The world is in significantly greater danger than it was before Thursday when Donald Trump ordered the assassination of Qassem Soleimani, a prominent Iranian General and political figure. This violation of international law is a declaration by US imperialism that it’s not accountable to the global democracy or human rights. Trump has been spoiling for this fight from day one of his presidency, but it is clear that this act is a diversion from the impeachment trial he faces.
From all the evidence, Trump was encouraged by his partners in the Middle East, Israel and Saudi Arabia. Netanyahu and Israeli intelligence have long called for and even attempted the assassination of Soleimani.
US Imperialism even shocked its European allies who were not consulted about this provocative act. The US is concerned about the possible loss of control in Iraq, loss of access to oil resources and the growing influence of Iran.
There is a possibility that any escalation will set the region ablaze and create conditions even more horrific than what we have seen already. Thousands of civilian lives are at risk. This is why we must stand up and say no to further hostilities. This is why we are calling for labor, oppressed and working-class organizations and people of conscience in North Carolina to form a “Stop US Imperialist War Coalition” and build a massive contingent for HKonJ.
We agree with Representative Ocasio-Cortez, that war is also class struggle. It is the wealthy and their political representatives who continue to put the sons and daughters of the working class in harm’s way. Forced to fight for the wealthy, they bear the physical and psychological burdens of the war while the rulers get rich and stay safe. Black workers are at risk of being war casualties due to the economic conditions that force them into the military.
But Black workers face their own war at home. We are in a crisis of mass incarceration, chronic unemployment, lack of health care, a lack of affordable housing, displacement and homelessness. And we remain the target of increasingly militarized police departments. Some who are even trained by the Israeli Defense Forces.
Even with our domestic conditions we continue the tradition of Black internationalism. We agree with the Black Alliance for Peace on these demands:
*No war on Iran and the withdrawal of all troops from Iraq and Afghanistan
*Oppose the Trump Domestic Surge Targeting Black People
*Stop the Department of Defense 1033 Program that Militarizes Police Forces
*Shut Down the Africa Command (AFRICOM) and ALL U.S. and NATO bases
*Cut Obscene Military Budget by 50%
January 4, 2020
