Articles by VICTOR GROSSMAN
Engine of resistance hums in U.S. and Germany
BERLIN—Warmakers like Trump in Washington and Merz in Berlin are in charge of their respective governments, causing heightened worry around the world about the dark clouds of war. This is not to say there aren’t bright spots on both sides of the Atlantic, like the victory of Zohran Mamdani in New York, my hometown, where an amazingly courageous, even defiant platform, is causing the wealthy spenders to move heaven and earth to stop him.
From Berlin, Germany’s Militarist Build-Up Looks Frightening And Insane
By Victor Grossman BERLIN: Some world events can look different to those of us in Berlin. God knows, here too I’m frightened at what Trump, Vance and Musk are doing and planning. Nor do I love Putin. But what I hate above all else is war, which is looks — and is closer over here. I’m not a total pacifist, I see the need to fight back against Francos and against Hitlers.
New German government poses threats to world peace
BERLIN – Some world events can look different to those of us on this side of the Atlantic, more precisely, here in Berlin. God knows, here too I’m frightened at what Trump, Vance, and Musk are doing and planning. Nor do I love Putin. But what I hate above all else is war, especially a wider war which looks more and more possible from over here. I’m not a total pacifist, I see the need to fight back against Francos and against Hitlers.
Germany’s Left Party surges, taking 10 percent of Bundestag seats
The winner of the German elections Sunday, with the most votes (28.5%), though fewer than in past elections, was the Christian sister team (CDU-CSU) called the “Union.” Its top leader and future chancellor, Friedrich Merz, a former financial lobbyist and board chairman of the American investment giant, BlackRock’s German subsidiary, will head the new government, in which he is expected to pursue a course of militarization and preparation for war as it moves German foreign policy further to...
Berlin Bulletin: Behind the German election results
Late news: The German national election finished Feb. 23 much as anticipated: The Christian Democrats (CDU) came in first winning 208 of the 630 seats; with the Social Democrats, who won 120 seats, coming in third, the CDU can form the new government, with Friedrich Merz as chancellor. The ultra-right Alternative for Germany came in second, winning 152 seats (this party had support from Vice President JD Vance and centibillionaire Elon Musk). The Greens won 85 seats and The Left won 64 seats.
The backstory to Vance insults to European leaders in Munich
Despite many complexities, one thing has been clear in recent years; the main ruling powers in Europe, most menacingly its strongest, Germany, have shown a greed, indeed a craving, for military adventurism, for spending ever more euro-billions on armaments, air power, and naval maneuvers Baltic outposts. The militarism continues a policy of eastward expansion, with one declared enemy, Russia, whose ruler is denounced, derided, and demonized daily in most of the media.
Germany and Israel’s role in Trump push to change world map
BERLIN – The year 2025 started off with many bangs. A new premier in France and soon in Canada, a new coalition in Austria, new presidents in Georgia and Moldova despite protest rallies, a re-elected president in Belarus (with no protest rallies), a resigned premier in Serbia and a deposed president in South Korea, amidst giant rallies.
German “traffic light” coalition collapses, new election to be held
BERLIN—Christian Lindner, head of the small pro-business Free Democratic Party (FDP) and a top member of the governing trio of Social Democrats, Greens and his party, finally succeeded in forcing Olaf Scholz, head Social Democrat (SPD) and chancellor, to dump him and his party, leaving only the Greens as partner.
Barbara Dane, a fighter to the end
BERLIN – Barbara’s death hits me hard. Though so distant I always thought of her as a close friend. When we first met 77 years ago – we were in Prague for the first World Youth Festival – I would have loved to become even more than just that. I was a simple member of the delegation, representing the small American Youth for Democracy chapter at Harvard College, which I chaired at the time.
Germans remember the days and demise of the German Democratic Republic
BERLIN – October 7th, for many, was a day of tears. Some were shed for family members who died or were captured during the attack by Hamas a year ago. Others – far, far more I fear – were in mourning for the more than 40,000 people who have since been killed in Gaza. Now, in addition, those killed in Lebanon.
