Spain Struggles With Migration Waves

 

Spain is facing a migration crisis. The consequences of European interference in the domestic affairs of African Nations and military invasions has created unstable conditions. The migrants did  not reach Spain, but a remanent of European colonialism. Ceuta  is autonomous to a degree, but is Spanish territory.  Spain has maintained this colony since 1580. Bordering Morocco, the city  is on the African continent. The fact that Spain contains a few African territories should be unacceptable. There will be more waves of migration as economic and political factors force people to flee. Italy has used Spain's difficulty for political purposes. Anti-immigrant hatred is used in Italian politics to get more votes for far-right parties. Spain uses migrants for an easily exploited labor force. An aging population means certain jobs will remain unfilled. Getting migrants to apply for residence and work permits makes it appear as if  Spain is helping them. Low pay and poor working conditions await for immigrants coming to Spain. The media focus does not even examine the deaths involved attempting to get to Spain. Police and soldiers halted the migrants from even reaching Europe. Yet, there was panicked reporting in the European press. Racism and xenophobic nativist nationalism are becoming normalized in European society. The reaction to Spain's policies related to migrants demonstrates the popularization of intolerance.   

Mauritania's Crackdown On Refugees and Migrants

 

Mauritania is pursuing a  policy of cracking down on refugees and migrants. The influx of  people is the result of conflict in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. Terrorist organizations and armed groups are attacking these nations. Refugees have no choice but to find safety elsewhere. Migrants are coming for economic reasons. Mauritania is used as an access point to the Canary Islands. From there getting to Spain could mean reaching France, Germany, or the UK. The dangerous travels, smuggling networks, and being detained by Mauritanian authorities put people's safety at risk. Migrants come from Senegal, Gambia, and Guinea. The renewed crackdown is part of a partnership by the European Union. The EU is getting Sahel and North African countries to participate in pushing back refugees and migrants. The EU asserts this is on humanitarian grounds directed at smuggling networks. The economic decline and unsafe conditions are a direct result of EU interference in Africa. Regime change, support of authoritarian leaders, and providing weapons to armed groups creates human migration. African countries refuse to use diplomatic leverage. A method of controlling European behavior would be to simply let migrants and refugees enter the EU. Mauritania would most likely not do this. The racism against Sub-Saharan  Africans and West Africans  is intense in the Sahel and North Africa. Mauritania is seeing a new wave of xenophobia presented in law and daily life. The immigration agreement undermines Mauritania's sovereignty, because it aids the objectives of Europe. Despite the barriers, migrants and refugees are still coming to Mauritania.   

The End of The Viktor Orban Hungary

 

After 16 years, Prime Minister Viktor Oban was defeated in an election. During his administration, xenophobic nativist nationalism was embraced. While his racism was documented prior to becoming prime minister, the European Union's disdain of him was due to diplomatic relations with the Russian Federation. Having dialogue with Russia should not be considered an offense. The Russo-Ukrainian War has divided Europe. The election of Peter Magyar does not mean dramatic political change. Magyar was at one time a member of Orban's Fidesz Party. Magyar expressed a desire to end corruption in government and improve public services. These are mere promises and it appears that new economic policies would result in more harm to the public. Hungary refused to stop using Russian energy. A shift to more Western European political direction is taking place. The new government is centre-right, which is suitable to the EU liberal establishment. The desire to stop the rise of right-wing nationalist  populism makes the political establishment embrace conservatives that are their enemies. The project to force European integration generated a backlash. If Peter Magyar fails to solve domestic concerns or foreign policy matters, Hungary could elect another far-right leader. Hungary's population was struggling with a declining economy. The European Union releasing funds is not going to be enough to solve these challenges. At some stage Viktor Orban was going to lose. Being prime minister for years, winning elections become more difficult.    

