Monthly Archives: July 2011

Left and Right

Posted on July 24, 2011 by Michaela

By Ibrahim Hewitt A few years ago, the respected Cambridge scholar T J Winter, also known by his Muslim name of Abdal Hakim Murad, gave a fascinating lecture to Humanities staff and students at the University of Leicester. The title … Continue reading →

Posted in The world we live in Now | Tagged Fundamentalism, Fundamentalist Christianity, Muslim, Norway | 3 Comments

Life is not a burden

Posted on July 24, 2011 by Michaela

Florian Schlosser on embodying Truth

Posted in Teacher & Teachings | 2 Comments

Relief or solution ?

Posted on July 23, 2011 by Michaela

By N Kulish and S Erlanger The latest bailout in the Greek rescue has all the elements of what is fast becoming almost commonplace European intrigue. The French president arranges a private summit meeting with the German chancellor. Europe’s top … Continue reading →

Posted in The world we live in Now | Tagged Angela Merkel, European Central Bank, European Financial Stability Facility, European Union, European unity, Nicholas Sarkozy | Leave a comment

Different visions for our country

Posted on July 23, 2011 by Michaela

By JACKIE CALMES and CARL HULSE Negotiations over a broad deficit reduction plan collapsed in acrimony on Friday after Speaker John A. Boehner suddenly broke off talks with President Obama, raising the risk of an economy-shaking default. The latest turn in the summer’s … Continue reading →

Tagged Barack Obama, Debt ceiling, John Boehner, Republican, White House | 1 Comment

Of hazard and hope

Posted on July 23, 2011 by Michaela

There are currently 15 million refugees and internally displaced persons in the world – that is 15 million stories of upheaval, dislocation, want and misery.

Posted in The world we live in Now | Tagged refugees | Leave a comment

Lack of wisdom

Posted on July 22, 2011 by Michaela

By Paul Krugman These are interesting times — and I mean that in the worst way. Right now we’re looking at not one but two looming crises, either of which could produce a global disaster. In the United States, right-wing … Continue reading →

Posted in The world we live in Now | Tagged European Central Bank, Federal Reserve System, Great Depression, Recession, United States | 1 Comment

Weather or War ?

Posted on July 22, 2011 by Michaela

The Horn of Africa is in the middle of its worst drought in more than 60 years with up to 12 million people facing famine in parts of Ethiopia, Kenya, Djibouti and Somalia. Why is this particular region so vulnerable? … Continue reading →

Posted in The world we live in Now | Tagged Climate change, Drought, Famine | Leave a comment

Imperial retreat

Posted on July 22, 2011 by Michaela

Tarak Barkawi Not so long ago, Western powers were doubling down on their commitment to Afghanistan. Dire warnings circulated about how the US “abandoned” the country after the Soviet retreat. This time, the West would stay and help Afghanistan achieve … Continue reading →

Posted in The world we live in Now | Tagged Afghanistan, Barack Obama, South Vietnam, United States, Warfare and Conflict | 3 Comments

Immediate Democracy

Posted on July 21, 2011 by Michaela

By Stathis Gourgouris The historical fact that Athens was the birthplace of democracy has been haunting the crowds assembled for nearly two months in the city’s Syntagma (Constitution) Square, right across from the House of Parliament, protesting undaunted against the government’s … Continue reading →