Viewpoint by Sergio Duarte The writer is President of Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs and former UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs. NEW YORK (IDN) — On January 3, the five nuclear-weapon states party to the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) issued an important Joint Statement on “preventing nuclear war […]
‘Unity in Diversity’ Is an Essential Part of Indian Culture
Viewpoint by Dr Ram Puniyani This article is the 17th in a series of joint productions of South Asian Outlook and IDN-InDepthNews, the flagship of the International Press Syndicate. The writer is a former professor of biomedical engineering and former senior medical officer affiliated with the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (now Mumbai) and meanwhile […]
‘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 […]
At The Onset Of 2022, We Need a Return to Perspective
Viewpoint by Jonathan Power LUND, Sweden (IDN) — We had much to be glum about as we came to the end of 2021. We are brainwashed with bad news. “If it bleeds it leads”, say the wags in the newsroom. One plane crash or celebrity’s death or royal family transgressions or Russian military manoeuvres are […]
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 […]
UN Chief Welcomes Nuclear-Weapon States’ Pledge to Prevent Nuclear War
By Radwan Jakeem NEW YORK (IDN) — The UN Secretary-General António Guterres has welcomed the joint statement by the five nuclear-weapon States on the prevention of nuclear war and avoidance of arms races. “The Secretary-General appreciates the recognition by the nuclear-weapon States of their need to comply with their bilateral and multilateral nonproliferation, disarmament, and […]
‘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 […]
Omicron To the Rescue: NPT Review Conference Postponed—Again!
Viewpoint by Tariq Rauf* “The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty is an essential pillar of international peace and security, and the heart of the nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime. Its unique status is based on its near-universal membership, legally-binding obligations on disarmament, verifiable non-proliferation safeguards regime, and commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear energy”. UN Secretary-General […]