Fatwa denounces terrorism
“Jihad is basically a constructive phenomenon. Terrorism is based on destruction alone. Jihad is permitted only for restoring peace and is a fundamental right of a human being.”
Opinion
Secret order permits US attacks all over the world
A secret US military order allows the US to attack countries where the US is not officially using military force: Pakistan, Syria, Somalia, and others. Since 2004, the US has attacked at least twelve times that were not previously reported in the press. Context of the story: Why is this important? Use of military force … Read more
Cholera outbreak in Congo fighting
The civil war in the Congo is exacerbating a cholera outbreak. The fighting is causing patients to flee and possibly infect other people and it is affecting water supplies and sanitation–all contributing to the spread of the deadly disease. Context of the story: Why is this important? The civil war in the Congo, and its … Read more
Scientists design HIV-fighter using evolution
Scientists used simple evolutionary techniques–breed the strongest performing cells–to design a new immune cell to fight HIV. The new cell will now be tested in mice. Context of the story: Why is this important? HIV causes AIDS. Globally, 25 million people have died of AIDS, and another estimated 33 million are infected with HIV. Who … Read more
Scientists develop small, cheap nuclear reactor
US scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratory have developed a nuclear reactor that will power 10,000 homes. It is self-contained and about the size of a shed. Context of the story: Why is this important? Nuclear power may help us reduce our use of fossil fuels that lead to global warming. Who is involved? Scientists … Read more
Pres.-elect Obama will change Cuba policy
Pres.-elect Obama has promised to rollback the draconian restrictions imposed by Pres. Bush on travel and sending money to Cuba. Context of the story: Why is this important? The US has had a unilateral embargo against Cuba for 46 years. It has not ended Communism in Cuba and most of the world opposes the embargo. … Read more
Nigerians sue Shell in the Netherlands
Four Nigerians citizens sued Shell in the Netherlands for environmental damage allegedly caused by Shell’s Nigerian subsidiary in Nigeria. Context of the story: Why is this important? Nigeria is oil rich but economically poor, and environmental damage is part of the problem for many poor Nigerians. Furthermore, rebels have attacked many oil facilities in Nigeria … Read more
Business plan
I have been exploring the idea of turning my website into an income. I have a lot of ideas and a lot of doubts, but I have one idea that I think will be useful: I want to develop my business plan on my website. If I can make money as a “blogger” or “news … Read more
MSM distorting bipolar study
The mainstream media (MSM) attempted to report on a study linking that suggests the children of older fathers have an increased risk of bipolar disorder. Many reports exaggerated or distorted the study. Context of the story: Why is this important? Science can be difficult to report especially by non-scientific journalists for a scientifically-illiterate audience. Who … Read more
Science proves that bullies enjoy seeing pain
A new study shows that bullies enjoy seeing other people in pain, while average people do not enjoy watching other people in pain. Context of the story: Why is this important? Bullying is a problem, especially because it is not limited to the schoolyard. This type of research may help us understand, and prevent, many … Read more