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White House welcomes Burmese president as new ally in “pivot to Asia”

Fri, 24 May 2013 06:00:00 GMT

Thein Sein is the first Burmese leader to be hosted in the White House since former junta leader General Ne Win’s visit in 1966.

Obama offers tortured defense of targeted killings

Fri, 24 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Obama defended drone killings, while essentially acknowledging their illegality and the illegality of much of what the US government has done over the past decade.

Apple’s tax dodge: the case for public ownership

Fri, 24 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

As social services are slashed allegedly because there is “no money,” Apple, the most profitable company in history, has avoided paying taxes on over $70 billion in income.

More revelations of Justice Department crackdown on the press

Fri, 24 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The Obama administration’s investigation into a leak to James Rosen, the chief Washington correspondent of Fox News, extends well beyond what was originally thought.

UK soldier killed in London in reprisal for Afghanistan and Iraq wars

Fri, 24 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The killing of soldier Lee Rigby in Woolwich, London on Wednesday was the horrific result of the crimes committed by British imperialism in North Africa and the Middle East.

Libya’s General National Council passes Political Isolation Law

Fri, 24 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Armed Islamist militias forced parliament to pass the Political Isolation Law, outlawing officials who had worked for Gaddafi from holding office.

Security forces fire rubber bullets at striking South African miners

Fri, 24 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Police fired volleys of rubber bullets at striking South African miners at a mine owned by Lanxess Chrome Mining Ltd on Tuesday, near the city of Rustenburg.

Global stock markets fall after 7 percent collapse in Japan’s Nikkei index

Fri, 24 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The one-day 7.3 percent drop in Japan’s Nikkei stock index came amid signs of a growing global slump and demands for attacks on the working class in Japan.

Ford Australia announces shut down of car production

Fri, 24 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The closures will mean sacking about 1,200 workers at Ford’s two plants, at Broadmeadows and Geelong in Victoria.

Caterpillar CEO defends wage-cutting

Fri, 24 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Explaining why he is seeking to impose wage cuts of up to 50 percent, Caterpillar CEO Doug Oberhelman explained that his corporation could never make enough profits.

Los Angeles: Newly-elected mayor promises more cuts and privatization

Fri, 24 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The election was most notable for its extremely low turnout, with only 19 percent of registered voters taking part.

SEP campaigners oppose Detroit home evictions

Fri, 24 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Supporters of Socialist Equality Party Detroit mayoral candidate D’Artagnan Collier spoke this week to residents facing eviction at the Henry Street apartments.

Museum Hours and The Artist and the Model: In defense of art and the artistic personality

Fri, 24 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

At least two films at the San Francisco festival treated art, the artistic personality, or both, in a compelling fashion.

An interview with Jem Cohen, director of Museum Hours: “Art is something people do like breathing.”

Fri, 24 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

David Walsh spoke to Jem Cohen, director of Museum Hours, during the recent San Francisco film festival.

University of California medical workers strike

Fri, 24 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Workers at UC Medical Centers across California went on a two-day strike this week

Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa

Fri, 24 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.

Works council in Bochum seeks to stifle opposition to GM-Opel plant closing

Fri, 24 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The chairman of the works council at the GM-Opel factory in Bochum called a meeting at the plant gate which halted production for several hours following the recent confirmation by management that it planned to close the plant.

US housing distress deepens for renters

Fri, 24 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Today more than half of all renter households pay more than 30 percent of their income for housing, double the rate in 1960 when one in four renters were considered cost-burdened.

Behind Syria peace talks proposal, US prepares regional war

Thu, 23 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

While touring the Middle East ostensibly to discuss joint US-Russian peace talks on Syria, Secretary of State John Kerry met with US allies to prepare for region-wide war.

The social disaster in Tornado Alley

Thu, 23 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The financial oligarchy’s stranglehold on social life ensures that tragedies such as the one still unfolding in Moore, Oklahoma will be repeated.

Iran blocks presidential campaign of pro-US candidate Rafsanjani

Thu, 23 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Iranian authorities announced Tuesday that the Islamic Republic’s Guardian Council has approved eight candidates to contest the June 14 presidential elections.

Witness tied to Boston bombing suspect killed by FBI

Thu, 23 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The FBI claims that Todashev had implicated both himself and Tamerlan Tsarnaev in the grisly murder of three men in Waltham, Massachusetts.

Chicago officials release final list of 49 school closures

Thu, 23 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The City of Chicago announced the closing of more than 49 public schools, facilitated by the Chicago Teachers Union and its political allies, including the International Socialist Organization.

DC mayor to offer closed schools to charter operators

Thu, 23 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The District of Columbia possesses the highest concentration of charter schools of any city in the United States save for New Orleans.

Poverty skyrockets in US suburbs

Thu, 23 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

According to a new report by the Brookings Institution, poverty rose more than 64 percent in US suburbs from 2000 to 2011.

