When the Archbishop of Canterbury says that "the United States wields its power in a way that is worse than Britain during its imperial heyday", let us pause and see who is this man and why is he saying that. There is no point in getting into a hysterical "for" or "against" mode about what Dr Rowan Williams stated in a magazine interview recently. The Archbishop of … [Read more...] about Archbishop’s Views on American ‘Imperialism’ & Old British Imperialism
Ian Smith: ‘A Great White Tribal Chief’ is Gone
Although non-Whites worldwide loved to hate him when he ruled Rhodesia (later renamed Zimbabwe), Ian Smith remained an enigmatic and powerful personality right up to his death. "The former Rhodesian prime minister, who made his unilateral declaration of independence from Britain in 1965 and fought a bitter rearguard action to prevent black majority rule, never lost the ability … [Read more...] about Ian Smith: ‘A Great White Tribal Chief’ is Gone
Dreadlocks are “Faddish”? Since When?
Should a three year old kid be suspended from school for wearing his hair in dreadlocks? … [Read more...] about Dreadlocks are “Faddish”? Since When?
India Scores a ‘Goal’ in Pakistan: Both Countries Win!
A history of sorts was made Friday when 'Goal' became the first Indian Bollywood movie to get simultaneous release in the cinema halls of India and Pakistan. 'Goal', a contemporary story of the Asian community in the UK, told through the dynamic prism of professional football, has already created a tremendous buzz in India. Pakistan and India share a common passion for … [Read more...] about India Scores a ‘Goal’ in Pakistan: Both Countries Win!
What To Make Of The Ron Paul Revolution
Much has been written about the rise in popularity of libertarian Republican Ron Paul's presidential campaign—both good and bad. Lew Rockwell's paleo-libertarian blog—notorious for his opposition toward both Democrats and Republicans and the State in general—has been perhaps the most ardent supporter of the Republican Congressman's presidential campaign while pro-war … [Read more...] about What To Make Of The Ron Paul Revolution
Will Americans Get the Message?
(Swaraaj earlier posted a great roundup on the sea change in Australian politics. Here's my take.) The winning candidate campaigned on a platform of new leadership to address voters' concerns about the environment, health and education. As one of his first acts as national leader he will push for the ratification of the Kyoto agreement on reducing greenhouse gas emissions … [Read more...] about Will Americans Get the Message?
Fair vs. Foul in Net Neutrality Debate
Earlier this month, Comcast -- the nation’s largest cable broadband company -- was caught doing what any good Internet Service Provider (ISP) should do, i.e., manage its network to ensure that the online activities of the few don’t interfere with the online activities of the many, or in the words of Comcast EVP David Cohen: Comcast does not, has not, and will not block any … [Read more...] about Fair vs. Foul in Net Neutrality Debate
Senate Continues Pro Forma Holiday Sessions To Block Bush “Recess Appointments”
While Americans served turkey and cleared their tables of turkey this holiday season, Senate Democrats have kept the Senate in pro forma session to block President George Bush from appointing what some Democrats consider political turkeys to key posts in the Senate's absence: With the nation’s attention focused on Thanksgiving leftovers and bargain shopping, the Senate … [Read more...] about Senate Continues Pro Forma Holiday Sessions To Block Bush “Recess Appointments”
Kevin Rudd: Australia’s ‘New Prime Minister’
Mr Kevin Rudd, whose Labor Party swept to victory in Australian elections, said his government would start work immediately on an education revolution, rebuilding the hospital system, address the 'great challenges of climate change and water, building 'a 21st century infrastructure for a 21st century economy'. Australia's new prime minister-designate, Rudd praised his … [Read more...] about Kevin Rudd: Australia’s ‘New Prime Minister’
NWFP Burns: Musharraf Resorts to ‘Primitive’ Methods
In the medieval era the whole population could face the prospect of starvation when foreign kings/rulers invaded their land and cut off food supplies. This is happening in the 21st century with Pakistani troops cutting off food supplies in the areas where pro-Taliban militants are mounting an uprising in a North-Western Frontier Pakistan (NWFP) valley. "Pakistani troops have … [Read more...] about NWFP Burns: Musharraf Resorts to ‘Primitive’ Methods
