UNRWA staff accused by Israel sacked without evidence, chief admits

Philippe Lazzarini says summary dismissal of nine employees was ‘reverse due process’ after Israel’s claims they aided Hamas attack Emine Sinmaz in Jerusalem The head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees has said he followed “reverse due process” in sacking nine staff members accused by Israel of being involved in Hamas’s 7 October attacks. Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA’s… Read More UNRWA staff accused by Israel sacked without evidence, chief admits

From Codes to Sanhitas: Power, Myths, and Problematic Continuities

‘The new criminal justice laws mark an important moment in how independent India will function. It may herald a descent towards greater authoritarian tendencies and a nullifying of the judicial role by reducing personal liberty to a plaything.’ ABHINAV SEKHRI In 2019, soon after securing a resounding electoral majority, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government… Read More From Codes to Sanhitas: Power, Myths, and Problematic Continuities

Anna Akhmatova: Three poems including ‘Requiem’ / Friendship in the time of terror: Nadezhda Mandelstam’s tribute to Akhmatova

First posted December 04, 2011 Reading HamletTo the right, wasteland by the cemeterybeyond it the river’s dull blue.You said: ‘Go, get thee, to a nunneryor get a fool to marry you…’ Though that’s always how Princes speak,still, I’ve remembered the words.As an ermine mantle let them stream,behind him, through endless years. ‘Hands clasped under the… Read More Anna Akhmatova: Three poems including ‘Requiem’ / Friendship in the time of terror: Nadezhda Mandelstam’s tribute to Akhmatova

Why is there still no Gaza ceasefire? Because self-interested world leaders are obstructing it

NB: The world order is grounded on the most evil, ignoble and murderous features of human nature. All political conversation has been reduced to sneering and abuse (and post-modern, ‘post-truth’ academicians aren’t helping); all compassion and human concerns have been sub-divided by racism, identity politics and communalism; all moral philosophy to sophistry and ideological bullshitting.… Read More Why is there still no Gaza ceasefire? Because self-interested world leaders are obstructing it

Calicut professor booked for Facebook post praising Godse. (Withdraw the case)

NB: Much as I dislike the political tradition which celebrates the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi; I disagree with the habit of taking police action against persons like Dr Shaija. Isn’t hatred for Gandhiji and celebration of his murderer a widespread stance in India? What exactly does the professor mean by “proud of Godse for saving… Read More Calicut professor booked for Facebook post praising Godse. (Withdraw the case)

God Forbid Israelis Show Any Humanity to Innocent Palestinians in Gaza

GAZA casualties live statistics B. Michael One of the most puzzling and saddening spectacles of the past few days is the sight of Jewish protesters at the Kerem Shalom crossing and the Ashdod Port, fighting like lions to ensure we do not fail in our inhumanity. They have joined the experts on evil on the… Read More God Forbid Israelis Show Any Humanity to Innocent Palestinians in Gaza

‘Treated us like criminals’: Masjid committee after Delhi authority razes mosque

A centuries-old mosque was razed in south Delhi’s Mehrauli area during an encroachment drive, with the Delhi High Court ordering a status-quo on the land. The Masjid Committee said they were not given prior notice and “treated like criminals” by the authorities. The Delhi High Court directed the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to maintain the… Read More ‘Treated us like criminals’: Masjid committee after Delhi authority razes mosque

‘Never Adjusted Your Stand’: 9 Elgar Accused Congratulate Anand Teltumbde From Jail

Teltumbde has been conferred the Basava National Award – Karnataka’s highest honour Those accused in the Elgar Parishad case – lawyers, activists and scholars – have been in jail with no sign of trial for years now. From the world over, criticism has been rife against state action targeting the 16. Although a few have… Read More ‘Never Adjusted Your Stand’: 9 Elgar Accused Congratulate Anand Teltumbde From Jail

Bifurcation point: More than 800 Western officials sign scathing criticism of Gaza policy

GAZA casualties live statistics NB: The only thing I disagree with in this otherwise courageous statement is this: “Our governments’ current policies weaken their moral standing and undermine their ability to stand up for freedom, justice, and human rights globally.” I’ve commented on these issues many times but readers could see this and this. The… Read More Bifurcation point: More than 800 Western officials sign scathing criticism of Gaza policy