Low turnout in Sri Lankan strike reflects no confidence in the unions and opposition

Thu, 23 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The stoppage was limited to a token protest against the government’s decision to increase electricity prices by up to 60 percent.

Far-right Japan Restoration Party defends wartime abuse of “comfort women”

Thu, 23 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto recently declared that the Japanese army’s policy of keeping thousands of women as sex slaves during World War II was necessary.

Australian budget reports pave way for deeper austerity offensive

Thu, 23 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Corporate interests are using the “structural deficit” concept to agitate for massive budget cuts.

Argentina’s ex-dictator Videla dead at 87

Thu, 23 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The 1976 coup led by Videla unleashed both economic devastation and mass repression against the working class.

Popular Party government honours Spanish fascists in Hitler’s army

Thu, 23 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The government delegate in Catalonia of Spain’s Popular Party handed a diploma of honour to the Brotherhood of Combatants of the Blue Division, which served in the German army during the Second World War.

The European Commission, French President Hollande accelerate austerity

Thu, 23 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

While the French economy has entered into recession, the European Union and the French government are pressing to accelerate social attacks.

A fraudulent campaign for “climate justice”

Thu, 23 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The Ecosocialist conference, chiefly sponsored by the International Socialist Organization and the Green Party, was held at Barnard College in New York City last month.

The SPD celebrates its 150th anniversary

Thu, 23 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The ceremony in Leipzig is completely directed towards the ruling elite, with the SPD eager to confirm that it will faithfully represent its interests at a time of crisis.

Emergency manager to decide on Detroit bankruptcy within six weeks

Thu, 23 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Detroit’s emergency manager is using the threat of bankruptcy to extract massive cuts from city workers.

UAW and Fiat battle over union’s multi-billion dollar stake in Chrysler

Thu, 23 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The United Auto Workers is seeking billions of dollars for its holdings in Chrysler Corporation as Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne prepares for a merger of the two automakers.

California nurses go on weeklong strike

Thu, 23 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

In yet another effort to isolate its own membership, the California Nurses Association has called a weeklong strike.

Milestone Films’ Mary Pickford: Rags and Riches Collection: The inventor of movie acting

Thu, 23 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Milestone Films’ 2012 release of Mary Pickford: Rags and Riches Collection reacquaints contemporary audiences with silent film star Mary Pickford’s lasting achievements.

Lack of shelters a factor in Oklahoma tornado death toll

Wed, 22 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

As Moore, Oklahoma residents grapple with the destruction from Monday’s tornado, politicians are issuing the usual platitudes of “hope” and “resilience.”

Argentina’s General Videla and the “war on terror”

Wed, 22 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Gen. Jorge Videla was undoubtedly mourned within military and intelligence circles as a pioneer in the “war on terror.”

Israel, US threaten war with Syria as sectarian fighting spreads across region

Wed, 22 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Israeli and Syrian forces exchanged fire in the Golan Heights yesterday, amid rising US and Israeli threats of direct intervention in the US-led proxy war in Syria.

Hundreds killed in upsurge of terror bombings, sectarian attacks in Iraq

Wed, 22 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Sectarian tensions in Iraq are being inflamed by the imperialist intervention in neighbouring Syria.

Apple CEO defends multi-billion-dollar tax dodge

Wed, 22 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Apple CEO Tim Cook used his appearance before the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations to call for a sharp reduction in corporate taxes.

ThyssenKrupp to slash 3,000 jobs

Wed, 22 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

ThyssenKrupp CEO Heinrich Hiesinger announced the axing of a further 3,000 jobs worldwide.

Protest opposes London-wide National Health Service cuts

Wed, 22 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The Save our NHS demonstration showed the bankruptcy of the Labour Party and trade unions campaign in defence of health care.

Six million suffer fuel poverty in UK

Wed, 22 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The number of people in fuel poverty in England is expected to rise from 6 million today to 9 million by 2016.

Australian Education Union pushes sell out through delegates’ meetings

Wed, 22 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The substantial “no” vote gave some indication of the growing hostility among teachers to the union’s betrayals.

Reports on Australian “terrorism” laws call for streamlined police powers

Wed, 22 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The timing of the release was designed to avoid public scrutiny of plans to strengthen the legislation.

Canada: NDP suffers debacle in British Columbia election

Wed, 22 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

In an election with one of the lowest voter participation rates in British Columbia history, the trade union-backed NDP suffered a debacle, losing badly to an unpopular Liberal opponent.

Britain’s victims during Kenya’s Mau Mau uprising expect compensation

Wed, 22 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Thousands of Kenyans are expecting to receive reparations for the abuses they suffered at the hands of British imperialism during the suppression of the Mau Mau resistance movement.

Emergency Meeting: A workers program to answer the crisis in Detroit

Wed, 22 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

A call for workers and youth to attend an emergency meeting on the crisis in Detroit.

