By J C Suresh TORONTO | WASHINGTON, DC (IDN) —In yet another move to reverse former President Barack Obama’s strategies for a more humane world, the Trump administration is poised to rescind his predecessor’s 2014 directive to no longer “produce or otherwise acquire any anti-personnel landmines,” known as APLs, according to several media reports. APLs […]
Trump the Transgressor: The Psychological Appeal of Leaders Who Break the Rules
Viewpoint by Barry Richards* LONDON (IDN) – Many of today’s politicians appear to appeal to the basic human need for safety, presenting their versions of strong leadership as the best hope for order and safety in a fearful world of growing instability and risk. Much evidence confirms that this appeal is certainly an important factor […]
Emergency World Bank Meeting on Tanzania Focuses on Women’s Rights
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK (IDN) –The World Bank’s executive board cancelled expected action on a $500 million loan to Tanzania where teenage girls can be expelled from school because they are pregnant. The Bank had been under pressure from rights activists and held a last-minute emergency meeting on January 27 with […]
Global Learning Crisis Stands in the Way of SDGs
By Kwame Buist NEW YORK (IDN) – “Without education, we cannot achieve any of the SDGs,” UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed warned a meeting held at United Nations headquarters to mark International Day of Education. And yet, with 2030 – the year set by the United Nations for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals – looming […]
A Renowned Russian University Celebrates 60th Anniversary
Viewpoint by Somar Wijayadasa* MOSCOW (IDN) – If education is the ultimate gift one can give a child, then, the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia has given that gift to more than 150,000 deserving young men and women from many countries around the world – who otherwise would never have had the opportunity to receive […]
World Court Gives Myanmar 4 Months to Put Its House in Order
Viewpoint by Jonathan Power LUND, Sweden (IDN) – Let’s cut to the chase – there is no question, no doubt, that the government of Myanmar and the army which controls it have committed the most vile atrocities against the Rohingya people, a Muslim minority that lives in the West of the Buddhist-dominated country. The International […]
UN In Search of a Way Out of Passive Role in Libya
By Erol Avdović, WebpublicaPress NEW YORK (IDN) – The United Nations has “some capacity to report back on ceasefire violations” and monitor the fragile peace in Libya, said chief spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General Stephane Dujarric, replying to this reporter’s question. The ceasefire was holding immediately after agreement was reached on January 19 in Berlin […]
UN Report Condemns Missile Attacks Against Civilians and Migrants in Libya
By Jamshed Baruah GENEVA (IDN) – A United Nations report has condemned a missile attack against Mitiga Airport, near Tripoli’s centre. At least two civilians were injured, while the tarmac and several buildings were damaged. The joint report of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and the UN human rights office in Geneva, published […]
Climate and Nuclear Weapons Are the Focus of Buddhist Leader’s Peace Proposals
By Taro Ichikawa TOKYO (IDN) – Climate action and nuclear weapons abolition, with a focus on the individual lives and suffering often hidden behind macroeconomic indices, is the main theme of the 38th annual peace proposal by Daisaku Ikeda, president of the Soka Gakkai International (SGI) Buddhist network. Titled ‘Toward Our Shared Future: Constructing an […]
Politics-Big Money Nexus Feeds Corruption
By Sean Buchanan LONDON (IDN) – In the last year, anti-corruption movements across the globe have gained momentum as millions of people joined together to speak out against corruption in their governments. Protests from Latin America, North Africa and Eastern Europe to the Middle East and Central Asia made headlines as citizens marched in Santiago, […]