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Making a Profit Out of The Food Crisis: From A Brave New World Bank to Monsanto

Sam Urquhart July 17, 2008 Sam Urquhart

Anti-Hunger Protest in Haiti

In early June, the battle over the world's food supply moved to Rome where the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) held an international summit to discuss rising food prices, climate change and biofuels cultivation. There was much coverage of the summit in the world's media, often focusing on the high profile appearance of Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe or the Iranian president Mahmud Ahmedinejad, yet few commentators looked into the rotten heart of the exercise.

The Mediterranean-Black Sea Union: The Ship Sets Sail

Rene Wadlow July 16, 2008 Rene Wadlow

On July 13, in the Grand Palais, an ornate meeting hall built for the 1900 World's Fair in Paris, the Mediterranean-Black Sea Union ship was set to sea with many good wishes from the assembled 44 heads of State or Government. How sea worthy the ship is and what it will carry is too soon to tell.

Prejudice and Provocation at Budapest’s Gay Pride Parade

John Horvath July 15, 2008 John Horvath

At Budapest's Gay Pride Parade

For a second year running, the Budapest July 5th gay pride parade was marred by violence as protesters against the parade threw eggs, tomatoes, and even bottles at participants. This happened in spite of a heavy police presence; there were about two police officers for each parade participant. Protesters then clashed with police pelting them with rocks and even Molotov cocktails. The police, in turn, responded with water cannon and tear gas.

The Bipartisan Road to War in Iran and The Activist Response

Jeff Nall July 14, 2008 Jeff Nall

More than 100 House Democrats have joined 117 House Republicans in co-sponsoring a bill which peace activists fear may further pave the road to war with Iran. The Bill, House Concurrent Resolution 362, describes Iran as a threat to international peace, stability in the Middle East, and US National Security. Introduced on May 22 by New York Democrat Gary Ackerman, the bill calls for an affective blockade against Iran, which, according to international law, is an act of aggression.

India: Gay Pride Parade Mobilizes Against Discrimination

Sammy Loren July 10, 2008 Sammy Loren

Rainbow Pride Parade

As the locals of Calcutta, India began relaxing over tea on a humid Sunday afternoon, supporters of the city's sexual minorities, including lesbians, bisexuals, gays, transgender, Hijras (eunuchs), and heterosexuals took to the streets for a Rainbow Pride Parade. Much of India is still deeply conservative. Indeed, homosexuality in the Indian subcontinent is illegal.

Inside Africa’s PlayStation War

John Lasker July 8, 2008 John Lasker

Children Mining Coltan in Congo

In the rugged volcanic mountains of the Congo the conflict known as Africa's World War continues to smolder after ten grueling years. The conflict earned its name because at the height of the war eight African nations and over 25 militias were in the combatant mix. But more recently the conflict was given another name: The PlayStation War. The name came about because of a black metallic ore called coltan, which is used to make cell phones, laptops and other electronics made by SONY. Extensive evidence shows that during the war hundreds of millions of dollars worth of coltan was stolen from the Democratic Republic of Congo.