Call for Articles: Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR)
Greetings from the Association for Conflict Resolution! The Spring 2007 issue of ACResolution will focus on conflict resolution in higher education. Would you be willing to send out the attached Call for Proposals to the list? We are trying to encourage a very large number of diverse proposals for this issue.
Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR)
Call for Article Proposals For ACR's ACResolution Spring 2007 Magazine on Conflict Resolution in Higher Education
ACR's spring 2007 issue of ACResolution magazine will focus on the topic of Conflict Resolution in Higher Education. The editors seek proposals from people who would like to write articles on any aspect of this topic. What are the key issues in conflict resolution in higher education programs? What are the different higher education options available to students interested in conflict resolution? Where are these educational programs going in the future, and how are they changing the field of conflict resolution?
The editors seek diversity in authors and subject matter; authors do not have to be ACR members.
If interested, please:
-- write a half-page description of your proposed article;
-- include a title/headline for your article;
-- include your name and contact information;
-- include one to three lines of biographical information; and
-- specify if you would like to write a major (3,000 words) or minor feature
(1,500 words).
Send your proposals via email to ACResolution Managing Editor at:
publications@ACRnet.org
... as soon as possible, but no later than December 1, 2006.
An editorial advisory committee will review the proposals and choose 2-3 major features and 2-3 minor features. All authors will be notified by end of December. If selected, completed articles will be due to ACR by February 1, 2007.
For more information about ACR publications and guidelines, please visit:
http://www.ACRnet.org/publications/acresolution.htm.
For more information on ACR, please visit: http://www.ACRnet.org
Thank you for your interest in the Association for Conflict Resolution.
Emily Welty
Publications Manager
Association for Conflict Resolution
1015 18th Street, NW, Suite 1150
Washington, D.C. 20036
Phone: 202-464-9700 ext. 230
Fax: 202-464-9720
Email: EWelty@acrnet.org
http://www.ACRnet.org
Celebrating Our Past, Shaping the Future ... See you in Philadelphia for ACR’s Sixth Annual Conference October 25-28, 2006. Register now for the conference, at: http://www.ACRnet.org/conferences/ac06/
Peace Alliance Foundation Newsletter - August 2006
PEACE ALLIANCE FOUNDATION NEWSLETTER
AUGUST 2006
You can view this page in HTML here:
http://www.peacealliancefound.org/newsletters/aug_2006_newsletter.htm
In This Newsletter:
1. Message from Dot
2. Memo from the Editor
3. Global Engagement
4. The Peace Registry
5. Imagine a Culture of Peace: Impressions of Youth
6. Pondering Peace
7. You can Help!
8. Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Update
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MESSAGE FROM DOT
Dear Friends,
It is with heartfelt joy that we share our first Peace Alliance Foundation newsletter with you. Our intention is to help make visible a culture of peace. In fact, peace is breaking out all over!
The mission of the Foundation is to empower and inspire civic engagement for a culture of peace. We have three main areas of focus: Global Engagement, Civic Engagement, and the Peace Registry. You will find articles, pictures and stories of interest that are sure to spark hope and the spirit of cooperation.
We are participating in the Global Alliance for Ministries and Departments of Peace
Thank you for your support and participation. It will take all of us working together to create a world that works for everyone. We wish you all the best as the journey continues, and look forward to our continuing cooperation for peacebuilding.
In the Spirit of Peace,
Dot
Dot Maver, Executive Director
The Peace Alliance Foundation
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MEMO FROM THE EDITOR
Welcome to the Inaugural Edition of the Peace Alliance Foundation Newsletter!
As your editor, I want to thank you for taking the time to read about our activities and involve yourself in the most important process you will ever undertake the movement for peace on our planet, in our nation, and in our hearts.
Although I have only been involved with the Foundation for about a year, I have been inspired to learn of the positive and creative approaches by so many to make the world a better place. I hope that you will come away from each edition of our newsletter with the same determination to make a difference.
I invite your suggestions, advice, and corrections. Please email me with any input that you wish to contribute, no matter how large or minute. Each of us is an important and valuable part of the evolution to a kinder and gentler future.
Theresa
Theresa McGallicher, Newsletter Editor
The Peace Alliance Foundation
editor@peacealliancefound.org
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GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT
The Peace Alliance Foundation’s Global Engagement
This month we shine the newsletter spotlight on one of those activities. The Global Alliance for Ministries and Departments of Peace
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THE PEACE REGISTRY
The Peace Registry
The Registry currently contains over 200 such listings and we invite you send in more. If you know of an organization working towards peace, nominate them at our website here
Each edition of this newsletter highlights a group that is making a difference in a novel way. In this first edition, we introduce you to:
International World Peace Rose Gardens
VISION: To engage world citizens in activities that promote global peace.