Marine Le Pen Seeks To Appeal The Ban On Running For The French Presidency

 

Marine Le Pen was found guilty of embezzlement. She will not serve any prison time . Two of the custody detainments are suspended, while the other two years will be a status of house arrest. This will require the use of an electronic tag .  Instead Marine Le Pen is prohibited from running in the next French presidential election. The misuse of European Union funds is a serious charge, but the ban on political office is has indications of political partisan motivations. If  Marine Le Pen was such a threat, a harsher prison sentence would have been imposed. The fact that individuals of such a corrupt nature can reach that level demonstrates the weakness of  the European liberal democratic system. This also has another negative consequence. Leaders are going to criminalize their political opponents on both the left and right. As Europe struggles economically, more are going to favor the conservative and far-right political factions. Suppressing political figures or movements is not going to defeat extremist elements within France. Marine Le Pen is seeking an appeal. It is dubious if the ruling can be overturned by 2027. Every attempt Le Pen made to be elected president she failed. The motivation to disqualify her now, might be due to the possibility Le Pen could win. A small number of Le Pen's political competitors also expressed concerns about the ruling. The National Rally Party is going to plot reprisals in reaction to this verdict. The appeals process is going to have legal complexities and opens the debate about the law in relation to political figures. 

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The European Union Does Not Want Peace In Ukraine

 

The European Union does not want a peace settlement in Ukraine. Since the Russia-Ukraine War broke out military aid and arms have been given by EU members. As Ukraine's losses mount, the much obvious path would be to start negotiations. The motivation for the European Union to keep the war going is to change the political dynamics of Europe. For European liberals and conservatives the war is a crusade to reinvigorate western values. Europe is struggling with its identity and cohesion. The era of large empires and international dominance has been declining gradually. European integration has to be in this view forcibly imposed on Eastern Europe. The West and Eastern Europe differ by politics and culture. The Russian Federation has a more traditional culture and is more aligned with the Global South. The EU member states are oriented to liberal democratic values with globalist sentiments. Conflict in Eastern Europe can be a gateway for forcing European integration on countries that do not favor it. The European Union insisted that the current was was unprovoked, when it was the 2014 coup that resulted in a series of unfortunate events. The Russian Federation either being weakened or dismantled would mean Europe would not have to be reliant on the country for energy. While it is apparent that Ukraine is not going to win the war, EU states do not want it to stop. France suggested sending some its own soldiers to Ukraine. Chances of a ceasefire are out of reach, even though President Putin would be open to an arrangement. President Zelensky does not believe the offer is genuine. The concern now is that the EU member states could send troops to Ukraine. Such a decision could spark a large European war.  

The UK Race Riots

 

The UK erupted in racist violence. The European press refers to the incidents as riots, but fail to mention what type. Race riots are cases in which  mass violence is directed at certain race. Homes and business are destroyed by the criminals to decimate a community. Migration and economic downturn have given ammunition to far-right groups. The English Defense League has become prominent in the xenophobic nativist nationalism movement. These are not simply riots rather that have an anti-black, anti-Asian, and Islamophobic aspect. The race riots happened in areas of mostly white and working class areas. Economics can be a explanation. Immigrants are scapegoated for taking jobs. The inability to handle immigration has caused frustration. Foreign policy has resulted in a large number of refugees from war zones. The legacy of colonialism from the British Empire has played a role. Immigrants from India, Pakistan, Ghana, and Jamacia came to the UK when the British Empire dissolved. The UK never became an integrated society. Instead a myth was created of a multicultural society with liberal democratic values . This masked the de facto segregation which persists in the United Kingdom. Being part of the EU brought over more skilled workers from other countries, but did not benefit the majority of the population. Brexit was a way of trying to assert economic independence, yet that just might not be possible in a world of globalization. Nothing was learned from the riots in 2011. Anti-racist demonstrators are making attempts to stop the violence. This is not effective as long as law enforcement is on the side of the political establishment. Law enforcement is also more likely to sympathize with far-right convictions. There are attempts to place the blame on social media and disinformation coming from various platforms. The BBC and other television networks can be just as culpable for spreading disinformation and hate. The race riots have been going on since July 30th and the government appears to be losing control. As economic and geopolitical conditions get worse, the far-right will get more powerful. France or Germany could experience race riots similar to the UK.   

