PiPP TV 2012-09-26 Pacific Institute of Public Policy This essay first appeared on the Pacific Institute of Public Policy’s website (www.pacificpolicy.org). Last Updated on Wednesday, 26 September 2012 05:28 This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 26th, 2012 at 5:28 pm and is filed under pipp-tv. You can follow any responses to this entry through [...]
Guest Analysis
A way forward on Pakistans blasphemy laws?
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, September 26th, 2012
A way forward on Pakistans blasphemy laws? Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Karachi, Pakistan – Pakistan has remained a strong proponent of laws against defamation, desecration or disrespect of any symbol of religious reverence. For Muslims, one integral part of the faith is demonstrating respect for religious symbols, particularly those related to [...]
Muslim Americans leading the way in social entrepreneurship
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, September 26th, 2012
Muslim Americans leading the way in social entrepreneurship Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Washington, DC – Social entrepreneurship has become a buzzword in the international development community and in activist culture in the United States and beyond. So it is a matter of pride for me, a Muslim American blogger, to highlight [...]
Libyans stand up for peace after ambassador’s death
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, September 26th, 2012
Libyans stand up for peace after ambassador’s death Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Tripoli – Friday 21 September was the UN International Day of Peace. Libyans, still reeling from the aftermath of the tragic death of US Ambassador Christopher Stevens during an attack on the US consulate in Benghazi, marked the occasion [...]
The voices of Tunisias youth are more relevant than ever
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, September 26th, 2012
The voices of Tunisias youth are more relevant than ever Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Montreal, Canada – According to the National Institute of Statistics in Tunis more than 50 per cent of Tunisias population is under the age of 30. This demographic was visible during the revolution last December and January, [...]
Pope’s visit to Lebanon shows reality of coexistence
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, September 26th, 2012
Pope’s visit to Lebanon shows reality of coexistence Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Beirut – Pope Benedict XVIs three day visit in Lebanon earlier this month carried a meaningful message of hope in troubled times. Despite international tensions, the Lebanese people united to welcome him, demonstrating their desire for successful coexistence. The [...]
Graffitti 2012-09-26
Written by Pacific Institute of Public Policy on Wednesday, September 26th, 2012
Graffitti 2012-09-26 Pacific Institute of Public Policy This essay first appeared on the Pacific Institute of Public Policy’s website (www.pacificpolicy.org). Last Updated on Wednesday, 26 September 2012 10:17 This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 26th, 2012 at 10:17 am and is filed under Grafitti. You can follow any responses to this entry through the [...]
Pacific Voices Feature
Written by Pacific Institute of Public Policy on Wednesday, September 26th, 2012
Pacific Voices Feature Pacific Institute of Public Policy This essay first appeared on the Pacific Institute of Public Policy’s website (www.pacificpolicy.org). Last Updated on Tuesday, 25 September 2012 04:26 Conversations held at the recent Australasian Law Reform Associations’ Conference in Canberra prompted a discussion as to whether institutional law reform (i.e. law reform as carried [...]
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LOCAL CONTENT, INTERNET DEVELOPMENT AND ACCESS PRICES
Written by Pacific Institute of Public Policy on Wednesday, September 26th, 2012
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LOCAL CONTENT, INTERNET DEVELOPMENT AND ACCESS PRICES Pacific Institute of Public Policy This essay first appeared on the Pacific Institute of Public Policy’s website (www.pacificpolicy.org). Last Updated on Tuesday, 25 September 2012 04:20 A 2011 report published by the Internet Society (ISOC), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the [...]
Moving the conversation forward on Muslim womens rights
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, September 19th, 2012
Moving the conversation forward on Muslim womens rights Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Kuala Lumpur – Muslim womens rights. These three words whether uttered by religious fundamentalists, progressives, politicians, activists, believers or nonreligious people in the West or the East have been debated, co-opted, claimed, defined and redefined, and are at the [...]
Social values, not religion, at the heart of Muslim protests
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, September 19th, 2012
Social values, not religion, at the heart of Muslim protests Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Washington, DC – In the past week, Muslim-Western relations have come back under the global media spotlight after widespread protests in several Middle Eastern, Asian and African countries. Most people find the video that sparked the protests, [...]
Womens rights are black and white in Iraqis photographs
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, September 19th, 2012
Womens rights are black and white in Iraqis photographs Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Washington, DC – Few things in life are black and white. For Wessam Al-Badry, however, matters concerning human rights particularly those relating to women and children leave no room for negotiation. The 28 year-old, Iraqi-born photojournalist now calls [...]
Oasis of peace in the desert brings hope to Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, September 19th, 2012
Oasis of peace in the desert brings hope to Israeli-Palestinian conflict Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Jerusalem – At first glance, Ein Prat, one of the many natural and historic sites hidden in the northern Judean Desert, looks like any other picnic site around the world. Large wooden tables and long benches [...]
Following the footsteps of Abraham in Canada
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, September 19th, 2012
Following the footsteps of Abraham in Canada Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Toronto, Canada Canada is the second Holy Land, said a Christian American visitor from Atlanta, Georgia. He was part of a group of 15 Muslim, Jewish and Christian Americans who called themselves World Pilgrims and travelled to Canada to learn [...]
Net Effects Infographic Feature
Written by Pacific Institute of Public Policy on Wednesday, September 19th, 2012
Net Effects Infographic Feature Pacific Institute of Public Policy This essay first appeared on the Pacific Institute of Public Policy’s website (www.pacificpolicy.org). Last Updated on Tuesday, 18 September 2012 05:28 PiPP is pleased to present its latest tool in understanding the state of mobile phone and internet use in Vanuatu. This infographic encapsulates the key [...]
Net Effects Infographic
Written by Pacific Institute of Public Policy on Wednesday, September 19th, 2012
Net Effects Infographic Pacific Institute of Public Policy This essay first appeared on the Pacific Institute of Public Policy’s website (www.pacificpolicy.org). Last Updated on Tuesday, 18 September 2012 03:29 This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 19th, 2012 at 6:00 am and is filed under General. You can follow any responses to this entry through [...]
9/11 anniversary marked by rejection of violence, prejudice
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, September 12th, 2012
9/11 anniversary marked by rejection of violence, prejudice Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Washington, DC The anniversary of 9/11 is a poignant occasion to reflect on why we insist on seeing people of other faiths as fundamentally “other” when there is so much that we share. While great strides have been made [...]
UK Channel 4 film controversy suggests media may be the problem, and solution, to image of Islam
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, September 12th, 2012
UK Channel 4 film controversy suggests media may be the problem, and solution, to image of Islam Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service London In August, the UKs Channel 4 broadcast the documentary “Islam: The Untold Story”. Presented by historian Tom Holland, the programme examined the issue of whether, as Muslims believe, Islam [...]
Saudi Islamic Solidarity Summit spans sectarian divisions
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, September 12th, 2012
Saudi Islamic Solidarity Summit spans sectarian divisions Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Boston Many headlines from the Middle East are depressing: escalating tensions between Sunnis and Shias, civilians wounded in the crossfire in Syria, a car bomb exploding in Iraq. Indeed, the Arab Spring, characterised by hope-filled calls for freedom, justice and [...]
Two states must start with Palestines economic liberation
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, September 12th, 2012
Two states must start with Palestines economic liberation Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service London On Monday, Palestinians demonstrated against worsening economic conditions in the West Bank, decrying spiraling costs for fuel and soaring unemployment. Amid the burning tires, protestors called for an end to unequal economic arrangements that leave the Palestinian economy [...]