Beppe Grillo agitates against immigrants

Wed, 22 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

On May 14, Beppe Grillo published a racist blog post appealing to far-right forces.

Let the Fire Burn and The East: The MOVE bombing in 1985 and present-day anarchism

Wed, 22 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Let the Fire Burn, about the police bombing of the MOVE compound in Philadelphia in 1985, was one of the most outstanding and challenging documentaries at the San Francisco film festival this year.

Bangladeshi police attack garment workers’ protest

Tue, 21 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Police fired rubber bullets at tens of thousands of workers demanding higher wages and protesting the April 24 garment factory collapse that killed 1,127 workers.

Financial bubbles creating conditions for new crash

Tue, 21 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The very measures put in place to avert a crisis are creating the conditions for a new financial meltdown.

Devastating tornado kills dozens in Oklahoma City

Tue, 21 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

On Monday afternoon, a massive tornado struck Moore, Oklahoma, leaving a mile-wide swath of devastation.

Washington’s hacking charges escalate pressure on China

Tue, 21 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The New York Times on Monday published a front-page article reiterating unsubstantiated allegations that the Chinese military is carrying out cyberwarfare against US corporations.

New revelations of US government spying on the press

Tue, 21 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The FBI followed and obtained emails from Fox News chief Washington correspondent James Rosen as part of an investigation of a 2009 leak of information from the State Department.

Employers to offer bare-bones coverage under health care law

Tue, 21 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

US employers will be able to avoid penalties under the Obama-backed health care legislation, while offering token plans to their workforces.

Obama to college graduates: “No room for excuses”

Tue, 21 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

US President Barack Obama used his commencement speech at Morehouse College on Sunday to insist that if young people are poor or unemployed, it’s their own fault.

Workers Struggles: The Americas

Tue, 21 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.

US seeks defence agreement with Maldives

Tue, 21 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The leaked agreement to build US bases on the Indian Ocean archipelago is part of a broader strategy to prepare war against China.

Germany: Parliamentary inquiry into neo-Nazi murders concludes

Tue, 21 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The federal prosecutor and judges in the neo-Nazi NSU trial want to limit further revelations about state involvement in the group’s series of murders.

New Zealand to increase military presence in South Pacific

Tue, 21 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

New Zealand’s military integration with the US and Australia is the culmination of a process begun by the previous Labour government.

Guatemala’s high court overturns dictator Rios Montt’s genocide conviction

Tue, 21 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Guatemala’s Constitutional Court has overturned former dictator José Efraín Rios Montt’s 80-year sentence for genocide and crimes against humanity.

Tsar to Lenin to be shown at UK’s National Media Museum and at Cornerhouse cinema

Tue, 21 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The World Socialist Web Site is proud to announce that Tsar to Lenin is to be screened by two major independent cinemas in the UK, the Cornerhouse in Manchester on May 27 and the National Media Museum in Bradford on June 1.

The crisis of Venezuela’s “Bolivarian” revolution and the political independence of the working class

Tue, 21 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Venezuelan workers can rely only on their own independent strength to defend social gains won over the past period and defeat the threat of a right-wing coup.

Spain’s Popular Party faces wave of strikes and demonstrations

Tue, 21 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

A social explosion is brewing in Spain, where there have been at least 27 demonstrations since the beginning of the year.

Slovenian government adopts another austerity programme

Tue, 21 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Seven weeks after taking power, Slovenia’s centre-left governing coalition adopted a new austerity programme and presented it to the EU commission.

Union limits UC Medical workers to two-day strike

Tue, 21 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Some 13,000 patient care workers are set to strike on Tuesday and Wednesday at University of California Medical Centers after voting by 97 percent to walk out.

Letters from our readers

Tue, 21 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

A selection of recent letters to the World Socialist Web Site.

European powers fund Al Qaeda looting of Syrian oil

Mon, 20 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The European Union is funding Al Qaeda-linked groups in Syria by purchasing oil they have looted in eastern Syria.

The decomposition of American democracy

Mon, 20 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Testimony by a senior Pentagon official before the Senate and Obama’s press conference, both of which occurred on May 16, are stunning expressions of the deeply antidemocratic outlook of the political, military and intelligence establishment and the disintegration of American democracy.

Tens of thousands march in Rome against austerity

Mon, 20 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Trade union leaders used a large demonstration in Rome on Saturday to cover their tracks in supporting the recently formed coalition government led by Prime Minister Enrico Letta.

US Supreme Court rules for agribusiness giant Monsanto

Mon, 20 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

A series of pro-business decisions announced by the US Supreme Court in recent weeks marks a continuation of the judicial branch’s steady movement to the right.

More Michigan schools on the brink of insolvency

Mon, 20 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Nearly 50 Michigan school districts are operating with a deficit.