The European Union 2024 Elections

 

Europe is moving in the direction of the far-right. Much of this was predicted based on economic and political issues, The 2008 financial crisis created much social stress and it was followed by the refugee crisis. The Arab Spring since 2010 has caused massive waves of those fleeing countries in a state of war or subject to regime change. The issue persisted and far-right political parties exploited it to their advantage. When the Russia-Ukraine War broke out sanctions were imposed. This had an opposite effect, because Europe is dependent on Russian energy. The economic hardship that followed that policy caused unemployment and inflation. The citizens of EU countries lashed out by electing far-right parties in the 2024 EU elections. Political centrism is not going to stop the growing discontent across Europe. The voters are getting more vexed with a political establishment that does not respond t their needs. This might explain why French President Emmanuel Macron called for snap elections. France is seeing a similar phenomenon in domestic politics. Many times far-right parties claim to have moderated their views. The tactic is designed to deceive voters of true intentions. The new far-right would not be fascist by definition. Analysts of political science call them populist, but the term is not specific enough for this shift. The precise term is xenophobic nativist nationalism. Those who have been active in politics for a number of years still do not comprehend the nature of this movement. Either it could become a serious threat to democratic institutions or a fringe movement regulated to forgotten history. Political conditions are not so turbulent that a totalitarian system could emerge. Under extreme economic and social distress it can. The European left must become formidable enough to challenge the establishment, centrist,  and the new xenophobic nativist nationalism movement. Otherwise the far-right parties are going to become more powerful.    

Alexei Navalny's Emergence And Anti-Immigrant Politics (2012)

 

Alexei Navalny emerged during the 2010s as a figure of political opposition to Vladimir Putin. The lawyer turned blogger became an activist fighting corruption related to the role of business in government. The press tried to present him as a hero fighting authoritarianism in the Russian government. Honest reporting revealed that Navalny had political views that expressed xenophobic sentiment and racism. Navalny showed disdain for migrants. Central Asians, Muslims for the Caucasus, and Georgians he expressed were causing problems for the Russian Federation. He stated that Central Asians were trafficking drugs into Russia. Far-right nationalism and racism have been on the rise in Russia. Alexei Navalny wanted to use this development to build a movement. This ultranationalist movement Alexei Navalny was intended to replace the prominence of the United Russia Party. The West had interest in Navalny as a means of undermining President Vladimir Putin. Navalny was not trying to eliminate corruption rather replace the established oligarchs. Alexei Navalny died in prison and some have rushed to the conclusion Vladimir Putin ordered his death. Accusations of poisoning have been made, but there is no toxicology report to confirm this. Navalny was arrested in 2021. The charges ranged from violating court parole, encouraging extremism, and embezzlement. It can not be said that he got a fair trail under the current political circumstances. The Russian Federation will be divided over Alexei Navalny as a public figure.    

President Hage Geingob Challenges Norbert Lammert's Anti-Chinese Racism (2018)

 

President Hage Geingob (1941-2024) met with German politician Norbert Lammert in 2018. Lammert was the new chairman of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. The organization has been closely associated with the Christian Democratic Union. The organization is more of a consulting group and think tank. As their mission statement explains they want to promote freedom and liberty. What some observe is an attempt for the German conservative movement to impose their ideas on other nations. Norbert in the discussion claims that Germany is concerned about China's relations with Namibia. Sounding alarmed in a xenophobic manner he takes note of how their is a Chinese population in the country. Norbert Lammert is almost offended that it outnumbers the Germans in Namibia President Hage Geingob responded by saying Namibia is not under Chinese control and that it is " a European problem." President Hage Geingob also reiterates Namibia will not be lectured by a former colonizer. Germany refuses to pay compensation for the Herero genocide. Namibia fought a long war against occupation by Apartheid South Africa. Namibia would have remained under Germany's control if it had not lost World War I. China is the second largest economy in the world. It only makes sense that nations do business with it. President Hage Geingob also exposes that there is little equality when it comes to visas. Namibia is generous to Germans, but Germany is less welcoming of Namibians. Norbert Lammert revealed his anti-Chinese racism by assuming that China's motivations are for imperial intent. President Hage Geingob countered his prejudiced arguments on the basis of Namibia's national sovereignty.  

