As Britain’s economic crisis deepens, the ominous drumbeat of war and military intervention abroad becomes louder by the day. Alas, this is nothing new. The British establishment and big business interests that are actually responsible for bringing about this crisis, have always sought to make working people shoulder the burden and even the blame. However, people are resisting, one section of society after another, and in a spirit of unity are organising strike action and protests in defence of their living standards and public services.
Further afield, in a rapidly changing world where the unipolarity enjoyed by the US over the last 30 years is increasingly being challenged and cold war in Europe has escalated into a hot war amid the tragedy in Ukraine, the prospect of World War III is a very real and present danger threatening the whole of humanity. Unfortunately, such a notion can no longer be dismissed as fantastical.
In the seas close to China, the US, UK, and NATO have deployed an armada legitimately seen as a provocation and threat by the People’s Republic.
Meanwhile, in the Middle East, the US and western nations continue to defy the United Nations by turning a blind eye to the occupation of Palestinian territories, affording impunity to the Israeli apartheid state in its transgressions, and a role as its regional ‘police’ enforcer.
August 2023 sees the 70th anniversary of the UK-US orchestrated and funded coup against the elected, democratic, and secular government of prime minister Mohammad Mossadegh in Iran. And while the current theocratic dictatorship faces mass popular protests and an ever-worsening crisis of legitimacy, imperialist interests are once more looking to subvert the will of the Iranian people for democratic change, with some even backing the return of the disgraced and deposed monarchy to the country. (For more on this, see the recent features on Iran on our website)
In South America, while the situation remains fraught, there is a growing current seeking a definitive break with the past of US-backed dictatorships serving the interests of transnational neoliberalism. In Chile, September will mark the 50th anniversary of the US-backed military coup against the elected government of president Salvador Allende. Last year, the Chilean people emphatically restored to power a progressive government dedicated to peace and progress. However, the US continues with its strategy of interference, economic manipulation, and destabilisation – as can be clearly seen with regards to Cuba and Venezuela.
In Britain, the longstanding anti-war and peace movements have urgently kicked into gear against the warmongers. This is in recognition of the reality that to reverse the current crisis and slide towards a catastrophic world war, Britain needs to set a new course – one in which it can lead by example. An independent non-aligned foreign policy would represent just such a course towards justice, respect for and promotion of human rights, and the manifold benefits this would entail for all. Not a situation of perpetual crisis and devastating war!
Liberation will continue to work closely with other non-governmental organisations, in Britain and around the world to underline that the call for “Peace NOW!” is the only way forward to a humane, just, and safe world, while the policies pursued by the US and UK governments and NATO offer up only fear and potential ruin for the whole world.
As an aside, Liberation is delighted to note the charity partnership between Nottingham Forest Football Club and the UNHCR (the UN’s refugee agency) which sees the logo of UK for UNHCR on the front of their shirts as a mark of solidarity for those forced to flee their homes and communities. This stands in stark contrast to the corporate sponsorship arrangements and sportswashing that affect many other clubs, and is especially welcome at a time of general scapegoating and vilification of asylum seekers and refugees in Britain.
Jamshid Ahmadi, Liberation Executive Committee & Editor of Liberation Journal
Photo: Creative Commons
