U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney in an interview Monday with ABC News admitted that the use of water-boarding was permissible for 9/11 mastermind, Khalid Sheik Mohammed. Cheney, considered one of the most powerful vice presidents in U.S. history, supported his position that harsh interrogation techniques were appropriate for KSM. KSM was captured in an early […]
According to this analysis from the International Relations and Security Network, Iran is starting to worry about President-Elect Obama and what his presidency will mean for U.S. relations with Iran and they are preparing their people for something less than a new start: In recent days, Iranian TV has run a number of highly […]
I’ve posted my thoughts on what’s happened this past year and what the tea leaves tell me for the coming year here: 2008 in Review. Highlights? Obama’s election and his intentions as exemplified in his policy pronouncements and his picks for top positions, more serious environmentalists in key slots on The Hill and a focus […]
The Seguiat al Hamra river that runs along the northern edge of Laayoune is a place of fear. For the Sahrawi youth who have been beaten and tortured at its edge, the shimmering water and wading birds, indeed its natural beauty and serene settings, is a mark of indifference betrayed only by the terrified eyes […]
As stated in the post, The Freedom of Education, education is the key to freedom however poverty and access are often a huge barrier. However an additional barrier to accessing education that plagues many children around the globe is disability. With strains already placed on many educational systems and access to education in many areas is already […]
I’ve got an article in the latest issue of “Planning,” the magazine of the American Planning Association, on the smart grid. (If you don’t know the important work of the APA, you should definitely see what they’re about and the critical work that planners do, creating and recreating communities.) We look at how we generate […]
Vaccination number reporting faulty Dozens of countries have been over-reporting the levels of children receiving vaccinations in order to receive cash rewards for the processes, according to a study from the University of Washington. About $145 million has been erroneously paid through an immunization support program that pays $20 for every child vaccinated, the report […]
Hundreds of cars and motorcycles reportedly took part in the biggest parade ever held in the town of Khan Younis in the Gaza Strip today in preparation for Hamas's 21st anniversary celebration tomorrow, according to the group's Palestinian Information Center (PIC) news. The Palestinian Ma’an News Network reports that Hamas has placed its supporters and […]
"He who teaches children learns more than they do" – German Proverb They always say that teaching is the most rewarding profession, and that being a parent is the hardest job you will ever have. It is true that when teaching or raising a child that you learn more from them than they do from […]
A few interesting bits from this past week: The Global Perspectives on Major Donor Fundraising conference took place in London in November. The December issue of Alliance includes a thoughtful summary of some of its biggest topics – including whether we should take a more donor-centered view towards fundraising and if the idea of major gifts works […]
That's what European Union Commission President José Manuel Barroso said in light of the final agreement on climate change rules for the 27-nation EU. "We merit our leadership role," said German Chancellor Angela Merkel. French President Nicolas Sarkozy, to whom considerable credit must be given for his intensive shuttle diplomacy recently to make the elements […]
December 10 was the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. As usual, the leaders at the UN took the opportunity to remind the world's governments of their obligations and responsibilities to protect the most vulnerable. The Declaration's aim has been to ensure human rights for everyone – regardless of their race, gender, […]
I wrote about the EU meetings here earlier this week and about the UN gathering here last week. Brussels , The leaders of the 27 EU nations gathered today to go over a number of critical matters, not the least among them, energy and climate change. For the full agenda, see this from the EU. […]
Pakistan claims to have arrested one of the alleged Mumbai ringleaders, Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, at a Lashkar i Tayyiba camp in Pakistan. The Washington Post notes the camp is officially run by Jamaat-ud-Dawa, an aid organization with ties to Lashkar. Jim Arkedis draws three inferences: – the link between the LeT and ISI is (was?) pretty […]
Robert Fisk once said that the only thing we have learned from history, is that we never learn from history. It is unfortunate that the world thrives on scorn, hatred, and despair. But this is our lot. And for the human rights activists on the ground, in the field, working for a better future, for […]