US Militarism
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.
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 preparing 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.
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.
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.
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.”
Britain to join US naval blockade of Iran
By Jean Shaoul, 7 August 2019
The decision signifies a further intensification of the drive to war against Iran.
US to ring China with missiles in nuclear arms race
By Andre Damon, 5 August 2019
With the potential deployment of US nuclear missiles just minutes in flight-time from the Chinese mainland, the region’s huge population will live under the specter of nuclear annihilation.
US scrapping of INF treaty heightens threat of nuclear war
By Bill Van Auken, 3 August 2019
The formal abrogation of the treaty declared on Friday sets the stage for the testing and deployment of medium-range missiles against both Russia and China.
Senate Democrats approve Trump war budget
By Patrick Martin, 2 August 2019
Democratic senators backed the Trump budget overwhelmingly, 38-5, while Republicans were closely divided, 30-23.
The fascist attack in Gilroy and the US epidemic of mass shootings
By Patrick Martin, 31 July 2019
Two processes are intersecting in the explosion of violence in America: the long-term impact of social decay and militarism, and the deliberate incitement of fascistic sentiments by President Trump.
US military conducting classified operation in Washington D.C. area
By E.P. Milligan, 31 July 2019
The operation, whose purpose remains unknown, involves Black Hawk helicopters backed by a force of active and reserve duty soldiers of an unknown size.
Supreme Court approves construction of Trump’s border wall
By Eric London, 27 July 2019
The ruling is a political victory for Trump and a blow to the separation of powers, dramatically strengthening the power of the executive branch.
Despite Mueller debacle, Democrats step up call for crackdown on “foreign meddling”
By Andre Damon, 26 July 2019
Wednesday’s testimony by former Special Counsel Robert Mueller before Congress, staged by the Democrats in the hope of reviving their discredited anti-Russia campaign, blew up in their faces.
US Secretary of State Pompeo announces “new era” of US-Latin America reaction
By Andrea Lobo, 25 July 2019
Pompeo boasted about extraditing Assange, while demanding greater spying, anti-immigrant crackdowns and alignment with the US drive against its geopolitical rivals.
New Zealand foreign minister repeats call for increased US role in Pacific
By John Braddock, 25 July 2019
Peters’ speech echoed his earlier appeal for a stronger US-New Zealand military and strategic alliance to counter Beijing.
With Pakistan’s prime minister at his side,
Trump threatens to wipe Afghanistan “off the face of the Earth”
By Sampath Perera and Keith Jones, 24 July 2019
US President Trump threatened Monday to “kill 10 million” Afghans in “a week” so as to win a quick victory in America’s longest war.
ICE agents attempting to arrest Tennessee man repelled by neighbors
By Matthew Taylor, 24 July 2019
While ICE was blocked by the brave actions of the man’s neighbors, a Texas born US citizen is being released from custody after having been illegally detained by immigration officials for the last month.
Iran accuses 17 of spying for CIA as tensions escalate
By Steve James and Robert Stevens, 23 July 2019
Iran’s arrest of 17 alleged CIA agents follows weeks of intense US pressure that brought the Trump administration within 10 minutes of bombing raids.
War danger in Middle East exacerbates political crisis in Britain
By Robert Stevens, 22 July 2019
As Britain moves closer to war, the Iran crisis is being seized on by those advocating a drastic increase in the UK’s military budget.
Iran seizes UK tanker in Strait of Hormuz as danger of Middle East war mounts
By Jordan Shilton, 20 July 2019
Chief responsibility for the growing war danger in the Persian Gulf rests squarely with US imperialism, which has relentlessly escalated its provocations against Iran.
US stokes war danger in Middle East following alleged downing of Iranian drone
By Jordan Shilton, 19 July 2019
The regularity of incidents between the US and Iran underscores how great is the danger of a military conflagration in the region, which would quickly draw in the major powers and endanger the entire planet.
US investigators identify 70 current and former immigration agents in far-right, racist Facebook groups
By Kevin Martinez, 19 July 2019
The announcement came after several Facebook groups connected to Customs and Border Protection agents were discovered to contain vulgar and sexually explicit posts.
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.”
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.
UN human rights chief denounces “outrageous conditions” for immigrants in US concentration camps
By Josh Varlin, 10 July 2019
Indicating that the US government has no intention of heeding Bachelet’s statement, DHS has requested another 1,000 National Guard troops on the border between Texas and Mexico.
Washington approves large arms package to Taiwan
By Ben McGrath, 10 July 2019
The deal with Taiwan is part of a stepped-up campaign by Washington to arm allies in the region as part of its preparation for war against China.
Trump’s threat to override Supreme Court on census: The march toward rule by decree
By Eric London, 10 July 2019
Trump’s greatest asset is the fecklessness of the Democratic Party, whose record is one of complete acquiescence to Trump’s escalating attack on basic democratic principles.
US steps up threats as Iran exceeds uranium enrichment cap
By Bill Van Auken, 9 July 2019
Iran’s government deliberately breached the agreement to pressure remaining signatories to the nuclear accord to counter crippling US economic sanctions.
Second quarter fundraising
Trump, Democratic presidential candidates raise more than $100 million
By Patrick Martin, 9 July 2019
The stage is being set for the most expensive campaign in US—and world—history, with estimates that ad spending could top $10 billion for the 2020 elections.
