THE only winners from the brutal ongoing conflict in Ukraine are the most reactionary ruling-class circles on both sides of the conflict — and beyond.
Aside from the appalling toll of death and destruction in Ukraine itself, the war led rapidly to a crackdown on free speech within Russia, where thousands of peace protesters have been arrested and critical media voices shut down.
In the West, a parallel process has seen the internet more heavily censored than ever before, with platforms and videos critical of Nato narratives removed from the net on the basis of battling “disinformation,” while opposition to Nato has been effectively outlawed within the Labour Party.
One grim example of how the war continues to narrow democratic space is the cynical bargaining over Sweden’s accession, which Turkey has been holding up.
Turkey’s President Erdogan doesn’t oppose Nato expansion — he just scents an opportunity to put pressure on Sweden to collaborate in his repression of the Kurds. His railing at “terrorists” in the Swedish parliament referred to politicians of Kurdish descent who have spoken up for the Kurds, like former MP Amineh Kakabaveh. He protests at demonstrations “in support of terrorists” — meaning ones held in solidarity with groups like the YPG, which played a key role in defeating Islamic State in Syria.
Nato in turn has pressed Sweden to address Erdogan’s “concerns.” If it does, Sweden’s membership will not just add to the militarisation of Europe, but involve attacking democratic rights and silencing solidarity with an oppressed people much as the British government seeks to do as regards Palestine.
