February 2022

We add our voice to those of peace-loving forces that have risen around the world, condemning this war and calling for it to stop immediately, to return to the dialogue table and negotiations under the aegis of the United Nations, and to start a serious dialogue to reach understandings that guarantee the interests of all parties, reassure the civilian population and the right of all peoples to live in safety and peace, away from the scourge and evil of wars.

The Ukraine crisis is rooted in the military rivalry between the United States and NATO with Russia. A crisis that could affect not only Ukraine but the whole of Europe. Diplomatic efforts in recent weeks had raised hopes of resolving issues between Russia and NATO members, most notably the United States, over Ukraine. But with Russian action, diplomatic efforts failed. On the other hand, the US government and its European allies continue to insist on expanding their influence and deployment of NATO forces on the Russia's borders and recruiting from neighboring countries, including Ukraine. Russia sees this as a direct threat to its security and calls for a halt to NATO expansion in Eastern Europe and the deployment of NATO troops on its borders.

The diplomatic efforts of recent weeks, despite the mutual threats, show an awareness of the depth of danger that lies in this confrontation. Continuing a war of words, fomenting animosity between peoples who have lived together for centuries can lead to a flare-up of conflict which will not be easily contained, can find its own dynamism, deepen current divisions, and widen hostilities. The effects of this situation will not remain within the borders of the two countries. It must be acknowledged that peace and security in Europe cannot be achieved without or against the interests of Russia and the cessation of the US aggression. NATO's tearing expansion in the Eastern Europe has fueled the current crisis, sparking new upheavals on the continent.

Wage increases have now become the demand of all wage earners, including teachers, workers and employees. To achieve this common it requires a joint, simultaneous and comprehensive struggle with the support of these groups for each other. Therefore, it is urgent that existing organizations redouble their efforts to organize joint movements to overcome political barriers and organizational blockades and gaining better wages and salaries. Scattered protests are ineffective and can easily be repressed but widespread protests cannot be easily suppressed and ignored.

As an Iranian left party, we are facing a reactionary, repressive, and anti-justice regime that grossly violates human rights, its hands are stained with the blood of thousands of our compatriots and has formed a very bleak balance of injustice and inequality in our society. In the current tensions between the Islamic Republic and the US government over its nuclear program, we advocate a diplomatic and peaceful solution, including prevention of the development of nuclear weapons, strengthening of relevant international institutions, and adherence of all parties to their commitments.

In this issue you read:
Word of the Month,
More hope than fear in Vienna talks
Solidarity
The death of another prisoner of conscience which may not be the last loss of life in Iran's prisons
A Futile Journey
Continuation of the protest of cultural creators