One Lesson from Life of Local Man: History Matters
[This piece was cross-posted at my personal blog.] This past week, the community to which my family and I recently moved, buried one of its most beloved citizens. Leland Conner was killed after a thirteen year old boy stole a vehicle from a rental agency and proceeded to cause a five-car crash that involved Mr. Conner's car. Conner's death is one of those freakish … [Read more...] about One Lesson from Life of Local Man: History Matters
Nawaz Sharif To Return (Again!) to Pakistan
Nawaz Sharif, the exiled former prime minister of Pakistan, is likely to return to his own country from Saudi Arabia this Sunday. His political party followers are keeping their fingers crossed. On September 10 Sharif had made an abortive bid to enter Pakistan but was deported from the Islamabad airport itself. But this time Sharif need not bother. Pakistan's leading … [Read more...] about Nawaz Sharif To Return (Again!) to Pakistan
WEAK Dollar
Patrick Chappatte, The International Herald Tribune … [Read more...] about WEAK Dollar
Attack on Indian Courts: 13 Killed, 60 Wounded
At least 13 persons, including four lawyers, were killed and 60 injured when six bombs went off in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh on Friday. Three court complexes in the capital city Lucknow and the towns of Faizabad and Varanasi were the target. India's leading newspaper The Hindu says that loaded on bicycles parked outside the lawyers’ chambers in the three towns, … [Read more...] about Attack on Indian Courts: 13 Killed, 60 Wounded
Globalization: Why Indian-subcontinent Needs Independent Judiciary?
The Mughal King Jahangir who ruled undivided India in the 16th and 17th century AD is still remembered with love and affection by Muslims, Hindus and other communities. "Jahangir is most famous for his golden 'chain of justice'. The chain was setup as a link between the people and Jahangir himself. Standing outside the castle of Agra with sixty bells, anyone was capable of … [Read more...] about Globalization: Why Indian-subcontinent Needs Independent Judiciary?
Will 2008’s Choice Be Between “Fear And Loathing?”
The ever-debate-sparking Andrew Sullivan frames the (for now) likely 2008 Presidential tickets as a choice between "Fear And Loathing" and says this: Lying awake the other early morning, I found the twin images of Rudy Giuliani and Hillary Clinton coming into my mind. Maybe it was the Ambien, but inevitably the choice between those two haunts the fevered brow in the dead … [Read more...] about Will 2008’s Choice Be Between “Fear And Loathing?”
‘Common Good’ as Emerging Democrat Theme
In "Democrats Rework the Rhetoric", John D. MCKinnon writes in the Wall Street Journal about how a "Notion of the 'Common Good' Replaces Old-Style Bromides" ...many Democrats are embracing it as a new framework for expressing their vision of broader opportunity and equality. ie, leveling the economic playing field and backing strong unions and universal health care, shared … [Read more...] about ‘Common Good’ as Emerging Democrat Theme
The News From Basra
Since the British started to withdraw troops from Iraq's southern city of Basra at the end of the summer, observers have been watching carefully. Because Basra is seen as an important indicator of what would happen in the event of a broader troop withdrawal, both sides of the "should we stay or should we go" debate have been looking for evidence to bolster their case. It's no … [Read more...] about The News From Basra
Pakistan Suspended from Commonwealth
Pakistan was suspended from the Commonwealth last night despite last-minute assurances from President Musharraf that he would lift the state of emergency soon, reports The Times. "The decision threatens to deprive Pakistan of hundreds of millions of pounds of foreign investment and Commonwealth development funding, as well as excluding it from the 53-member bloc’s … [Read more...] about Pakistan Suspended from Commonwealth
Illegal Immigrants Migration Home Is Down For Winter Holidays
If you live in San Diego County, it's well known that during the holidays some of the county's (and region's) illegal immigrant population returns to Mexico for the holidays, then returns back into the United States after the holidays are over. That trend is expected to be way down this year, according to the North County Times: Immigrants and authorities say they … [Read more...] about Illegal Immigrants Migration Home Is Down For Winter Holidays