Iran: Over 8000 people protest in Mashhad against inflation and the government Local people came out onto the streets of Mashhad (Iran) recently, chanting slogans such as "The economic mafia must be exposed" and "Incompetent government, resign, resign" and wanted the Ahmadinejad government to resign. Over 200 were arrested.
Hamas and Israel agree on ceasefire Hamas has reached an agreement whereby they will cease rocket attacks across the border from Gaza and Israel will lift the economic blockade. Hamas however, must now police Gaza for the Israeli state, making sure no one carries out attacks. The Hamas leaders are going down the same road as the PLO leaders before them.
Much ado about nothing: the Israeli "peace" talks with Syria Israel has recently renewed "peace" talks with Syria. The problem is that on the crucial question of the return of the Golan Heights to Syria, Israel cannot afford to grant this demand and Asad cannot sign an agreement without such a concession. That explains the lack of enthusiasm of the Israeli masses.
Sound of violence silences Lebanon’s workers The dramatic events that have unfolded in the recent period in Lebanon have hidden a very important development. As Hezbollah moved into West Beirut they successfully cut across a general strike over wages that was planned for the same day. As the workers were coming together to fight for their common interests, Hezbollah pushed its own agenda, thereby heightening ethnic tension.
Uprising in Lebanon: for revolution or stabilization? Hezbollah went into Beirut and came out again once the government had backed off on its plans to dismantle its communications network. Although powerful, the Hezbollah leaders are only interested in maintaining their share of power. They are not interested, and are incapable of, solving the real problems facing the masses.
In Israel: anti-Zionist demonstration confronted by police brutality Recently there was a protest in Tel Aviv - of both Jews and Arabs - against a reunion of Etzel, one of the terrorist Zionist groups used against the Arab population in the process of the formation of the state of Israel. In the "only democracy in the Middle East" these peaceful demonstrators were brutally manhandled by the police.
Egypt update – more violent clashes follow after Sunday’s clampdown The heavy-handed intervention of the army and police on Sunday managed to block the general strike, but it has enraged the workers and youth who have continued to protest.
Call For Solidarity with the Youth and People of Egypt The situation in Mahalla has become far more serious than the media would lead us to believe. The police opened fire on the unarmed demonstrating workers and killed at least four. Here we publish an appeal for solidarity that we have received from Egypt.
Israeli Defence Forces prime themselves for recession After the defeat of the Israeli army in Lebanon two years ago, the Israeli Defence Forces have been trying to win back their image as the only real defenders of the people in Israel. Now they are constantly provoking Syria in the hope that Syria will hit back, something it seems unwilling to do.
Egyptian April 6 - a dress rehearsal for bigger events in the future Yesterday, Sunday, April 6, the workers of Egypt were preparing for what could have been a very powerful general strike. The state intervened heavily at the Mahalla textile plant arresting 150 workers. These methods cannot stop the growing wave of working class militancy and will only serve to increase the determination of the workers. The workers ‘intifada' which erupted later that day in the city is proof of this.
Egyptian workers take strike action – Urgent international solidarity appeal Message of solidarity from the Moroccan Marxists to the workers in Egypt in struggle. Read this in English, French and Arabic.
Israeli leaders bewildered as draft dodging continues We received this interesting article from Israel that shows the contradictions piling up within the very foundations of the Israeli state: the Israeli Defence Force.
Letter from Israel – The abject poverty of some layers of the population Further to last week's letter we received this note that shows how desperate the situation is for some of the poorest layers of Israeli society.
Letter from Israel – the terrible plight of Israeli pensioners An interesting letter that highlights the miserable conditions some of Israel's pensioners have to live in, some being pushed to suicide!
Iraq: Five years after When the coalition forces marched into Baghdad in March 2003, the imperialists were full of confidence. The things they were going to do! Intoxicated by the power of their military machine, they predicted a glowing future for Iraq and the Middle East. How different things are now!
