Indymedia Seizure Hits Two Nations

MONTEVIDEO – Freedom of expression worldwide has been under threat since agents of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) last week seized two Internet servers hosting Web sites of the Independent Media Centers. In Latin America, Indymedia Brazil and Uruguay are directly affected. "The incident resembles a Kafka novel," Pablo Ortellado of Indymedia Brazil … Continue reading “Indymedia Seizure Hits Two Nations”

Is Al-Jazeera the New Symbol of Arab Nationalism?

UNITED NATIONS – When the League of Arab States was created in 1945, it was perceived as the ultimate symbol of Arab nationalism in a politically and militarily demoralized Middle East. But in recent years, the 22 members of the pan-Arab organization have been struggling to find common cause, and their meetings have been characterized … Continue reading “Is Al-Jazeera the New Symbol of Arab Nationalism?”

Don’t Believe a Word

When Ariel Sharon announced his plan for "unilateral disengagement," the media reported that the Peace Now movement was preparing a big public campaign in support. The Prime Minister’s office asked them to desist, fearing that such a campaign would cause the extreme right to oppose it. Peace Now was not the only "leftist" group that … Continue reading “Don’t Believe a Word”

Antiwar Arguments for War

As antiwar sentiments are beginning to overtake the mainstream, we ironically risk seeing the antiwar voices moderating their positions to the point of not being antiwar at all. The Iraq war was a “colossal error” in John Kerry’s words, and it is indeed refreshing to hear mainstream voices echo this viewpoint. There are no weapons … Continue reading “Antiwar Arguments for War”

‘Anonymous’ Thrives in Imperial Press

Every now and then, an article catches my eye that seems to sum up the worst of Washington-based access journalism (“just the spin, ma’am”) in our imperial press. On Friday, the morning of the second presidential debate, just such a piece – "Pentagon Sets Steps to Retake Iraq Rebel Sites" – made it onto the … Continue reading “‘Anonymous’ Thrives in Imperial Press”

Cheney’s Oil-for-Food Switcheroo

When the Iraqi Survey Group released its long-awaited report last week that said Iraq eliminated its weapons programs in the 1990s, President George W. Bush quickly changed his stance on why he authorized an invasion of Iraq. While he campaigned for a second term in office, Bush justified the war by saying that Saddam Hussein … Continue reading “Cheney’s Oil-for-Food Switcheroo”

Report: 11 ‘Disappeared’ in U.S. War on Terror

Eleven prisoners captured by the Bush administration in its “war on terrorism” have disappeared, opening a “gateway” to torture and other abuses prohibited by global law, says a new report by Human Rights Watch (HRW). U.S. officials have confirmed they have six of the detainees in custody, according to the document, “Disappeared: The CIA’s Long-Term … Continue reading “Report: 11 ‘Disappeared’ in U.S. War on Terror”

The War Party’s Worst Week

It was a disastrous week for the War Party, as the lies that lassoed us into Iraq were definitively debunked, and Bush, in a vain effort to defend the indefensible, was once again humiliated on national television by his Democratic opponent. The Duelfer report showed that not only did Saddam not have WMD, but he … Continue reading “The War Party’s Worst Week”

Kerry Caught in the Big Lie

The presidential debates are going nowhere. Why? Because both President George Bush and Senator John Kerry are encapsulated in a big lie. The lie is too big to be acknowledged. Both candidates repeat the mantra that Saddam Hussein was dangerous to America and had to be removed. Both reaffirm that Saddam’s removal remains a good … Continue reading “Kerry Caught in the Big Lie”