US Militarism
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.
Silicon Valley’s corrupt nexus: War, censorship and inequality
By Andre Damon, 17 September 2018
The appearance of Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos at the Air Force Association’s annual conference embodies the fusion of America’s technology monopolies with the apparatus of state repression.
Russia postpones Syrian offensive in Idlib as NATO threatens escalation
By Alex Lantier, 15 September 2018
Turkey and the major NATO imperialist powers made clear that they are ready to counterattack against Syrian and Russian forces in Idlib.
Bloody siege of Yemeni port resumes as US certifies Saudi concern for civilians
By Bill Van Auken, 13 September 2018
Aid groups have warned that the renewed assault on Hodeidah threatens not only to kill tens of thousands of civilians, but to push millions more into starvation.
Seventeen years after 9/11: From “war on terror” to “great power conflict”
By Andre Damon, 12 September 2018
On the anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks, Washington is on the verge of launching a massive new Syrian offensive in defense of Al Qaeda-linked forces.
Venezuela and the hypocrisy of US imperialism
By Bill Van Auken, 11 September 2018
While the US ruling establishment promotes aggression against Russia with claims of election “meddling,” it plots the overthrow of elected governments and military invasions.
US officials met with Venezuelan military to discuss coup plot
By Alexander Fangmann, 10 September 2018
Washington’s involvement in yet another Latin American coup plot makes plain the hypocrisy of the claims of Russian “meddling” by sections of the American bourgeoisie and media.
US Marines deploy to Syria for live fire exercise
By Jordan Shilton, 10 September 2018
The drill, which included air assaults backed by artillery fire, underscores that the seven-year war in Syria could rapidly escalate into a direct clash between the major powers.
Mass social unrest leaves Iraq’s oil capital in flames
By Bill Van Auken, 8 September 2018
After 15 years of devastation wrought by the US war against Iraq, anger over social conditions has led to an eruption of mass struggles.
Mistrial in case of formerly convicted Blackwater mercenary
By Jacob Crosse, 8 September 2018
Key testimony of the Nisour Square Massacre was called into question due to a brain injury sustained by an eyewitness.
India expands anti-China “strategic partnership” with Washington
By Keith Jones, 8 September 2018
New Delhi signed onto a “foundational” military cooperation agreement aimed at transforming India into a front-line state in the US offensive against China.
CIA out of University of Illinois Chicago!
By IYSSE at University of Illinois at Chicago, 8 September 2018
The CIA partnership is an expression of the militarization of life in the US and internationally that must be opposed by students and young people.
Pompeo visits Pakistan to demand “reset” in support for Afghan war
By V. Gnana and Athiyan Silva, 7 September 2018
US Secretary of State Pompeo and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dunford staged a four-hour visit to Pakistan on Wednesday.
Report by Working Group on Syria, Propaganda and Media undermines claims of chemical attack in Douma
By Paul Bond, 6 September 2018
In the face of the orchestrated attack on the Working Group on Syria, Propaganda and Media as “Apologists for Assad,” the careful work by Paul McKeigue, Jake Mason, David Miller and Piers Robinson is all the more noteworthy.
Washington escalates threats over Syria as Russia bombs Al Qaeda positions
By Bill Van Auken, 5 September 2018
Claims of “humanitarian” concerns and warnings over the use of chemical weapons signal a growing threat of US intervention in defense of the “rebels.”
US push for sanctions of China over treatment of Uyghur minority
By Peter Symonds, 4 September 2018
Washington’s spotlighting of abuses has nothing to do with defending democratic rights but is aimed at stirring anti-Chinese sentiment and encouraging separatist movements in China.
US report on Chinese “United Front Work” seeks to whip-up hostility towards China
By Gabriel Black, 4 September 2018
The report contains justifications for mass spying on Chinese nationals and warns against cultural exchange programs that leave Americans with positive views of China
The canonization of John McCain: Media, political establishment turn warmonger into saint
By Joseph Kishore, 1 September 2018
The American media and political establishment are in the middle of a five-day exercise in moral hypocrisy, cant and myth-making surrounding the death of US Senator John McCain.
US education secretary floats plan to use federal funds to arm teachers
By Khara Sikhan, 30 August 2018
Following Donald Trump's call to arm teachers, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos is considering diverting funds meant for hiring support staff to purchasing firearms for schools.
US ambassador praises New Zealand’s Pacific “reset”
By John Braddock, 30 August 2018
Brown’s comments are an enthusiastic endorsement of Labour’s strengthening of New Zealand’s support for Washington’s drive to war against both China and Russia.
US threatens North Korea with resumption of war games
By Peter Symonds, 29 August 2018
Trump’s decision to halt talks with North Korea and resume joint military drills with South Korea could rapidly lead to the renewal of extreme tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
Is Washington on the brink of a major attack on Syria?
By Bill Van Auken, 28 August 2018
Threats against the Assad government over the use of chemical weapons have set up the pretext for a sharp escalation of US military intervention.
US-backed Saudi air strikes massacre dozens of Yemeni children for second time in two weeks
By Jordan Shilton, 27 August 2018
A week before the latest massacre, CNN research revealed that the 500 pound bomb that killed 40 children on 9 August was produced by Lockheed Martin.
Trump cancels secretary of state’s trip to North Korea one day after its announcement
By Ben McGrath, 25 August 2018
The US president has directly linked his pressure on North Korea with the trade war with China, exposing the fraudulent nature of the “peace talks” with Pyongyang.
Pentagon report targets China’s “expanding global influence”
By Peter Symonds, 21 August 2018
While the report focusses on China’s growing military capabilities and international reach, its build-up is dwarfed by the US military and its world-wide system of alliances and bases.