Buffalo, New York students and teachers face attack

Mon, 20 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Buffalo students and teachers are facing sharp cuts and school closings as part of the push by the new superintendent to cut $50 million from the budget.

Hedge funds eye Detroit for “hostile takeover”

Mon, 20 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Detroit’s $8.6 billion in junk bond debt is being eyed by hedge funds eager to play their part in the looting of the city.

Washington endorses Malaysian ruling party’s election “victory”

Mon, 20 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

If the Malaysian government had been regarded as an obstacle to the US drive against China, the disputed election would have been seized upon for a regime change campaign.

Big business demands lower wages in South Korea

Mon, 20 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Led by General Motors, CEOs at major corporations in South Korea demanded wage cuts for workers at a meeting with President Park Geun-hye.

Stalemate after elections in Bulgaria

Mon, 20 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The Bulgarian parliamentary elections of May 12 have exposed the deep divide between the population and the country's political elite.

On network news show, Nation editor rushes to the defense of Obama

Mon, 20 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Katrina vanden Heuvel, the editor and publisher of the Nation magazine, sprung to the defense of the Obama administration and dismissed charges that its attacks on democratic rights were comparable to those of Nixon and Watergate.

Why the SEP does not endorse the WikiLeaks Party

Mon, 20 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

WikiLeaks’ founder Julian Assange has launched a new party ahead of Australia’s federal election in September.

Thousands of mining jobs in Scotland in danger

Mon, 20 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Thousands of jobs are threatened in what remains of the Scotland coal industry, following the collapse of Scottish Coal, the largest surviving mine operator in Scotland.

UK: Rotherham Hospital spends £3 million on consultants advising on cuts

Mon, 20 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Rotherham Hospital in South Yorkshire is implementing a programme of 750 job cut and attacks on pay and conditions.

Connecticut commuter rail collision injures 72

Mon, 20 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Some 700 people were on board the Metro-North trains in suburban New York when one derailed, causing the trains to collide.

Detroit mayoral candidate D’Artagnan Collier campaigns at Eastern Market

Mon, 20 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Collier spoke to workers and youth about his mayoral campaign, the fight against the emergency manager and the conditions facing Detroiters.

Workers must reject emergency manager’s plan for Detroit

Mon, 20 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The Socialist Equality Party candidate for mayor of Detroit is calling on the city’s working class to reject the economic plan put forward by the city’s emergency manager, Kevyn Orr.

Why I read the WSWS

Mon, 20 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Archivist, Houston, Texas, USA. WSWS reader since 2002.

The Left Party: A party of German imperialism

Mon, 20 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

In a joint foreign policy statement of all parliamentary parties, the Left Party supports the expansion of German militarism.

This week in history: May 20-26

Mon, 20 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

This Week in History provides brief synopses of important historical events whose anniversaries fall this week.

Mira Nair’s The Reluctant Fundamentalist: A clash of rival “fundamentalisms”

Mon, 20 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Mira Nair’s latest film provides a vivid but limited view of the tension between the US and Pakistan

Ontario elevator technicians continue strike action

Mon, 20 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Elevator technicians across Ontario are entering their fourth week on strike against transnational elevator companies Otis, KONE, Schindler and ThyssenKrupp

Pentagon tells US Senate wars will continue for decades

Sat, 18 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The Pentagon claims that “war on terror” legislation gives it sweeping powers to wage war around the world without congressional authorization.

The betrayal of the Greek teachers’ strike

Sat, 18 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The decision by leaders of the OLME teachers union to abandon an agreed strike in the face of civil mobilisation orders has delivered a serious blow to the entire Greek working class.

Pew report shows decline in retirement security for most Americans

Sat, 18 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The study predicted increasing wealth inequality for each of five successive age groups as they approach retirement.

FBI director continues cover-up of contacts with Boston bombing suspects

Sat, 18 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Knowing he had nothing to fear from the Senate committee, FBI Director Mueller defended the FBI’s handling of the Tsarnaevs and failure to alert state or local authorities.

China challenges Japanese sovereignty over Okinawa

Sat, 18 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

China’s state-owned People’s Daily published a provocative article last week implicitly asserting Chinese claims over Okinawa.

Canada’s NDP denounces China, signals support for Obama’s “Asia Pivot”

Sat, 18 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The NDP has mounted its campaign against Chinese investment in Canada to convince the US ruling elite that they will find in it a reliable ally in their war preparations against China.

Chicago Teachers Union files lawsuit alleging school closings are racist

Sat, 18 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The Chicago Teachers Union, whose leaders include members of the International Socialist Organization, is seeking to stifle opposition to school closings by promoting racial politics.

Philippines man killed by store security for alleged theft of sandals

Sat, 18 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The killing of a young man by security guards in one of the largest shopping centres in Cebu is a product of the vast social inequality in the Philippines.