Category Archives: Politics
Democracy, transparency, human rights? – No thanks, we are FIFA.
Although I live in England, I am actually not sad about this country missing out on the opportunity to host another Football World Cup. Living in London, I am already annoyed with the daily dose of tourists, and I am … Continue reading
WikiLeaks and Israel
When WikiLeaks announced last week that it would release hitherto secret communication between the US State Department and US embassies around the world, the levels of curiosity and anxiety were equally high. Overall though, the revelations might have bruised some … Continue reading
Volksverhetzung von oben
Durch das Leben in einer weltoffenen und multikulturellen Stadt wie London bin ich vielleicht etwas verwöhnt was den Umgang mit Minderheiten angeht, aber was ich diese Woche aus meiner deutschen Heimat vernehmen mußte, machte mich wirklich fassungslos: Berlins Innensenator Ehrhart … Continue reading
German minister incites racism.
Maybe I have gotten spoilt regarding respect for minorities and other cultures since moving to London, probably Europe’s most multi-cultural city. But what I heard this week from a German minister about some ethnic minorities was shocking even by German … Continue reading
Engagement of Prince William and Kate Middleton
Isn’t it obvious that Prince William had been waiting with his engagement to Kate Middleton until the United Kingdom’s Supreme Court ruled that prenuptial agreements are now also recognised by English courts? Smart guy.
Die Pogromnacht und das Leid der Palästinenser
Beim Gedenken an die Opfer der anti-jüdischen Pogromnacht vom 9. November 1938 konnte sich ein Redner, Alfred Grosser, die Forderung nach der Anerkennung des Leids der Palästinenser nicht verkneifen: Man könne von keinem Palästinenser verlangen, “daß er die Schrecken der Attentate versteht, … Continue reading
Update: UNESCO World Philosophy Day in Iran cancelled
I had already commented about UNESCO’s decision to hold this year’s World Philosophy Congress in Iran and about how Iran thanked UNESCO for this. Apparently, the worldwide protest against UNESCO that ensued has had quite some effect: UNESCO has now … Continue reading
Election Boycott – What is it good for?
If this headline reminds you of the 1970 song “War” by Edwin Starr, then you already have your answer: “Absolutely nothing!” In pseudo-democratic to openly oppressive countries around the world, opposition parties and candidates regularly face a tough choice: Should … Continue reading
Al-Qaeda 2.0: DIY Terror
Remember Al-Qaeda? They used to scare us a bit by hijacking planes and blowing themselves up. With their nasty activities, they have caused us quite some trouble. Recently however, they seem to have experienced some problems of their own. Recruits … Continue reading