MISSION: To advance peace and understanding amongst all the nations, cultures and religions of the world through the creation of rose gardens that become centers for community activities.
International World Peace Rose Gardens (IWPRG) is a catalyst in diverse communities around the world for peace. The non-profit organization was incorporated in 1988 for the purpose of creating beautiful rose gardens for peace on public, accessible sites. The gardens serve as places of inspiration and magnets for peaceful, community activities, including the IWPRG youth programs. The projects have impacted millions around the world.
Co-Creators TJ David and Sylvia Villalobos began cultivating their dream for peace by planting the first World Peace Rose Garden at the Gandhi Peace Memorial in California in 1984. The visionary team combined Mr. David’s love and expertise of roses and his business background with Ms. Villalobos’ passion for social justice, education, love of children, and organizational skills. Twenty years later, they have raised over $1,400,000 (including in-kind donations) for five major projects, donated over $340,000, and have volunteered over 20,000 hours.
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IMAGINE A CULTURE OF PEACE: IMPRESSIONS OF YOUTH
The Peace Alliance Foundation is partnering with the Dalai Lama Foundation,
t, we can create it!
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PONDERING PEACE
“You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something,
build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.” Buckminster Fuller
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YOU CAN HELP!
You can help bring about a culture of peace first and foremost by making a personal choice to live peace in your own daily life.
You can also help by making a one-time or monthly donation
to the work of the Peace Alliance Foundation.
In addition, every time you do a web search using the Goodsearch engine powered by Yahoo!), Goodsearch makes a small donation to the Peace Alliance Foundation. You can set this up by going to
===============================
Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Update
If you have any problems viewing this page, you can read it online here: http://www.peacealliancefound.org/newsletters/aug_2006_newsletter.htm
Subscribe: If this newsletter was forwarded to you by a friend and you would like to get your own copy, you may subscribe by signing up here: http://www.peacealliancefound.org/component/option,com_wrapper/Itemid,118/
Updates: Need a name, an email address or phone number changed? Just reply to this newsletter with your changes and we will be happy to update our records. If changing an email address, be sure to tell us both the old and the new.
===============================
The Peace Alliance Foundation
PO Box 70095
Rochester Hills MI
48307-0002 USA
Tel. 586-754-8105
Fax 586-754-8106
Email inquiries: info@peacealliancefound.org
DemocracyNews - August 30, 2006
The WMD's DemocracyNews
Electronic Newsletter of the World Movement for Democracy - www.wmd.org
CALL FOR ITEMS
POSTING NEWS:
We welcome items to include in DemocracyNews. Please send an email message to world@ned.org with the item you would like to post in the body of the message.
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Dear World Movement Participants:
The next issue of DemocracyNews will go out on September 13, 2006. In order to make DemocracyNews as useful as possible, we ask you to send us any items related to democracy work that you think would be of interest to others.
The next deadline for submitting items is ** September 8** Please send items to: world@ned.org.
You are encouraged to submit items under any area of democracy work. We welcome items announcing publications, upcoming events, reports on research, new Web sites, and other information, and we are most interested in posting requests for partnerships between organizations on collaborative projects, brief descriptions of collaborative projects already underway or completed, and ideas for new initiatives in which others may be interested. We hope DemocracyNews will be a source not only for information about participants' activities, but also for new ideas about strategies to advance democracy.
Please share this message with your colleagues.
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To subscribe send an email to subscribe-democracynews@lyris.ned.org.
If you do not have access to the Web and would like to access the materials mentioned above, please contact us by e-mail (world@ned.org) or fax (202-293-0755).
DemocracyNews is an electronic mailing list moderated by the National Endowment for Democracy as the Secretariat of the World Movement for Democracy. The material presented in DemocracyNews is intended for information purposes only.
In Chechens Humiliation, Questions on Rule of Law
This article was brought to our awareness by Linda Hartling and Rick Slaven.
Thanks a lot!
Most warmly!
Evelin
In Chechen’s Humiliation, Questions on Rule of Law
By C. J. CHIVERS
Published: August 30, 2006
ARGUN, Russia, Aug. 26 — The humiliation of Malika Soltayeva, a pregnant Chechen woman suspected of adultery, was ferocious and swift.
Malika Soltayeva, shown in a recent photo, was tortured by men who served as the police.
Ms. Soltayeva, 23, had been away from home for a month and was reported missing by her family. When she returned, her husband accused her of infidelity and banished her from their apartment. The local authorities found her at her aunt’s residence. They said they had a few questions.
