The lies of others by Heinrich Leitner, 11/8/2024

The lies of others Western countries are very capable of recognizing war propaganda—but only when it comes from the “enemy” camp. Sir Arthur Ponsonby established the guiding principles of war propaganda in 1928, looking back on the catastrophe of World War I. His analysis was self–critical and aimed at British …

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The unfinished democacy

The unfinished democracy In theory, power in representative democracies comes from the people — in practice, it often amounts to elite rule with little or no input from citizens. It’s time to consider alternatives. Part 1 of 2. In a democracy, “we” are supposedly the sovereign power. So why doesn’t …

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Capitalism is not what you think it is by Grace Blakeley, June 2025

Capitalism is not what you think it is Grace Blakeley, June 2025 https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2025/06/29/18877697.php The freedom of the free market has never been particularly great… Instead of living in the freedom promised by free markets, we live in a global world consisting of a few large corporations, financial institutions, states, and …

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Letters to the editor on International Law

Letters to the editor on “I never want to hear the words ‘international law’ again” [These letters posted on June 27, 2025 are translated from the German on the Internet, https://www.nachdenkseiten.de/?p=135189.] Jens Berger points out in this commentary the “double standards in their most bizarre form” in dealing with international …

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Attacks on Iran and International Law

https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2025/06/29/18877684.php Under international law, states are fundamentally obliged to treat each other peacefully. The legal basis for this can be found in the Charter of the United Nations (UN). UN members may not simply attack other UN members militarily. There is only one exception to this prohibition of force: the …

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A different history of humanity by Felix Feistel, 6/25

A different history of humanity David Graeber’s last work offers an interesting look at human history, which seems to have unfolded in a completely different way than is generally believed. The history of humanity usually follows a linear narrative. From small hordes of hunters and gatherers, human societies have inevitably …

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“It’s about interests, not morality!” by Stephan Wohanka, 6/16

“It’s about interests, not morality!” He is the only one who can protect Israel, says Benjamin Netanyahu. But isn’t he protecting himself above all else? The prime minister is on trial for corruption and abuse of office, and the domestic intelligence service is investigating him for breach of confidentiality. Netanyahu …

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The foolish rulers by Heinz J. Bontrup, 6/16

The foolish rulers by Heinz J.Bontrup, 6/16 https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2025/06/27/18877626.php “Imagine what will happen when the war comes and no one goes” (Carl Sandburg). When will the peoples of the world finally rise up against the folly of their rulers? This question applies not only to totalitarian systems, but also to the …

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The country that can do anything by Wolf Wetzel, 6/17

The country that can do anything Israel is plunging into a war with Iran under flimsy pretexts, and its Western allies are guilty of complicity. “We condemn in the strongest possible terms Iran’s indiscriminate attack on Israeli territory.” This was the statement made by Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul a few …

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The Israeli right-wing government attacks Iran

https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2025/06/26/18877592.php The humanitarian situation there is contrary to international law, with Israel refusing to allow aid supplies to enter for months. The current strike against Iran can be seen as an attempt to complete or at least advance a reorganization of the Middle East in Israel’s interests. The Israeli right-wing …

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