By Thalif Deen UNITED NATIONS. 18 July 2023 (IDN) — As the United Nations continues to debate the positive and negative effects of artificial intelligence (AI), Secretary-General António Guterres laid down the two extremes: the potential benefits of AI to the world economy, running into trillions of dollars, and the devastation it could cause humanity—if […]
Europe Should Refuse to be Pushed by US to Confront Russia
By Jonathan Power* LUND, Sweden. 18 July 2023 (IDN) — That bar, the Red Star, on the far side of eastern Europe was closed—until the Ukraine war started. So why did the White Moon bar on this side of the street decide to stay open, even extending its drinking hours? Once the Warsaw Pact closed […]
The Wagner Coup: Strategic Setback or Military Deception?
By Ramesh Thakur* This article was issued by the Toda Peace Institute and is being republished with their permission. CANBERRA, Australia. 18 July 2023 (IDN) — The Wagner coup equation doesn’t compute. It just doesn’t add up. Herbert Wulf gave us a concise summary of the surreal 24 hours that gripped the world. But there are missing pieces of […]
UN: One of the World’s Most Multilingual Organizations
By Thalif Deen UNITED NATIONS. 17 July 2023 (IDN) — When Egypt’s onetime Foreign Minister Boutros Boutros-Ghali was running for the post of UN Secretary-General in late 1991, he had to contend with the candidature of Bernard Chidzero, then foreign minister of Zimbabwe. As the campaign began to intensify, Boutros-Ghali recounted a brief encounter with […]
African Rights Groups Press U.S. Corp To Dismiss Exec For ‘Spreading Homophobia’
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK. 16 July 2023 (IDN) — Over a dozen organizations have signed on to a petition seeking the removal of a senior employee in the multinational Intel Corporation allegedly spreading anti-LGBTQ sentiment in several African countries. The rights groups allege that Intel’s vice-president of global regulatory affairs has […]
Mozambican Ex-Minister Faces US Trial Over ‘Tuna’ Scam
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK. 16 July 2023 (IDN) — A former government minister reputed to have orchestrated the embezzlement of over two billion dollars and the fabrication of a daring conspiracy whose victims were Swiss bankers, American investors and global lenders, has been extradited to the U.S. where it is hoped […]
Kenya: Painful Cost of Living Hikes Sparks Violent Protests
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK | NAIROBI. 15 July 2023 (IDN) — Kenyans are preparing for tough times after lawmakers approved tax increases that are unpopular even with supporters of the president who once vowed to reduce the cost of living. Referring to Kenyan President William Ruto, hairdresser Evelyne Adhiambo told a […]
The Spectre of Islamists’ Return to Power Haunts Bangladesh
Analysis by Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury DHAKA. 15 July 2023 (IDN) — Bangladesh, a vibrant and diverse nation in South Asia, has made remarkable strides in economic growth and social development in recent decades. However, there is growing concern about the potential consequences of the return of Islamists to power, as it poses significant challenges […]
Northeast Asia Prospects after the G7: High Winds, Choppy Waters and Even Dangerous Storms
By Hugh Miall* KENT, UK. 14 July 2023 (IDN) — Tensions remain high in Northeast Asia following the G7 summit, which asserted the principles of the US-led order rather than seeking to accommodate the conflicting interests and orders in the region. Efforts to sustain dialogue while strengthening deterrence are the mainstay of current policy in […]
Integrating Refugee Students: The Model of a Portuguese University
By UN Academic Impact (UNAI) NEW YORK. 14 July 2023 (IDN) — Some eight years ago, the flow of persons needing international protection to the European continent increased significantly, and many asylum seekers and refugees were in the typical higher education age range. In light of this situation, the University of Coimbra (UC), a member […]