German elections reflect voters unhappy with status quo
Many Germans are sick and tired. Some are still angry at the way the COVID epidemic was dealt with (there are those who still insist that there really was no epidemic). Far more are angry at the worsening medical system.
German People are Talking About The Imminent Danger of Fascism Once Again
By Victor Grossman The spectre that once haunted West Germany was exorcized some thirty-five years ago as the breach in the Berlin Wall opened the way to reunification. This eradicated the spectre’s spookiest haunting grounds — the German Democratic Republic (GDR, East Germany) — and nailed it into what was hoped to be a shatterproof, Krupp-steel coffin.
East German Elections in Thuringia and Saxony
East German Elections in Thuringia and Saxony Published September 5, 2024 “Shock!” was a most common reaction. Yet the two elections in eastern Germany were not all that surprising, just somewhat better or worse than expected, depending on which side you were on.
First place for right wing in Eastern Germany not a surprise
BERLIN – “Shock!“ was a most common reaction in mass media about the recent elections in the German state of Thuringia. Yet that vote, and a second election in eastern Germany, were not all that surprising. The results were better than expected if you feared a march into power by the fascist minded Alternative for Germany and worse if you were an extreme right winger thinking the “glory days” of the Third Reich were about to return.
German People Are Talking About The Imminent Danger Of Fascism Once Again
By Victor Grossman The spectre that once haunted West Germany was exorcized some thirty-five years ago as the breach in the Berlin Wall opened the way to reunification. This eradicated the spectre’s spookiest haunting grounds — the German Democratic Republic (GDR, East Germany) — and nailed it into what was hoped to be a shatterproof, Krupp-steel coffin.
In Former East Germany, the Left Is Paying for Its Failures
The specter that once haunted West Germany was exorcized some thirty-five years ago as the breach in the Berlin Wall opened the way to reunification. This eradicated the specter’s spookiest haunting grounds — the German Democratic Republic (GDR, East Germany) — and nailed it into what was hoped to be a shatterproof, Krupp-steel coffin.
Palestinians have it much worse than water-logged Bavarians
BERLIN – For people in southern Germany, there was not much to be happy about this springtime; many were hit by the worst flooding in living history. Not a few lost the results of a life’s work. Some were aware that the major perpetrators had known – decades ago – what cardinal sins they were committing but had preferred to lie and deceive the world, gloating over soaring bank accounts rather than bothering their brains about retreating icecaps, glaciers, and forests.
Humboldt and Gaza - Berlin Bulletin #222
May 9, 2024 By Victor Grossman Berlin This is No. 222 of the Berlin Bulletin, which Victor Grossman has been writing for decades. Grossman left the U.S. Armed Forces in the early 1950s by swimming to the Soviet Zone from the U.S.-occupied zone of Vienna, Austria. The Soviet authorities took him to East Germany; later he settled in East Berlin when it was the capital of the German Democratic Republic.
Humboldt and Gaza - Berlin Bulletin #222
By Victor Grossman Berlin This is No. 222 of the Berlin Bulletin, which Victor Grossman has been writing for decades. Grossman left the U.S. Armed Forces in the early 1950s by swimming to the Soviet Zone from the U.S.-occupied zone of Vienna, Austria. The Soviet authorities took him to East Germany; later he settled in East Berlin when it was the capital of the German Democratic Republic.
The Tale Of Students In Two Berlins After A Gap Of Ninety One Years
By Victor Grossman BERLIN – It was May 10 in Germany’s terrible year, 1933. Hitler had been in power for hardly three months, when students and staff emptied the university libraries of forbidden books and threw them, an estimated 20,000 books by over a hundred authors, into the flames of a giant bonfire.
No books burned this time in Berlin despite ominous parallels
BERLIN – It was May10 in Germany’s terrible year, 1933. Hitler had been in power for hardly three months, when students and staff emptied the university libraries of forbidden books and threw them, an estimated 20,000 books by over a hundred authors, into the flames of a giant bonfire.
