By Jeremy Kuzmarov Let’s hope there are more Vasily Arkhipovs out there today — we need them now more than ever On October 27, 1962, Soviet naval officer Vasily Arkhipov helped prevent the outbreak of World War III and saved humanity from nuclear catastrophe. A minesweeper during the Pacific War, Arkhipov was the commander of a diesel submarine that had … [Read more...] about You Should Thank this Russian Naval Officer that You and Your Loved Ones Are Alive Today
Focus on Pages
The "Focus On" section provides in-depth information and opinion on many facets of sustainability. (Although these topics may appear quite distinct and separate, it’s important to remember that they are interconnected and interdependent in multiple ways — in general, the 4 basic principles of ecology apply to all complex systems.)
When you select a Focus On… topic, the system will select all the articles and posts in that category with the most recent pages at the top, just under a brief introduction to the topic. (Many articles appear in multiple categories.)
Background & detail information is organized into the main categories listed in the left sidebar.
World Affairs | War & Peace
Notes from the Editor
The denial of the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination is arguably the very heart of the injustice in Palestine. Most north Americans are unaware that Article 55 of the Charter of the UN recognized this right in the aftermath of World War Two. It states in part: “With a view to the creation of conditions of stability and well-being which are necessary for … [Read more...] about Notes from the Editor
Hair in the game…
By Raymond Nat Turner Stench of burning burkas accompanying rhythms of swishing scissors shearing sable curls, wavy brown manes, straight tresses salt and pepper, And locks of sundry shades of grey and white. Harmonizing with soprano shouts of “Death To The Dictator!” morphing from cries for Equal rights exploding in Red Sea streets… Iranians … [Read more...] about Hair in the game…
Forever Young: Staughton Lynd
Editor's Note: Staughton Lynd died on November 17, 2022. We mourn his loss. The piece below was penned in 2015 when he was 86-years-old and therefore was not written in memory of him. Nevertheless, we found it useful for commemorating his extraordinary life. Staughton Lynd, Presente. By Andy Piascik Suddenly Staughton Lynd is all the rage. Again. In the last several … [Read more...] about Forever Young: Staughton Lynd
Faramarz Farbod interviews Ervand Abrahamianon Protests in Iran
FaramarzFarbod: Ervand, I wanted to get your view on the current social movement in Iran known as “Zan, Zendegi, Azadi” in Farsi, which translates into “Women, Life, Freedom.” We are into 4 months of this protest movement. More than 500 people have been killed, apparently. The state has executed four persons. Another at least 14 or so are apparently on a list … [Read more...] about Faramarz Farbod interviews Ervand Abrahamianon Protests in Iran
Climate Collateral
How military spending accelerates climate breakdown By Mark Akkerman, Deborah Burton, Nick Buxton, Ho-Chih Lin, Muhammed Al-Kashef, Wendela de Vries As the world’s climate negotiators gather for their annual summit (COP27) in Egypt, military spending is unlikely to be on the official agenda. Yet, as this report shows, military spending and arms sales have a deep and … [Read more...] about Climate Collateral
Christians as Dangerous Good Samaritans
By Gary Olson Lately, I’ve been musing about religion and politics. And more specifically, the thought that keeps recurring to me is the following: Is the idea of born agains and other Christians becoming political radicals, a far-fetched one? Or, should the question be, how could they not become politically radical Christians? One sees frequent references to the … [Read more...] about Christians as Dangerous Good Samaritans
Can The Left Disagree Without Being Disagreeable?
By Vijay Prashad I have been a reporter for thirty years. During this period, I have been to many former war zones and to active war zones, including in Iraq, Libya, and Syria. I have seen things that I wish I had not seen and that I wish had not been seen by anyone, let alone experienced by anyone. The thing about war zones that is often not talked about is the noise: … [Read more...] about Can The Left Disagree Without Being Disagreeable?
Becoming a Jew Without Borders
Joel Beinin I grew up in an intensely Jewish but secularist and Zionist family for whom Jewish identity and survival were central concerns. In the foreground of my earliest memories of thinking about my identity is a profound feeling of not belonging in America because of my Jewish commitments. Perhaps my sense of difference began because until I was four my parents and I … [Read more...] about Becoming a Jew Without Borders
Arab American & Palestinian American Leaders Meet With US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken
On January 27, 2023, Arab-Americans, including Palestinian American leaders, met with Secretary of State Antony Blinken upon his invitation to discuss his upcoming trip to the Middle East on January 29, which will include stops in Egypt, Israel, and Palestine. The discussion focused on the secretary’s agenda for his trip to the region, which has been upstaged by the recent … [Read more...] about Arab American & Palestinian American Leaders Meet With US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken