S T A Y I N G – T H E – C O U R S E

James Gelvin on the Kurdistan Rojava Project (cf Dilip Simeon’s Blog): James Gelvin: Turkish attack on Syria endangers a remarkable democratic experiment by the Kurds Posted: 13 Oct 2019 07:56 AM PDT Turkey’s attack on Kurdish-run territory in northern Syria will likely snuff out a radical experiment in self-government that is unlike anything I have seen in more than 30 years studying the Middle East. In a surprise Oct. 6 statement, President Donald Trump announced the U.S. would withdraw its troops from northern Syria. Approximately 1,000 American soldiers had been stationed in that region as a buffer separating Kurdish forces Read More

Posted by Dilip Simeon The Compass Posted: 03 Oct 2019 03:44 AM PDT NB: This article appeared today in the Deccan Chronicle, as part of a series commemorating Mahatma Gandhi’s 150 birth anniversary. DS   The Compass Gandhi’s life-work combined a complex of ideals, concepts and practical endeavour that could inspire millions of ordinary Indians, but also irritate many sophisticated minds. His activity pointed toward an overcoming of the binary distinctions between tradition and modernity; individual and community; faith and religion; the nation and the world; Indians and humanity; ethics and politics. It is impossible to reduce Gandhi to any Read More

Audio report in German, ARD

AFP, September 16th, 2019 With Hong Kong shaken by 100 days of huge pro-democracy protests, activists have adopted a host of creative ways to fuel their movement away from the barricades. From laser pen light shows, to flashmob singalongs and human chains, we look at some of the inventive methods embraced by a movement that shows no signs of abating. – Flashmob singalongs – Music has long played a prominent role in Hong Kong’s years of democracy rallies. The tune that received the most traction early on in this summer’s protests was the catchy Christian hymn “Sing Hallelujah to the Read More

…. have a look at this!

Cellist Yo-Yo Ma plays Bach at US-Mexico border

The musician used the performance in Laredo, Texas, to make a statement on immigration.