Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) – In a major blow to President Joe Biden, on Wednesday, OPEC+ took steps toward cutting the oil production of the members by 2 million barrels a day. Jackie Northam at NPR reports the views of analysts who believe that Saudi Arabia and Russia drove the decision in order to get […]
Archives for October 2022
Iran: Security Forces Fire On, Kill Protesters: International Pressure Needed to End Use of Excessive, Lethal Force
( Human Rights Watch ) – (Beirut) – Iranian authorities have ruthlessly cracked down on widespread anti-government protests with excessive and lethal force throughout Iran, Human Rights Watch said today. Based on videos of protests, and interviews with witnesses and a security force member, Human Rights Watch documented numerous incidents of security forces unlawfully using […]
The Climate Crisis is a Human Rights crisis Worldwide
By Amelia Smith | – ( Middle East Monitor ) – In November, heads of state, ministers, journalists and activists will gather in Egypt’s Red Sea Resort town of Sharm El-Sheikh for the UN climate change summit, COP27. There has been widespread concern about the role civil society will play. “When it’s hosted in a […]
Yom Kippur is coming soon – what does Judaism actually say about Forgiveness?
By Adam B. Cohen, Arizona State University | – The Jewish High Holidays are fast approaching: Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. While the first really commemorates the creation of the world, Jews view both holidays as a chance to reflect on our shortcomings, make amends and seek forgiveness, both from other people and from the […]
Ray of Hope: Florida’s Solar-Powered Babcock Ranch Handily survived Hurricane Ian
Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) – Babcock Ranch, Florida, in the southwest of the state, was planned in 2005 as a 17,000 acre community. It had as goals conservation and sustainability. The town was built to withstand the hurricanes that sweep over Florida with ever more frequency and fierceness. And, lo and behold, it was able […]
Activist Student Movements have Shaped Iran at Every Turn: The Islamic Republic won’t be the Same
Newark, Del. (Special to Informed Comment) – Iran’s student movement has never gone away. On 16th of Azar/ December 7, 1953, three students, Ghandchi, Bozorgnia and Shariat Razavi were killed at Tehran University while the then VP Richard Nixon visited Iran, following the Coup in August of that year. Ever since, this date has been […]
Bohra Muslim digital Entrepreneurship shows how religious Communities can help Women Thrive
By Arwa Hussain, Concordia University | – (The Conversation) – Women from religious communities around the world, like the Dawoodi Bohras, are harnessing the potential of social media platforms to set up or expand their businesses and build entrepreneurial networks. The ease of access, wide reach and collaborative nature of these platforms is providing more […]
Optimism of the Will: Noam Chomsky on Organizing, Labor and taking on the Corporations
By David Barsamian and Noam Chomsky | – ( Tomdispatch.com) – [The following is excerpted in shortened form from Chapter 9 of Notes on Resistance by Noam Chomsky and David Barsamian, published by Haymarket Books.] David Barsamian: What we are facing is often described as unprecedented — a pandemic, climate catastrophe and, always lurking off […]
Iran: School and University Women Lead Rallies, Sit-ins Bareheaded, as Leader Khamenei Softens on Compulsory Veiling
Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) – On Monday in Iran, demonstrations, marches and rallies continued for the 17th day, spearheaded by high school and college students. Many universities entered a third day of class boycotts by students, who said they would not return to their studies until the government released imprisoned students. At some universities students […]