AlterNet.org: World News

The 10 Most Seductive Drugs -- And Their Fascinating History

Jacqueline Detwiler, The Fix — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:00:01 PST

A brief journey through time, from ancient Sumeria to modern New Jersey, uncovers the mysterious origins of the world's most beloved substances.

How Deep Is the Republican Christian Right's Connection to the Anti-Gay Bills Sweeping Sub-Saharan Africa?

Kristin Rawls, AlterNet — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:01 PST

As the horrific "kill-the-gays" bill resurfaces in Uganda, Republican politicians deny connections, but their rhetoric is frighteningly similar.

New Evidence Reveals U.S. Has Used Drones to Target Rescue Workers and Funerals in Pakistan

Amy Goodman, Democracy Now! — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:00:01 PST

A report found that since President Obama took office between 282 and 535 civilians have been reported as killed in Pakistan, including more than 60 children.

Elect Romney, Get War in Iran?

Max Blumenthal, al-akhbar — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 23:00:01 PST

Should Mitt Romney make it to the White House, his Middle East policy and plan for Iran may be as hawkish as that of Bush Junior, thanks to Eliot Cohen.

US Empire Is Changing its Stripes: Drones, Special Operations Forces and the US Navy Are Changing the Way We Do War

Tom Engelhardt, TomDispatch.com — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 23:00:01 PST

Make no mistake: weâ€™re entering a new world of military planning. It won't make the Pentagon smaller, but it will change the nature of empire.

Why the "Liberal" Media Leaves Hawkish Foreign Policy Unchallenged

Gregory Harms, TruthOut.org — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 21:00:01 PST

The New York Times' foreign affairs coverage belies its "liberal" reputation--but reinforces the class biases of its readers.

Doomsday Scenario: What Happens When Banks Control the Economy?

Michael Hudson, Michael Hudson's blog — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:00:01 PST

Banks weren't meant to be in control of our economy and our governments. How did it get like this and how can we restore sanity to our banking system?

New York Muslims Fight Back Against Police Department's Institutionalized Paranoia About Islam

Alex Kane, AlterNet — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:00:01 PST

Muslim community leaders say Islamophobia is deep-seated in the New York Police Department.

Why Closure of the Strait of Hormuz Could Ignite a War and a Global Depression

Michael T. Klare, TomDispatch.com — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:00:01 PST

The Strait of Hormuz--through which one-fifth the planet's oil supply travels--is suddenly the site of tensions between the US and Iran.

How Male Global Elites Work Hard to Fix the Economy - In Their Favor

Lynn Parramore, AlterNet — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:00:01 PST

On Sunday, 1 percenters left the World Economic Forum at Davos with bold plans to stay fat and happy while the world falls apart.

Could Ecuador Be the Most Radical and Exciting Place on Earth?

Jayati Ghosh, Comment Is Free — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:00:01 PST

A decade ago, Ecuador was a banana republic, an economic basket case. Today, it has much to teach the rest of the world.

What if Iran Sent Commandoes to the US Border? How US Policies Look from the Other Side

Tom Engelhardt, TomDispatch.com — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 23:00:01 PST

Imagine that America's policy toward Iran were reversed; imagine Iranian commandoes on the U.S.-Mexico border. How would Americans react?

26 Facts About the Awful Conditions Where Your Gadgets are Made

Lois Beckett, ProPublica — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 05:00:01 PST

Breaking down what we know about Foxconn, the massive factory in China where workers manufacture popular products like iPhones and iPads.

How Swedes and Norwegians Broke the Power of the '1 Percent'

George Lakey, Waging Nonviolence — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 05:00:01 PST

Scandinavian workers realized that, electoral â€œdemocracyâ€ was stacked against them, so nonviolent direct action was needed to exert the power for change.

Robert Greenwald and Reporter Michael Hastings Take on the Wild and Terrifying Inside Story of America's War Machine

Robert Greenwald, AlterNet — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:00:01 PST

Hastings, in his hard-hitting new book, discusses "politically correct imperialism," why the military is obsessed with its legacy, and why we're stuck in post-9/11 thinking.

America Has Become the World's Arms Dealer -- But at What Cost to Ourselves and the World?

William Astore, TomDispatch.com — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 21:00:01 PST

Last year saw the U.S. on pace to deliver more than $46 billion in foreign arms sales. Who says America isnâ€™t number one anymore?

Drones for the Paparazzi? How Unmanned Flying Machines Could Invade Your Life

Becky Hogge, Comment Is Free — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 23:00:01 PST

America's use of drones for targeted killings is serious enough. But commercial and law enforcement uses are on the horizon.

Americans are Less Nationalistic than Jingoist Politicians Think

Lawrence Wittner, TruthOut.org — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 23:00:01 PST

Are American politicians out of sync with the public when it comes to foreign policy? There is considerable reason to believe so.

Chris Hedges: Why I'm Suing Barack Obama

Chris Hedges, Truthdig — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 06:00:01 PST

With the latest National Defense Authorization Act, the military can indefinitely detain without trial any U.S. citizen deemed to be a terrorist or an accessory to terrorism.

An Interesting New Way to Look at the Economy: Are Economies Like Ecosystems?

Jon Rynn, AlterNet — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 14:00:01 PST

Progressives have a golden opportunity to challenge conservative economic orthodoxy with a fresh, sustainable approach to creating prosperity.