German peace forces have their work cut out for them
Watching genteel Bundestag ladies and gentlemen speechifying, often with forceful words and gestures but mostly polite, it is hard to imagine that their topic is war or peace, possibly world war or peace, even atomic war or peace. A key word was Taurus, Latin for “bull.” But they weren’t arguing about Zodiac astrology or the myth about the god Jupiter, cheating on wife Juno by taking on the shape of a bull to abduct a princess. Nor about the starry constellation named for his disguise.
Germany: Giant Rallies, Big Questions
Germany has seen two major occurrences in recent weeks. Featured daily in the media have been the giant crowds demonstrating against the fascistic AfD, Alternative for Germany. Estimates were as high as 100,000 in Hamburg, 200,000 in Düsseldorf, up to 250,000 in Munich and already lasting over three weeks, with a second rally in Berlin attracting 300,000 according to some estimates. At least two million people are said to have taken part thus far, with public approval at a very high level.
The Twisted Response from Germany to the Ongoing Massacre of Palestinians
Germany has seen two major occurrences in recent weeks. Featured daily in the media have been the giant crowds demonstrating against the fascistic AfD, Alternative for Germany. Estimates were as high as 100,000 in Hamburg, 200,000 in Düsseldorf, up to 250,000 in Munich and already lasting over three weeks, with a second rally in Berlin attracting 300,000 according to some estimates. At least two million people are said to have taken part thus far, with public approval at a very high level.
Germany’s Left Party splits, defectors form new party Jan. 27
BERLIN – Germany saw the official founding by about 450 delegates, in what was once East Germany’s handsome Cosmos movie theater, of a new party, a break-away from the Linke, the Left. Named “Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht” (Alliance Sahra Wagenknecht), it will count these delegates its only members until a regular congress is held after the crucial elections to the European Parliament in June.
War and profiteering hurting German workers and the national economy
BERLIN – Looking down from my window onto Berlin’s broad Karl-Marx Allee boulevard a week ago Friday, I saw hundreds and hundreds of green tractors moving in two disciplined lines towards central Brandenburg Gate. Similar lines all over Germany were angrily protesting government measures, based on budgetary or ecology concerns, but which cut farm income, especially for struggling farmers.
Germany’s Main Left Party Die LINKE Splits Into Two, New Party To Be Launched In January
By: Victor Grossman Germany’s Left Party Die LINKE is splitting into two. Is it a tragedy or a new hope? After months, in fact years of inner-party squabbling in Germany’s LINKE party (The Left), the die has been cast, the Rubicon crossed, and Sahra Wagenknecht, with nine other Bundestag deputies, has quit the party and announced their decision to found a new party in January.
Germany’s Main Left Party Die LINKE Splits Into Two, New Party To Be Launched In January
By Victor Grossman Germany’s Left Party Die LINKE is splitting into two. Is it a tragedy or a new hope? After months, in fact years of inner-party squabbling in Germany’s LINKE party (The Left), the die has been cast, the Rubicon crossed, and Sahra Wagenknecht, with nine other Bundestag deputies, has quit the party and announced their decision to found a new party in January.
Germany’s Left Party splits, new party to launch in January
Germany’s Left Party is splitting in two. Is it a tragedy or a new hope? After months, in fact years of inner-party squabbling in Germany’s LINKE party (The Left), the die has been cast, the Rubicon crossed, and Sahra Wagenknecht, with nine other Bundestag deputies, has quit the party and announced their decision to found a new party in January.
What would a German ‘Veterans Day’ in November celebrate?
As they have just done the U.S. celebrates Veterans Day every November. Now all leading German parties also want such a “Veteranentag” to honor all those past patriots who wore uniforms, voluntarily or not, and certainly to inspire many more reluctant young men or women to put on army boots and shoulder arms. Not so many may recall that the earlier “Armistice Day” marked the end of World War I.
Gaza And The World
Alas, events have been moving much faster than I can write about them, terrible events. Our world has moved even closer to the brink, in Gaza and Jerusalem, with deadly arrows targeting Lvov, Sevastopol, Chisinau. (As for here in BerIin, my next Bulletin will soon deal with the drama now being acted out in Germany.) Every day I must review my conclusions and judgements. regarding the Gaza events.
