Solidarity 276, 27 February 2013

Mali: a "difficult phase"

On 20 February the Islamist militia Mujao took the town hall in Gao, one of the three sizeable towns in Mali's north, and on latest reports (23 February) fighting continues. There are now 4000 French troops in Mali, and 2000 soldiers from France's ally Chad, between them making a larger effective force than Mali's own army. There are also 300-odd British soldiers, and troops from other West African states. France has called for a UN force in addition. Yet France's defence minister says that the French military intervention must now go through its "most difficult phase". After French troops...

Socialist Worker sort-of-defends North Korea

After sidling into mealy-mouthed defence of Al Qaeda and its allies in Mali (9 February), Socialist Worker of 23 February attempts a sort-of-defence of the North Korean regime. SW says that North Korea's nuclear weapons tests have "nothing to do with anti-imperialism or socialism". However, it declares the North Korean government not to blame for those tests. All the blame lies with the US and its allies. SW says that North Korea is "a nuclear bogeyman created by the US". SW cannot mean to say that North Korea really has no nuclear weapons (i.e. the story that it has them has been manufactured...

This website uses cookies, you can find out more and set your preferences here.
By continuing to use this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.