The refugee emergency in Europe points to deeper political crisis

The continuing flow of thousands of refugees from West Asia and North Africa, is leading to increasing political tensions in Europe. While how to deal with this influx is important for the welfare of the refugees, and has generated much solidarity, it overlooks the factors behind this influx. The causes for this refugee movement are to be found in the continuing wars in the region and the defeats of the 'Arab Spring' movements. These defeats have led to the strengthening of repressive capitalist regimes that have increased exploitation and unleashed war and repression from both within and without the region. Only a reinvigorated working class movement can put an end to this ongoing barbarity.

The continuing flow of thousands of refugees from West Asia and North Africa, is leading to increasing political tensions in Europe. While how to deal with this influx is important for the welfare of the refugees, and has generated much solidarity, it overlooks the factors behind this influx. The causes for this refugee movement are to be found in the continuing wars in the region and the defeats of the 'Arab Spring' movements. These defeats have led to the strengthening of repressive capitalist regimes that have increased exploitation and unleashed war and repression from both within and without the region. Only a reinvigorated working class movement can put an end to this ongoing barbarity.