Transforming a university conflict into a student development platform
In this article, Shahbaz Israr Khan tells the story of how the student council of Gomal University was formed to mediate a conflict between two student societies, and eventually became a way for students to break down the barriers between them and play a meaningful role in the administration of the university.
The fallacy of armed intervention and the tragedy of violence
Andres Jimenez discusses the ongoing violence in Syria and the fallacy of conflict resolution through further violence. Jimenez argues that the increasing participation of regional and international powers makes Syria a focal point of larger conflicting interests, frustrating peace efforts; rather, the role of the international community should be to support the Syrian people themselves and Syrian civil society as they struggle to reach an acceptable socio-political settlement – ideally through nonviolent means.
The end of war and the promise of peacebuilding
Bob Baskin, president of the peace alliance, comments on Obama’s recent speech calling for an end to the US’ current state of “perpetual war” against terrorism in favour of limited and specific military campaigns. Baskin welcomes the change in tone from the US administration, and argues that it should go further by stregthening institutional mechanisms for peacebuilding within the US and addressing the root causes of terrorism through positive engagement in the international community.
War on terrorism versus civil liberties of individuals: An analysis of the Malaysian Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012
This article, written during the author’s internship with the Malaysian Human Rights Commission, presents an analysis of the Malaysian “Special Measures” Act (2012), which compromises the civil liberties of individuals, through such powers as identifying anonymous authors on the Internet and intercepting personal communications, in an effort to ensure the security of the state against terrorist acts.
Voices from the Narmada River
Leon Mach shares his reflections after a study tour of the Narmada River Valley with Medha Patkar, a community organizer and tireless advocate of “people oriented development”, illustrated by the beautiful photography of Kelsea Schumacher.
Tags: Medha Patkar, Narma River, conservation, development, community, justice, livelihoods, ecosystem services, Sardar Sarovar Dam, globalization.
Afghanistan after the US withdrawl
This paper analyses the role of Afghanistan’s regional neighbours in securing it’s recovery and stability, as well as the wider implications of America’s strategic policies in the region. Will things fall apart or hold together in Afghanistan after December 2014?
A Reminder of the Costs of the Iraq War and the War on Terror
As tensions escalate again in Iraq and the United States considers further involvement, Andrew Syrios recommends that the American people take a moment to acknowledge the significant costs that the “War on Terror” has already incurred.
Localities of Peace Building: Grassroots Peacebuilding between Sri Lankan Tamils and Sinhalese People
This paper is about three local peacebuilding initiatives in Sri Lanka, each focused on the personal or community level, where many Tamil and Sinhalese people share bonds of friendship and family, as well as a common love for good tea, good food, and good drama. Amarathunga uses these case studies to make a deeper point about the nature of knowledge and truth, and about the importance of local peacebuilding initiatives at the community level, rather than political or military settlement.
Kirkuk Conflict: The Underlying Energy Dimension
This paper offers a different perspective on the conflict within Kirkuk Governorate vis-à-vis the commonly held view of it being principally an ethno-national conflict based on territorial claims of Kurdish nationalism. The foundation of this analysis is the recognition that the local politics of the energy rich Kirkuk region are increasingly connected with the national and regional energy geopolitics, which are responsible for many of the defining characteristics of the conflict today. After reviewing the positions and interests of various stakeholders, this paper lays out certain recommendations that can be considered by relevant parties in resolving the conflict.
Japan weakens its commitment to constitutional pacifism
The Japanese government’s recent reinterpretation of the constitution without the full participation of the people, jeopardizes the peace that japan has enjoyed for the past 60 years and raises regional tensions. Historian and peace scholar Takuo Namisashi comments.