Every new barbaric atrocity by the Islamic State (Isis) makes headlines. Precisely as they are intended to do. US attacks may have the effect of slowing down Isis’ military progress – but it cannot be beaten by military interventions. Ironically, only a year ago all the talk was of US military intervention on the side… Continue reading No To Intervention! Islamic State atrocities must not disorientate us! There are no short cuts, no easy solutions to the crisis in the middle east!
The origins, politics and economics of the Islamic State
Consequences of IS atrocities disorientate the left Every day news of new atrocities by the Islamic State is making headlines. From the beheading of young journalists to the mass extermination of religious and national minorities in Iraq and Syria, there seems to be no end to the barbarism and brutality of this latest brand of… Continue reading The origins, politics and economics of the Islamic State
Iran, Israel and Isis
Spreading like a cancer As the massacre in Gaza continues, time and time again the survivors of the conflict are heard on Middle Eastern and western media complaining about the leaders of Arab countries failing the Palestinian cause. In fact, even in comparison with previous wars, the official reaction by Arab states has been extremely… Continue reading Iran, Israel and Isis
Published on Jul 27, 2014 نگاهى به بحران خاورميانه
Israel’s secret nuclear arsenal
On July 13 the Persian-speaking spokesperson of the US state department was asked by the BBC if in the absence of any progress in negotiations between the P5+1 powers and Iran before July 20 there would be an extension to the deadline for the final phase of nuclear discussions. His reply was clear: John Kerry… Continue reading Israel’s secret nuclear arsenal
Descent into regional chaos, horror and fragmentation
Last week, the leader of the Islamic state (formerly the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, or Isis) appeared in Friday prayers in Mosul addressing Muslims worldwide. At least this is what his supporters claimed after a week when the organisation had declared the territory under their control a “caliphate”. On July 3 the… Continue reading Descent into regional chaos, horror and fragmentation
Iran: Arrogance and the supreme leader
The sharp improvement in the relations between the United States and the Islamic Republic (and subsequently between the United Kingdom and Iran) has been remarkable – Washington is seriously considering military cooperation with Iran over the civil war in Iraq. Above all else, this is a reflection of the absence of any strategy by the… Continue reading Iran: Arrogance and the supreme leader
Free Reza Shahabi now!
Reza Shahabi – an Iranian labour activist member of the executive committee of the VAHED Bus Union – has been on hunger strike for almost 40 days in prison in Iran. According to the latest reports from Tehran, his protest is now having grave physical effects on him and he has become paralysed down the… Continue reading Free Reza Shahabi now!
Iraq: A disaster waiting to happen
The US and Iran find themselves on the same side and ready to cooperate, warns Yassamine Mather News from Iraq is getting worse by the hour. Many cities in the north of the country have now fallen to the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Isis), working in alliance with a variety of Sunni… Continue reading Iraq: A disaster waiting to happen
Iran UK relations
William Hague has said plans to re-open the British Embassy in Tehran are an “important step forward” in relations with Iran. HOPI chair Yassamine Mather spoke to Mark Fischer on today’s developments http://www.hopoi.org/ee.mp3