Via the BBC, the latest side effects of the food price crisis:
“India’s agriculture minister has rejected calls for additional debt cancellation for millions of farmers. In February, the government agreed a $15bn scheme to write off the debts of millions of small farmers - those with less than two hectares of land. But there have been demands from opposition and some governing coalition parties to extend the loan waiver to farmers who own more land. Farm activists say debts have been driving... Read Full Story
Via Liberation, the rich Bolivian region of Santa Cruz has declared its autonomy after a successful - but illegal - referendum. The “yes” obtained around 82% of the votes with 30 to 40% abstention. This autonomy gives the region expanded powers in political and economic matters, at the expense of the central government. In particular, the new status gives Santa Cruz increased power over administration of land policy and the sale of natural resources, especially natural gas. For the government... Read Full Story
Bolivia is quite an interesting country, politically, these days. It seemed to have been at the forefront of some major struggles relating to the globalization of capitalism. First, there were the water wars, so brilliantly presentes by a PBS Now report (back in the days where the show was an hour long, hosted by Bill Moyers) in partnership with Frontline World, the best TV program available in the US on world affairs, IMNSHO.
What were the water wars? In many ways, Bolivia’s economic... Read Full Story
Via Jonathan Turley, who himself got it from the BBC,
“Muslim scientists and clerics have called for the adoption of Mecca time to replace GMT, arguing that the Saudi city is the true centre of the Earth. Mecca is the direction all Muslims face when they perform their daily prayers. The call was issued at a conference held in the Gulf state of Qatar under the title: Mecca, the Centre of the Earth, Theory and Practice. One geologist argued that unlike other longitudes, Mecca’s was in perfect... Read Full Story
Since the initial articles and my initial post on this story, there has been a flurry of articles as more details have emerged. Nothing that invalidates my patriarchal interpretation, though.
The first questions that emerged regarded who knew what? Did F.’s wife know? His children? His tenants? The neighbors? In particular, according to Der Spiegel, the police considered the probability of accomplices, since the dungeon setup is so complex, with electronic locks of different types and a steel... Read Full Story
Via the UN News Center,
“Marking the annual World Press Freedom Day, top United Nations officials have stressed the role of a secure and independent media, and access to information, in empowering individuals and advancing development. (…) Mr. Ban stressed that a free, secure and independent media is one of the foundations of peace and democracy. Attacks on freedom of the press are attacks against international law, humanity, and freedom itself – everything the UN stands for, he said.”
The... Read Full Story
Let’s celebrate it, with permissions for all materials (cartoons from Michel Cambon):
“May 3 Background
In dozens of countries around the world, journalists, editors and publishers are murdered, assaulted, detained and harassed simply for telling the truth. Their publications are censored, fined, suspended and closed down for daring to voice opinions contrary to those of their governments.
World Press Freedom Day exists to recognise the sacrifices made in the struggle for freedom of the... Read Full Story
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