The Struggle of Eritreans In Israel

 

Israeli Eritreans and Eritrean asylum seekers are facing violence and discrimination in the Zionist state. The dispute developed around a festival celebrating Eritrea at their Israeli embassy . The anger was around the idea that it was celebrating a government that Eritreans have fled from. The asylum seekers were protesting President Isasis Afwerki in Tel Aviv. Since 1993, Eritrea has only had one president. The celebrations and festivals were commemorating independence. Then counter demonstrations emerged by supporters of President Isaisis Afwerki. Then the police began attacking the protesters and showing Israel's longtime anti-black racism. Discrimination and police brutality are common experiences of people of African descent in Israel. The government is now seeking to deport Eritreans in the country. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has used xenophobia and fear to push for more strict border controls. Then referred to Eritreans as a problem. The tactic of scapegoating is used by the right-wing elements to defelct attention away from more serious concerns. The judicial reform is seeking to give the government authoritarian levels of power. The Likud Party seeks to expand into the West Bank ignoring the political consequences of this policy. The harsh treatment indicates that Israel is not adhering to the UN Refugee Convention. When Prime Minister Netanyahu  refers to Eritreans as "illegal infiltrators"  it  implies espionage. References to invasion were used. Eritreans are not going to Israel to conquer  or spy. They are trying to escape a government they dislike. Israel is not welcoming  to those of different skin color. They do not value religious freedom. Non-Jews do not get a preference. Zionism has enabled the creation of an ethno-state. Sudanese and Ethiopians living in Israel have similar experiences in Israel. If the judicial reform is successful, it will make it easier for the government to do deportations. Eritreans seeking to go to Israel should opt for Europe. Eritreans are facing discrimination, racism, and police brutality.  

Josep Borrell Refers To The Global South As A Jungle (2022)

 

Josep Borrell serves as the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Borrell in 2022 stated that "Europe is a garden" then compared the rest of the world to a jungle. The analogy was a common racist trope. Borrell's statements were directed at Africa, Asia, and South America. The image that he presented was one of invading immigrant hordes destabilizing Europe. Many European politicians ignore why the Global South is in such a condition. The NATO invasion of Libya caused the migrant crisis. Venezuela is being targeted for regime change. Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria were invaded. The arms industry promotes conflict to increase profits. His statement also present a false image of Europe being a paradise. The UK and France are facing economic difficulties. Public discord, xenophobic nativist nationalism, and civil disturbance are more prevalent. Borrell represents what the political elite truly feel about Global South nations. The European Union's inability to foster batter diplomatic relations with African and Asian nations is rooted in attitudes such as Borrell's. Overtime Europe's racism and prejudice will isolate it from the world.  

Giorgia Meloni Elected Prime Minister of Italy

 

The failure of political centrism and neoliberal economic policy has pushed populations to the right. The election of Giorgia Meloni demonstrates this political trend. Her election also contradicts a narrative that women being elected to office is an indication of progressive political triumph. Female leaders have the potential to be just a harmful to society and citizens as their male counterparts. While the right has never been an advocate for women's rights, they claim sexism when  opponents criticize her political positions. The Italian voter has become so desperate and vexed that they are willing to select leaders with questionable ideology. Giorgia Meloni has expressed an authoritarian right sentiment mixed with xenophobic nativist nationalism. Her claim is that Italy's identity and family values are under attack. Giorgia Meloni also claims that the economic system has put the average person at a disadvantage. Yet, she has no intention of fighting the neoliberal capitalist system. The liberal critics state that Italy has fallen into fascism. A serious economic and constitutional crisis would have to occur to make that possible. As long as inflation and  the energy crisis continues in Europe there could be major disturbances. The COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia -Ukraine War has resulted in this shift to populist right-wing authoritarianism. The lack of a genuine leftist political block  only empowers this growing phenomenon. The Brothers of Italy claims to be anti-establishment, but Giorgia Meloni has been active in various offices and political parties. The worse the economy becomes, the greater political power the authoritarian-right gains. These  events explain Giorgia Meloni's election as prime minister.     

