Blog
Fear Still Stalks Religious Minorities
In the words of activist Harsh Mander, a prominent target of the regime, the “election results of 2024 have not erased the dangers of fascism. The cadres of the Hindu Right remain powerful and motivated.”
The Collapse of Zionism
More than 120 years since its inception, could the Zionist project in Palestine – the idea of imposing a Jewish state on an Arab, Muslim and Middle Eastern country – be facing the prospect of collapse?
The Anti-War Left Makes Inroads in Israel
Omdim be’Yachad-Naqef Ma’an, or Standing Together, is a Jewish-Arab social movement in Israel that organises against racism and occupation, and for equality and social justice. Federico Fuentes interviews Standing Together’s national field organiser, Uri Weltmann.
Increasing Number of US Military Personnel Protesting Against Gaza War – 2 Articles
‘Current and Former U.S. Military Personnel Build a Movement for Palestine Within Their Ranks’; ‘US Air Force Engineer Resigns as Dissent Against Gaza War Slowly Spreads Within Military’.
The RSS and Modi – Two Articles
‘The RSS Sends a Message’: Sangh Parivar’s comments on party strategy and leadership qualities hint at a change in power balance within the BJP and in its equation with the RSS. Also: ‘The RSS Supremo’s Outbursts, a Denial By “Sources” and the History’.
The Changing Face of Dalit Politics
The rise in social mobility among Dalits and disenchantment with the status quo has led to a shift in Dalit politics. Opposition parties have been the beneficiaries of Mayawati’s marginalisation. Contrary to popular belief, Dalit consciousness is robust, radical, and committed to social justice values.
Colonial Reality of India’s Criminal Laws Remains Despite the New Hindi Names
The argument that we are in the process of decolonizing laws is a bogus one and it reveals our hypocrisies more than anything else.
Medha Begins Indefinite Fast, Seeks ‘Fair Compensation’ for 16,000 Narmada Dam Oustees
The 15th of June marked the beginning of an indefinite fast by Medha Patkar, for justice in the Narmada valley. The demands from this fast include rehabilitation of all the remaining project affected as per the laws, policies, and Supreme Court orders.
Swanky Buildings and ‘Net Zero’ Academics Is Modi’s Model for Nalanda University
There are not many who are willing to enrol at the university and pay the fees.
Indian Railways: Derailed Priorities – 2 Articles
‘Derailed Priorities: Has the Investments in Our Safety in the Indian Railways Been Compromised?’; ‘Why the Indian Railways Changed Course – and How It Can Get Back on Track’.
Millions Waiting: One Exam for the Promised Jobs
In 2020, PM Narendra Modi promised a common eligibility exam to hire young Indians for jobs in the Union government. Four years later, the youth are still waiting.
India’s Gig Workers Remain Undocumented, Unprotected
There are only estimates of India’s gig workforce, and this lack of data is one of the reasons why gig workers are largely bereft of social security in a little-regulated gig sector, say experts.
Girish Karnad on the Campaign to Communalise Ayodhya
Girish Karnad: “Communalism was the one issue which made me feel that if I didn’t actively fight it I would still be making a political statement. I felt I had to take a stand.”
How did Agricultural Output Change Under the Modi Government?
The recently released report from the MoSPI provides some estimates of how the value of agricultural output has changed since 2011-12. The broad national picture of both agricultural output and specifically crop output should be worrying for anyone concerned with the Indian economy and the fate of its people.
From Resistance to Representation: The Journey of Women’s Reservation in Nagaland
The recent passage of The Nagaland Municipal Bill, 2023 in Nagaland, which provides 33% reservation for women in Urban Local Governments, signifies a substantial shift in gender perspectives in the state.
Lifting the Veil: Women’s Rights Under Islamic Law
This paper attempts to examine the following questions. Does Islam provide for gender equality? To what extent this equality of sexes is found in practice in Islamic societies? Are there any deviations from the scriptural precepts of gender equality? What reformative measures have been undertaken in Muslim countries to improve the status of women by enacting laws?
At the Edge of Apocalypse
Biblical flooding, scorching heat, collapsing grid system, animals crumbling, waters rising, crops wilting, economy on the brink, and millions displaced. Welcome to the future of climate change… Pakistan.
Break the Silence, Free Congo
François Kamate, a young climate and human rights defender from Democratic Republic of Congo, speaks on the current security, humanitarian, and ecological crises in the DRC.
Transforming Mexico
The emerging social order in Mexico – based on rising living standards and stronger social welfare – is the result of AMLO’s state-led nationalist-developmentalist capitalism. Sheinbaum has now received a major mandate to consolidate it.
Two Elections, Two Outcomes: Prospects for Human Rights in Guatemala and El Salvador
On January 15, 2024, Bernardo Arévalo was sworn in as President of Guatemala. A month later, President Nayib Bukele was unconstitutionally re-elected to a second term in El Salvador. What will the future of these two presidencies look like for human rights defenders?
The Emerging Multipolar World – 2 Articles
‘The Multipolar World Belongs to the People, Not to the Masters’; ‘The Perils and Promise of the Emerging Multipolar World’: The world economy is experiencing a deep process of economic convergence, according to which regions that once lagged the West in industrialization are now making up for lost time.
Why Won’t the US Help Negotiate a Peaceful End to the War in Ukraine?
For the fifth time since 2008, Russia has proposed to negotiate with the U.S. over security arrangements, this time in proposals made by President Vladimir Putin on June 14, 2024. Four previous times, the U.S. rejected the offer of negotiations, endangering the whole world. After all the warmongering, it’s time for Biden to open negotiations for peace with Russia.
The New Popular Front Against the Fascist Threat in France
France is experiencing the most critical days in its post-war history. In the second round of its forthcoming elections, only two factions will face each other: the fascist far-right Le Pen’s National Rally; versus, the New Popular Front, which brings together in its ranks all the nuances of the French left.
Pioneers for Communism: Strive to Be Like Che
The French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre once called Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara the “most complete human being of our age.”
The Dream of a Thing: Refounding the Economy of a Venezuelan Commune
In a vividly drawn account of El Maizal Commune, the author provides readers with a window into the inner workings of a community refounded with an eye toward building a new “alternative communal economy.” The task is not only revolutionary, but liberating and creative. Also: ‘Maduro Appoints El Maizal’s Ángel Prado Minister of Communes’.
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