Watch Brian Cox read ‘If I Must Die’ by murdered Palestinian poet Refaat Alareer

GAZA casualties live statistics On December 7, the beloved Palestinian poet, writer, literature professor, and activist Refaat Alareer was killed in a targeted Israeli airstrike that also killed his brother, his sister, and four of her children. In the week of mourning since, tributes to Alareer’s life, writing, mentorship, and activism have flooded in from around the… Read More Watch Brian Cox read ‘If I Must Die’ by murdered Palestinian poet Refaat Alareer

Netanyahu’s position becoming uncertain as he rejects Hamas deal to end war

GAZA casualties live statistics THE CONVERSATION The Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has rejected a ceasefire plan put forward by Hamas, calling the terms “delusional”. Claiming that an Israeli victory in Gaza is “within reach”, Netanyahu has vowed to fight on until Hamas is completely destroyed. But the US, which is involved in negotiation efforts along with… Read More Netanyahu’s position becoming uncertain as he rejects Hamas deal to end war

Mahsa Amini’s uncle sentenced to five years in jail over Iran protests, rights groups say

The uncle of Mahsa Amini, the young Iranian-Kurdish woman whose death in custody sparked months of protests, has been sentenced to more than five years in jail for his criticism of the government in 2022, rights groups have said. Safa Aeli, 30, was sentenced to five years and four months in prison by the revolutionary court… Read More Mahsa Amini’s uncle sentenced to five years in jail over Iran protests, rights groups say

Bharat Ratna to Advani, Free Speech Ban for Critics as Police File FIR Against Journalist Nikhil Wagle

Incidentally, there is no IPC section which criminalises ‘insults’ against individuals, regardless of what position they hold or have held. ‘Insulted’ individuals have the right to file a defamation case if they wish but third parties or the police cannot do so. Pune police have filed an FIR (first information report) against journalist Nikhil Wagle… Read More Bharat Ratna to Advani, Free Speech Ban for Critics as Police File FIR Against Journalist Nikhil Wagle

Christianity, Violence, and the West

Philippe Buc, Holy War, Martyrdom, and Terror: Christianity, Violence, and the West; 2015 Reviewed by Warren Brown “The medievalist Philippe Buc discerns Christian tropes of holy war and martyrdom in seemingly secular movements with terroristic potential. A brilliant and disturbing interpretation of the religious origins of redemptive violence in the West, this is a book… Read More Christianity, Violence, and the West

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)

‘Our Ram is Gandhi’s Ram, Your Ram is Nathuram.’ John Brittas’ fiery speech in Parliament 

New Delhi: CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP Dr John Brittas hit out at the ruling BJP over Ram Temple Pran Pratishtha in Parliament on February 05. John Brittas also quoted the Supreme Court of India over the Ram Janmabhoomi Case and called the desecration of Babri Masjid as the violation of Rule of Law. He also… Read More ‘Our Ram is Gandhi’s Ram, Your Ram is Nathuram.’ John Brittas’ fiery speech in Parliament 

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