By Kalinga Seneviratne SYDNEY (IDN) — In April 2020, the then Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison called for an independent inquiry into the origins of Covid-19, which riled the Chinese leadership. China rapidly imposed sanctions on Australian imports, especially on the lucrative barley, wine and wheat trade. They also started looking for new iron ore […]
The Nuclear Taboo Remains Strong for Now
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) — Even before his disastrous decision to invade Ukraine last year, Russian President Vladimir Putin had demonstrated a malign indifference toward basic […]
On the Ukraine Crisis and No First Use of Nuclear Weapons
By Daisaku Ikeda The following is the text of the statement by peacebuilder and Buddhist leader Daisaku Ikeda, who is president of the Soka Gakkai International (SGI). TOKYO (IDN) — The Ukraine crisis that erupted in February last year continues with no prospect for cessation. The intensified hostilities have inflicted great suffering in population centers […]
Iranian Drones Include US & Western Components
By Thalif Deen UNITED NATIONS (IDN) — The United States has continued to accuse Russia of using scores of Iranian-made drones in its 11-month-old conflict with Ukraine. But in an ironic twist, the Biden administration is now investigating widespread reports that Iranian drones include American and Western components— despite longstanding economic and military sanctions against […]
A Way for The Palestinians to Turn the Tables Non-Violently
Viewpoint by Jonathan Power* LUND, Sweden (IDN) — As a new hard-line government takes power in Israel and as Israeli tanks and other armour roam at will through Palestinian territory, it is apparent to all but the most blinded that the ability of the Palestinian people to regain the initiative has never been more circumscribed. […]
Ukrainian Troops Headed to U.S. for Patriot Missile Training
By C. Todd Lopez, DOD News This article was issued by U.S. Department of Defense. WASHINGTON, D.C. (IDN) — Weeks after announcing that the U.S. would send one Patriot air defense battery and associated munitions to Ukraine, a Pentagon official said Ukrainian soldiers will come to the U.S. to train on the Patriot system so […]
UN Focuses on Global Sustainable Development in 2023
By J Nastranis NEW YORK (IDN) — The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) comprising 169 targets, which are […]
Full Pension Rights for France’s Forgotten African War Heroes
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK | PARIS (IDN) — A check may soon be on its way for some of the last surviving African soldiers who fought in French wars around the world but were forced to live in France six months of the year in order to qualify for the pensions […]
Trouble in Senegal Over Alleged Mishandling of Covid Funds
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK | DAKAR (IDN) — Hundreds of Senegalese gathered at the Place de la Nation in Dakar to denounce irregularities reported by auditors researching a Covid-19 fund. It was the second protest over reported problems with the funds to be called in less than a month. The review […]
South African Apartheid-Era Minister Who Sought Amnesty Dies
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK | PRETORIA (IDN) — There were many heartless, soulless, violent men and women who defended apartheid during the years of racist white rule in South Africa. Some held government jobs, some were brutal enforcers of law, some gave quiet approval as tens of thousands of Blacks were […]