February 2009 - Toward Freedom

Of Blood and Gold: How Canadian Mining Companies Loot the Congo

John Lasker February 26, 2009 John Lasker

Mining in the DRC

In the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo where some analysts say a decade-long "resource war" has taken the lives of millions, a Canadian mining company has caught a fever over gold. Once again, the presence of a foreign mining company in the DRC offers a stunning example of disparity between the "have-mores" of the West and the local Congolese, who in turn seemingly have nothing but violence and struggle.

Biofuels: Promise or Threat?

Rachel Smolker and Brian Tokar February 25, 2009 Rachel Smolker and Brian Tokar

In the coming weeks, the Obama administration is expected to release its plans to address the dual problems of global climate disruption and excessive dependence on foreign oil. Meanwhile, in the background, the debate among environmentalists over biofuels and their contribution to future energy needs continues to intensify.

Mexico Unconquered: Reviewing a People’s History of Power and Revolt

Benjamin Dangl February 23, 2009 Benjamin Dangl

Carlos Slim, the second richest man in the world, calls Mexico home, as do millions of impoverished citizens. From Spanish colonization to today's state and corporate repression, Mexico Unconquered: Chronicles of Power and Revolt, by John Gibler, is written from the street barricades, against the Slims of the world, and alongside "the underdogs and rebels" of an unconquered country.

Statement of Joel Kovel Regarding His Termination by Bard College

Joel Kovel February 23, 2009 Joel Kovel

Joel Kovel holds the Alger Hiss chair in social studies at Bard College and is the author of Overcoming Zionism among other titles. He has recently been informed by the college that his contract will not be extended beyond July 1. In this statement, he argues that the termination is due to his views about Zionism.

Women’s Rights in India: Marriage at Gunpoint

Priyanka Bhardwaj February 19, 2009 Priyanka Bhardwaj

Indian Women's Rights Rally

Official statistics show that rape is the fastest growing crime in India compared to murder, robbery and kidnapping. Every 60 minutes, two women are raped in this country, according to India's National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). A total of 20,737 cases of rape were reported in 2007, registering a 7.2% increase over the previous year. Instances of forced marriage of young girls by militants are also on the rise in Indian Kashmir.

Mesmerized by Melodic Rhetoric: Where Are the Protests in the US?

Joel S. Hirschhorn February 18, 2009 Joel S. Hirschhorn

Budget Cut Protest in NY

What do we see in the US? Millions of people getting notices that they have lots their jobs, getting eviction notices, applying for bankruptcy and standing on long lines to get a shot at few jobs. Compared to rioting Europeans, Americans seem like docile, drugged out sheep herded towards the economic cliff, mesmerized by melodic rhetoric of political messiah Barack Obama.