World famous mother is shaking up the peacebuilding field
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, September 12th, 2012
World famous mother is shaking up the peacebuilding field Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service London On the eve of the 11th anniversary of 9/11, questions, conflicts and misunderstandings between faith groups persist. But something interesting is happening. Recently in Jerusalem, a group of serious-looking, exclusively male clergy from Islam, Christianity and Judaism [...]
NATION BUILDING & IDENTITY IN MELANESIA
Written by Pacific Institute of Public Policy on Wednesday, September 12th, 2012
NATION BUILDING & IDENTITY IN MELANESIA Pacific Regional Bodies Last Updated on Tuesday, 11 September 2012 04:37 by Erika Morishita This essay first appeared on the Pacific Institute of Public Policy’s website (www.pacificpolicy.org). Erika Morishita is a research officer with PiPP. She holds a Master degree in International Conflict Studies form King’s College London. Click [...]
Muslim Americans reach out to Sikhs
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, September 5th, 2012
Muslim Americans reach out to Sikhs Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Washington, DC – The shooting that left six worshipers dead at a Sikh temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin last month altered my perspective on the effects of hate speech in American society. After 9/11, fear of Muslims and those who appear [...]
Young Saudi women break new ground in public health
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, September 5th, 2012
Young Saudi women break new ground in public health Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Tuberculosis (TB) rarely comes up in international headlines on health stories, although it still affects around 8.8 million people and takes around 1.4 million lives annually – roughly one person every 25 seconds. And according [...]
American history incomplete without Muslims
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, September 5th, 2012
American history incomplete without Muslims Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Washington, DC – This September, the First Cleveland Masjid in Ohio will celebrate its 75th anniversary and honour Hajj Wali Akram, its founder and visionary leader. Akram, an African American who was born in Texas, moved to Cleveland and set up this [...]
History of food, not politics, unites Jews and Arabs
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, September 5th, 2012
History of food, not politics, unites Jews and Arabs Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Givat Haviva, Israel – Every week for the past five months, a group of Arab and Jewish women from neighbouring towns near Haifa, Israel have come together to cook. Each week, they meet in a different womans home, [...]
Young Muslim Americans key to US diplomacy
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, September 5th, 2012
Young Muslim Americans key to US diplomacy Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Boca Raton, Florida – In todays globally connected world, there is a great need to establish cooperative relationships and promote a shared sense of humanity. The United States can lead in this effort by supporting a growing segment of its [...]
21st Annual Wallace Art Awards Winners Announced
Written by 36th Parallel on Tuesday, September 4th, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF Coverage21st Annual Wallace Art Awards Winners Announcedadmin Press Release – The James Wallace Arts Trust The 21st Annual Wallace Art Awards 2012, with prizes amounting to over $165,000, were presented by Rt Hon Sir Don McKinnon at the Pah Homestead, TSB Bank Wallace Arts Centre last night, Monday 3 September 2012. Shigeyuki [...]
Manawa by Jamie McCaskill opens at Circa Theatre
Written by 36th Parallel on Tuesday, September 4th, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF CoverageManawa by Jamie McCaskill opens at Circa Theatreadmin Press Release – Circa Theatre Jimmy King is New Zealand’s youngest murderer and has been in and out of prison his whole life. Public enemy number one Mau Vaiaga has been here for only four months. An unlikely friendship is struck up as these [...]
Taiwan, US team up to train Pacific Island leaders
Written by 36th Parallel on Tuesday, September 4th, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF CoverageTaiwan, US team up to train Pacific Island leadersadmin Press Release – Taipei Economic and Cultural Office Taiwan and U.S. have agreed to cooperate in the Pacific Islands Leadership Partnership, providing training for 125 potential young leaders, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sept. 1.Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New [...]
Funding boost sees historic Forum commit to conservation, gender equality
Written by 36th Parallel on Tuesday, September 4th, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF CoverageFunding boost sees historic Forum commit to conservation, gender equalitypasifik edita Prime Minister John Key and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have joined Australia to pledge large amounts for Pacific development, as China’s loans to the Pacific since 2005 have topped $US600 million. Image: Cook islands News Pacific Scoop: Report – [...]
Not Just Sweet Talk Campaign: Gauging Participation
Written by 36th Parallel on Tuesday, September 4th, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF CoverageNot Just Sweet Talk Campaign: Gauging Participationadmin Press Release – femLINKPACIFIC Access to information including education programmes for rural women to enable them to participate in formal decision making structures, transforming structures to increase levels of participation at local level to comply with women’s human rights treaties …Not Just Sweet Talk Campaign: [...]
China denies military rumour, justifies aid to Fiji
Written by 36th Parallel on Monday, September 3rd, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF CoverageChina denies military rumour, justifies aid to Fijipasifik edita China’s vice foreign minister Cui Tiankai on Rarotonga during the Post Forum Dialogue. Image: PMC Pacific Scoop: Report – By Rachel Reeves on Rarotonga Chinese vice foreign minister Cui Tiankai flatly denied rumours that China intends to establish a military base in Fiji. [...]
Clinton Remarks With New Zealand Prime Minister Key
Written by 36th Parallel on Monday, September 3rd, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF CoverageClinton Remarks With New Zealand Prime Minister Keyadmin Press Release – US State Department Okay, so good afternoon. Welcome to Ngatipa, the New Zealand residence here in the Cook Islands. It’s been a pleasure for me to host Secretary Clinton and her team for lunch today. It’s always wonderful to have Secretary [...]
‘We’re not here to compete,’ China tells Pacific
Written by 36th Parallel on Sunday, September 2nd, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF Coverage‘We’re not here to compete,’ China tells PacificRua US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made a big impression on these local women who attended the closing formal function of her historic whirlwind visit to Rarotonga at Crown Beach Resort at the weekend. Image: Cook Islands News Pacific Scoop: Report – By Rachel [...]
PACIFIC LEADERS IGNORE PAPUAN RIGHTS ABUSES
Written by 36th Parallel on Sunday, September 2nd, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF CoveragePACIFIC LEADERS IGNORE PAPUAN RIGHTS ABUSESadmin Press Release – Pacific Media Watch While calls from civil society organisations continued this week for Pacific leaders to grant observer status to West Papua amid fresh reports of human rights violations in the Indonesian-ruled Melanesian region, there was little interest in Forum circles.PACIFIC LEADERS IGNORE [...]
Indonesian Air Force Welcomes Anti-Guerrilla Fighter Planes
Written by 36th Parallel on Sunday, September 2nd, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF CoverageIndonesian Air Force Welcomes Anti-Guerrilla Fighter Planesadmin Press Release – West Papua Media Alerts Four A-29 Super Tucano fighter planes arrived at East Jakarta’s Halim Perdanakusuma Base on Saturday in the first wave of new “counter-insurgency” turboprop fighters purchased as part of the Indonesian Military’s (TNI) push to modernize its fleet.Indonesian Air [...]
Obamacopters Give West Papuans Another Reason to Worry
Written by 36th Parallel on Sunday, September 2nd, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF CoverageObamacopters Give West Papuans Another Reason to Worryadmin Press Release – West Papua Media Alerts There has been talk of an arms deal between the United States and Indonesia. Reportedly on the table are eight Boeing AH-64 Apache helicopters. These are top-of-the-line attack machines, the best in their class.Obamacopters Give West Papuans [...]
Q+A: Panel Discussions 2 September 2012
Written by 36th Parallel on Sunday, September 2nd, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF CoverageQ+A: Panel Discussions 2 September 2012admin Press Release – TVNZ Fran O’Sullivan, columnist with the New Zealand Herald; Dr Bryce Edwards, our political scientist from Otago University; and veteran political strategist, union boss and columnist, Matt McCarten.Q+A: Panel Discussions 2 September 2012 HOSTED BY GREG BOYED In response to HONE HARAWIRA, WINSTON [...]
