The picture of the Chinese economy painted by commentators in the West is often one of strength; an economy dominated by exports, with unstoppable growth and development; in short, a model to emulate. Recent figures released by the International Monetary Fund, however, describe a very different situation; a situation where contradictions are intensifying below the surface; a situation that is pregnant with crisis and revolutionary consequences.

The persecution of Julian Assange
represents an all-out assault on democratic rights. For what “crime” is
this man being persecuted? The Swedish authorities are trying to get him
extradited on a trumped up “rape” case that has long been exposed as
fraudulent. No serious person will believe for a single moment that this
is the real reason for the witch-hunting of the founder of Wikileaks.

Many politically active workers and young people in Ireland and beyond will be scratching
their heads over this weekend’s spat between the leadership of the
Socialist Party and former Socialist Party TD Clare Daly. A series of
statements and counter statements have done little to clarify what are
the real political differences between the SP and Daly who is widely
acknowledged as a hard working and respected TD. Unfortunately, the issues
aren’t going away easily, the right wing press will make sure of
that.