Truthout - All Articles

South Asian Generals on US Sojourns

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 11:46:34 -0500

The American public may have paid this little attention. But three prominent South Asian generals have just completed politically significant sojourns in the United States, raising dust and debates in this part of the world.

The former Pakistan president, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, fueled at least two major debates during his 40-day lecture tour of the US from September 14. Former Bangladesh army chief Gen.

Palestinian President Abbas, Critical of Peace Process, Says Won't Seek Reelection

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 11:37:24 -0500

Jerusalem - Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas says he's made up his mind once and for all: There will be elections in January – and he will not be a candidate in them.

Mr.

World's Citizens to Politicians: Get Serious on Global Warming Now!

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 11:14:28 -0500

On September 26th, a new day dawned for global democracy.

On that date, nearly 4,000 people gathered in 38 countries spanning six continents to consider what should happen at the UN climate change negotiation this December in Copenhagen (COP15).

Rethinking Afghanistan: Alternatives to War

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 10:10:32 -0500

President Obama is reviewing the way forward in Afghanistan. His decision will define his presidency much as Vietnam defined the legacy of President Johnson's presidency in the 1960s.

At a time when so much opportunity and necessity for change is at stake from health care reform to climate change legislation, education and nuclear weapons policy and the economy, the war and its costs will trump all.

House Passes Sweeping Health Care Reform Legislation

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 03:12:03 -0500

Saturday began with a morning pep talk from President Obama during a private meeting with Democratic lawmakers on Capitol Hill and a public appeal from the presidential podium in the Rose Garden shortly thereafter.

"Rise to this moment," said Obama, who has made health care reform his top domestic priority. "Answer the call of history...finish the job."

At around 11:15 p.m. EST, more than 12 hours after they began to debate the historic $1.1 trillion health care reform bill, Democrats had

Obama Leaning Toward 34,000 More Troops for Afghanistan

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 12:59:29 -0500

Washington - President Barack Obama is nearing a decision to send more than 30,000 additional U.S. troops to Afghanistan next year, but he may not announce it until after he consults with key allies and completes a trip to Asia later this month, administration and military officials have told McClatchy.

As it now stands, the administration's plan calls for sending three Army

Tax the Traders! Make Wall Street Pay its Share With a "Tobin Tax"

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 12:59:28 -0500

"Wall Street owns the country. It is no longer a government of the people, by the people, and for the people, but a government of Wall Street, by Wall Street, and for Wall Street. Our laws are the output of a system which clothes rascals in robes and honesty in rags."

-1890 speech by Populist leader Mary Ellen Lease, thought to be the prototype for Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz

Consider these arresting facts:

NATO Air Strike Kills at Least 8 Allied Afghans

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 12:59:26 -0500

At least eight Afghans working with US forces have been killed in a Nato air strike in north-western Afghanistan, the defence ministry in Kabul says.

Nato confirms an air strike was ordered and is investigating whether it was the cause of the deaths on Friday.

It was launched as US and Afghan forces reportedly came under insurgent attack during search operations in Badghis province for two missing US soldiers.

US Seeks to Limit Warlords in Karzai Cabinet

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 12:54:36 -0500

Washington - The Barack Obama administration is talking tough to Afghan President Hamid Karzai about the need for decisive action on corruption and governance reform, but its main objective is to prevent particularly corrupt and incompetent warlords from getting plum ministries as rewards for helping clinch his fraudulent reelection, IPS has learned.

Low-Power Radio and What the Media Won't Tell You About the Media

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 12:52:16 -0500

There's a classic problem for progressives who want to change the media: the media doesn't like to cover itself. Especially not when it comes to issues that challenge the status quo of corporate control. It's like turning to the military for news about the peace movement, or asking Big Oil to report on climate change legislation.