Islamaphobia and anti-Semitism must both be combatted
BERLIN – Every day I must review my conclusions and judgements regarding the Gaza events. The killings and kidnappings of October 7 were bloody crimes which should never be applauded or condoned. All demands that the kidnap victims be returned safely are fully legitimate.
Otelo y la guerra
La guerra en Ucrania, una tragedia horrible para el pueblo de ese desdichado país, funesta también para muchos jóvenes rusos y una potencial amenaza para el mundo entero, con bruñidas armas de todo tamaño y poder destructivo esperando en silos o submarinos un desliz, un error garrafal, una provocación. Las trágicas consecuencias adicionales son las nuevas escisiones en los débiles y divididos movimientos pacifistas y de izquierdas de todo el mundo. ¿Quién debe cargar con la culpa?
Othello and the War
The war in Ukraine, a horrific tragedy for the people of that unhappy country, fateful as well for many young Russians and potentially menacing for all the world, with burnished weapons of every size and destructive power waiting in silos or submarines for a slip, a blunder, a provocation. Tragic byproducts are further splits in weak, divided peace and leftist movements around the world. Who should bear the blame? For many the answer is a foregone conclusion. For some an inner dispute continues.
Othello and the War
Othello and the War Published September 16, 2023 The war in Ukraine, a horrific tragedy for the people of that unhappy country, fateful as well for many young Russians and potentially menacing for all the world, with burnished weapons of every size and destructive power waiting in silos or submarines for a slip, a blunder, a provocation. Tragic byproducts are further splits in weak, divided peace and leftist movements around the world. Who should bear the blame?
War in Ukraine threatens climate catastrophe, poverty, dislocation and nuclear disaster
BERLIN – The war in Ukraine, a horrific tragedy for the people of that unhappy country, fateful as well for many young Russians and potentially menacing for all the world, with burnished weapons of every size and destructive power waiting in silos or submarines for a slip, a blunder, a provocation. Tragic byproducts are further splits in weak, divided peace and leftist movements around the world. Who should bear the blame? For many the answer is a foregone conclusion.
Right wing danger grows as crisis in German left continues
Pleasant, hilly Thuringia, the “green lung” of Germany, has not always had pleasant times. One hundred years ago, after a socialist revolution had been squelched following World War I, Social Democrats and Communists in Thuringia and neighboring Saxony defiantly elected coalition governments. This could not possibly be tolerated! So the Berlin government, run by reliable, “correct” Social Democrats, sent in troops to put things back in order. Which they did.
A Patriot’s Fourth of July
No, I’ll not be exploding firecrackers on July 4th (nor on New Year’s Eve either, when private rockets fill Berlin skies). Here, too, I am safely distant from possible crazy AK15 attacks, though very aware of many people’s fears on this date. Yet, despite all doubts, despite fearful weaponry, at home or abroad, I consider myself an American patriot! Many might see me as one of the least likely to even want that description.
What 3 things are required to qualify one as a U.S. patriot?
BERLIN – No, I did not explode firecrackers yesterday for July 4th (nor on New Year’s Eve either, when private rockets fill Berlin skies). Here, too, I am safely distant from possible crazy AK15 attacks, though very aware of many people’s fears on this date. Yet, despite all doubts, despite fearful weaponry, at home or abroad, I consider myself an American patriot! Many might see me as one of the least likely to even want that description.
Uprising 1953 and War Today
June 17th is a special day in the German calendar. For years a holiday, a major West Berlin boulevard is still named after it. This year it marks the 70th anniversary of the uprising in what was called – in the East – the German Democratic Republic. On that day in 1953 perhaps a million East Germans left their jobs, marched, seized government buildings, opened prison doors and voiced their demands.
Uprising 1953 and War Today
Victor Grossman – TRANSCEND Media Service 17 Jun 2023 – June 17th is a special day in the German calendar. For years a holiday, a major West Berlin boulevard is still named after it. This year it marks the 70th anniversary of the uprising in what was called – in the East – the German Democratic Republic. On that day in 1953 perhaps a million East Germans left their jobs, marched, seized government buildings, opened prison doors and voiced their demands.
