The new movie, “Kill the Messenger,” recounts the brave Contra-cocaine reporting by Gary Webb and his subsequent destruction at the hands of the mainstream media. It forced devastating admissions from the CIA about drug trafficking by the Nicaraguan contra rebels under the protection of the Reagan Administration in the 1980s, writes Robert Parry.
International Issues
Nicaragua: Scientists Advise Scrapping Destructive Gran Canal
The Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ATBC) — the world’s largest association of tropical biologists and conservationists — warns about the impact on water security and indigenous people from Nicaragua’s Gran Canal.
Planet Ocean: Envisioning Land and Seas as One Ecosystem
“Planet Ocean” — explores how the health of the oceans are the pivot for all of Earth’s healthy ecosystems. This international documentary, directed by Yann Arthus-Bertrand and Michael Pitiot, wonders whether it is possible for Earth’s dominant inhabitants to change the way we view our oceans.
Israel’s Colonial Project in Palestine is Faltering
Dan Glazebrook writes on the colonial history of the Zionist dream of a homeland, including the destruction of the Palestinian people and dispossession of their land and livelihood through aggression and settlement building, shows Israel has no intention of conceding on Palestinian statehood. We also feature a video of Ilan Pappé, Israeli historian, and the film, “The Zionist Story.”
Orwell’s Dystopian Vision Happening Now
John Pilger writes on how George Orwell’s dystopian vision of the future in 1984 is happening today in the form of media manipulation and unnecessary wars, and the movement goes unchallenged.
US Jewish Leader: In Palestine, Sovereignty Means Peace
A former leader of American Jewish Congress has strongly condemned Israel’s war on the Gaza Strip, saying “the Zionist dream is based on slaughter of innocents.” Henry Siegman, now President of the US/Middle East Project, spoke recently on Democracy Now on the need to end the occupation and grant sovereignty to the Palestinian People to end this conflict.
Palestine, War and the Responsibility of Colonial Power
To achieve justice and peace in Israel, its popular portrayal as the victim of Palestinian aggression must be replaced with the state accepting responsibility in its role as a colonial power with all the attendant political, military, and financial hegemony. As an occupying power, they must protect the civilian population, and their actions must be proportional and measured towards perceived injustice, granting rights and self determination to the Palestinian people. Otherwise, war, death, hatred, and instability will continue. Essay by Ajamu Baraka with two films by John Pilger.