Building the infrastructure of a police state
Detroit’s facial recognition surveillance system exposed
By Kevin Reed, 9 July 2019
The poorest large city in the US is being used as a testing ground for invasive surveillance technologies in preparation for coming eruptions in the class struggle.
Global conflict situations, poverty lead to rise in mental health crises
By Alex Johnson, 9 July 2019
US imperialism and its allies bear principal responsibility for the wars and military interventions that have wrought devastation throughout the world.
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.
Royal Marines seize Iranian tanker under orders from US
By Chris Marsden, 6 July 2019
Britain’s seizure of an Iranian supertanker carrying 2 million barrels of oil is an act of piracy and a major escalation in tensions that threaten to spiral out of control.
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.
Latest Office of Inspector General report reveals inhumane conditions at US immigrant detention centers
By Matthew Taylor, 4 July 2019
Children are being detained without access to showers or hot meals and in one instance adult immigrants were held in standing room only conditions for a full week.
US Senate votes to give Ukraine $300 million in military aid
By Jason Melanovski, 4 July 2019
The US is escalating its military aid to Ukraine amid preparations for a Third World War and growing tensions with the EU over Russia and Iran.
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.
US Navy SEAL acquitted of murder and other war crimes by military jury
By Kevin Reed, 3 July 2019
Edward Gallagher was acquitted of the most serious charges against him, including the unprovoked murder of a wounded teenage ISIS soldier, by a military court martial.
US Border Patrol agents joke about immigrant deaths in secret Facebook group with 9,500 members
By George Marlowe, 2 July 2019
A report by ProPublica revealed that Border Patrol agents used a secret Facebook group to make sadistic and violent jokes about immigrants as well as members of Congress.
War threats mount as Iran exceeds limit on enriched uranium stockpile
By Bill Van Auken, 2 July 2019
Israel carried out one of its most intense raids in Syria Monday amid speculation that Tel Aviv is preparing to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Tanks on the streets of Washington, DC for the Fourth of July
By Eric London, 2 July 2019
The planned display of military force in the strip of land separating Congress from the White House is a deliberate political provocation long planned by Trump and his fascistic advisors.
Australian PM refused to raise persecution of Assange with Trump
By Oscar Grenfell, 2 July 2019
At the G20 summit Morrison fawned over Trump, who is seeking to imprison the WikiLeaks founder for life, or execute him.
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.
Trump meets North Korean leader as part of broader anti-China agenda
By Ben McGrath, 1 July 2019
Washington’s approach to North Korea has nothing to do with peace on the Korean Peninsula, but is about drawing Pyongyang into Washington’s orbit.
Pompeo touts Indo-US alliance, bullies New Delhi
By Keith Jones, 28 June 2019
India’s ruling elite is determined to double-down on its reckless gamble that it can realize its great-power ambitions by serving as US imperialism’s junior partner.
Ten years since the US-backed coup in Honduras
By Bill Van Auken, 28 June 2019
While Democrats posture as defenders of immigrants, Obama, the “deporter-in-chief” presided over a coup that devastated Honduras, driving its people from the country.
Trump imposes new sanctions amid continuing war threat against Iran
By Bill Van Auken, 25 June 2019
The latest sanctions, largely symbolic, do little except escalate tensions as the threat of armed conflict remains on a hair trigger.
Four men charged with murder based on bogus MH-17 investigation
By Clara Weiss, 24 June 2019
Charges against pro-Moscow separatists were laid based on an “investigation” influenced by the Ukrainian regime, that produced no proof of Russian involvement in downing flight MH-17.
Minutes to disaster: Lessons to be learned from the confrontation with Iran
By Andre Damon, 24 June 2019
On Thursday, the United States came within minutes of launching a war, without any serious examination of its military consequences.
Trump’s aborted strikes on Iran: Ten minutes to World War III
By Bill Van Auken, 22 June 2019
Trump’s’ assertion that the US war machine was on the brink of attacking Iran remains the case, with the White House set to use any incident, real or manufactured, to pull the trigger.
Trump escalates war threats after drone shootdown over Iran
By Bill Van Auken, 21 June 2019
The New York Times reported that the American president authorized military strikes against Iran on Thursday before unexpectedly cancelling them.
US names Taiwan a “country,” stoking tensions with China
By Robert Campion, 21 June 2019
Washington deepens ties with Taipei in preparation for war against mainland China.
As Washington threatens to punish Ankara over Russian S-400 missile purchase
US-Turkey conflict nears breaking point
By Ulas Atesci, 20 June 2019
Ankara’s S-400 purchase is a flashpoint for more significant and intractable geopolitical differences with Washington, including over the US war drive against Iran.
Washington pushes to the brink of war with Iran
By Bill Van Auken, 19 June 2019
Behind the backs of the American working class, Washington is preparing a war with catastrophic consequences for the people of Iran, the US and the world.
US preparing “assault” against Iran
By Peter Symonds, 18 June 2019
The Jerusalem Post reported that the Trump administration is actively planning a “tactical assault” on Iran, involving a massive air attack on an Iranian nuclear facility.
Ecuadorian government gives Pentagon a base in the Galapagos
By Bill Van Auken, 18 June 2019
Inviting the Pentagon to use the world-renowned environmental site as a US aircraft carrier is of a piece with the Moreno government’s betrayal of Julian Assange.
US secretary of state declares “military response” to Iran “being considered”
By Peter Symonds, 17 June 2019
Clearly Japan and Germany simply do not believe the US allegations against Iran and suspect that the tankers attacks could well be a US provocation to provide the pretext for war.
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