KHANA , hosted Kala Walsh, an independent journalist, anti-imperialist activist, and grassroots organizer from the United States
Despite being only 21 years old, Walsh already has an extensive record of activism against imperialism, Zionism, and the U.S. military-industrial complex.
Lived Experience of Resistance in Iran
Kala, visiting Iran and West Asia for the first time, described her presence at the Sobh Festival and visits to war-affected regions as a “turning point” in her lived experience of resistance. She said encountering revolutionary, united, and hopeful people—in a country that, according to Western media, should be divided and despairing—was breathtaking. Reconstruction efforts and the resilience of people who continue to work and produce media despite attacks provided her with an image starkly different from what American outlets portray.
From Institutional Activism to Anti-System Struggle
Walsh began her activism at a young age, including engagement with formal institutions such as the U.S. Congress. Over time, however, She came to believe these structures—serving weapons corporations and ruling elites—cannot bring about real change. For this reason, she emphasizes direct action, grassroots organizing, and drawing inspiration from the traditions of resistance of political prisoners, particularly Palestinians.
Repression in the U.S. and Resistance Against It
Because of her activism, Walsh has faced federal prosecution and even spent time in prison. Nonetheless, she described the U.S. power structure as “cowardly and fragile,” fearful of any serious movement. She noted that even without military measures, the system of domination reacts intensely to grassroots resistance.
Weapons, Economy, and the Military-Industrial Complex
Highlighting corporations such as General Dynamics—the largest employer in Massachusetts—Walsh pointed to the deep entanglement of the U.S. economy with war and occupation. She stressed that the weapons currently used in Gaza and Lebanon are directly produced by these American companies.
Solidarity Between the Global South and the West
Walsh underlined that “our freedom in the West is tied to the freedom of Palestine, Yemen, and the countries of the Global South.” She praised Iran’s spirit of internationalism and respect for anti-imperialist figures, noting: “In Iran, I felt my voice was heard—unlike in many Western academic spaces, where young people are looked down upon with condescension.”
According to her, support for Palestine in the U.S. is now far broader than it was in 2022. However, certain forces attempt to neutralize and defang this movement—for instance, by promoting the “two-state solution” or symbolic humanitarian aid. Walsh insisted: “We should not expect salvation from imperialists; we must confront and challenge their structures.”
Reflections on Iran
In closing, Walsh thanked the Iranian people for their hospitality. She emphasized that although the U.S. government is directly responsible for war and sanctions, American citizens must also take responsibility and act against their country’s imperialist system. She praised Iran’s resilience under war and blockade, concluding that models of resistance such as Iran’s must be studied and learned from.
