1990s
The inhumanity of humanitarian aid - Wildcat
Article looking at the use of 'humanitarian' aid as a way of perpetuating war and reproducing capitalist social relations, as a means of social control, during the Yugoslav wars of the 1990s.
In Yugoslavia, as in Somalia and in every other war-torn region, humanitarian aid functions as a means of maintaining the war effort. Outside the affected region it provides a wonderful alibi for intervention by the armies of the most powerful states and makes these states appear caring.
The class nature of sanctions - Wildcat
Wildcat UK show how international sanctions imposed on former-Yugoslavian countries during the Yugoslav wars acted as attacks on the living conditions of the working class.
International trade sanctions imposed against various states in recent years can be roughly divided into two categories:
- Token sanctions like those imposed on South Africa in the 1980s. The function of these is more diplomatic than economic.
Yugoslavia: from wage cuts to war - Wildcat
A look at the effect of the 1991-1995 war in Yugoslavia on the class struggle, and the effect of class struggle on the war.
The war in former Yugoslavia has raged for more than four years and has attracted more media attention per death than any other war in history. Bourgeois commentators endlessly speculate about the military and political balance of forces, in other words about the significance of the war for this or that fraction of their class.
Somalia: Development by other means - Wildcat
Article analysing the war in Somalia in the early nineties, and the destruction of pre-capitalist social relations there through both military and 'humanitarian' means.
While we disagree with the views of the authors on journalists, we believe the article contains useful information and analysis of the conflict and its roots.
The War in Somalia
No war but the class war: remembering and reflecting ten years after - Practical History
Account of a participant involved in the No War But The Class War group at the time of the first Gulf War.
In September 1990, US, British and other forces were mobilising in the Gulf following the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait and full scale war was imminent. At Conway Hall in London's Red Lion Square a meeting was held on Sunday 2 September 'to organise a plan of action... to counteract the blatant warmongering and racism that is going on'.
Burnsall strike 1992 - European Counter Network
Report on a 1992 strike at a metal finishing company following a worker suffering miscarriage, after management refused her light duties.
Asian women at Burnsalls, a metal finishing company in Smethwick, have been on strike since June for better health and safety, equal pay, and union rights. Conditions in the factory were so bad that one worker suffered a miscarriage after her request to be transferred to lighter duties was refused by management.
Shoot to kill in Belfast, 1992 - European Counter Network
Report on the shooting of an IRA member by Belfast police in November 1992.
A young Irish republican was shot dead by police in Belfast on Wednesday 25th November [1992] in what seems to have been a pre-planned shoot-to-kill operation. 22 year old Pearse Jordan was driving along the Falls Road when his car was rammed and forced onto the pavement by two cars.
The women are marching - European Counter Network
Report on a demonstration in London on International Day to End Violence Against Women, 1992.
November 25th is the International Day to End Violence Against Women. In Britain, on Saturday 28th, women marched to Trafalgar Square in London to protest against the global attacks on women's rights and bodies. The numbers started at around 2000 but swelled to 4000 as women joined the march.
Resistance to hospital closures grows - European Counter Network
Report on several November 1992 demonstrations and a ward occupation by nurses, against proposed hospital closures.
A government sponsored report on the health service in London has recommended the closure of at least four major hospitals and ten or more smaller units. If the Tomlinson report is implemented, 2500 hospital beds will be lost immediately, and 20,000 hospital workers may lose their jobs.
Revolt at Highpoint prison - European Counter Network
Report on a riot of prisoners following an escape attempt, at Highpoint Prison in Suffolk in November 1992.
140 prisoners took control of two wings of Highpoint prison in Suffolk (east England), during a riot on 24th November. The riot started as prison officers were searching the prison after two prisoners tried to escape (they were recaptured in the prison grounds).
