The Misnomer Continues

The Misnomer Continues Author: Peter Krupa Originally Published at Peace and Conflict Monitor on 08/18/2005 It could have been a step in the right direction, but it turned out to be just an accidental head-fake. In late July, Rumsfeld and other Bush administration officials ditched the “Global War on Terror” in favor of the more […]

Military Escalation Will Harm Afghan People, US Interests

“I know that Obama’s election has brought great hopes to peace-loving people in the United States. But for Afghans, Obama’s military buildup will only bring more suffering and death to innocent civilians…”

— Afghan parliamentarian Malalai Joya

Politics of the Absurd: Sarah Palin and the mindset for war

Pandora Hopkins reflects on the adsurdity of the 2008 US elections, offering some insight into the archetypal “warrior” and “clanmom” figures of John McCain and Sarah Palin. Hopkins writes: “My hope is that, by using a folkloric perspective—by examining the tales told by and about Sarah Palin and John McCain (stock figures in this drama)–we can begin to find ways to promote the hope that Obama has inspired—and the satirical energy that Sarah Palin
engendered.”

Rods from who?

A recent U.S. Air Force proposal suggests militarizing space. But why even consider opening up this can of giant, planet-orbiting, laser-firing worms?

Track-II Diplomacy in Barbados, Nigeria and Egypt

An interview with Dr. Linda M. Johnston, Associate Professor of Conflict Management, Kennesaw State University, Georgia on the role of mediation and Track-II diplomacy in resolving conflicts in Barbados, the Niger Delta in Nigeria and in US-Egypt relationship

March for Women’s Lives

George W. Bush didn’t seek office hoping to launch a new wave of the women’s movement. But the president of the United States has angered so many girls and women that he has helped mobilize a national march in the United States to protect women’s rights, the most large and diverse call for protecting women’s rights the US has probably ever seen.

Peace in the 21st Century: Prospects and Prescriptions

It is increasingly recognized that if civilized society is to contain and defeat international terrorism, we must confront the threat in two related and mutually reinforcing ways. We must maintain adequate levels of military security and take strong, direct action, including military action where necessary, to confront and eradicate terrorism. This is the principal focus of international deliberation and action at the present time. But this is not enough. We must also, through international and national action, and through the efforts of civil society, work together to address the underlying injustices, frustrations and failures that give rise to the hatred and intolerance which drive violence, terrorism and conflict and provide the environment in which they can fester.

The Kosovo Question

Elsa Cubero presents a synthesis of National perspectives on Kosovo’s recent declaration of independence through an analysis of major news sources from around the world.

Uzbek Bloody Friday

When Uzbek soldiers fired on protestors this past May, it drew international attention from media groups, NGOs and governments around the globe. The incident, however, was only the latest of what has been a pattern of violence and oppression by Islam Karimov’s totalitarian regime. Meanwhile, as the incident has cooled relations with the US and Europe, China and Russia are approving of Karimov’s use of violence.

War Anniversaries: it’s all going so well, isn’t it?

War Anniversaries: it’s all going so well, isn’t it? Author: Jan Oberg and Annette Schiffmann Originally Published at Peace and Conflict Monitor on 03/20/2009 March 20 marks the 6th anniversary of the US-led invasion and ongoing occupation of Iraq – coming upon 12 years of the most cruel sanctions history has witnessed. About 2 million […]