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Conference in Solothurn, 15 and 16 October 2022 – Part 5

One-sided reporting and war propaganda

Review and outlook

by Gilles-Emmanuel Jacquet,* GIPRI Geneva

(16 December 2022) It is widely acknowledged that the media, media freedom and free access to information play a crucial role in the democratisation of societies (through the formation of public opinion) and the consolidation of peace.1 However, there have also been numerous instances in recent history where the media played a role worthy of criticism in the coverage of armed conflicts or international crises by adopting the war propaganda of certain warring parties or providing partial or even one-sided coverage of certain events, which could and can amount to disinformation.

Revisiting the Goals of Sustainable Development

by Alfred de Zayas,* Geneva

(16 December 2022) On 8 September 2000, full of optimism and resolve, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Millennium Declaration (resolution 55/2)1 reaffirming that development, together with peace and human rights, constitute the Organization’s priorities for the 21st century.
Reflections on Events in Afghanistan – 41

US brings culture wars to Afghanistan

by M. K. Bhadrakumar,* India

(16 December 2022) The time has come to pick up threads from my blog of January 27 titled The West co-opts the Taliban.1 Indeed, the wheel has come full circle since the three-day conclave in Oslo on January 23-25 between a core group of Western diplomats with Taliban officials failed to work out a reasonable modus vivendi. The pendulum has since swung to the other extreme.

Liberating Africa from Poverty Requires Changing Power Relations with the West

by Ramzy Baroud*

(16 December 2022) Soon after arriving in Oslo, my taxi zigzagged through the city’s well-organized streets and state-of-the-art infrastructure. Large billboards advertised the world’s leading brands in fashion, cars, and perfumes. Amid all the expressions of wealth and plenty, an electronic sign by a bus stop flashed the images of poor looking African children needing help.

Beware of Long Wars

Ukrainian Attacks on Russia Are Dangerously Escalatory

by William J. Astore,* USA

(16 December 2022) Reports that Ukraine is launching modified drones to strike airbases deep in Russia1 highlight the unpredictability and escalatory nature of wars. Ukraine is no longer content at defending itself against Russian aggression; Russia itself must be made a target, which will likely provoke harsher Russian counterattacks. Meanwhile, the U.S. Congress continues to authorize billions in military aid to Ukraine, which is pitched as defending democracy and freedom.

No alternative to a negotiated solution!

by Wolfgang Herzberg*

(6 December 2022) As a descendant of Jewish-German survivors and a political writer of many years’ standing, whose family members perished in the genocide of the Nazi regime or were scattered all over the world. My parents, out of a deep sense of political responsibility, returned to Berlin after the Second World War, to help build an anti-fascist and peaceful Germany. Against the background of these existential family experiences, I ask myself the following fundamental questions about the war in Ukraine, which I would also like to address to the public and all those with political responsibility.