Category Archives: Politics
Research at the BBC
The BBC ran a report about Syria, Amnesty International and the United Nations Security Council. Next to the Syrian flag and the logo of Amnesty International was what was supposed to be the logo of the United Nations Security Council. … Continue reading
British Cinemas show Special Film for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee
For the upcoming 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s ascension to the throne, cinemas throughout Britain are showing a special film dedicated to this unelected monarch: the film with the surprisingly honest title “The Dictator” is in theatres throughout the country now. … Continue reading
Not such a “foreign court”
British politicians, especially from the Conservative Party, tend to call the European Court of Human Rights a “foreign court”. Prime Minister David Cameron just did so again in the debate about prisoners’ voting rights: “This should be a matter for Parliament … Continue reading
Women and Children First
“Women and children first” as practised around the world: “Women and children first” as practised by President Bashar al-Assad of Syria: (Zur deutschsprachigen Version dieses Artikels: Frauen und Kinder zuerst.)
London Olympics vs. Human Rights
We have become accustomed to undemocratic countries being awarded Football World Cups or to European Football Championships being held in countries like Ukraine with less than optimal respect for human rights. (Although Ukraine at least has the hottest political protesters … Continue reading
Equality versus Sufficiency
The second paper in my second-year module Contemporary Social and Political Philosophy as part of my MA in Philosophy had to discuss the conflict between egalitarianism and the sufficiency criterion. Here are my thoughts on this, as always confined by the strict limit of … Continue reading
No review of “The Dictator”
I liked Sascha Baron Cohen as “Borat“ and as “Ali G”, his Günter-Wallraff-like fake identities. With both characters, Cohen was able to reveal a lot about those around him because they felt like they could talk more openly. Some of … Continue reading
Anti-Semitism at Easter Procession in Malta
I have already reported about the Easter procession at the Maltese town of Dingli in the light of its publicly humiliating treatment of a child with Down Syndrome. But this was not the only scandal I witnessed that evening: the … Continue reading
Malta breaking sanctions against Iran
For months, people have asked “What are you actually doing in Malta?” For months, I incessantly maintained my cover story of being a student and a tourist. At least it was a more comfortable cover story than others I had … Continue reading
The Happy Hermit 