DEMOCRACY AND CIVILIZATION

 Of course , this is what civilized and democratic countries do , right ?

Home » Health Care » U.S-Israel bombs destroy Iranian universities, research and cultural centers

U.S-Israel bombs destroy Iranian universities, research and cultural centers

By Lyn Neeley posted on May 11, 2026

U.S.-Israeli airstrikes have severely damaged over 30 Iranian universities and science research centers, 55 libraries and at least 56 heritage sites. The bombing raids have destroyed years of scientific research and equipment, and generations of manuscripts. Here are a few examples:

• Several hospitals and research centers were bombed in March, just after the war began. These include: the Shefa Neuroscience Research Center in Tehran and nearby hospitals, and an IVF clinic at Tehran’s Gandhi Hospital, which was struck, destroying the embryos of couples trying to conceive. 
  

  Iran’s science minister Hossein Simaee Sarraf inspects the damage at Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran amid the US-Israeli war on Iran. April 4, 2026. Photo Credit: Majid Asgaripour/WANA

• Sharif University of Technology was bombed April 6, killing 34 people. The school, sometimes called Iran’s answer to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), is the country’s leading technical university and a top destination for science and engineering students. 

• Isfahan University of Technology (IUT), a top-ranked engineering school was attacked April 2 for a second time. On that same day, the air strikes also demolished the Pasteur Institute medical research center. The institute was over 105 years old and a key public health and research center. It produced drugs and vaccines, and treatments for infectious diseases. 

Individual faculty members have also been targeted by missile strikes. Dr. Saeed Shamghadri and his family were killed on March 22. He was an associate professor in the electrical engineering department at IUT.

The attacks follow decades of U.S. economic sanctions on Iranian academics that have isolated them from the international science community. Travel restrictions on Iran’s scientists and students have prevented them from attending, contributing to and benefitting from international conferences. The sanctions have caused some editors to reject papers from Iranian medical researchers.

Asma Abdi, a Ph.D. researcher at the University of Exeter, told the Middle East Eye, “Whatever technological capabilities could not be disabled and curtailed through sanctions are now being completely annihilated through bombardment.” (Middle East Eye, April 12)

Iran’s minister of culture, Reza Salehi Amiri, and Iranian officials have said the U.S.-Israel war on Iran is a deliberate and conscious attack on Iranian identity.

The aerial strikes heavily targeted the university’s artificial intelligence center, which holds critical databases. Over the last two years, the center has been developing knowledge platforms and training Persian language AI models for universities across Iran. 

A university staff member told Middle East Eye that the center had no military connection and that the U.S.-Israeli goal is to push Iran backwards scientifically. (Middle East Eye, April 12)

Even those Iranian academics and students who have been critical of the Iranian government say bombing universities is an attempt to erase Iranian sovereignty and technological autonomy.

Universities have protected status under international law. Over 1,400 international scholars have signed a statement to the United Nations condemning the bombing of civilian academic, health and research infrastructure. They said science depends on openness, safety and collaboration — none of which survive in war.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

 Happy Mother's Day to those who this applies to , and if your mom deserves it , don't forget her today . I'm not a believer in automatic love or respect , but if your mom has been there for you , then show her some appreciation . Mine was . She passed 12 years ago . I will visit her grave as soon as I finish writing this . She taught me a lot about love and compassion .

Please listen to I Love My Mom , written by Murray Acton of The Dayglo Abortions . It's a really lovely song written from the heart , Dayglos style .

I'd like to set the record straight about my Mom
She's not the person I sang about in that other song
As a matter of fact - She's a really nice old lady
She likes to work in her garden - And she never talks down to anyone

I'd never hurt her - Not intentionally
She is the best person I've ever met
And I don't care - If you think this song is dumb
It doesn't matter because I love my mom

It's very unlikely that she's ever going to listen to this song
But it's more for me than it is for her I've been meaning to do this for so fucking long
She believes in God - But that doesn't bother me
Because her god is loving and caring - And he wants us all to be free

I'd never hurt her - Not intentionally
She is the best person I've ever met
And I don't care - If you think this song is dumb
It doesn't matter because I love my mom

FROM THE SOURCE

 A lot has been written by self-proclaimed revolutionaries about the armed struggle in the Philippines . A lot of criticism from people who like to think that they are perfect . I prefer to go to the source .

