Traute Lafrenz, the last of the White Rose anti-Nazi resistance, dies aged 103

NB: The memory of these young people, their indomitable courage and humanity in resisting the criminal Nazi regime always brings tears to my eyes. They have left us something priceless: the belief in an undefeated human conscience. Goodbye Traute, and good bye again Sophie and Hans and all your comrades on the White Rose. Thank… Read More Traute Lafrenz, the last of the White Rose anti-Nazi resistance, dies aged 103

Dilip

Dissent, Diversity Run Deep in Karnataka and in Indian Philosophy: A Conversation

Rahamath Tarikere and Chandan Gowda talk about philosophy, culture, resistance and syncretism in some traditions in Karnataka. Tarikere worked as professor of Kannada literature at Kannada University, Hampi from 1992 until his retirement in 2021. His extensive publications, which include literary and cultural criticism, travel writing as well as short essays on wide ranging matters,… Read More Dissent, Diversity Run Deep in Karnataka and in Indian Philosophy: A Conversation

Dilip

Rupert Murdoch’s press empire is a threat to democracy

By Liam Barrett In an interview for the Guardian last week, MSNBC broadcaster Mehdi Hasan launched a broadside against Rupert Murdoch’s Fox News. Fox is less of a news channel, Hasan said, than “a propaganda arm of the Republican Party.” Hasan accused Murdoch of overseeing the “degradation of our democracy and media.” His criticisms mirror a general distrust of the mainstream… Read More Rupert Murdoch’s press empire is a threat to democracy

Dilip

Pakistanis are leaving our country in droves due to inflation and job losses – who can blame them?

Moni Mohsin Last year, more than 800,000 Pakistanis left the country in search of better economic prospects abroad. With rocketing inflation and the rupee devaluing by 30% during 2022, millions of urban middle-class people have been pushed to the brink of poverty. Cataclysmic floods have ravaged the rural poor. With only enough foreign reserves to pay for less than… Read More Pakistanis are leaving our country in droves due to inflation and job losses – who can blame them?

Dilip

March 8, 1917: February Revolution begins in Russia

In January 1917, General Aleksandr Krymov returned from the Eastern Front and sought a meeting with Michael Rodzianko, the President of the Duma. Krymov told Rodzianko that the officers and men no longer had faith in Nicholas II and the army was willing to support the Duma if it took control of the government of Russia. “A revolution is imminent and… Read More March 8, 1917: February Revolution begins in Russia

Dilip

Israel is at a crucial crossroads: it can save itself or slide into despotism

Dahlia Scheindlin Israel’s right wing is no stranger to political victory. Rightwing parties have governed for the better part of more than four decades and each time Benjamin Netanyahu has won an election since 2009, euphoric supporters have cheered King Bibi, while losers have gloomily prophesied the end of democracy. But Netanyahu’s sixth government, formed in the final… Read More Israel is at a crucial crossroads: it can save itself or slide into despotism

Dilip