghanistan is a self-damning indictment of the entire “war on terror,” which the newspaper supported for the better part of two decades.
Washington issues ultimatum to Venezuela over “humanitarian aid” ploy
By Bill Van Auken, 7 February 2019
Behind the cynical pretense of concern over Venezuela’s social crisis, the Pentagon and CIA are setting the stage for an armed confrontation on the country’s border.
US military conducting urban warfare training exercises in Los Angeles
By Dan Conway, 7 February 2019
With little in the way of advanced warning, thousands of frightened Los Angeles residents awoke this week to the sound of low-flying helicopters, gunfire and explosions.
Hands off Venezuela!
By Bill Van Auken, 5 February 2019
With the aid of European and Canadian imperialism and the right-wing governments of Latin America, Washington is preparing to either invade Venezuela or plunge it into civil war.
US issues new threats of war for oil against Venezuela
By Eric London, 4 February 2019
A military intervention in Venezuela—population 30 million—could kill hundreds of thousands or even millions of people and transform Latin America into an imperialist slaughterhouse.
The US scraps the INF treaty: Another step toward nuclear war
By Andre Damon, 2 February 2019
The US withdrawal from the Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty marks a major escalation of US efforts to prop up its hegemony through military means.
Venezuela’s oil and the geopolitics of the US-backed coup
By Gabriel Black, 31 January 2019
Venezuela’s massive reserves are seen by the United States and its allies as a vital chess piece in the war drive against China.
The fraud of "oversight" by Democrats
Pentagon officials provide few answers at House committee hearing on troops at the border
By Kevin Martinez, 31 January 2019
The new committee, staffed by many former military officials, failed to get any real answers from the Pentagon brass and instead gave them a platform to ask for more funds and troops.
The drumbeat for war against China
Defense Intelligence Agency warns Chinese military is reaching “critical point of confidence”
By Gabriel Black, 30 January 2019
The DIA report aims to stoke fears of Chinese military expansion. However, by its own admission, China’s capacities, while growing, are dwarfed by the US.
In broadside against China, White House levels criminal charges against Huawei
By Andre Damon, 29 January 2019
The move marks a major escalation of the United States’ economic, geopolitical and military offensive against China.
AP report exposes US role in right-wing coup in Venezuela
By Eric London, 28 January 2019
The escalating conflict raises the prospect of a US-instigated civil war with devastating consequences for Venezuela and Latin America.
US coup bid pushes Venezuela closer to invasion or civil war
By Bill Van Auken, 26 January 2019
Washington is keeping its embassy in Caracas open in defiance of the Venezuelan government, using diplomatic personnel as bait for a potential military confrontation.
Supreme Court reinstates Trump’s ban on transgender troops
By John Burton, 25 January 2019
The US Supreme Court by judicial fiat has overruled lower court injunctions and reinstated President Trump’s ban on transgender personnel in the US military.
Head Start, school lunches and social programs targeted for elimination
The Congressional Budget Office points US spending priorities towards “great power” conflicts: Part Two
By Guillaume Garnier and Nancy Hanover, 21 January 2019
A recent CBO report insists that the vast majority of discretionary appropriations be allocated to the US military machine and its ever-expanding wars, while outlining “options” for eviscerating social services and public education.
Latest US airstrike kills scores in Somalia
By Bill Van Auken, 21 January 2019
The latest US airstrike came in the wake of an al-Shabab attack on a hotel in Kenya that left 21 people dead.
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.
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.
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