NPA-Northern Negros, determined to continue the people's war

 People's War , Tribute

The People Today | May 10, 2026

   

After the bloody Toboso 19 massacre on April 19 in Barangay Salamanca, Toboso, Negros Occidental, the New People's Army (NPA)-Northern Negros (Roselyn Jean Pelle Command) declared its readiness and determination to continue the people's war in order to achieve justice for the massacred. Ten of those killed were Red fighters of the unit while nine were unarmed individuals.

Among the martyrs were NPA-Northern Negros commander Roger Fabillar (Ka Tapang) and the unit's political instructor Maria Clarita Branzuel Blanco (Ka Sanim/Pat). Also killed were Rene Villarin Sr (Ka During), squad leader; Genevieve Balora (Ka Raia), Party cadre in the district; Pedro Bonghanoy (Ka Regen), medical officer; Sonny Boy Caramihan (Ka Nikki); Arnel Javoc (Ka JR); Joros Caramihan (Ka Bunso); Labskie Purisimia Enustacion (Ka Judy); and Jocel Gimang (Ka John Paul).

According to Ka Cecil Estrella, spokesperson of the NPA-Northern Negros, the martyrs played a great role. He said that as Red fighters of the people's army, they directly participated in the production of farmers, held discussions on the rights of the exploited, and provided social services to the Negrosanon people.

As the main instrument of the Communist Party of the Philippines Committee in Northern Negros for advancing the people's war, the NPA unit helped expand and strengthen the mass base and Party branches. According to the committee's report in December 2025, Party membership expanded by 30% that year and new branches were established in large areas. Membership in underground mass organizations also grew by almost 50% while the number of those affiliated with the revolutionary movement tripled.

The NPA-Northern Negros also doubled the size of its area of ​​operation and launched no fewer than 19 offensives and counter-offensive guerrilla actions. These operations were carried out up to towns near the provincial capital and populated areas.

“We salute each and every Red fighter who bravely practiced the class-based and invincible spirit of the New People's Army!” Estrella said. He added that the remaining Red fighters will continue to mobilize and strengthen to achieve justice for all victims.

According to Estrella, the martyrs' death is as heavy as Mount Kanlaon and their legacy continues to live on in every tear, sweat, and blood flowing through the masses. "They are the seeds, water, and sunlight that further nourished the harvest of the revolution's victories on the island of Negros and the entire country," he said.

“As the global crisis worsens, the people are increasingly being pushed into a condition where their only option is to resort to revolutionary violence to defend themselves and others,” Estrella said. This is also the reason why since the NPA was founded in Tarlac in 1969, taking root and expanding throughout the country to Negros Island, it has remained and is able to persevere.

"For fifty-seven years, reactionary forces have been trying to eliminate armed resistance but have been unable to root it out. The fascist soldiers and their bosses will never realize that as long as there are still masses mired in poverty, the people's war will surely advance," Estrella added

AND AGAIN

 I don't know why the post about Colombian peasants reclaiming unused land bleeds into the previous post . I'll just have to post the link to the article , which is real justice being taken from the authorities instead of waiting for their non-existent benevolence .

ALL AGES SHOW

 Last night I went to an all ages show put on by Troy of The Action Index .

Sadly I missed Internal Dialogue , but I did catch Razorvoice , Make It Right , and legendary old schoolers By A Thread . 

All of the bands I saw were awesome . Make It Right are high school kids who didn't let up for their entire set . I swear , the bassist looked 13 years old . So good , and hopefully you'll get to see them soon .

Razorvoice were so positive and melodic , and their musicianship was top notch . By A Thread were as good as everyone knew they'd be , with their groove oriented approach . They had everyone there in a trance . It was also great to talk to Sean from By A Thread , as I hadn't seen him in years .

Much respect to Troy for doing this year after year , and giving kids a place to belong and express themselves . This is much needed in this town . Support the all ages scene !

Thank you and good day .

By A Thread

ALWAYS JUST ONE SIDE

 Whenever we get the news about what's going on with the various u.s. instigated wars and invasions in the world , we only get a very slanted view . I want to get the other side , always . And it's also hopeful for the oppressed and marginalized people of the world , when the imperialists and fascists suffer any defeat or setback .

