Running on Empty?

World oil production is now at its peak and will start to contract at some time in the next few years—possibly as early as 2005. At the same time, economies throughout the world, which are built on a model of continuous and ever-increasing growth, keep guzzling more and more oil. From where is all that oil going to come? The obvious solution is to develop alternative sources of primary energy. But, considering how close we are to oil supply shortages, the development of alternative sources is far behind where it should be. Let's get the word out.The ‘Energy’ Section

The international media have been lavishing praise on the rich countries for their generosity towards the regions affected by the December 2004 tsunamis in South Asia. Apparently, it's a sign of human solidarity. But in a world in which the daily suffering of millions remains invisible, while the rich spend on ever more fanciful technologies and pastimes, and rich states deliberately maintain systems to exercise dominion, human solidarity is merely superficial.Humanity Today

Iran, according to the US, should not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapons programme. Such a move by Iran, it is claimed, would be a violation of the NPT and require punitive action. Some straight thinking, however, should do away with that nonsense. Is Iran not justified in seeking to defend itself against threats it faces in the region and from the US? Why is Israel not given the same treatment? Why are members of the nuclear club not disarming?Nuclear Hypocrisy

All democratic governments, whether they like it or not, now answer to a second constituency of investors and lenders. The power of this constituency is growing, and its interests directly conflict with the interests of voters. States and their citizens are getting locked into a capitalist system that cares little for the development needs of people. Democracy, as it is practised today, may be a front for something else. It's something of which to be aware.The Second Constituency

The idea of the nation is a cherished myth. Although there are no fixed definitions about what constitutes the national culture, there is a general idea of it. In today's world, people arriving from other cultures have a hard time getting the autochthons to assimilate other traditions into the national mix. When France passed a law in September 2004 banning religious symbols in schools, it was widely seen as a boost for secularism. It also reinforces current cultural norms.Keeping the Status Quo