The Abandoned Animals of Dubai are Emblematic of Capitalism’s Inherent Cruelty

Photo by Darcey Beau

Since Israel and the United States launched their unprovoked war against Iran, thousands of Westerners in the Gulf states have been scrambling for the exits. In their haste to abandon the glittering towers of the desert, many have also abandoned the animals in their care. Thousands of cats and dogs have been left in locked apartments or tied to lampposts. And veterinarians have reported an uptick in requests for euthanasia.

None of this should be surprising. This loathsome class of vapid...