Opinion: “Hamas is the result of a regime of oppression”

The West knows why there is still no peace between Israel and Palestine. The Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, is to blame. Since coming to power in the Gaza Strip in 2007, indiscriminate rocket launches on enemy ground have made reconciliation between the two sides impossible and have only fueled the fire. Israel has been forced, against its will, to respond with a firm hand. What a shame! If it wasn’t for Hamas…

Opinion: Socialism – Revolution over reform

The debate is often served on what path socialists should take in their aim of putting an end to Capitalism and establishing Socialism. Along with other entertaining topics of discussion, one lingers and brings two opposing groups of socialists to the table: those who want to achieve Socialism through progressive reform, and those who want to achieve it through revolutionary struggle.

On the face of it, it would appear that the reformists have the upper hand. Not demanding a popular uproar of the people and an inevitable confrontation with the State and its armed wing, while instead simply requiring the regular participation of the populace in elections and voting for those who promise reform, would seem a more positive way forward.

Opinion: Nationalism – how it can be anticapitalist within a capitalist nation

In the global north, nationalism is normally associated with the conservative right-wing. Be it in the USA, in Spain or in New Zealand, a fierce and unconditional support for one’s country is one of the main policies of right-wing parties, and are criticised for it by those more progressive.

But the concept of nationalism is not inherently right-wing. While its reactionary form is, nationalism can also be supported by the anticapitalist left within capitalist nations. However, this type can only be positive and effective for Socialism under very specific conditions.

Opinion: On police, the bodyguards of Capital

Through the police, the State has the sole monopoly on violence within its own borders. In a Capitalist system, the State responds to the interests of the class that owns the means of production, therefore existing as a ‘Dictatorship of the Bourgeoisie’. Because of this, any entity with its origins in the modern State serves, to some extent or another, the interests of the Bourgeoisie. Such is the case with the police, whose function is to quell and crush any form of Proletarian protest or uprising. It protects the rich against those threatening the stability of the Bourgeois-dominated status quo.

Opinion: Socialism, the only non-fascist ideology

When we think about ‘historical fascism’, a few specific examples come to mind: these are, of course, Mussolini’s Italy, Hitler’s Germany and Franco’s Spain. They all shared several similarities, i.e., authoritarianism, ultranationalism, and suppression of the opposition. Nowadays, the word ‘fascism’ has evolved and englobed other meanings, and includes positions like a fervent anti-immigration stance, and the upholding of a country’s traditions and imagery and other conservative practices.

But above these characteristics, an individualistic and exclusionary pattern emerges. In short, ‘fascism’ means the rule of a certain group of people over the rest. This can be seen on all three main dimensions: political, social and economic.

Opinion: Why Capitalism shared its wealth

Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels open their renowned Communist Manifesto with an early-on praise of Capitalism: “It has accomplished wonders far surpassing Egyptian pyramids, Roman aqueducts and Gothic cathedrals; it has conducted expeditions that put in the shade all former exoduses of nations and crusades”.

Yes, Capitalism has undoubtedly brought unprecedented riches to the world. The desire for an increase in productivity led to inventions like the Spinning Jenny, the Cotton Gin or the Spinning Mule. The need for more natural resources pushed explorers into new territories and brought forth the use of steam to build more powerful ships to cross the oceans and trains to travel deep into the lands. To encourage trade within a country, roads were modernised, canals were built and railways were set. Long-distance communication was achieved with the telegraph, the telephone and the radio; electricity was used to power batteries and lightbulbs. And, more recently, objects like the washing machine, the television or the car have benefited all of us and improved our lives.