Pacific leaders ignore Papuan rights abuses, call for observer status
Written by 36th Parallel on Saturday, September 1st, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF CoveragePacific leaders ignore Papuan rights abuses, call for observer statusRua Vanuatu Deputy Prime Minister Ham Lini … supports West Papuan call but little Forum support. Image: Henry Yamo/PMC Pacific Scoop: Report – By Henry Yamo on Rarotonga While calls from civil society organisations continued this week for Pacific leaders to grant observer [...]
World Bank Announces Proposed Package of Support
Written by 36th Parallel on Saturday, September 1st, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF CoverageWorld Bank Announces Proposed Package of Supportadmin Press Release – World Bank RAROTONGA, COOK ISLANDS, 31 AUGUST, 2012 — The World Bank today announced plans for a Pacific Islands ocean investment package to be supported by a number of partners from the Global Partnership for Oceans (GPO). The GPO is a coalition [...]
Forum takes major step for empowering women in Pacific
Written by 36th Parallel on Saturday, September 1st, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF CoverageForum takes major step for empowering women in PacificRua US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton jokes with Richard Benyon, UK Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Natural Environment and Fisheries, at the Post-Forum Dialogue partners meeting on Rarotonga today. Image: Harvie Allison/Forum photographer Pacific Scoop: Commentary – By Barry Coates on Rarotonga The 43rd Pacific [...]
Indonesian Government’s failure
Written by 36th Parallel on Saturday, September 1st, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF CoverageIndonesian Government’s failureadmin Press Release – Asian Legal Resource Centre FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 31, 2012 ALRC-CWS-21-05-2012 Language(s): English only HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL Twenty-first session, Agenda Item 6 A written statement submitted by the Asian Legal Resource Centre (ALRC), a non-governmental organisation with general …FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 31, 2012 ALRC-CWS-21-05-2012 Language(s): [...]
Médecins Sans Frontières welcomes assistance for survivors
Written by 36th Parallel on Saturday, September 1st, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF CoverageMédecins Sans Frontières welcomes assistance for survivorsadmin Press Release – Medicines Sans Frontiers PRESS RELEASE Médecins Sans Frontières welcomes assistance for survivors of fammily and sexual violence PRESS RELEASE Médecins Sans Frontières welcomes assistance for survivors of fammily and sexual violence AUGUST 31, 2012, Canberra International medical humanitarian organisation Médecins Sans Frontières [...]
Overview of PIF Leaders meetings by Forum Chair
Written by 36th Parallel on Saturday, September 1st, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF CoverageOverview of PIF Leaders meetings by Forum Chairadmin Press Release – Pacific Island Forum Latest Speech 01 September 2012 Overview of PIF Leaders meetings by Forum Chair, Hon. Henry Puna to PFD Partners’ Meeting Overview of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meetings by the Forum Chair and Prime Minister of the Cook [...]
Trilateral statement – Australia, NZ, USA
Written by 36th Parallel on Saturday, September 1st, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF CoverageTrilateral statement – Australia, NZ, USAadmin Press Release – New Zealand Government Hon Murray McCully Minister of Foreign Affairs 1 September 2012 Media Statement Trilateral statement: Australia, New Zealand and the United States of America Hon Murray McCully Minister of Foreign Affairs 1 September 2012 Media Statement Trilateral statement: Australia, New Zealand [...]
Clinton says Pacific ‘big enough’ for both US, China
Written by 36th Parallel on Saturday, September 1st, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF CoverageClinton says Pacific ‘big enough’ for both US, ChinaRua Pacific Islands Forum leaders meet at their retreat on Aitutaki atoll in the Cook Islands yesterday. Image: Cook Islands News Pacific Scoop: Report – By Shaun Tandon, Neil Sands and Rachel Reeves on Rarotonga Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has vowed the United [...]
Clinton says Pacific ‘big enough’ for both US, China
Written by 36th Parallel on Saturday, September 1st, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF CoverageClinton says Pacific ‘big enough’ for both US, ChinaRua Pacific Islands Forum leaders meet at their retreat on Aitutaki atoll in the Cook Islands yesterday. Image: Cook Islands News Pacific Scoop: Report – By Shaun Tandon, Neil Sands and Rachel Reeves on Rarotonga Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has vowed the United [...]
Cook Islanders welcome Clinton for post-Forum dialogue with Pacific
Written by 36th Parallel on Saturday, September 1st, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF CoverageCook Islanders welcome Clinton for post-Forum dialogue with PacificRua Cook Islanders welcome US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to Rarotonga last night for the post-Forum dialogue today. Image: CSM Pacific Scoop: Report – By Calida Smylie on Rarotonga After much hype and speculation about whether US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton would [...]
43rd Pacific Islands Forum Communiqué
Written by 36th Parallel on Friday, August 31st, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF Coverage43rd Pacific Islands Forum CommuniquéRua Pacific Scoop: Report Here is the 43rd Pacific Islands Forum Communiqué released at the end of the Leaders’ Retreat held in Aitutaki in the northern Cook Islands today: FORUM COMMUNIQUÉ The Forty-Third Pacific Islands Forum was held in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, from 28 to 30 August 2012 [...]
Oxfam calls for ‘fair and binding’ Pacific climate change pact
Written by 36th Parallel on Friday, August 31st, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF CoverageOxfam calls for ‘fair and binding’ Pacific climate change pactRua Oxfam’s Barry Coates … better climate change planning and accessible funding needed. Image: Oxfam/PMC Pacific Scoop: By Henry Yamo on Rarotonga Oxfam has called for a “fair and binding” international agreement to boost strategic funding for climate change adaptation for all Pacific [...]
Tongan Language Week – Uike Katoanga’i ‘o e Lea Faka
Written by 36th Parallel on Friday, August 31st, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF CoverageTongan Language Week – Uike Katoanga’i ‘o e Lea Fakaadmin Press Release – New Zealand Government Pacific Island Affairs Minister, Hekia Parata, says celebrating New Zealand’s diverse cultures and speaking their languages benefits all of us as Tongan Language Week, Uike Kātoanga’i ‘o e Lea Faka-Tonga , begins tomorrow. Hon Hekia Parata [...]
Temaru, other Pacific leaders back Fiji’s return from cold
Written by 36th Parallel on Friday, August 31st, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF CoverageTemaru, other Pacific leaders back Fiji’s return from coldRua French Polynesian leader Oscar Temaru … keen to see Fiji back in the Pacific Islands Forum. Image: Cook Islands News Pacific Scoop: Report – By Henry Yamo on Rarotonga French Polynesian President Oscar Temaru backs Fiji’s return to the Pacific Islands Forum in [...]
‘Damn I need a Dram’ For Latest Lotto Millionaire
Written by 36th Parallel on Friday, August 31st, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF Coverage‘Damn I need a Dram’ For Latest Lotto Millionaireadmin Press Release – New Zealand Lotteries Commission ‘Damn I need a Dram’ For Latest Lotto Millionaire A couple of whiskies were badly needed by Lotto’s latest millionaire – a local Auckland man called Stan. “I had no idea that I had won a [...]
$320m given for women ‘shaping Pacific development’ plan
Written by 36th Parallel on Friday, August 31st, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF Coverage$320m given for women ‘shaping Pacific development’ planRua Good funding news for Pacific women … Akaiti Puna, wife of Cook Islands Prime Minister Henry Puna, has been hosting visiting spouses of Pacific leaders. Image: Cook Islands News Pacific Scoop: Report – By Rachel Reeves on Rarotonga The Australian government has made what [...]
