This page lists recent changes made to this site such as new pages, or updates to existing sections. The "Find Out More" links will take you to the changes. If this jumps to the middle of a page, you can easily scroll up to understand the context of the new information a bit further.
Date of Update
Description
September 20, 2001
A new section on the past 1300-year struggle of the Middle East has been added. With kind permission, a part of chapter 14, from World's Wasted Wealth II (Institute for Economic Democracy, 1994), by J.W. Smith has been posted on this web site. This chapter includes an insight into the past 1300 years around the Middle East and all the various struggles for the control of resources in the region. While written back in 1994, it is still relevant to incidents involving the Middle East since then, as it provides important background context, which is often lacking from mainstream media reporting. Find Out More »
- Related Section(s): Middle East / Geopolitics
A Q & A on the terrorist attacks in America has been added. This Q & A is also a re-post, but this one is from ZMagazine. While written on September 17, it provides useful political analysis in the aftermath of the atrocities on September 11. Find Out More »
- Related Section(s): Middle East / Terrorist Attacks in USA / Geopolitics
Additional links on the terrorist attacks in USA have been added. Included are links to more alternative news sources, web sites that offer in-depth analysis, background context and so on. Find Out More »
- Related Section(s): Middle East / Geopolitics
September 13, 2001
A new page on the terrorist attacks in America has been added. It is still with shock and disbelief that we see the images of the destruction in New York and Washington D.C. These terrorist attacks are inexcusable and to be condemned. Thoughts must got out for the victims, their relatives and friends, and everyone else affected by these terrible crimes. At the same time, there are already concerns at the increasing anti-Arab sentiments, without distinguishing from militant fanaticism. A bit of extremism is also creeping into some media coverage. Of concern will also be the level of the expected retaliation and how it will be carried out. Links to other sites that offer analysis and coverage are provided from this page. Find Out More »
September 10, 2001
A new section on consumption and consumerism has been added. 10 new pages have been added that look at the rise of consumerism and the consumer society, the effects on children and the effects on the environment and poverty. There are many "hidden" costs of convenient items to society, the environment and individuals. Sociopolitical and economic issues of consumption affect those who consume, and those who are unable (or denied the chance) to consume as much. 80% of humanity consume just 14% of the world's resources. The roots of such disparities are inextricably linked to the roots of poverty. Luxuries have been turned into necessities in order to increase profits. There is such enormous waste in the way we consume that an incredible amount of resources is wasted as well. Yet most of that waste is structured into the system itself. Find Out More »
- Related Section(s): Causes of Poverty / Environment Issues / Geopolitics
A new page on the rise of corporations has been added. Today we know that corporations, for good or bad, are major influences on our lives. For example, of the 100 largest economies in the world, 51 are corporations while only 49 are countries. In this era of "globalization", marginalized people are becoming especially angry at the motives of multinational corporations, and corporate-led globalization is being met with increasing protest and resistance. How did corporations ever get such power in the first place? What was the impact of giving corporations the same right as individuals in 1886 in the United States? Find Out More »
- Related Section(s): Corporations / Free Trade and Globalization / Trade and Economic related issues
Global Issues
A new section on the past 1300-year struggle of the Middle East has been added. With kind permission, a part of chapter 14, from World's Wasted Wealth II (Institute for Economic Democracy, 1994), by J.W. Smith has been posted on this web site. This chapter includes an insight into the past 1300 years around the Middle East and all the various struggles for the control of resources in the region. While written back in 1994, it is still relevant to incidents involving the Middle East since then, as it provides important background context, which is often lacking from mainstream media reporting.