By M K Bhadrakumar * NEW DELHI. 27 July 2023 (IDN) — The problem with the war in Ukraine is that it has been all smoke and mirrors. The Russian objectives of “demilitarisation” and “de-Nazification” of Ukraine wore a surreal look. The Western narrative that the war is between Russia and Ukraine, where the central […]
When Politics Spark Smiles & Trigger Loud Laughter…
By Thalif Deen UNITED NATIONS. 25 July 2023 (IDN) — Ronald Reagan, a former US President and ex-Hollywood movie star of the 1950s, peppered most of his speeches with hilarious anecdotes. Joking about the faltering Soviet Cold War economy, Reagan recounted a May Day parade in Red Square where the Russians were displaying their sophisticated […]
The Oppenheimer Film, The Nuclear Bombing of Japan and The Lies Told
By Jonathan Power* LUND, Sweden. 25 July 2023 (IDN) — This is what is missing from Christopher Nolan’s powerful film, “Oppenheimer”- the story of the making of the atomic bomb: Yes, one can blame the wartime leadership of Japan for persisting with the war when the evidence was overpowering that Japan along with Germany had […]
Sub-Saharan Africa: Wealth Tax and Wealth Redistribution
Viewpoint by Khanyisa Mbalati The writer was an Intern with the South Centre Tax Initiative. GENEVA. 24 July 2023 (IDN | SouthViews) — Sub-Saharan Africa is arguably one of the most unequal regions in the world, with high levels of income, gender and social inequality. The region is home to a large number of low-income countries. The […]
The Riots in France as Seen Through the ‘Long Take’
By Sam Ben-Meir* NEW YORK. 22 July 2023 (IDN) — On June 27, Nahel Merzouk, a 17-year-old French citizen of North African descent, was shot dead by a police officer in the Paris suburb of Nanterre when he attempted to drive off during a traffic check. His killing sparked protests and riots across France, especially […]
Why Ugandan President Museveni’s Video Shames Africa
By Azu Ishiekwene The writer is the Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of LEADERSHIP newspaper based in Abuja, Nigeria. ABUJA. 21 July 2023 (IDN) — There’s a trending video from nine years ago. If you watched it casually, you might in fact think that it was done yesterday. It was a clip of Ugandan President, Yoweri Museveni, narrating what happened in 2014 […]
How The Palestinian Leaders Contributed to The Disastrous Israeli Occupation
By Alon Ben-Meir* The following is the second installment in a series of three articles. The first addressed the occupation and Jewish values. The third will establish certain realities on the ground that are not subject to change and offer a framework for a permanent solution in the context of creating an Israeli-Palestinian-Jordanian confederation. NEW YORK. 20 […]
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 […]
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 […]