Embrace digital engagement – don’t fear it, US adviser tells Pacific
Written by 36th Parallel on Friday, August 31st, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF CoverageEmbrace digital engagement – don’t fear it, US adviser tells PacificRua Pacific Scoop: Report – By the Pacific Media Centre news desk A leading United States digital technology strategist has heralded the positive impact that a “Pacific century” could have on democracy and development in the region. In an interview with Pacific [...]
Media ban in PNG reveals conflict between PM and immigration
Written by 36th Parallel on Friday, August 31st, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF CoverageMedia ban in PNG reveals conflict between PM and immigrationpasifik edita Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard with PNG Prime Minister Peter O’Neill at the Pacific Islands Forum before Gillard returned to Australia. Image: Henry Yamo/PMC Pacific Scoop: Report – By Alex Perrottet of Pacific Media Watch, with Henry Yamo on Rarotonga Reporters [...]
Paralympic celebrations in the Pacific
Written by 36th Parallel on Friday, August 31st, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF CoverageParalympic celebrations in the Pacificadmin Press Release – British High Commission As the Pacific Islands Forum leaders went off to Autitaki, the British Government hosted a special breakfast on Rarotonga today to celebrate the Paralympic Games.Media Release August 31 Paralympic celebrations in the Pacific As the Pacific Islands Forum leaders went off [...]
Oxfam calls for ‘big picture’ climate change funding in Pacific
Written by 36th Parallel on Friday, August 31st, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF CoverageOxfam calls for ‘big picture’ climate change funding in PacificRua Tawaa Tebunang, 46, at Tanikabaai Village, Tabontebike, Abaiang, in Kiribati. This land was inundated with water following a king tide in 2004. Many cropswere lost as a result including pawpaw, pandanus, banana, taro and figs amongst others; the soil is now too [...]
Gillard leaves Pacific Forum over news of five soldier deaths in Afghanistan
Written by 36th Parallel on Friday, August 31st, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF CoverageGillard leaves Pacific Forum over news of five soldier deaths in AfghanistanRua Cook Islands Prime Minister Henry Puna greets Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard at the Forum opening ceremony – but she flew home tonight. Image: Cook Islands News Pacific Scoop: Report – By Rachel Reeves on Rarotonga and the Pacific Media [...]
Seven small Pacific states sign off on ‘historic’ maritime boundary pacts
Written by 36th Parallel on Thursday, August 30th, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF CoverageSeven small Pacific states sign off on ‘historic’ maritime boundary pactsRua Kiribati President Anote Tong (from left), Nauru President Sprent Dabwido and President Christopher Loeak of the Marshall Islands sign the trilateral boundary treaty today. Image: Henry Yamo/PMC Pacific Scoop: Report – By Henry Yamo on Rarotonga In what is described as [...]
PNG, Australia and NZ prime ministers talk up stronger bilateral relations
Written by 36th Parallel on Thursday, August 30th, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF CoveragePNG, Australia and NZ prime ministers talk up stronger bilateral relationsRua New Zealand Prime Minister John Key (left) with Papua New Guinea’s Peter O’Neill at the Pacific Islands Forum today. Image: Henry Yamo/PMC Pacific Scoop: Report – By Henry Yamo on Rarotonga Papua New Guinean Prime Minister Peter O’Neill met his Australian [...]
Shameful Kiwi connection to Aussie-bound deathship
Written by 36th Parallel on Thursday, August 30th, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF CoverageShameful Kiwi connection to Aussie-bound deathshipadmin Press Release – Greenpeace New Zealand Greenpeace activists blocking the world’s second largest factory fishing trawler, the FV Margiris, from arriving in Australia this morning have revealed that two New Zealanders have a controlling interest in the ship. Shameful Kiwi connection to Aussie-bound deathship Auckland, 30 [...]
Gender-equality talks as violence statistics put to Pacific leaders
Written by 36th Parallel on Thursday, August 30th, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF CoverageGender-equality talks as violence statistics put to Pacific leaderspasifik edita Former President of Chile and current head of UN Women Michelle Bachelet. Pacific Scoop: Report – By Calida Smylie Gender equality in the Pacific will be discussed as a Forum side event today, with a number of high-profile female United Nations members [...]
Shark sanctuary gets green light for Cook Islands
Written by 36th Parallel on Thursday, August 30th, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF CoverageShark sanctuary gets green light for Cook Islandspasifik edita Cook Islands Prime Minister Henry Puna speaks at the Pacific Islands Forum. Image: Cook Islands News Pacific Scoop: Report – By Rachel Reeves on Rarotonga Confident that the Cook Islands “will do the right thing”, Marshall Islands politician Tony deBrum is congratulating government “in [...]
New policy gives kiwis better global access
Written by 36th Parallel on Thursday, August 30th, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF CoverageNew policy gives kiwis better global accessadmin Press Release – New Zealand Government Cabinet has confirmed a new International Air Transport Policy Statement, Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee has announced. Hon Gerry Brownlee Minister of Transport 30 August 2012 Media Statement New policy gives kiwis better global access Cabinet has confirmed a new [...]
Kiwi UN Military Observers Valued
Written by 36th Parallel on Thursday, August 30th, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF CoverageKiwi UN Military Observers Valuedadmin Press Release – New Zealand Defence Force The returning New Zealand Defence Force personnel who deployed to the United Nations Supervision Mission in Syria (UNSMIS) say New Zealand’s contribution to United Nations missions is valued.30 August 2012 Kiwi UN Military Observers Valued The returning New Zealand Defence [...]
Indonesia coalition MP reacts to Carr on human rights
Written by 36th Parallel on Thursday, August 30th, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF CoverageIndonesia coalition MP reacts to Carr on human rightspasifik edita Australia’s Foreign Minister Bob Carr. Image: Alex Perrottet/PMC Pacific Scoop: Report – By Alex Perrottet, with Radio New Zealand International and The Age In an interview with The Age newspaper in Australia, the leader of Indonesia’s parliamentary commission for security, Mahfudz Siddiq, [...]
New fibre optic plan on table for Pacific countries at Forum
Written by 36th Parallel on Thursday, August 30th, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF CoverageNew fibre optic plan on table for Pacific countries at Forumpasifik edita The proposed cable route. Image: hawaikicable Pacific Scoop: Report – By Rachel Reeves on Rarotonga The Cook Islands has until the end of the year to accept or reject an offer from New Zealand-based company Hawaiki Cable Ltd to connect to a fibre optic cable [...]
Colourful Pacific Forum in Cook Islands ‘grandest ever’ opening
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, August 29th, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF CoverageColourful Pacific Forum in Cook Islands ‘grandest ever’ openingRua Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard sits regally as she is carried on a traditional paata into the official opening of the 43rd Pacific Leaders Forum at the National Auditorium tonight. Image: Cook Islands News Pacific Scoop: Report – By the Pacific Media Centre [...]
Leaders launch Pacific deep sea mining regulatory tool
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, August 29th, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF CoverageLeaders launch Pacific deep sea mining regulatory toolRua Cook islands Deputy Prime Minister Tom Marsters launching the regional deep seabed mining protocol. Image: Henry Yamo/PMC Pacific Scoop: Report – By Henry Yamo on Rarotonga With looming exploitation of the Pacific Ocean’s mineral riches on the horizon, a regional protocol was launched today [...]
European Union to co-host Pacific Energy Summit
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, August 29th, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF CoverageEuropean Union to co-host Pacific Energy Summitadmin Press Release – European Union The European Union is pleased to co-host the Pacific Energy Summit with New Zealand in April 2013. Addressing the effects of climate change is a key priority for the EU in this region. European Union to co-host Pacific Energy Summit [...]
