Revolutionary critique from exile: Revitalizing the Iraqi communist movement

Abstract

Abstract The dramatic period of change surrounding the late 1960s saw the emergence and development of Marxist-informed revolutionary challenges to Arab political thought as well as the region’s relationship with the global Cold War. Into such debates stepped a renewed Iraqi exile community then living in Western Europe. Initially identifying themselves as the Iraqi Revolutionary Grouping (IRG) they would challenge past Iraqi Marxist and Communist commitments, the emerging authoritarian state and global imperialism through a renewed commitment to Marxist-informed social action, support for the Palestinian cause and direct opposition to increasing U.S. intervention into Iraq and the wider Arab world. Their position shifted the Iraq communist movement discourse from its long-standing subservience to Soviet designs, broadened connections and solidarity with progressive regional actors in an effort to reach beyond the state system and privileged the Palestinian cause.