Israeli Soldiers Wounded as Hezbollah Drones Strike Troops, Penetrate Air Defenses

May 8, 2026 News

Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon. (Photo: video grab)

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By Palestine Chronicle Staff  

Israeli soldiers were wounded in Hezbollah drone attacks as the resistance announced the destruction of an advanced air defense system.

Key Developments

• The Israeli army said two soldiers were wounded in a drone strike near Ras al-Naqoura.
• A third Israeli soldier was reportedly wounded in a separate drone attack in southern Lebanon.
• Al Mayadeen reported the destruction of a newly developed Iron Dome system in Jal al-Alam.
• Resistance fighters also reportedly destroyed an advanced fourth-generation Israeli tank in al-Bayada.

Drone Strike near Ras al-Naqoura

The Israeli occupation army announced that two soldiers were injured, one of them seriously, after a booby-trapped drone directly struck Israeli forces near Ras al-Naqoura along the border with Israel.

Israeli media reported that large military reinforcements were dispatched to the area following the explosion.

In a separate incident in southern Lebanon, another Israeli soldier was reportedly wounded after explosive-laden drones targeted Israeli occupation forces operating in the area.

According to Israeli Channel 15, Hezbollah once again succeeded in carrying out a drone strike inside Israeli-controlled territory, injuring occupation soldiers.

The Israeli military spokesperson also acknowledged that Hezbollah launched rockets and mortar shells toward Israeli forces in southern Lebanon during recent hours.

Resistance Destroys Advanced Iron Dome

Hezbollah destroyed a newly developed Iron Dome air defense system at the Jal al-Alam site in the western sector of southern Lebanon.

According to Al Mayadeen’s correspondent, the drone strike marked the first destruction of this type of upgraded Iron Dome system since the beginning of the war.

The correspondent described the operation itself as a “qualitative achievement,” noting that the drone successfully bypassed Israeli defense, monitoring, and tracking systems before striking the target.

The system reportedly included around 20 interceptor missiles designed specifically to counter drones and aerial threats.

Fourth-Generation Tank Destroyed

Al Mayadeen also reported that resistance fighters destroyed what was described as a fourth-generation Israeli tank during operations in al-Bayada.

The tank, referred to in the report as the ‘King’s Tank’, was described as one of the occupation army’s most advanced armored vehicles, equipped with upgraded protection, surveillance, and detection systems.

According to the correspondent, the resistance used a new advanced projectile during the attack, with footage reportedly showing the tank burning after being struck.

The latest operations come amid increasing Israeli concern over Hezbollah’s expanding drone capabilities, particularly fiber-optic-guided explosive drones that Israeli media and military analysts have described as difficult to intercept through conventional electronic warfare systems.

Recent Israeli military assessments and media reports have warned that Hezbollah’s evolving drone warfare tactics pose a growing challenge not only along the Lebanese front but potentially deeper inside Israeli-controlled territory.

(PC, Al Mayadeen

ANTI-COLONIALIST , ANTI-IMPERIALIST , PRO-FREEDOM FOR THE WORLD'S PEOPLE

 A little late , sure , but this message is always timely :