Key: Pacific Islands Forum Official Opening Ceremony
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, August 29th, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF CoverageKey: Pacific Islands Forum Official Opening Ceremonyadmin Press Release – New Zealand Government Kia Orana and warm Pacific greetings to you all. Last year New Zealand was very privileged to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Pacific Island Forum leader’s meeting in our own Pacific capital – Auckland. Rt Hon John Key [...]
PNG PM distances himself from ‘media ban’
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, August 29th, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF CoveragePNG PM distances himself from ‘media ban’pasifik edita PNG Prime Minister Peter O’Neill says the ban is over and only applied when Australian Government officials were inspecting. Image: Henry Yamo/PMC Pacific Scoop: Report – By Henry Yamo on Rarotonga The Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea Peter O’Neill today said there was [...]
Pacific leaders treated to welcoming feasts
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, August 29th, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF CoveragePacific leaders treated to welcoming feastspasifik edita Samoa Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi (centre) with his wife Gillian (centre right) and other guests enjoying the To’ona’i. Image: the Cook Islands News Pacific Scoop: Report – By Matiu Workman on Rarotonga Food, friendship and acknowledging the links between Niue, Tonga and Samoa with [...]
ABC allegations prompt call for Forum to push West Papua mission
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, August 29th, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF CoverageABC allegations prompt call for Forum to push West Papua missionRua A “glimpse inside West Papua” programme is one of two ABC 7.30 Report newscasts that have renewed human rights allegations this week. Image: PMC Pacific Scoop: Report – By Alex Perrottet of Pacific Media Watch Fresh allegations of human rights violations [...]
Kordia Delivers Outstanding FY12 Financial Result
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, August 29th, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF CoverageKordia Delivers Outstanding FY12 Financial Resultadmin Press Release – Kordia Auckland, New Zealand:- Kordia has delivered an outstanding full year result to June 2012, with revenue up 35% on FY11 from $295m to $399m, and 30% ahead of budget. Net Profit After Tax (NPAT) has come in at almost 200% of budget [...]
PNG media ban on foreign journalists criticised by opposition
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, August 29th, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF CoveragePNG media ban on foreign journalists criticised by oppositionRua PNG deputy Opposition Leader Sam Basil … rap for the government over the Manus foreign journalists ban. Image: PNGblog Pacific Scoop: Report – By Alex Perrottet ofPacific Media Watch The ban on foreign journalists on Manus Island in Papua New Guinea is making [...]
PNG keen on engaging with Pacific on climate change, other issues
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, August 29th, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF CoveragePNG keen on engaging with Pacific on climate change, other issuesRua PNG Prime Minister Peter O’Neill pledges to “deliver” to the nation following the recent election. Image: Henry Yamo/PMC Pacific Scoop: Report – By Henry Yamo on Rarotonga Papua New Guinea is keen to engage with other Pacific countries on many issues [...]
American Muslims claim their place in global Islam
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, August 29th, 2012
American Muslims claim their place in global Islam Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Washington, DC – Twenty years ago, if you had asked American Muslims where they were from, many would probably have responded with the name of a far-off country, one they may have visited once. Now, its more likely that [...]
Frances past key to Muslim, non-Muslim relations today
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, August 29th, 2012
Frances past key to Muslim, non-Muslim relations today Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Paris – There is no denying that France is now a culturally diverse country, and at times struggles to deal with its diversity. Even today, history and its legacies play a major role in shaping contemporary French society and [...]
Palestine central to Israel -Turkey relations
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, August 29th, 2012
Palestine central to Israel -Turkey relations Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Istanbul, Turkey – Approximately two years have passed since a flotilla of six ships, including the Turkish Mavi Marmara, set sail carrying hundreds of activists protesting the Israeli blockade of Gaza. Before reaching their destination the ship was boarded by Israeli [...]
Innovative solutions to Pakistans brain drain
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, August 29th, 2012
Innovative solutions to Pakistans brain drain Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Boston, Massachusetts – It is tempting to look for simple solutions to Pakistans many challenges, but reality suggests that the way forward will be complex. One key challenge facing the country today is brain drain, well-educated Pakistanis leaving the country. Yet [...]
Keeping Egypts blogosphere alive
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, August 29th, 2012
Keeping Egypts blogosphere alive Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Cairo – Social media and blogs play a crucial role in maintaining a diversified, vibrant and well-rounded public sphere in Egypt. Social media clearly played a large role in the Egyptian uprising and political bloggers and online activists helped create a dynamic public [...]
PNG accepts deep sea mine talks but not ‘led by emotion’
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, August 29th, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF CoveragePNG accepts deep sea mine talks but not ‘led by emotion’Ruahttp://pacific.scoop.co.nz/2012/08/png-accepts-deep-sea-talks-but-not-led-by-emotion/ Pacific Network on Globalisation coordinator Maureen Penjuli and Murray Isimeli of the Pacific Conference of Churches are warning Pacific leaders to carefully consider the risks of deep seabed mining. Image: Cook Islands News Pacific Scoop: Report – By Henry Yamo on [...]
Students defend Māori, Pasifika medical quota to ‘balance’ health
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, August 29th, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF CoverageStudents defend Māori, Pasifika medical quota to ‘balance’ healthRuahttp://pacific.scoop.co.nz/2012/08/students-defend-maori-pasifika-medical-quota-to-balance-health/ MAPAS student Rich Ngata … the admission scheme helps address Māori and Pacific health disparities. Image: Jessi Mee/PMC Pacific Scoop: Report – By Jessi Mee Student leaders have defended the Māori and Pacific quota scheme for Auckland Medical School in the wake of [...]
8000 sign PANG petition in bid to block Pacific deep seabed mining
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, August 29th, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF Coverage8000 sign PANG petition in bid to block Pacific deep seabed miningRuahttp://pacific.scoop.co.nz/2012/08/8000-sign-pang-petition-in-bid-to-block-pacific-deep-seabed-mining/ The Cook Islands News front page on deep seabed mining tomorrow. Image: PMC Pacific Scoop: Report – By Rachel Reeves on Rarotonga A petition bearing more than 8000 signatures is being circulated among Forum participants this week as part of [...]
Petitions And Reports
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, August 29th, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF CoveragePetitions And Reportsadminhttp://pacific.scoop.co.nz/2012/08/petitions-and-reports/ Article – ParliamentToday.co.nz When Parliament began at 2pm the petition of Bob McCoskrie and 48,041 others was presented asking the House to retain marriage as an institution between a man and a woman.When Parliament began at 2pm the petition of Bob McCoskrie and 48,041 others was presented asking the [...]
Cook Islands minister talks up population ahead of Forum
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, August 29th, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF CoverageCook Islands minister talks up population ahead of Forumpasifik editahttp://pacific.scoop.co.nz/2012/08/cook-islands-minister-talks-up-population-ahead-of-forum/ Polynesian leaders meeting over the weekend ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum. Image: Cook Islands News Pacific Scoop: Report – By Rachel Reeves in Rarotonga Cook Islands Internal Affairs Minister Mark Brown says the government has to give more incentives to keep [...]
Helping Hand From TVNZ For Clinton Visit
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, August 29th, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF CoverageHelping Hand From TVNZ For Clinton Visitadminhttp://pacific.scoop.co.nz/2012/08/helping-hand-from-tvnz-for-clinton-visit/ Press Release – TVNZ Cook Islands Television will be able to cover one of the Pacific’s biggest news stories this year with current technology, courtesy of donated equipment from TVNZ. 28 August 2012 Helping Hand From TVNZ For Clinton Visit Cook Islands Television will be [...]
New Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs Chief Executive
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, August 29th, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF CoverageNew Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs Chief Executiveadminhttp://pacific.scoop.co.nz/2012/08/new-ministry-of-pacific-island-affairs-chief-executive/ Press Release – State Services Commission The State Services Commissioner, Iain Rennie, today announced that Ms Pauline Winter has been appointed Chief Executive at the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs (MPIA).MEDIA RELEASE 28 August 2012 EMBARGOED UNTIL 11.30AM New Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs [...]
Selling sovereignty, declining responsibility – Pacific flags of convenience
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, August 29th, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF CoverageSelling sovereignty, declining responsibility – Pacific flags of convenienceRuahttp://pacific.scoop.co.nz/2012/08/selling-sovereignty-and-declining-responsibility-flags-of-convenience-in-pacific/ The Marshall Islands-registered chemical tanker ECE, northwest of the Channel Island of Guernsey, on January 31, 2006. Helicopters and life boats rescued 22 sailors after two ships collided in the English Channel. Image: Shipwreck.eu Pacific Scoop: Analysis – By Dr Paul G. Buchanan [...]
Winner Of Inaugural Whakatane Youth Community Spirit Award
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, August 29th, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF CoverageWinner Of Inaugural Whakatane Youth Community Spirit Awardadminhttp://pacific.scoop.co.nz/2012/08/winner-of-inaugural-whakatane-youth-community-spirit-award/ Press Release – TrustPower Media release, for immediate release, Tuesday 28 August 2012 Winner Of Inaugural Whakatane Youth Community Spirit Award Announced Oliver Missen from Whakatane High School has been named as the winner of the inaugural TrustPower Whakatane District … Media release, for [...]
Improving the sexual health of Pacific adolescents
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, August 29th, 2012
Pacific Scoop PIF CoverageImproving the sexual health of Pacific adolescentsadminhttp://pacific.scoop.co.nz/2012/08/improving-the-sexual-health-of-pacific-adolescents/ Press Release – NZPPD The New Zealand Parliamentarians’ Group on Population and Development (NZPPD) today announced its recommendations to improve adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights in the Pacific, calling for stronger collaboration between Pacific parliamentarians … NEWS RELEASE NZ cross-party parliamentarians’ group calls [...]
Media missed the point with Palestinians Auschwitz visit
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, August 22nd, 2012
Media missed the point with Palestinians Auschwitz visit Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Tel Aviv, Israel – In late July, Ziad al-Bandak, an advisor to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, made an official visit to the Auschwitz Holocaust memorial to pay respect to the million-and-a-half victims of the camp, most of whom were [...]
Can laughter change Egypt?
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, August 22nd, 2012
Can laughter change Egypt? Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Oxford, Ohio – That Egyptians are funny is a well-known Arab stereotype. Egyptians are said to be khafiift id-damm (light of blood) able to turn things that would make anyone elses blood boil into a joke. Before the revolution, this was often expressed [...]
US, Middle East myths on gender equality
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, August 22nd, 2012
US, Middle East myths on gender equality Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Cairo – The idea that the West and Middle East have extremely different views on gender equality has gained traction in recent years. However, feminists and progressive activists in the West and the Middle East share many values when it [...]
Arab diaspora a business opportunity
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, August 22nd, 2012
Arab diaspora a business opportunity Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Beirut – For immigrants in the Arab diaspora those who have left Arab countries for the West or other regions the tension between trying to stay connected to ones homeland and trying to integrate into a new culture is a challenge. But [...]
Youth in Morocco report on education challenges
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, August 22nd, 2012
Youth in Morocco report on education challenges Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Marrakech, Morocco – Three, two, one, record! Melanie, a German student, and Bouchra, a Moroccan student, both in their 20s, are producing their first radio interview as they stand in front of their peers and members of civil society in [...]
America after the Sikh temple shooting
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, August 15th, 2012
America after the Sikh temple shooting Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Oak Creek, Wisconsin – On Friday, I participated in a memorial for the victims of the 4 August shooting in a Sikh temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. I am a third-generation Sikh American, and as the ceremony drew to a close, [...]
A Palestinian journalist, an Israeli president and a shared future
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, August 15th, 2012
A Palestinian journalist, an Israeli president and a shared future Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Ramallah, West Bank – As part of a group of Palestinian journalists, I made my way to Jerusalem on a hot day, crossing the Israeli military checkpoint at Al-Ram with an entry permit. We were headed to [...]
Interfaith community steps up after mosque fire
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, August 15th, 2012
Interfaith community steps up after mosque fire Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Shawnee Mission, Kansas – On 4 July in Joplin, Missouri, a fire broke out on the roof of the Islamic Society of Joplin mosque, apparently an act of arson. Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze before the building sustained significant damage. [...]
Can US media find common ground in religion, politics?
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, August 15th, 2012
Can US media find common ground in religion, politics? Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service New York, New York – For the United States, a country that prides itself on religious pluralism, media coverage of religion continuously factors into political discourse and the voting booth. When it comes to election coverage, religion particularly [...]
Can football unite Muslims and Christians in Egypt?
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, August 15th, 2012
Can football unite Muslims and Christians in Egypt? Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service London – During the 2012 Summer Olympics, each country cheered for its athletes success. In Egypt, this hope went beyond winning. For a country with many societal divides, sports particularly football [American soccer] can strengthen social cohesion and national [...]
Diplomacy for dinner
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, August 8th, 2012
Diplomacy for dinner Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Cairo – On a hot Saturday evening in May in a third-floor flat in Heliopolis, a suburb of Cairo, five young Egyptians huddle around a laptop: Noha, an NGO worker; Taimour, a politics student and volunteer; Dina, a news producer; Ahmed, a doctor; and [...]
US-Egypt relations beyond Bachmanns attacks
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, August 8th, 2012
US-Egypt relations beyond Bachmanns attacks Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Cairo – Recently, Minnesota Representative Michele Bachmann accused Secretary of State Hillary Clintons aid Huma Abedin, as well as fellow Minnesota Representative Keith Ellison, the first Muslim elected to the US Congress, of having ties with Egypts Muslim Brotherhood and attempting to [...]
Can Israelis, Palestinians learn from Srebrenica?
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, August 8th, 2012
Can Israelis, Palestinians learn from Srebrenica? Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Jerusalem – As a Jewish Israeli, I had assumed that the Holocaust ceremonies that take place in Israel every year would have made me more immune to grief than others. I was wrong being present at a ceremony commemorating the 8,000 [...]
Joint Israeli-Iranian jewellery exhibit in Geneva
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, August 8th, 2012
Joint Israeli-Iranian jewellery exhibit in Geneva Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Geneva – Tensions between Iran and Israel have been making the news for several months. But while politics have often proved intractable, cultural efforts have shown that individual Iranians and Israelis share common ground. For instance, according to a recent article [...]
Muslims ask if charity should begin at home
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, August 8th, 2012
Muslims ask if charity should begin at home Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Leicestershire, UK – My experience observing Ramadan and engaging with the volunteer sector in the UK has taught me to never hold back when theres a chance to help others in need. Quite often, though, Muslims, like other individuals, [...]
Faith, civic engagement and the 2012 US elections
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, August 1st, 2012
Faith, civic engagement and the 2012 US elections Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Washington, DC – One trend to watch in the presidential elections will be whether Muslim American civic engagement will translate into votes in November 2012. While there has been a strong Muslim American voting contingent among African Americans, unresolved [...]
Muslims in France after the elections
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, August 1st, 2012
Muslims in France after the elections Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Paris – For 3.5 million French Muslims, Ramadan began on Friday, 20 July. Enthusiasm for fasting seems stronger than ever this year, with 71 per cent of Muslims in France observing Ramadan as opposed to 60 per cent 20 years ago, [...]
