West Asia

Free Britain’s Palestinian political prisoner

6th July 2011 Socialist Action 0

By Frances Davis

Britain’s current detention of Sheikh Raed Salah, the high profile and well-respected Palestinian political leader, represents a serious attack on the right to political expression and an attempt to suppress the views of a popular representative who opposes Israeli state policies against the Palestinians. Britain’s arrest of him, essentially because of his political views, is a stepping up of cooperation with Israel’s attempts to suppress the growing solidarity movement.

Ministry of Defence

NATO warmongers embark on new phase of war

6th June 2011 Socialist Action 0

By Andrew Williams

The immense firepower of imperialism, aided by Russia’s capitulation to Western demands that it call for Gaddafi to go, is beginning to drive back the Libyan government. After eleven weeks of bombardment and ten thousand sorties opposition forces have made some advances into the areas held by the Libyan government. Although not currently advancing on the capital Tripoli, the opposition have managed to shift the front line. Their progress has been slow so NATO last week prepared public opinion for a long war, announcing a 90 day extension to its campaign and then sent in attack helicopters to participate more directly in the combat on the ground.

Photo: Rusty Stewart

Palestinian struggle advances as unity is restored

6th May 2011 Socialist Action 0

By Andrew Williams

The unity agreement signed this week in Cairo between Hamas and Fatah marks a significant step forward in the Palestinian struggle. Under the deal there will be an interim government running the West Bank and Gaza Strip whilst preparations are made for parliamentary and presidential elections within the year. Elaboration of the agreement will unfold over coming weeks, but initial steps are already being implemented, such as on TV broadcasting where the principal Fatah-controlled station is transmitting again in Gaza and Hamas is back on air in the West Bank.

The Libyan offensive – tensions emerge

13th April 2011 Socialist Action 0

By Andrew Williams

Despite the overwhelming military superiority of the alliance of states participating in the assault on Libya, three weeks into the intervention it has become bogged down. Clearly the Gaddafi regime has a base of support that has allowed it to retain control of the west of the country. At the same time, the imperialist-backed opposition have held on to their base in the east but have not been able to extend beyond that. The situation on the ground has become an extended stalemate, with each side making advances followed by equivalent retreats.