Book review – EXTRA LIFE: A Short History of Living Longer

Until a couple of centuries ago, more than a quarter of children died before their first birthday, around half before their fifth. In “Extra Life,” Steven Johnson, a writer of popular books on science and technology, tells the stories behind what he calls, in an understatement, “one of the greatest achievements in the history of… Read More Book review – EXTRA LIFE: A Short History of Living Longer

‘It’s not fair’: 10-year-old Palestinian girl breaks down while talking about violence in Gaza // Israel is committing the crime of apartheid, Israeli rights group says

NB: The entire American establishment is responsible for this genocidal mania. It’s all very well to recognise the Armenian genocide of 1915, Mr. President – you don’t even notice the murder of children in Palestine. And you talk of ‘both sides’ when there’s only one side Mr Biden, the Palestinians do not have a state,… Read More ‘It’s not fair’: 10-year-old Palestinian girl breaks down while talking about violence in Gaza // Israel is committing the crime of apartheid, Israeli rights group says

Killing Schoolgirls in Afghanistan: Fundamentalist Attackers Target Girls Leaving Kabul High School

Human Rights Watch – Scenes from Sayed ul-Shuhada High School in Kabul, Afghanistan, where as many as 85 people including many schoolgirls were killed in an attack this weekend, should break anyone’s heart. They certainly broke mine. In 2017 a filmmaker and I spent a week at the school, filming a video to accompany a report on barriers to girls’ education. The… Read More Killing Schoolgirls in Afghanistan: Fundamentalist Attackers Target Girls Leaving Kabul High School

RUCHI KUMAR: In India’s Bohra community, a battle over genital mutilation

The woman took Johari and lifted her frock while her mother held her down on a mattress on the floor; minutes later her clitoral hood had been cut, in accordance with the ancient tradition of khafz, or female genital cutting (FGC). “I was in a lot of pain and I remember crying inconsolably,” says Johari,… Read More RUCHI KUMAR: In India’s Bohra community, a battle over genital mutilation

Oliver Holmes: Israeli forces leave 41 children homeless after razing Palestinian village, UN says

Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank have razed a Palestinian village, leaving 73 people – including 41 children – homeless, in the largest forced displacement incident for years, according to the United Nations. Excavators escorted by military vehicles were filmed approaching Khirbet Humsa and proceeding to flatten or smash up tents, shacks, animal shelters, toilets and solar… Read More Oliver Holmes: Israeli forces leave 41 children homeless after razing Palestinian village, UN says