Half a day with the last Arab Jew
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, August 1st, 2012
Half a day with the last Arab Jew Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Jerusalem – With all the uncertainty in the air, these are troubling times for Arab-Israeli relations. But one man insists on keeping his feet firmly planted on both sides of this chasm. Sasson Somekh describes himself as both a [...]
Religious leaders call for ethical response to economic crisis
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, August 1st, 2012
Religious leaders call for ethical response to economic crisis Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Barcelona, Spain – In June, at the 2nd Ibero-American Interreligious Summit in Barcelona, religious leaders from Latin America, Spain and Portugal exhorted member states “to admit the ethical origin of the present crisis and to support and respect [...]
Faith, football and fasting
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, August 1st, 2012
Faith, football and fasting Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Chicago, Illinois – At the 2012 Summer Olympics opening ceremony in London on Friday, the world celebrated the Olympic athletes joining together for a truly global event. Amongst them were a number of Muslim athletes, who are facing the intersection of physically intense [...]
Parliamentary Network on Nuclear Disarmament (PNND) Visit to North Korea (DPRK) – Post Visit Report
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, July 25th, 2012
Parliamentary Network on Nuclear Disarmament (PNND) Visit to North Korea (DPRK) – Post Visit Report Report by and courtesy of Matt Robson. See Also: Speech to Korea Association of New Zealand. ******* REPORT FROM MATT ROBSON- REPRESENTATIVE OF PARLIAMENTARIANS NETWORK FOR NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT (PNND) and BOARD MEMBER OF AOTEAROA LAWYERS FOR PEACE (ALP) ON: FACT-FINDING [...]
Parliamentary Network on Nuclear Disarmament Visit to North Korea – Post Visit Speech
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, July 25th, 2012
Parliamentary Network on Nuclear Disarmament (PNND) Visit to North Korea (DPRK) – Post Visit Speech Speech by and courtesy of Matt Robson. See Also: Post North Korea Visit Report. ******* HON MATTHEW ROBSON, FORMER MINISTER OF DISARMAMENT AND ARMS CONTROL OF NEW ZEALAND SPEECH TO KOREAN ASSOCIATION OF NEW ZEALAND FAIRWAY LODGE TAKAPUNA AUCKLAND 05 [...]
Economic development in Afghanistan impossible without peace
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, July 25th, 2012
Economic development in Afghanistan impossible without peace Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Notre Dame, Indiana Without the political conditions for peace in Afghanistan, economic development will be impossible, no matter how much aid donors pledge. Major states meeting in Tokyo earlier this month pledged approximately $4 billion a year in financial support [...]
Middle East brain drain shows signs of reversing
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, July 25th, 2012
Middle East brain drain shows signs of reversing Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Beirut The best and brightest men and women from the Middle East have often gone on to work for the worlds largest multinational companies in Europe or the United States. On a local level, this brain drain has proved [...]
Embracing a greener Ramadan
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, July 25th, 2012
Embracing a greener Ramadan Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Washington, DC The holiest month of the Islamic year, Ramadan, began last Friday, 20 July. This Ramadan, many Muslims are looking at a new dimension of the month: our impact on the earth. This is particularly important as we learn more about the [...]
Hip-hop mogul and Orthodox rabbi push twinning project in the Holy Land
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, July 25th, 2012
Hip-hop mogul and Orthodox rabbi push twinning project in the Holy Land Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Jerusalem Its a sweltering day in Jerusalem. Hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons, founder of a major record label and clothing company, sits fanning himself with a magazine. Next to him is Orthodox rabbi Marc Schneier, Vice [...]
Reevaluating interfaith dialogue
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, July 25th, 2012
Reevaluating interfaith dialogue Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service London Girls in headscarves is not exactly what you would expect to see walking through the doors of a Catholic school in London. Yet for young people living in London today interfaith encounters are not as rare as they used to be. While opportunities [...]
What can Iraq learn from Shakespeare?
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, July 18th, 2012
What can Iraq learn from Shakespeare? Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service London – As part of the 2012 Summer Olympics hosted in London, the Royal Shakespeare Company challenged theatre groups around the world to create contemporary re-imaginings of 16th century playwright William Shakespeares classics. Of the many unique and creative performances, Romeo [...]
Moroccan youth find their voice
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, July 18th, 2012
Moroccan youth find their voice Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Casablanca, Morocco – This September, 30,000 Moroccan youth aged 16 to 30 will participate in a nationwide discussion on the development of a new youth council. The Consultative Council for Youth and Social Work (known simply as the Youth Council) is meant [...]
Dutch and Muslim are not mutually exclusive
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, July 18th, 2012
Dutch and Muslim are not mutually exclusive Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Rotterdam, Netherlands – A few years ago, I had a conversation in a mosque in Rotterdam with two Muslim girls who were about 6 or 7 years-old. They asked me, in fluent Dutch, if I was Turkish. I explained that [...]
In Middle East, the stage is mightier than the sword
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, July 18th, 2012
In Middle East, the stage is mightier than the sword Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Beirut – Lebanese, Egyptian, Palestinian and Austrian dancers recently took the stage together in Beirut for a show that broke down barriers between cultures and nationalities. In Every Last Breath, a dance choreographed by Jens Bjerregaard of [...]
Saudi women break new ground in sports
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, July 18th, 2012
Saudi women break new ground in sports Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – Saudi Arabia announced on 12 July, just two weeks before the start of the Olympics, that it will send two women to compete in judo and track and field, making Wojdan Ali Seraj Abdulrahim Shahrkhani and [...]
Muslims and Mormons: shared beliefs, shared struggles
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, July 11th, 2012
Muslims and Mormons: shared beliefs, shared struggles Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Provo, Utah – Americans once feared that the United States was under threat from a band of religious fanatics. The American people believed that these fanatics, who were said to force their women into unwanted marriages, wanted to replace American [...]
Music without borders in Indonesia
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, July 11th, 2012
Music without borders in Indonesia Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Jakarta – Some bands perform for the money, while others hope for the fame that comes with a chart-topping song. Despite the temptations of fame and fortune that motivate many musicians, there are groups who are inspired purely by music and the [...]
Can common humanity make it through a checkpoint?
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, July 11th, 2012
Can common humanity make it through a checkpoint? Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Boston, Massachusetts – Means of suppressing demonstrations, a short story by 25-year old Israeli author Shani Boianjiu that recently appeared in the fiction slot of the prestigious New Yorker magazine, has garnered plenty of attention in the few weeks [...]
With Morsi, can Egyptians find unity?
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, July 11th, 2012
With Morsi, can Egyptians find unity? Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Cairo – Over the past few weeks, headlines have been filled with news about Mohamed Morsi being sworn in as the new president of Egypt, and what his presidency means for the relationship between his office and the Supreme Council of [...]
Can women change the face of North American mosques?
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, July 11th, 2012
Can women change the face of North American mosques? Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Ottawa – The North American mosque is evolving and redefining its purpose and practices. A recently-released report by a group of mainly Muslim organisations, The American Mosque 2011, provides the first factual glimpse into changes in North American [...]
The future of Islam in Egypt
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, July 4th, 2012
The future of Islam in Egypt Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Cairo – With the Muslim Brotherhoods Mohamed Morsi elected president of Egypt, many people are asking what this says about how average Egyptians see the role of religion in public life. The United States especially is watching Egypt with interest right [...]
