Category: Broader foreign policy
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Rejecting “Us versus Them” in the Aftermath of Paris
The day after the attacks on Paris, I had a spaghetti dinner in Prenzlauerberg (a neighborhood in the former East Berlin) with a German man I am just getting to know. We talked about our concerns that these deaths would lead to more escalation in political violence, especially actions by the U.S. and member states…
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Iran: Where the story starts matters
I got to hear a great piece about Iran on WNYC yesterday: Robin Wright gave an insightful interview on what the approaching inauguration of the new Iranian president could mean for U.S.-Iran relations, especially given that the U.S. House has voted to yet again renew and deepen economic sanctions against Iran. Wright mentions that the relationship…
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No one Should Kill or Die for my Smartphone
Even though I have a fair amount of gadgets (MacBook Pro, G1 smartphone, Lumix camera, Flip, the list goes on…), I have not done a great job tracking the impact of buying and using them. Well, it’s time for me to make sure that my enjoyment of these things doesn’t cost other people their lives.…
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Taking Action in Support of People in Gaza
The attack of the flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza has brought attention to the crisis there. Some useful links: Democracy Now has, as usual, great reporting, including interviews with people who were on the ship. Avaaz has set up a page for people to sign a petition to the UN calling for an international…
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Another Portland-Iran Solidarity Rally Tuesday
Got this from Gabi’s blog: Local folks are calling for another vigil in solidarity with the people of Iran. This vigil will be Tuesday, June 23 at 7 PM in Pioneer Courthouse Square. Thanks also, Gabi, for posting this LA Times article about the death of Neda Agha-Soltan, who was killed on the street in…
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Portland in Solidarity with People of Iran
I made it to the candlelight vigil in solidarity with the people of Iran at PSU last night. There were over 300 people there to show their support, and people observed a moment of silence for those who had been killed by “security forces” in Tehran. I got my “We are all Iranians” button and…