In Berlin, sports, parties and griddle cakes yield to concern about war
BERLIN – What excited Berliners most in May? Surely soccer! But the reaction was split between “Wessies” and “Ossies”! When a second-to-last-minute goal pushed West Berlin’s legendary “Hertha” team (founded 1892) out of the “top 18” league and down into the second league, with less TV-time, less endorsements, tickets and profits, two-thirds of Berlin groaned.
Berlin parties fight over city politics but unite in support of war
BERLIN – Berlin’s new mayor, just inaugurated, has had no time to suit or anger anybody. But the first Christian Democrat to lead this city-state since 2001 inspires few joyous hopes – and will probably want “more money down.” His victory was as suspenseful a drama as any on Goethe’s stage! First a bungled city-state election had to be fully repeated. The conservative Christian Democrats (CDU) won the most votes, hence the most seats in the legislature, but lacked the necessary majority.
Social Dems play a treacherous game in Berlin
BERLIN -The featured game in Berlin these days is not who is King of the Mountain but rather who is King of City Hall. In an unprecedented decision, the courts canceled the totally-mismanaged September, 2021 elections to the Berlin parliament (Abgeordnetenhaus) and ordered new elections, which were held on February 12th. Since 2016, the city was run by a coalition: Social Democrats (SPD), with their Franziska Giffey as mayor, the Greens and the LINKE (Left).
Selected Articles: On the 20th Anniversary of Invasion of Iraq, It Must be Clear: The U.S. Is the Greatest Threat to World Peace and Collective Humanity - Global Research
Disclaimer: The contents of this article are of sole responsibility of the author(s). The Centre for Research on Globalization will not be responsible for any inaccurate or incorrect statement in this article. The Centre of Research on Globalization grants permission to cross-post Global Research articles on community internet sites as long the source and copyright are acknowledged together with a hyperlink to the original Global Research article.
Despair and Joy. The Protest Movement against War. Manifesto Calling for Cease-Fire in Ukraine - Global Research
All Global Research articles can be read in 51 languages by activating the Translate Website button below the author’s name (desktop version) To receive Global Research’s Daily Newsletter (selected articles), click here. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter and subscribe to our Telegram Channel. Feel free to repost and share widely Global Research articles. *** In conflicts, I know, neither side can be trusted. Both sides twist and distort, magnify and minimize in support of their cause.
Desesperación y alegría en Berlín
La desesperación y la alegría pueden estar muy cerca. Sé que en los conflictos no se puede confiar en ninguna de las partes. Ambos bandos tergiversan y distorsionan, magnifican y minimizan en apoyo de su causa.
Amidst despair of war, biggest Berlin peace rally in many years
BERLIN – In conflicts, I know, neither side can be trusted. Both sides twist and distort, magnify and minimize in support of their cause. But the daily, almost hourly pictures from Ukraine – of hardship, suffering, of death, destruction and flight, all too genuine, cause me the despair I have always felt on hearing – and worse seeing, if only on a screen – any pain inflicted on my fellow human beings, no matter what insignia they wear or flag they honor.
Victor Grossman: Bertolt Brecht (e eu)
“Depois de ter me tornado estudante em Berlim, porém, na Universidade Karl Marx em Leipzig, ouvi falar muito sobre Brecht!” Para mim, Bertolt Brecht e Thomas Mann foram os dois maiores autores alemães do século 20, e Brecht, um crente no socialismo – e um lutador por ele – é reconhecidamente mais próximo do meu coração do que Mann. Em minhas três diferentes escolas secundárias americanas ou nos três primeiros anos em Harvard, nunca havia ouvido o nome de Bertolt Brecht.
Lula rejects German Chancellor’s plea for Brazilian weapons for Ukraine
BERLIN – Chancellor Olaf Scholz, after bowing – or kneeling – to belligerent pressures from U.S. and NATO war hawks, and trying to rejuvenate fading laurels for himself and Germany, flew off on his first official trip to Latin America. After brief, uneventful courtesy visits to Chile and Argentina he landed in Brazil, hoping to wean the world’s fifth largest country into the NATO and European cradle – and away from the West’s Russian and Chinese rivals.
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