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Changing mores on religion and gender in Bangladesh
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Published on :
Tuesday, August 31, 2010 |
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Bangladesh is not liberal in its social mores.The struggle for gender rights in Bangladesh is not over. But the attempt to achieve them has led to social resiliency against religious fanaticism. In Bangladesh,the high court declares fatwas illegaland ruled that no woman cann be forced to wear burqas at work or schhool, writes K Anis Ahmed in Mint. |
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The Possible Prosecution of WikiLeaks
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Published on :
Wednesday, August 25, 2010 |
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The United States justice department is contemplating the prosecution of Julian Assange, the founder of wikileaks which published classified documents from governments. This might be to prevent him from making a set of documents on war in Afghanistan public. Excessive Government secrecy is not good.Why should Government prosecute third-party, non-governmental organizations?, writes Ivan Elands in The Independent Institute Newsroom. |
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Histrionics Over the Mosque: Symbolism Crowds Out Reality
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Published on :
Wednesday, August 18, 2010 |
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The American media is usually unable to make sense of symbolism, though it focuses on it. The latest instance of such ignorance is the controversy over the ground zero mosque. The liberal media allowed the conservatives to shreik that this is an issue of callousness and insensitivity. Even if it is insensitive, the conservatives won't have any point. Moreover, the prevention of it will radicalize moderate Muslims all over the world, writes Ivan Eland in The Independent Institute Newsroom. |
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Two cheers for American tolerance
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Published on :
Thursday, August 12, 2010 |
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The mosque controversy shows that America manages its hatreds better than any other country. In India, a Sikh gurudwara could not be erected next to Gandhi's residence, where she was assassinated, against the will of the majority Hindu population. America is more tolerant than any nation and if other countries caught up to this tolerant attitude, it would be a huge leap for mankind, writes Shikha Sood Dalmia in Forbes. |
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Sri Lanka: Freedom of Expression on the Internet not so secure, CPA study
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Published on :
Monday, August 02, 2010 |
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The freedom of expression on the web and Internet in Sri Lanka is in threat, in the post war period.Several online journalists and bloggers were attacked, censured and were under surveillance. The problem is not just with Sri Lanka. It is a
challenge all over the world, says a Press Release of The Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA). |
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Being gay is also a human right
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Published on :
Friday, July 09, 2010 |
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Lesbianism wasn't outlawed in Victorian England only because the Queen was unable to imagine a sexual relatonship between woman and woman. The law against homosexuality in England was repealed in 1960. Even the Thatcher Government made propogation of homosexuality using public funds illegal.Recently, two asylum seekers were in threat as of their sexuality, writes Farrukh Dhondy in DNA. |
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Strange fatwas
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Published on :
Sunday, June 06, 2010 |
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Some of the fatwas issued by Darul Uloom Deoband, India's respected Islamic seminary makes little sense in the present world. Fatwas were even issued against muslim women working in offices were men were working. Morals are subjective. We should tolerate dissenting opinions, writes Soli j sorabjee in The Indian Express. |
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My mean pleasures and the Facebook
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Published on :
Thursday, May 27, 2010 |
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I have always reported wrong behaviour to authority figures-As far as I can remember. As a result, I was called a watch-dog. I liked the name. when I grew up, the habit grew with me. I became a well known watch dog. I became known to all people. I feel deep satisfaction in the fact that Facebook is banned.Everything we don't like should be banned, writes Dr. Khalil Ahmad in Pakistan Observer. |
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A Culture Of Tolerance
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Published on :
Sunday, May 23, 2010 |
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The Freedom of the press is a myth in India. Cruel treatment is meted out to dissenting thinkers, artists and journalists.People are unable to tolerate ideas which threaten their sensibilities.Education and the legal system has a huge role to play in this issue, writes Soli J. Sorabjee in The Indian Express. |
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Faith versus free speech
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Published on :
Saturday, May 22, 2010 |
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Enemies of free speech have always targeted creative individuals to force their world view on people who don't share it. Their protests have become more violent from Rushdie onwards. People shouldn't have the right to impose what they think on people who don't share that opinion. Even in Pakistan, the media was brave enough to oppose bans, writes Devangshu Datta in Business Standard. |
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