Middle East
Obama warns of new sanctions against Iran
By Peter Symonds, November 20, 2009
The Obama administration is preparing for new sanctions against Iran after Tehran called for modifications to an agreement reached last month over its stockpile of low-enriched uranium.
Saudi Arabia bombards Yemeni rebels in policing role for US imperialism
By Brian Smith, November 20, 2009
Saudi Arabia is now openly bombing Huthi rebel positions on either side of its border with Yemen in support of the Yemeni government’s “Operation Scorched Earth.” Saudi Deputy Defence Minister P...
US-occupied Iraq, Afghanistan among world’s most corrupt countries
By Bill Van Auken, November 18, 2009
US-occupied Afghanistan is the world’s second most corrupt country—after Somalia, where no government has functioned for two decades—while Iraq is the fourth worst, according to a report release...
Sharp rise in birth defects in Iraqi city destroyed by US military
By David Walsh, November 17, 2009
As a likely result of the weaponry unleashed on the Iraqi city of Fallujah by the US military in 2004, doctors are discovering a horrifying increase in birth defects and deformities.
Iraqi election law passed after protracted delay
By James Cogan, November 14, 2009
National elections in Iraq have been scheduled for January 18 following the passing of electoral legislation in the parliament last Sunday. Legislators were under intense pressure from Washington to e...
Former US diplomat Peter Galbraith grabs hundreds of millions in Iraqi oil money
By Alex Lantier, November 13, 2009
Peter Galbraith stands to make hundreds of millions of dollars in Iraqi oil money by cashing in on his links to the Kurdish regional leadership in Iraq.
Abbas threatens resignation and collapse of the Palestinian Authority
By Chris Marsden, November 13, 2009
President Mahmoud Abbas’s threat to resign is a desperate gamble made necessary by the Obama administration’s undermining of its leading Palestinian ally.
The plunder of Iraq’s oil
By James Cogan, November 11, 2009
The awarding of development rights over the huge West Qurna oilfield in southern Iraq to Exxon-Mobil and Royal Dutch Shell underscores the criminal character of the continuing US-led occupation.
Workers Struggles: Europe & Africa
October 30, 2009
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
Wrangling continues over Iranian nuclear deal
By Peter Symonds, October 30, 2009
An international agreement on Iran’s low-enriched uranium is yet to be finalised. An initial Iranian response handed yesterday to the IAEA reportedly contains caveats that are not likely to be accep...
Yemen: Regional instability worsens as government pursues insurgents
By Brian Smith, October 29, 2009
Fierce fighting in the northern Yemen region of Saada between government forces and insurgents has unleashed a humanitarian crisis and threatens the stability of the country and wider region.
Israel, the United States and international law
By Jean Shaoul, October 28, 2009
Israel has responded to accusations of war crimes during its assault on Gaza by denouncing the United Nations and seeking to overturn existing international law.
