Siyavash Shahabi
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The establishment of Israel emerged from British imperial interests in the Middle East, Zionism, and various historical events, rather than being an eternal constant. Zionism began in the late 19th century as a secular movement in Eastern Europe and Russia, advocating for a Jewish nation as a refuge from persecution and anti-Semitism. However, the Jewish community was divided on Zionism; while middle-class Jews were more inclined to embrace it, the Jewish working class, deeply integrated into their local societies and socialist movements, often opposed it. The Zionist leadership was challenged by the socialist Bund, particularly in Jewish areas of Eastern…
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The HELIOS refugee integration project in Greece, managed by the International Organization for Migration and the Greek Ministry, was abruptly halted due to funding shortfalls since early 2024, leaving many refugees vulnerable to homelessness. The suspension hinders access to housing support, language courses, and employment resources. Funding inconsistencies and bureaucratic hurdles have plagued the program, affecting not only refugees but also employees, with many dismissed without compensation or clarity on future job security. Despite its intention to aid recognized refugees, HELIOS has struggled with mismanagement and financial problems, prompting appeals for a comprehensive local housing strategy to address the ongoing…
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Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis boasted about excelling in migration management at a recent conference, but crucial issues were conveniently omitted. Violations of international laws and human rights, pushbacks of thousands of refugees, and a tragic shipwreck involving over 650 lives paint a different picture. European Commission’s silence and financial support contribute to these atrocities. The EU’s border closures and focus on security over rights and welfare further exacerbate the crisis. Activist repression and the drastic spike in arrivals raise concerns about Greece’s migration policies. These are not just numbers, but human lives at stake, revealing a deeply flawed and…
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In December 2023, shocking images from Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza Strip, revealed Palestinian men getting forcefully detained by Israeli forces. Reports from various sources depicted systematic mistreatment in Israeli military detention facilities, including electric shocks, burns, enforced sleep and starvation, and physical abuse. The Realities for Palestinian Civilians in Gaza also captured Israeli troops shooting a Palestinian woman holding a white flag and her child. After release, detainees faced dehumanizing conditions, highlighting the profound human cost of the ongoing situation. The IDF’s response contrasts sharply with firsthand accounts.
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Roya Heshmati’s story, an opponent of the compulsory Hijab in Iran, has sparked significant attention on social media. Roya, 33, lives in Tehran but is originally from Sanandaj. On her Facebook, she shared her experience at the District Court of Area 7 on the 13th of Dey. She was there for her sentencing, where she received a punishment of 74 lashes for not wearing the compulsory hijab. A few months prior, after a photo of Roya without the compulsory Hijab circulated in Tehran, she was given a sentence by the Islamic Revolutionary Court. This included one year of suspended imprisonment,…
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Maziar Seyednejad, a jailed labor activist, reflects on the challenges faced by the National Steel Group and Haft Tappeh Sugarcane workers’ protests. Despite significant societal turmoil, he questions the lack of a strong connection between various protest movements. Maziar, serving a two-year sentence, highlights the need to assess the positive and negative aspects of past protests, attributing the existing disconnect to unstable organizational structures. As labor and retiree protests intensify, he sees the potential for more cohesive and powerful worker organizations to emerge based on past experiences.
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In recent years, Iran has seen the rise of “LendTechs” and startups in the “buy now, pay later” sector, reflecting the economic challenges faced by its people. High inflation and stagnant wages have eroded purchasing power, leading to an increase in small credit services for everyday items. These businesses, often backed by affiliated online stores, charge high effective interest rates, raising concerns about potential defaults and inflation.
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As Palestine’s issue gains attention, economic analysis becomes crucial. The war’s economic impact, including GDP decline and soaring unemployment, spells a serious recession. The colonial context and settler colonialism’s economic foundation provide insight into the situation. Israel’s control extends to labor, resources, and markets, perpetuating Palestinian dependency and exploitation. Economic policy parallels military intervention in subjugating Palestinians.
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Since October 4, Turkey has been intensifying its military attacks on Northern Syria, allegedly striking civilian infrastructure under the pretense of targeting the People’s Defense Units. Claiming a right to self-defense, Turkey asserts it has not primarily targeted Northern Syria’s vital foundations, a claim contested by senior Syrian Democratic Forces officials. These relentless airstrikes have caused widespread destruction, estimated over a billion dollars, depriving more than two million people of their daily needs. Meanwhile, Turkey’s long-standing conflict with the Kurds continues, adding fuel to the tension in the region.
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Where is the refugee camp? Everyone knows there are refugee camps in the world that are not good places. No one says much more about refugee camps. Those who live there try to deny it. Then, when they leave the camp, they prefer not to look back and not talk about those plague years. If you ask them where they live, they dodge the question. No one wants to know about refugee camps.
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In Greece, a “pushback” strategy targeting refugees has led to a systematic environment of violence and arbitrary detentions. One victim, Mehmet Çelik, who sought refuge in Europe after facing legal issues in Turkey, was sentenced to 155 years in prison despite the prosecutor recommending acquittal. He and several other refugees endured a harrowing journey across borders only to face potential deportation and accusations of smuggling by Greek authorities. Critics point to these cases as evidence of Greece’s politically charged approach rather than a focus on human rights.
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In this interview, Mussa’ab Bashir described the current situation in Gaza as “the worst round of aggression” since 1948. He highlighted the difficulties faced by Gazans, including psychological trauma, poverty, and high youth unemployment. Bashir also elaborated on internal struggles against corruption within the Hamas regime and the lack of a representative working-class organization. He advocated for a democratic socialist state to solve the Palestinian issue, emphasizing the necessity of a representative body that protects the interests of the working class.