Story Archives - Page 498 of 661

Indonesia: Protests at United Nations Climate Convention

Global Justice Ecology Project December 12, 2007 Global Justice Ecology Project

Photo: Langelle/ GJEP

On December 11th, a very diverse group of non-governmental organizations, indigenous peoples organizations and social movements staged a protest outside of a press conference where World Bank President and former US Trade Representative Robert Zoellick announced the launch of the World Bank's Forest Carbon Partnership Facility. "This Facility is merely the World Bank up to their old tricks," stated Anne Petermann, Co-Director of Global Justice Ecology Project.

Independent Media and Objectivity: An Interview with Robert Jensen

Jeff Nall December 12, 2007 Jeff Nall

Robert Jensen

When independent journalists step beyond the corporate media's code of courtly niceties in dealing with government policy and officials, they are often saddled with the label of 'advocacy journalism.' Meanwhile, the incestuous relationships between mainstream journalists and policy makers escape popular scrutiny. Recently I spoke Robert Jensen, a professor of journalism at the University of Texas at Austin, about the value of independent media, and the question of objectivity in mainstream and independent news.

Ecuador Declines US, Offers Manta Air Base to China

April Howard December 12, 2007 April Howard

US Planes at Manta

When the U.S. Air Force Southern Command's 10-year usage rights for Ecuador's Manta air base expire in 2009, they can expect to be evicted in favor of

China

. The air base shares a common runway with Manta's Eloy Alfaro International Airport terminal, but the air base has a separate office for cargo, while the airport handles passengers. About 475 US military personnel are stationed at the air base under a under a 10-year agreement signed with Quito in November 1999 and due to expire in 24 months.

Iraq and Climate Change

Michael T. Klare December 11, 2007 Michael T. Klare

Michael Klare

When our grandchildren and more distant descendants assemble in such classrooms as may be available and ask their teachers, "Why did our ancestors not take effective action to prevent the catastrophic effects of climate change?" one of the answers will surely be, "The war in Iraq."

Tibetan Freedom Struggle: Refugee School Points to Future

Sammy Loren December 5, 2007 Sammy Loren

The first sign that welcomes visitors reads, "Caution: Children at Play." Back in the West, a sign of this sort wouldn't even cock an eyebrow, but up in the Himalayas, it stopped me dead in my tracks. Indian street life is defined by chaos. Clogged with cars and cows, lepers and beggars, roads are forged like white water rapids, not splashed in like puddles. Yet, I'm visiting the Tibetan Children's Village, a residential school for underprivileged Tibetan refugees.

A History of Infamy: US Military Tactics From Vietnam to Iraq

Al Huebner December 5, 2007 Al Huebner

National Public Radio recently reported on one of the latest gadgets developed by DARPA, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. Described as a non-lethal weapon, it concentrates microwaves and can reach a target as far away as 500 yards, causing the victim to retreat. One of the scientists involved in its development, noted that it operated by heating water molecules just under the skin, causing pain. In short, this non-lethal weapon functions like a microwave oven. Yet the report was remarkably free of important details. For example, what happens if the device strikes a target at a distance appreciably less than 500 yards?