There is a certain type of leftist personality who believes that the dominant imperialist block of the West (NATO, the USA and Europe) is practically the only existing one and can only be challenged by what they call ”The Axis of Resistance” which includes countries like Russia, Iran and China that are supposedly not imperialist (some even believe they represent a kind of socialism) and can pose a threat to the Euroatlantic block. This analysis is totally shortsighted and anti-Marxist (even though its supporters usually identify as some kind of Marxists) as it not only fails to recognise the imperialist nature of the aforementioned countries of the ”Axis” and the complexities of today’s world but it also posits resistance as a property of States rather than as a movement of the oppressed. Many have labelled this stance as ”the anti-imperialism of idiots” and putting aside the ableism of this phrase I think it registers very well the political depravity of these supposed leftists and radicals (some even claim to be communists or anarchists). It is notable that these ”comrades” are also characterized by a peculiar yet profound kind of misogyny as they undermine the Iranian people’s anti-patriarchal struggles, claiming that these struggles only exist to serve USA interests. It is not surprising then that in the wake of the latest incident with Iranian student Ahoo Daryaei they openly undermined the anti-regime character of the student’s actions and turned against even radical feminists who celebrated them, claiming that these feminists are islamophobic and speak in the name of Western interests. Just like in the case of dogmatic communists (the Stalinist version especially) and workerists who see class struggle as the only important and relevant one so these anti-imperialists see Western imperialism as the only enemy and undermine/ignore other forms and systems of oppression.

On the other hand there are a number of other radicals (and also plain liberals) who seem to believe that all of the pro-Palestine block, because of its anti-western character, is by default supporting the regimes of the ”Axis” especially Iran and practically claim that supporting the Palestinian cause means aligning yourself with Arab/Muslim patriarchy. There is a quite vexing mix of white supremacy, white feminism, Zionism, anti-Muslim and anti-Arab racism at play here that often presents itself as the diametrical opposite of the above shortsighted anti-intersectional anti-imperialism but is itself anti-intersectional and just outright racist.

As both of these stances are deeply problematic and exist not only as versions of the dominant ideology but also as responses to contemporary global complexities that appear within social movements one should choose a third alternative that strives to view oppressions and systems of power as interconnected and doesn’t whitewash any imperialist or patriarchal regime whether it is the West and Israel or the supposed ”Axis of Resistance”. One should try to see the world from the position of all those who struggle against exploitation, oppression, expropriation, subjugation and duress. Only in this way can one formulate a ”ruthless critique against everything existing” and speak in the name of justice and freedom.

Against those who want to forcefully erase our dreams and those who want to limit our potential for solidarity and struggle with their shortsighted prejudices we should proudly shout:

Down with Racism and Patriarchy!

Death to States and Capitalism!

Free Palestine!