U.S. Mounts Further Military Build-Up in Persian Gulf

Global Research by Ben Schreiner With the drums of war beating ever louder against Iran, the U.S. military has quickly moved to reestablish a war footing in the Persian Gulf.  The preparations for a looming military confrontation thus continue apace.

Showdown Averted: ILWU and EGT Reach Agreement

Dissident Voice/Intrepid Report
by Ben Schreiner

The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and the international conglomerate EGT Development came to a tentative agreement on Monday to resolve their long simmering labor dispute.  The agreement was announced in a statement released by Washington Governor Chris Gregoire, who convened the discussions that ultimately lead to the settlement.

Obama Set to Use Military Intervention Against Longshoremen: Which Side is Trumka On?

Dissident Voice/Intrepid Report
by Ben Schreiner

A decisive struggle promising to shape the fate of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU), West Coast dockworkers, and all organized labor is swiftly nearing a climax in Longview, Washington. 

Within weeks, if not days, the international conglomerate EGT Development will seek to commence operations at its new $200 million export grain terminal at the Port of Longview.  In refusing to use ILWU labor, EGT is breaking the precedent in place since the 1930s, which holds that all public port docks up and down the West Coast are to be worked by the ILWU.

The Bogus Tales of Iran's Nukes

Global Research by Ben Schreiner With seemingly each passing day, the tensions between the US and Iran over the latter’s nascent nuclear program mount.  And with the voices clamoring for conflict growing ever louder, the clouds of war darken.

Afghanistan: What Is Truly Deplorable

Read my article, "Afghanistan: What is truly deplorable," in Asia Times Online.

The Looming Showdown in Longview: 'The ILWU Cannot Lose This Fight'

CounterPunch/Dissident Voice
by Ben Schreiner 

The long-simmering dispute between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and the international consortium EGT Development transpiring in Longview, Washington looks to be coming to a head.

The Press Coverage of the War in Afghanistan

Read my article, "Afghanistan: US Press Withdraws," in Asia Times Online.