Israel’s recognition of Somaliland has little to do with self-determination and far more to do with strategy, offering Israel a potential military foothold near Yemen, says JE ROSENBERG
SPAIN went to the polls on Sunday May 28 to elect 8,100 city and town hall representatives including in the cities of Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia; 12 autonomous communities which have legislative responsibilities over education, housing and health were also re-elected.
With the conservative and reactionary right on the rise over the past year, the Spanish left, which is currently in a coalition government nationally, had hoped to save certain strategic terrain. For the radical left, its aim was to enter or maintain some representation in big cities. Both the centre-left and radical left failed to do both.
The right has been on the attack for some time, weaving a narrative of an illegitimate government and using lawfare where possible. This started during the Covid-19 lockdown and was solidified by a rise in the polls for the People’s Party (PP).
From Reform UK to Trump, Orban and beyond, the far right is organised across borders and growing. Waiting for it to collapse is a fatal error – building an international, locally rooted left alternative is now an urgent necessity., argues ROGER McKENZIE
Spanish dictator Francisco Franco died 50 years ago today November 20. JIM JUMP looks back at his blood-soaked rule and toxic legacy on Spain today
Spain has joined South Africa’s ICJ genocide case against Israel while imposing weapons bans and port restrictions, moves partly driven by trade unions — proving just how effectively civil society can reshape government policy, writes RAMZY BAROUD



