Viewpoint by M. K. Bhadrakumar* NEW DELHI (IDN) — The seventeenth G20 Heads of State and Government Summit held in Bali, Indonesia, on November 15–16 stands out as a consequential event from many angles. The international politics is at an inflection point and the transition will not leave unaffected any of the institutions inherited from […]
UN Military Intervention in Haiti Offers No Added Value but Added Chaos
Viewpoint by P.I. Gomes The writer is the former Secretary-General of The Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad & Tobago (IDN) — Haiti’s history of horror and resolute self-determination is once again a subject of controversy and confusion in much of the world’s media.
The Climate Dispossessed are not Refugees
Viewpoint by Teall Crossen * This article was issued by the Toda Peace Institute and is being republished with their permission. WELLINGTON, New Zealand (IDN) — Let’s be clear, people displaced by climate breakdown are not climate refugees under international law. They are not being forced from their countries because of persecution by their own […]
The US Is Making a Mess of the Concept of Democracy
Viewpoint by Jonathan Power LUND, Sweden (IDN) — It should take a long time before America can again strut the world stage and lecture about the values of democracy, poking its finger in the eye of every authoritarian or dictatorial government it has the desire to show up. A former president, about to announce he […]
Doubts Whether Ghanaian President Will Survive Discontent
Viewpoint by Azu Ishiekwene The writer is the Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of LEADERSHIP newspaper based in Abuja, Nigeria. ABUJA (IDN) — Not so long ago, he was the poster boy of what looked like an African renaissance. Ghana’s President Akufo-Addo didn’t only know what to say, he also knew when and how. I still remember 2018. […]
Africa Needs A Massive Aid Programme
Viewpoint by Jonathan Power LUND, Sweden (IDN) — Surely a massive infusion of aid into Africa would be to pour money down a rat hole? Isn’t this the mistake that was made in the past—enormous generosity by the rich countries only to see it wasted on misconceived projects, bad economic management and, at its worst, […]
Mending US-Saudi Relationship is Critical to Their Mutual Geostrategic Interest
Viewpoint by Alon Ben-Meir Dr Alon Ben-Meir is a retired professor of international relations at the Center for Global Affairs at New York University (NYU). He taught courses on international negotiation and Middle Eastern studies for over 20 years. NEW YORK (IDN) — The US’ misperception of its bilateral relations with Saudi Arabia on a […]
Current Political Landscapes in Britain & Sri Lanka: Parallels and Contrasts
This article was issued by Asian Affairs (London). Viewpoint by Neville de Silva* LONDON (IDN) — They may be thousands of kilometres apart, but there is a common thread that binds Britain’s first-ever prime minister of Indian origin and of the Hindu faith and Sri Lanka’s Buddhist president installed in office less than three months […]
Avoiding Arms Racing and the Possibility of Nuclear Catastrophe
Viewpoint by Daryl G. Kimball The writer is the Executive Director of the Arms Control Association (ACA). The following text was published in the organization’s monthly journal, Arms Control Today. WASHINGTON, D.C. (IDN) — Over the long, dangerous course of the nuclear age, the easing of tensions and resolution of crises between the nuclear-armed states […]
Ralph Nader’s Urgent Appeal: Vote for Democrats
Viewpoint by Jeff Cohen and Norman Solomon SAN FRANCISCO, USA (IDN) — When Ralph Nader appeared on “Democracy Now!” on October 25, a key moment came as he responded to the final question from host Amy Goodman: “You have campaigned as an independent and a Green throughout your political life. You ran for president four […]