Viktor Orban Disparages Racial Integration

 

Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated " we are not a mixed race and we do not want to become one either." The Hungarian prime minister articulated this sentiment in a speech at Balvanyos Summer University. This rhetoric is nothing new from his government. Orban has expressed disdain for immigration and non-European peoples. The migration crisis has provided the far-right the ability to gain more political power. Orban has articulated that Europe is being replaced by non-white people. European countries have grappled with various forms of de facto segregation. France and the UK are guilty of this with much of its African, Asian, and Arab populations being marginalized. This also has a religious intolerance dimension with Muslims facing Islamophobia. The only way Europe can have stability is through racial integration. The conservatives of  Hungary rejects this and chose to believe that Hungarians have some form of racial purity. The fixation comes from either fear, hate, or intolerance of  those who are different. The EU does not favor Prime Minister Orban. Much of the criticism directed at him is not due to his racism, rather his alliance with Russia. Hungary did condemn the invasion, but is not willing to break off ties to the Russian Federation. Orban is one of President Vladimir Putin's close allies. Orban's race mixing comment  shows how xenophobic nativist nationalism has become more mainstream. 

Haitian Refugees Are Met With Violence At The US Border

 

Haiti has been in a state of crisis since the assassination of President  Jovenel Moise. The 2010 earthquake and another in 2021 has caused much damage to the island nation. Haitians made the dangerous journey across Latin America to seek safety. Limited economic opportunity and increasing crime have forced them to flee. Upon reaching the Texas border, refugees were met with violence from border patrol. The Biden administration had promised humane treatment of immigrants, refugees, and others seeking asylum. Instead, it demonstrates behavior similar to that of the previous administration. Plans are under way to have the refugees deported by flight. Detention centers are still operational and could be a public health risk with an ongoing pandemic. These actions demonstrate that no matter who is president US immigration policy still maintains its racist and xenophobic attributes. The reason people flee from Latin America and the Caribbean is due to US foreign policy. The US supported Moise who was clinging to power despite election results. The support for autocratic or authoritarian regimes in the region made certain nations no longer safe to live in. Haiti has been subject to US interference for an entire century. If President Joseph Biden goes through with mass deportations of Haitian refugees, this will only further alienate leftist factions of the Democratic Party. More people will come unless the US ends manipulation of foreign governments and military intervention around the globe.   

Rush Limbaugh Mocks The Chinese Language And Hu Jintao (2011)

 

Rush Limbaugh conservative radio personality and talk show host has died at the age of 70. The repeal of the Fairness Doctrine gave rise to the domination of conservative talk radio. Rush Limbaugh was the leader of this making racism and xenophobia his business model. He appealed to a segment of the population that was deeply prejudiced  and more in favor of the Republican Party. Limbaugh's radio program would make commentary not just on domestic policy, but on foreign policy. When President Obama met with President Hu Jintao Limbaugh criticized the meeting as America caving to Chinese interests. The audio clip above is of Limbaugh mocking the Chinese language. He then claims it sounds no different from Japanese and there were no translators at the meeting. These claims were false, but they were stated for a purpose. Instilling fear in people helps with getting the Republican Party votes. China and its leaders from the Obama years to present  have been demonized as a threat. The Democratic Party also plays on this with the concept of   the Chinese challenge. The Hu Jintao presidency during this time was making significant successes in relations with African nations, which created tension with America. Economic competition continues to be a source of  contention  between the two countries. Before President Trump, Rush Limbaugh was already expressing anti-Chinese rhetoric. Rush Limbaugh is a reminder that racism is fostered through media outlets.