Syria, Iran, Iraq, WMDs, and U.S. Imperialism

SYRIA, IRAN, IRAQ, WMDS, AND U.S. IMPERIALISM

WMDs in Syria and Iran today, and formerly in Iraq, have been pretexts for U.S. military intervention, not the motivation for intervention. Uranium enrichment has thresholds that play into those pretexts. The seemingly implacable opposition between the U.S. versus Syria and Iran, and formerly Libya as well, is not the result of any fundamental anti-imperialism in these Middle Eastern states, but rather the U.S. policy obsession for financial and military compliance. Were it not for this U.S. obsession, the rulers of Syria and Iran would welcome foreign investment with open arms, though with protective limits, while they obliterate opposition of the left or right. Nevertheless, U.S.-led military intervention must be unconditionally opposed, while support is given towards building a secular democratic socialist alternative in presently authoritarian states.
Dr. Sharat G. Lin writes on global political economy, the Middle East, South Asia, labor migration, and public health. He is a contributing author to the book Studies in Inequality and Social Justice. He spent two months in Tahrir Square during 2009-2012, including during the initial uprising that overthrew President Mubarak. He is a research fellow at the San José Peace and Justice Center.

Sunday, January 26, 2014
10:30 am to 12:30 pm

6501 Telegraph Avenue in Oakland
(between Alcatraz and 66th)
Seating is limited, so plan to come early. We start promptly.
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Sunday Morning at the Marxist Library
A weekly discussion series inspired by our respect for the work of Karl Marx and our belief that his work will remain as important for the class struggles of the future as they have been for the past.

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