Donald Trump’s bombing of Iran was a bloody extension of the genocide in Gaza and risked a major escalation of war across the Middle East. Yet Anthony Albanese was quick to offer Labor’s full support.
The attack on Iran was an act of unbridled aggression driven by the determination of the US to give maximum support to Israel and entrench its own domination of the region.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed Iran “could be a year” or “a few months” away from building a nuclear weapon. This was a re-run of the concocted claims about non-existent weapons of mass destruction used to justify war on Iraq in 2003.
But Albanese unequivocally backed Trump, “The world has long agreed that Iran cannot be allowed to get a nuclear weapon. And we support action to prevent that.”
Albanese also claimed the bombing was “unilateral action taken by the United States”, implying Australia wasn’t involved. But he refused to answer questions about what role the Pine Gap spy base near Alice Springs played in the attack.
The facility is vital to gathering US satellite intelligence for the area covering the Middle East and Iran. The base consistently provides critical information for US and Israeli missile targeting.
Albanese likes to pretend that Australia “isn’t a central player” in Israel’s wars. But Australia is a key US ally and plays an important role backing Israel. It exports crucial parts for Israel’s F-35 fighter jets as well as other weapons. Canberra-based Electro Optic Systems (EOS) has sold its R400 weapons system to Israel and company Droneshield’s Dronegun MK4 weapons system is also in use by the Israeli military.
As Solidarity went to press there was news of a proposed 60 day ceasefire from Israel and the US. Hamas has long stated its willingness to free the remaining hostages in exchange for a final end to the war and Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza. Israel is demanding that Hamas is disarmed, and its leaders deported.
Anything less than Israel’s complete withdrawal will only set the scene for it to restart its killing after any ceasefire period, just as it has done before.
Backing US imperialism
Albanese has locked Labor into backing US imperialism and the drive to war, committing $368 billion to buying nuclear subs and expanding US bases across northern Australia.
Albanese will try to keep ducking the question of exactly what role Australia would play in any war with China. But the die is cast—Australia has become an integral part of the US imperialist machine. Under the AUKUS deal, naval base HMAS Stirling in Western Australia will effectively become a US submarine base from 2027.
Labor is spending almost $1 billion establishing a domestic missile manufacturing hub in Newcastle that also opens in 2027.
The $368 billion being spent on nuclear subs could fund a just transition to public-owned renewable power, could fund the NDIS, increase the dole and pay nurses and teachers a liveable wage.
Albanese has spent the time since his election win hosing down any hopes of real change. But the push for pro-business reform is gaining momentum.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers is holding an “economic reform roundtable” in August that’s designed to find ways to boost productivity and deliver tax reform.
In a clear signal about the direction the government is heading, Chalmers says he wants “collaboration and compromise”. Chalmers has invited Liberal Shadow Treasurer Ted O’Brien to attend, but not The Greens.
Meanwhile, Hannah Thomas, The Greens candidate who stood against Anthony Albanese, suffered facial injuries and may lose sight in one eye, after NSW police used anti-protest laws to attack a picket of SEC Plating, a company involved in the supply chain of parts for F-35 fighter jets.
Trump’s bombing of Iran reveals that the fight for Palestine is a fight against the imperialist system. More people are horrified by the risk of war and disgusted by Albanese’s ties to Trump. The growing disillusionment with Labor needs to be turned into active opposition.
Wharfies in France and Italy have used their industrial power to stop arms exports to Israel. In Los Angeles, thousands of ordinary people mobilised against deportations, surrounding workplaces like Home Depot to prevent ICE agents snatching undocumented migrants.
CFMEU workers in Brisbane showed how to fight when they walked off the job for 48 hours, following the High Court ruling in favour of Labor’s Administration that controls their union.
Sanctions on Israel, closing Pine Gap, opposing AUKUS and the US alliance are part and parcel of the struggle against the system.
Linking the issues together and mobilising broader support from unions, religious and community groups is key to building a more powerful anti-imperialist movement with the power to impose sanctions and halt Albanese’s growing militarism.
To end the horror in Gaza and fight for welfare not warfare we have to smash the system that builds the bombs.
