In the wake of his recent humanitarian visit to Cuba, RICHARD BURGON points to the now urgent need to defend the island’s political sovereignty and its right to self-determination
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Syria troop withdrawal welcomed, but Trump’s aim unclear
On Wednesday December 19, President Trump suddenly announced the withdrawal of US forces from Syria, but the reasons behind the announcement remain unclear. JOHN BACHTELL investigates
US President Donald Trump and Melania Trump greet members of the military as they arrive for a hangar rally at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, Wednesday December 26
Thousands of jobs are at risk across higher education, yet government funding appears only when universities can be linked to military objectives, says JO GRADY, in the run-up to the Stop the War International Conference this Saturday
The Wye, Usk, Arrow and Lugg were once treasured for their clean waters – today, pollution and corporate excess are fuelling demands for a return to public ownership, says MARK SEDDON
The new Employment Rights Act is a step forward, but restoring collective bargaining and union power remains essential to tackling insecurity, outsourcing and low pay, says PAUL WHITEHOUSE
Rising support for Farage’s party reflects Labour’s failure to defend working-class living standards or offer a credible alternative to neoliberal decline, says JOSEPH MILLS
Trade unionists are mobilising to support Cuban workers and public services, amid escalating US pressure on the socialist island. RONAN OGILVY explains
THE announced withdrawal of 2,000 US military personnel from Syria by President Trump on December 19, along with the pull out of 7,000 troops from Afghanistan, has precipitated a new and deeper crisis in the administration.
Defence Secretary Jim Mattis resigned late in the evening on December 20 in protest over the decisions. Mattis, who has had longstanding policy disagreements with Trump, was said to be the last major restraint within the administration to Trump’s impulsive decisions and erratic behaviour.
With the Mueller investigation closing in on Trump’s criminal conduct and the Republicans’ stunning November election losses, Trump is in what has been described by administration officials as a “tailspin.” Trump is increasingly brooding, isolated and erratic. These new developments could open the door to a far more dangerous phase of his presidency.
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