Muslim American men up close and personal
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, July 4th, 2012
Muslim American men up close and personal Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service New York, New York – Terrorist. Jihadist. Misogynist. Brown. Bearded. Un-American. These are the terms and images often associated with Muslim men in America. A compilation of autobiographical essays by Muslim American men, All-American: 45 American Muslim Men on Being [...]
Israeli activists and Palestinian children share the beach
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, July 4th, 2012
Israeli activists and Palestinian children share the beach Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Tel Aviv – Theres laughter and a happy mix of voices, chatting away in Hebrew and Arabic. Its yom yam, Hebrew for beach day. Every summer, a group of Israeli women organise beach trips for Palestinian kids from towns [...]
Can economics link America to Tunisia, Egypt?
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, July 4th, 2012
Can economics link America to Tunisia, Egypt? Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Washington, DC – Official US government engagement with Islamic political parties has long been a controversial subject. In April, however, mid-level White House administrators officially met with a delegation from Egypts Muslim Brotherhood. President Obamas move was considered bold by [...]
Egyptian women continue the struggle
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, July 4th, 2012
Egyptian women continue the struggle Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Cairo – One of the iconic images of Egypts revolution was that of men and women standing together, united for positive change. But since then, women have struggled with sexual harassment and been side-lined in the political transition. Egyptian women, however, have [...]
Young Arab Israelis volunteering for national service, despite criticism
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, June 27th, 2012
Young Arab Israelis volunteering for national service, despite criticism Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Jerusalem – Volunteer Nasim Awadallahs eyes light up when he begins talking about the soccer team he created and now coaches in his small village of Ein Nekuba, just outside Jerusalem. Each morning, he says enthusiastically, he helps [...]
Former combatants switch to politics in Indonesia
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, June 27th, 2012
Former combatants switch to politics in Indonesia Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Lhokseumawe, Indonesia – Located on the westernmost side of Indonesia, the province of Aceh has gained a reputation for conflict since the Free Aceh Movement (Gerakan Aceh Merdeka, widely known as GAM) took up arms in 1974 in an attempt [...]
After clashes, Lebanons majority steps up
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, June 27th, 2012
After clashes, Lebanons majority steps up Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Beirut – In recent days, the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli has been the site of highly publicised clashes between diverse political and sectarian groups. However while this small minority battles, the majority of Lebanese citizens are standing up against violence [...]
720 new ways to see US religious identity
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, June 27th, 2012
720 new ways to see US religious identity Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Omaha, Nebraska – Oftenwhen I say I am Muslim, I stun people because I dont fit the stereotype. I just actually had somebody walk into my [dorm] room, ask me what I was doing and then they responded with [...]
Cross-pollination distinguishes great Islamic art
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, June 27th, 2012
Cross-pollination distinguishes great Islamic art Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Chicago, Illinois – When exploring ways to bring people closer, the arts are an oft-neglected tool. With their beauty and potential to elicit emotions, they have the potential to bridge cultural divisions. When the art in question is itself the culmination of [...]
New imam trainings good for Germany and for Islam
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, June 20th, 2012
New imam trainings good for Germany and for Islam Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Cologne, Germany – Two years ago, former German President Christian Wulff stated that Islam is part of Germany, creating an uproar among the more conservative followers of his Christian Democratic Union. Then, defying reason, Joachim Gauck, Germany’s new [...]
Inside the fault line of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, June 20th, 2012
Inside the fault line of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and Spring Lake, New Jersey – Complex systems govern how tectonic plates interact and how pressure builds at their boundaries. By simply looking at the crack on the earths surface after an earthquake, we cannot predict [...]
Who has the last word on Lady Gaga in Indonesia?
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, June 20th, 2012
Who has the last word on Lady Gaga in Indonesia? Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta – Those who read the media reports about the cancellation of Lady Gagas concert in Jakarta may imagine Indonesia to be a xenophobic, conservative country that has no sense of freedom. The reality, [...]
Treating body and soul in a Malaysian mosque
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, June 20th, 2012
Treating body and soul in a Malaysian mosque Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Kuala Lumpur – Many people might think that mosques are no place for drug addiction treatment, but those responsible for setting up a noteworthy drug treatment clinic in a mosque think it can be done and are demonstrating the [...]
Connecting Islam and international law to help refugees
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, June 20th, 2012
Connecting Islam and international law to help refugees Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Karachi, Pakistan – On 20 June, many countries mark UN World Refugee Day with events to raise awareness about the situation of refugees. In addition, their status often poses difficulties for the governing bodies of the countries that host [...]
What role for religious parties in Libyan elections?
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, June 13th, 2012
What role for religious parties in Libyan elections? Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Washington, DC – Libya is preparing for its first elections after 42 years under Gaddafi. Elections, originally scheduled for 19 June, were recently moved to early July. In the coming weeks, Libyans will elect a national assembly to draft [...]
New role for Tunisian journalists in free press
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, June 13th, 2012
New role for Tunisian journalists in free press Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Tunis – Walking down the street or going from house to house in my native Tunis reminds me how much Tunisians love to talk. Before the revolution, we talked about football. Since January 2011, we have been talking about [...]
Healing the Arab-Jewish fracture in Israel
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, June 13th, 2012
Healing the Arab-Jewish fracture in Israel Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Tel Aviv, Israel – The annual Conference of the Association for Israel Studies will take place at the end of the month at the University of Haifa. This years theme is Israels fractured society. And there is no bigger cleavage in [...]
Muslim and Jewish students debate Islamophobia and anti-Semitism
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, June 13th, 2012
Muslim and Jewish students debate Islamophobia and anti-Semitism Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Toronto, Canada – When I told people that I wanted to organise a speech competition for youth on anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, the most common reaction I received was, That would be hard. However in late April 2012, 16 students [...]
The feminisation of politics in Algeria
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, June 13th, 2012
The feminisation of politics in Algeria Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Algiers – Womens rights activists will forever remember the 10 May 2012 Algerian legislative elections as a turning point. That day, 147 women, out of 462 candidates, were elected to the National People’s Congress (NPC) a positive step towards achieving gender [...]
Can hungry stomachs unite Egypt?
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, June 13th, 2012
Can hungry stomachs unite Egypt? Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Cairo – On 20 May, a symbolic 24-hour mass hunger strike began in Egypt to protest the continued detention of Egyptian activists in military prisons. The success of the recent Palestinian hunger strike garnered attention internationally and has inspired similar movements in [...]
Sparks of solidarity in Europe
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, June 13th, 2012
Sparks of solidarity in Europe Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Barcelona – The recent rise of right-wing parties in European countries like France, Greece and the Netherlands has gone hand in hand with an economic crisis and garnered headlines. The rise of the right has inflamed certain anti-immigrant attitudes which unfortunately, no [...]
Cutting red tape and boosting trade with the Middle East
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, June 13th, 2012
Cutting red tape and boosting trade with the Middle East Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Genoa, Italy – Fruit and vegetable imports are left to rot on ships while waiting for the go-ahead from customs authorities in Mediterranean ports. Sluggish laboratory testing in harbours has resulted in goods containers waiting indefinitely as [...]
Learning from the Nakba
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, June 13th, 2012
Learning from the Nakba Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Washington, DC – I do not need anyone to teach me about the Palestinian Nakba. It is the defining moment of my existence. During the war in 1948, my family had already fled our home in Talpiot in southeast Jerusalem and taken shelter [...]
A window on the West in Saudi Arabia
Written by 36th Parallel on Wednesday, June 13th, 2012
A window on the West in Saudi Arabia Common Ground News Service: Common Ground News Service Riyadh – A sprawling, second-floor office suite in the Saudi capital is home to an experiment that says a lot about how this oil-rich kingdom is changing. The Western Studies Institute is the first non-governmental organisation in Saudi Arabia [...]