International Viewpoint - online socialist magazine

Trump's â€˜no fly zone' escalates U.S. war against Syria

Jeff Mackler — 2017-07-29T10:38:39Z

The lie that the U.S. is fighting Islamic State (ISIS) terrorism in Syria was publicly exploded on June 18 when a U.S. F/A-18 “Super Hornet” fighter jet launched from the George H.W. Bushaircraft carrier shot down a Syrian government aircraft. Syria said its plane had carried out a mission against ISIS in the countryside near Raqqaâ€”the capital of ISIS's proclaimed caliphate.

- Problems of the Arab and Middle East regions / United States (USA), Syria, Debate section

Regaining hope in Rojava

Jo Magpie — 2016-08-29T08:43:24Z

This is a revolution in consciousness, not only in politics, and it has transformed the lives of countless women and men for generations to come.

- Problems of the Arab and Middle East regions / Syria, Women, Turkey, Kurdistan

Analysing the PKK: a reply to Alex de Jong

Phil Hearse, Sarah Parker — 2016-08-26T17:25:42Z

In the wake of the failed military coup in Turkey, and the massive wave of state repression that has followed, building solidarity with the progressive resistance in Turkey and Kurdistan is even more vital. The attention of socialists and democrats worldwide will be turned towards the reactionary mobilisation that the ruling AKP has unleashed. This will put the HDP (Peoples Democratic Party) and the PKK (Kurdish Workers Party) centre stage.

- Problems of the Arab and Middle East regions / Syria, Turkey, Arab Revolutions, Debate section, National question, Kurdistan

A Commune in Rojava?

Alex de Jong — 2016-04-18T08:25:45Z

The siege of Kobani by Islamic State (ISIS) brought worldwide attention to the Syrian Kurdish PYD (Partiya YekÃ®tiya Demokrat, Democratic Union Party), the leading force in the Kurdish-majority areas in northern Syria. The PYD calls this region Rojavaâ€”literally meaning “land of the sunset” but also translated as “West Kurdistan.”

- Problems of the Arab and Middle East regions / Syria, Women, Turkey, National question, Kurdistan

The New-Old PKK

Alex de Jong — 2016-03-24T06:44:26Z

The PKK has continued to struggle for justice in Kurdistan. But its democratic transformation leaves much to be desired.

- Problems of the Arab and Middle East regions / Women, Arab Revolutions, National question, Kurdistan

Threat still looms of U.S. attack on Syria

Christine Marie — 2013-11-03T22:17:54Z

Washington's agreement to pursue a diplomatic route to secure the disarmament of Syria's chemical arsenal produced sighs of relief the world over from opponents of a new Middle East war. The threat of an imminent U.S. missile attack on that nation, an attack that would undoubtedly lead to civilian deaths and a weakening of the position of the grassroots democratic elements in the struggle against Assad, has appreciably lessened.

- Problems of the Arab and Middle East regions / Syria, War drive/Anti-war movements, Arab Revolutions, Debate section

Counter-revolution gains in Egypt

Jeff Mackler — 2013-11-03T22:12:02Z

Egypt's Cairo Court for Urgent Matters on Sept. 23 stamped the “legal” coup de grace on the now fully unmasked face of the U.S.-backed military dictatorship. The court dissolved the Muslim Brotherhood in all respects, confiscated its assets, seized its buildings and banned all MB activities.

- Problems of the Arab and Middle East regions / Egypt, Arab Revolutions, Debate section

A thoroughgoing popular revolution

A writer in Tripoli — 2011-09-24T09:30:08Z

This view of the revolution in Libya from "A writer in Tripoli" was published on the socialistworker.org site on 20 September, 2011.

- Problems of the Arab and Middle East regions / Libya, Arab Revolutions, Debate section, Libya NFZ

A retreat from previous positions?

Ken Hiebert — 2011-09-19T09:01:46Z

I was taken aback by the September 2nd SA statement on Libya Imperialist victory is no gain for Libyan revolt. l Previous coverage on Libya had made clear SA's sympathy for the revolt and had sought to propose a course of action for the struggle. This latest statement is a retreat from that.

- Problems of the Arab and Middle East regions / Libya, Arab Revolutions, Debate section, Libya NFZ

Will Libya be another disappointment after Iraq and Afghanistan?

Abdirahman Dirye — 2011-09-14T14:19:03Z

Abdirahman Dirye, an activist from Somaliland currently based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, sent us this comment. He can be reached at: mrdirye@gmail.com

- Problems of the Arab and Middle East regions / Libya, Arab Revolutions, Debate section, Libya NFZ