Japan: Tens of thousands on Okinawa denounce US base relocation plan
By Ben McGrath, 21 August 2018
Given that Okinawa is a major staging pointing for US military action in Asia, opposition to the base is intimately bound up with the struggle against militarism.
Taliban attack on Afghan city deepens crisis of US puppet regime in Kabul
By Jordan Shilton, 18 August 2018
Driven by the mounting instability of the Afghan regime and the threat that regional rivals Russia and China could expand their involvement in the country, Washington has quietly reopened direct talks with the Taliban.
Pentagon chief promotes anti-China agenda in Latin America
By Bill Van Auken, 18 August 2018
Mattis’ four-nation tour was aimed at countering China’s influence and building up ties between the US and Latin American military commands.
White House and Pentagon advance plan to create a Space Force
By Trévon Austin, 11 August 2018
Vice President Mike Pence announced steps would be taken to create the United States Space Command.
Canada and Saudis in raucous diplomatic spat over Ottawa’s posturing over human rights
By Roger Jordan, 11 August 2018
The events of the past week notwithstanding, Canada—as attested by its $15 billion arms deal with Riyadh—is a staunch ally of the absolutist Saudi regime.
US complicit in air strike that murdered dozens of children in Yemen
By Bill Van Auken, 10 August 2018
The slaughter of at least 43 children riding a bus is for Washington only a minor incident of “collateral damage” in its drive to war against Iran and hegemony over the Middle East.
US media, retired officers tout youth fitness as necessary to boost military recruitment
By Warren Duzak, 10 August 2018
Newspaper columns are proposing the creation of a pool of potential recruits for the US military as an important physical educational goal.
Trump menaces the world over Iran sanctions
By Peter Symonds, 8 August 2018
Under the banner of “peace,” the US is preparing for trade war and war—not only against Iran, but against all potential rivals, including its European and Asian allies.
US launches economic war on Iran, roils Mideast and world geopolitics
By Keith Jones, 7 August 2018
Trump signed an executive order Monday re-imposing sweeping US economic sanctions against Iran that were suspended in 2016 as part of the Iran nuclear deal.
US aggression on Korea, trade overshadows Southeast Asian meetings
By Mike Head, 7 August 2018
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo used the occasion to warn Russia, China and others against any breach of US-led sanctions that North Korea still faces.
Washington allies with ISIS as great power conflict trumps “war on terror”
By Bill Van Auken, 7 August 2018
In at least three countries where US forces are engaged in combat operations, the Pentagon and its local proxies are allying themselves with ISIS and Al Qaeda in pursuit of strategic interests.
Sixty dead, over 100 wounded in Saudi air strikes on Yemeni port city
By Alec Andersen, 4 August 2018
The willful bombing of a Hodeidah fish market and hospital by the US-backed Saudi-led coalition is the latest war crime in the near-genocidal onslaught on Yemen.
US Senate backs $708 billion military authorization
By Patrick Martin, 3 August 2018
The 87-10 vote, with 41 Democrats joining 46 Republicans in support, represents final congressional approval for the record-breaking war spending.
Lafarge investigation exposes US-French collusion with ISIS in Syria
By Francis Dubois, 3 August 2018
Former Foreign Secretary Laurent Fabius claimed to know nothing about it, but ties between terrorist groups and the former Socialist Party government are rapidly coming to light.
US promotes Taiwanese submarine program, stoking further tensions with China
By Robert Campion, 30 July 2018
The Trump administration, backed by the Democrats and Republicans, is ramping up pressure on China through closer US involvement with Taiwan’s military.
House Democrats vote for record US military spending
By Patrick Martin, 28 July 2018
The Trump White House hailed House passage of the National Defense Authorization Act, which provides the resources for US military aggression around the world.
US and Australian ministers agree to intensify military integration against China
By Mike Head, 26 July 2018
The joint AUSMIN statement reaffirmed a “steadfast and enduring” alliance dating back to World War I.
Trump threatens Iran with a catastrophic war
By Keith Jones, 24 July 2018
Trump’s tweet was no idle bluster. His administration is pursuing a provocative and reckless drive for regime change in Iran that threatens to ignite a catastrophic war that would set the entire Middle East ablaze.
The Yellow Birds: Damaged or destroyed by the Iraq War
By Joanne Laurier, 20 July 2018
The Yellow Birds is based on the 2012 novel of the same title by Kevin Powers. The story revolves around three American soldiers and the devastating impact of the Iraq War on their lives and psyches.
Tensions over Syria deepen following Helsinki summit
By Bill Van Auken, 18 July 2018
The Trump administration has signaled that US troops will remain in Syria to confront Iran.
After Helsinki, Democrats incite “deep state” action against Trump
By Bill Van Auken, 17 July 2018
Trump’s appearance alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin in Helsinki unleashed a wave of denunciations from Democrats and the media, with former top intelligence officials calling for his ouster.
New Zealand foreign minister: “Great Power competition is back”
By John Braddock, 17 July 2018
Peters’ speech underscored the strengthening alliance between the Labour-led government and the US in confronting China across the Asia-Pacific.
UAE and US guilty of war crimes in Yemen torture centers, Amnesty charges
By Bill Van Auken, 13 July 2018
The Amnesty report documents forced disappearances, torture and other crimes carried out by UAE forces as part of the US-backed war on Yemen.
Trump denounces Germany and Europe at NATO summit
By Alex Lantier, 12 July 2018
A month after the collapse of the G7 economic summit, diplomatic and military ties between Washington and the European Union are rapidly disintegrating.
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