Japan’s voters sweep out ruling party
The Japanese Communist Party maintained its nine seats in the Diet after the historic elections Aug. 30 that swept the Liberal Democratic Party from power. For a half a century the LDP has ruled Japan.
Cuba constructs environmentally sustainable socialism
During a recent visit to Cuba, we stopped by an agricultural cooperative on the outskirts of Havana. Its farmers and cooperatives across the country are part of what’s widely acknowledged as the world’s largest organic farming experiment. Hundreds of thousands of farmers at the grassroots proudly proclaim themselves part of Cuba’s “environmental movement.”
Time to end obsolete policies on Cuba
When President Barack Obama pledged a more diplomatic United States that respects the sovereignty of other nations, I, along with 142 other U.S. citizens and residents took him up on that claim.
Persecuted Middle East gays hope for resettlement
In Iran, there is a three to four day gap between when an individual is reported to the police for being homosexual, and when the police arrive to arrest that individual. Most flee before the police arrive, making such preparations as they can and becoming refugees. Iranians don't need visas to enter Turkey, so that is a common destination. Most refugees flee over the mountains, a grueling trek.
German Left Party scores gain in state elections
BERLIN -- After state elections Sunday, all five main parties in Germany tried to stick in a thumb and pull out a plum or two. Some plums were very sweet, with others rather on the sour side, and the TV smiles of some leaders seemed very forced. The big fight will be on September 27th when the entire Bundestag, or national parliament, is chosen. But the elections to three state legislatures and for mayors and city councils in a fourth state were exciting enough.
