The recent execution of Al-Nimr, a Shia cleric leader, by the Saudis highlights the crisis facing the regime. The economy is in a fragile state as the price of oil falls and money is hemorrhaged on regional wars and adventures. Increased repression indicates a fear of the rulers about an impending movement from below.

The December 20th elections in Spain produced an extremely fragmented congress in which no single party emerged with an overall majority. The regime is at an impasse. But the European capitalists are insisting on a “stable government” in Spain, which they need to push through further austerity and attacks.

The United Nations is often held up as an international instrument for world peace and prosperity. The reality of the UN falls far short of this noble image. In fact, as Daniel Morley explains, the UN is a forum for the horse-trading of the major capitalist powers; a convenient cover for their imperialist designs.