LONG LIVE MAY 1st, THE DAY OF THE INTERNATIONAL PROLETARIAT! FOR THE PROLETARIAN LEADERSHIP OF THE ANTIIMPERIALIST FRONT! “The national liberation movement is waged in the oppressed nations against imperialism and the reaction. In the 1910s, Lenin paid close attention to the struggle in India, China, and Persia, arguing that the socialist revolution would not be solely and exclusively a struggle of the proletarians against their bourgeoisies, but also a struggle of all the colonies against their oppressors. He states that there is a fusion of two forces—the international proletarian movement and the national liberation movement—and that the weight of the masses in the oppressed nations constitutes the majority of the world’s population and will be decisive in the world revolution.” (Communist Party of Peru – International Line) “In a struggle that is national in character, the class struggle takes the form of national struggle, which demonstrates the identity between the two. On the one hand, for a given historical period the political and economic demands of the various classes must not be such as to disrupt co-operation; on the other hand, the demands of the national struggle (the need to resist Japan) should be the point of departure for all class struggle. Thus there is identity in the united front between unity and independence and between the national struggle and the class struggle.” (Chairman Mao Tse-tung – The Question of Independence and Initiative Within the United Front) “We are from the third world and the third world is the base of the world proletarian revolution, with one condition, that the Communist Parties brandish and lead. This is what must be done!” (Communist Party of Peru – The Speech of Chairman Gonzalo) On this day of the international proletariat, the 1st of May 2026, the Peru People’s Movement, generated organ of the Communist Party of Peru, sends its warm communist salutes to our class the international proletariat and to the oppressed peoples of the world; to the communists, combatants and masses that give their lives in the people’s wars and armed struggles under the banner of Maoism in Peru, India, Turkey and Philippines, and in the wars of national liberation against imperialism. We reaffirm ourselves in the universal ideology of the proletariat, Marxism-Leninism-Maoism, principally Maoism, and in its concrete application to the Peruvian revolution, its guarantee of triumph Gonzalo Thought, basis of Chairman Gonzalo’s great leadership, center of party unity and the greatest man of the present era; and to his universal contributions to our universal ideology. The present situation in the world powerfully confirms the Marxist truth, that revolution is the main historical and political tendency and that imperialism is sinking in its general and final crisis. The principal contradiction in the world today, between imperialism and the oppressed nations of the third world, is sharpening rapidly with its focus shifting to the Middle East. The just and heroic wars of resistance and national liberation in Palestine, Iran, Lebanon and other countries, against the genocidal aggression of yankee imperialism and its Zionist runt, are now being waged in a coordinated way, uniting the peoples of the region and of the world against imperialism. These struggles, together with the more and more acute crisis and degeneration of the whole imperialist system, are driving a powerful global antiimperialist movement, even in the belly of the beast in the imperialist countries. The wars, the crisis and the fascistization of the reactionary states also sharpen the fundamental contradiction between the proletariat and the bourgeoisie in all countries. We communists reaffirm ourselves in the international proletariat’s support for all the national struggles that combat imperialism, serving the world revolution, whether these are led by the proletariat or by other classes. We condemn and crush the dark role of the revisionists, who now support the imperialist aggression against Iran, either openly or hypocritically condemning “both the Iranian regime and imperialism”. In the face of these revisionists we salute the example of the communists and revolutionaries of the region who give their lives in the war against the imperialist genocide, struggling shoulder to shoulder with the bourgeois and/or religious forces against the common enemy. In each of these wars of national liberation, as well as in the global antiimperialist movement, it is indispensable and urgent that the communists struggle within the united front, aiming to assume the role of leading it, because the proletarian leadership of the struggle against imperialism will be absolutely necessary in order to conquer full liberation and finally crush and sweep imperialism off the face of the earth. Only with Communist Parties with independence and leading its own armed forces can the proletariat represent the interests and the demands of the class and the people within the united front. We emphasize that the power of the present antiimperialist movement, in the Middle East, in the other oppressed nations and in the whole world, resides in the immense working masses that hate imperialism and are calling for revolution. Imperialist exploitation and oppression will not be defeated through other imperialist powers or superpowers, nor through the agreements and the business deals of the ruling classes; they will be defeated by the armed masses. The three superpowers, US, China and Russia, and the other imperialist powers now try to save their dying system through a new redivision of the world, using the oppressed nations as pawns. The hoax of the “multipolar world” is not an antiimperialist politics; it is a dark and impossible dream of saving imperialism.   In conclusion, the struggle of the proletariat and the oppressed peoples against imperialism is advancing, confirming that we are in the strategic offensive of the world proletarian revolution. But the proletarian forces are not yet sufficiently developed to assume the leadership of the struggle, and the lack of proletarian leadership limits and restricts the antiimperialist movement. It is the duty of the communists on all continents to lead by example in the wars of national liberation and in the struggles of the class, and to build or reconstitute their Communist Parties in the midst of these struggles as militarized Marxist-Leninist-Maoist Parties to prepare, initiate and develop the people’s war in the democratic, socialist and cultural revolutions until our final goal, the forever golden communism. LONG LIVE THE 1st OF MAY, THE DAY OF THE INTERNATIONAL PROLETARIAT! UNITE THE PEOPLES UNDER PROLETARIAN LEADERSHIP AGAINST ALL THE IMPERIALISTS AND THEIR WARS! LONG LIVE MAOISM, DOWN WITH REVISIONISM! PEOPLE’S WAR UNTIL COMMUNISM! Peru People’s Movement May 2026