Random reading matters, no. 3

Maoism and Jihadism

Billmon, in "The Far Enemy"on his blog 'Whiskey Bar' , evaluates the successes and failures of the United States in its struggle against Al Qaeda and related movements since 9/11. Yes, het recognises that there have been no major big attacks on the 'Homeland' since 9/11. But Jihadism has become rooted in classic guerilla fashion. Billmon makes an interesting comparison between Jihadist guerrilla politics and their earlier Maoist/ Third Worldist variety(Vietnam, Algeria, Cuba, Nicaragua, etc.). He does not think it very likely that the US will succeed in Al Qaeda-like groups, now that they have rooted themselves deeply on whole provinces of, for instance, Iraq.

However much I disagree with these Jihadist groups, I don't think that a failure of the American Empire to be victorious against them wpuld necessarily be bad (as Billmon still seemsto imply, however hosilehe is towards whhat he consistently calls'the Cheney administration'). On the contrary. A defeat of the main imperial power poweg - against whatever resistance grouping, no matter what its ideology may be - is much to be preferred above the boost in self-confidence, leding to new adventures and agressions, that an American victory would bring the rulers of that empire.

Billmon does not seem to share that conclusion. Still, his doom-laden but alway humorously written analyses are always worth reading, in this case as in others.

After Tony Blair

It finally seems that Tony Blair is on the way out. The day that he leaves Downing Street 10 will be the occasion for immense releif and joy, for millions of opponents of war, ineqality and oppression, in Britain and elsewhere. I will have my bottle of wine ready, though satreet celebrations would be even more in order.

However, what will happen after he leaves? What are the prospects for the economy, for workers' struggle, and what should the attitude of left wingers be? That is the sublect of "After New Labour", on the weblog 'Lenin's Tomb'. Het anbalyses what is happening to unemployument - of both the the real and the statistically-challenged variety. He anlalyses strength and weaknesses of the trade unions who "will have to stop sitting on their complacent arses and act". His conclusion: "Only our own actions will bring about the changes that we need to see."

That conclusion applies to the Netherlands as well, now that the parliamentary elections of November 22 are almost upon us. No matter how big the parliamentary left will become, no matter how welcome their victory will be - the main fight will be our own fight, in the officesand factories, and out on the street where we belong as long as the powerful hold power.