The US’s most recent imperialist exploit in Iran has been as catastrophic as it has been bloody. Trump’s inability to bully, bluster, and bomb Iran into submission, while suffering humiliating military setbacks, has exposed the empire’s vulnerabilities. This is a contradictory new era of imperialism, in which the US and allies including Israel become more dangerous as they lose their grip on soft power.

The Trump regime’s occupation of Minneapolis with thousands of militarized ICE agents has resulted in horrific scenes of state violence and murder — part of a new mask-off authoritarian approach, as the US empire becomes more aggressive and dangerous both at home and abroad. It has also galvanized a courageous, inspiring, and effective grassroots resistance that shows the way forward for the left.

The Palestinian escape from Gaza and attack on their occupiers on October 7 was a desperate attempt to alter the status quo, and one of the greatest asymmetric warfare victories of our time. The operation galvanized unprecedented levels of support for the Palestinian struggle and brought it to the global forefront. As Marxists, we give unconditional, but critical support to this and all national liberation struggles.