We must be thankful that the terrorist crime in Times Square failed in its purpose. But many of the tensions between counter-terrorism strategies and civil liberties are back in the headlines.
Category: Uncategorized
African observers to pounce on UK election
We often hear critical reports on the conduct of African elections by international observers. If the tables were turned, what might a team of Africans have to say about the UK general election?
Extract the rights from mother earth
Setbacks for environmental campaigners in Brazil and Alaska illustrate why the idea of earth rights advocated by the Bolivian president, Evo Morales, deserves serious consideration. But last week’s People’s Conference on Climate Change and the Rights of Mother Earth has been widely ignored by western media.
Bolivia stirs up politics of climate change
At last we can engage in stimulating debate about climate change. The World People’s Conference on Climate Change and the Rights of Mother Earth in Cochabamba offers a breath of fresh air in its radical agenda.
Trafficking, insurgency and globalisation in India
There are social and economic connections between the Naxalite assault in Chhattisgarh and the unresolved problem of human trafficking of sex slaves to Mumbai. Is globalisation a common contributory factor?
Adaptation angst in The Gambia
The Gambia may be small country but its National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA) includes some interesting perspectives on climate change. Is adaptation really any different from poverty reduction?
Innospec verdict rumbles BAE pact
Lord Justice Thomas has delivered a body blow to the strategy of the UK Serious Fraud Office for dealing with corporate corruption. Higher standards of prosecution in the UK could strengthen the credibility of our aid conditions imposed on developing countries.
McKibben can revive moody Monbiot
George Monbiot sounds very depressed at recent events. Bill McKibben of 350.org seems inspired. Perhaps the two should compare notes.
Europe searches for democracy in Google algorithm
Google may be in trouble with the European Commission for airbrushing its competitors from search results. What matters more for ordinary people is the quality of the results themselves.
Do-it-yourself climate forecasting
Climate change scientists may be adopting new tactics in the fightback against scepticism. The weather is already changing so rapidly that we don’t need those complicated predictions of the future.