By Andrea Stanton, University of Denver | – (The Conversation) – The United States invaded Iraq 20 years ago in March 2003, claiming it had to disarm the Iraqi government of weapons of mass destruction and end the dictatorial rule of President Saddam Hussein. U.S. soldiers captured Saddam in December 2003. And a 15-month search […]
Saudi-Iran deal won’t bring Peace to the Middle East but will enhance China’s role as Power Broker
By Simon Mabon, Lancaster University | – (The Conversation) – After more than four decades as seemingly implacable enemies on either side of a deep political-religious divide in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia and Iran have agreed to restore diplomatic relations and reopen embassies. The deal, which was signed in Beijing, comes seven years after […]
Syrian Earthquake devastated an Area that was already a disaster Zone – and highlights the vital Role of local aid Groups
By Kimberly Howe, Tufts University | – (The Conversation) – Three weeks after the February 2023 earthquakes struck Turkey and Syria, I stood amid the rubble in Jindires, a devastated Syrian village. An estimated 50,000 people had lost their lives in the two countries by that point, with the number of casualties still climbing. Around […]
After the Earthquakes: Fearmongering about People fleeing disasters is a dangerous and faulty Narrative
By Yvonne Su, York University, Canada, Corey Robinson, Durham University | – (The Conversation) – The death toll from the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria has reached over 50,000 people. Over 23 million people have been affected and millions have been displaced from their homes. In Syria alone, an estimated 5.3 million people have […]
Iran: Unions and Civil Rights groups demand Democracy and social Justice
By Simin Fadaee, University of Manchester | – Forty-four years after Iranians rose up against their hated monarch in February 1979, a group of 20 organisations engaged in long-term social and economic struggles – including labour unions, teachers, women’s groups and youth and student movements – issued an ultimatum to the government of the Islamic […]
Iran: poisoning of Thousands of Schoolgirls piles more Pressure on Islamic Republic struggling for Survival
By Afshin Shahi, Keele University | – The Iranian government has announced several arrests in connection with the reported poisoning of more than 7,000 schoolgirls in more than 100 schools around the country. Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, has condemned the poisonings, saying perpetrators should be “severely punished”. Yet other government messages are confused. The […]
Israelis protest Netanyahu Government’s Brutality and plans to undermine Rule of Law
By John Strawson, University of East London | It’s a week since hundreds of Israeli settlers descended on the Palestinian village of Hawara to terrorise civilians and burn cars and buildings. The killing of two young settlers sparked the violence that led Bezalel Smotrich, Israeli finance minister, and now also head of civilian affairs in […]
Syria’s Earthquake survivors struggle in a Disaster made far worse by Civil War, bombed-out Hospitals and currency Collapse
By Ora Szekely, Clark University | – After a pair of devastating earthquakes struck southern Turkey and northwestern Syria, the number of confirmed deaths continues to rise, surpassing 50,000 as of Feb. 24. The United Nations estimates that millions of people on both sides of the border have been affected, including 9 million in Syria […]
Climate Emergency: Intense Downpours, Flash Floods will Increasingly Strike Britain
By Elizabeth Kendon, University of Bristol | – (The Conversation) – In July 2021, Kew in London experienced a month’s rain in just three hours. Across the city, tube lines were suspended and stations closed as London experienced its wettest day in decades and flash floods broke out. Just under two weeks later, it happened […]