Analysis by Kalinga Seneviratne SYDNEY (IDN) — With the geo-political battle between China and the United States gathering momentum in Asia, whoever can define democracy better and demonstrate that it works for the betterment of the people, could win the battle in coming years. One may argue that there is no such battle for democracy […]
UN Chief Urges End to Conflict in Ethiopia
By Caroline Mwanga NEW YORK (IDN) — The UN Secretary-General António Guterres is deeply concerned about the impact the conflict continues to have on civilians in Ethiopia. He said he was deeply saddened by reports that more than 50 civilians were killed and injured in an airstrike in northern Ethiopia, on January 7.
‘Even In Death, Tutu Remains a Vigilant Protector of The Environment’
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK (IDN) — Over the course of his 90 years, Archbishop Desmond Mpilo Tutu gave voice to his beloved nation in its struggle for change and reconciliation under Black majority rule. His last wishes for a green burial have sparked a tweetstorm on the mostly unfamiliar practice among […]
Controversial Kenyan Conservationist Dies Aged 77
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK (IDN) — World-famous Kenyan conservationist and fossil hunter Richard Leakey, cited for “great contributions to human origins and wildlife conservation”, has passed away in Nairobi. He was 77 years of age. Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta expressed “deep sorrow” at the news of Leakey’s death. His will and […]
Colombo’s Cry for Help
By Neville de Silva Neville de Silva is a veteran Sri Lankan journalist who held senior roles in Hong Kong at The Standard and worked in London for Gemini News Service. He has been a correspondent for foreign media including the New York Times and Le Monde. He was also deputy chief-of mission in Bangkok […]
‘Secret plots’, sovereignty and Climate Change Challenges face Pacific in the New Year
Analysis by David Robie Dr David Robie is a retired professor of journalism and founding director of AUT University’s Pacific Media Centre. AUCKLAND (IDN) — In the South Pacific, the year 2021 has closed with mounting tensions over sovereignty and self-determination issues and growing stress over the ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic in a region […]
Geo-Political Battle in The South Pacific Hots Up as China Prepares to Send Police Officers to Solomon Islands
By Kalinga Seneviratne SYDNEY (IDN) — China will be sending a number of police officers along with riot-control gear such as shields and helmets for the Solomon Islands police, to help train the local police to stem any more violence against Chinese interests and their citizens in the South Pacific nation. The announcement on Christmas […]
Weaponizing Human Rights—Swiss on The Frontlines
By Sugeeswara Senadhira COLOMBO (IDN) — Many Sri Lankans seeking visas to Switzerland end up filling forms listing out all their personnel information including details about Police records, if any. A vast majority of Sinhalese end up with a curt denial of visas despite their clean records.
The US Conceding Alone Would Lead to Successful Negotiations
Viewpoint by Jonathan Power LUND, Sweden (IDN) — The negotiations over Iran’s supposed nuclear bomb-building abilities seem to be stuck in a rut. On December 27, they re-started once again. Given the detailed undertakings by Iran made in the agreement negotiated by the administration of President Barack Obama before President Donald Trump sabotaged it, it […]
A Book Fair Blossoms in Mogadishu
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK | MOGADISHU (IDN) — A Book Fair is flowering in Mogadishu, bringing the world of literature and other areas of learning to a region challenged by the coronavirus pandemic and political tension linked to disagreements over the ongoing parliamentary elections in the country. The event had been […]