What followed was no investigation. In a law enforcement compound in this town in east-central Chechnya, the men who served as Argun’s police sheared away her hair and her eyebrows and painted her scalp green, the color associated with Islam. A thumb-thick cross was smeared on her brow.
Ms. Soltayeva, a Muslim, had slept with a Christian Russian serviceman, they said. Her scarlet letter would be an emerald cross. She was forced to confess, ordered to strip, and beaten with wooden rods and hoses on her buttocks, arms, legs, hands, stomach and back.
“Turn and be condemned by Allah,” one of her tormentors said, demanding that she position herself so he could strike her more squarely.
The torture of Ms. Soltayeva, recorded on a video obtained by The New York Times, and other recent brutish acts and instances of religious policing, raise questions about Chechnya’s direction.
Please read the entire article at http://www.nytimes.com/
Jean Baker Miller Fall Intensive Training Institute
Jean Baker Miller Fall Intensive Training Institute Intensive Training Institute
As we honor Jean Baker Miller and carry her work forward, we are pleased to announce this year's Fall Intensive Training Institute.
Please mark your calendars…
****JEAN BAKER MILLER FALL INSTENSIVE TRAINING INSTITUTE****
Founding Concepts and Recent Developments in Relational-Cultural Theory and Practice
Friday-Sunday, October 27-29, 2006
Wellesley College Club, Wellesley, MA
14 continuing education credits
Lead Faculty: Judith V. Jordan, Ph.D., Amy Banks, MD, Janet Surrey, Ph.D.,
Maureen Walker, Ph.D., Marilyn Downs, MSW, Yvonne M. Jenkins, Ph.D.,
Lynne Lieberman, LICSW, and Linda Hartling, Ph.D.
Designed for psychologists, social workers, licensed mental health counselors, and marriage and family therapists by our nationally recognized faculty, this program is a unique opportunity for the intensive study of Relational-Cultural Theory and the applications of this approach in clinical and other settings.
Developed at the Stone Center, Relational-Cultural Therapy is based on the power of connection to bring about change in people's lives. This approach rests on the premise that growth-fostering connections are the central human necessity and disconnections are the source of psychological problems. In particular, relationships are profoundly influenced by cultural contexts.
The Fall Intensive three day program will include interactive presentations and experiential activities that will illuminate the core processes and topics. Each session will feature contributions by a collaborative group of faculty led by senior faculty.
If you, your colleagues, or your students would like to attend, please visit our website http://www.wellesley.edu/JBMTI/fti.html. Or call the JBMTI at 781-283-3800.
****A SPECIAL OFFER FOR JBMTI EMAIL LIST MEMBERS!****
Because you are a member of the JBMTI email list, we are offering a $25 discount. All you need to do is identify yourself as a member of JBMTI email list when you register online, or when you register by phone. This can be combined with regular discounts and save you up to $75 off of the tuition price! ($425)
REGULAR DISCOUNTS…
Register with a friend or colleague and receive $25 off the regular tuition.
Register before October 6 and receive an early registration discount of $25.
We hope you can join us!
Yours in Connection…
Jean Baker Miller Training Institute
Web site: http://www.jbmti.org
e-mail: jbmti@wellesley.edu Phone: 781-283-3007
24-hr registration: 781-283-3800
Wellesley Centers for Women
www.wcwonline.org
Wellesley College, 106 Central Street, Wellesley, MA 02481
World Psychiatric Association Regional Meeting - Nairobi
World Psychiatric Association Regional Meeting - Nairobi: 21st to 23rd March 2007, Safari Park Hotel
15th August 2006
Dear Colleague,
RE: WORLD PSYCHIATRIC ASSOCIATION REGIONAL MEETING – NAIROBI: 21ST TO 23RD MARCH 2007 – SAFARI PARK HOTEL
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We would like to invite you to submit your proposals for symposia in the above mentioned conference whose main theme is Mental Health in Development. The sub-themes include:
- Provision of Mental Health Care in Low Resourced Countries:
- Challenges and Opportunities
- Mental Health Within General Health Service: Peculiarities and Needs
- Mental Health Economics and Policies
- HIV, the Brain, and Development
- Mental Health Workforce
- Psychopathology, Disability, and Wellbeing
Kindly confirm your interest to do a symposium and let us have the title and an indication of when you can expect to submit the full details of your co-presenters and their presentations. You may also visit the conference website on www.wpa2007nairobi.com for further information on the submission process.
Signed,
Prof. Oye Gureje
Chair, Scientific Committee
Email address: ogureje @ comui.edu.ng
www.wpa2007nairobi.com
Community-Campus Partnerships for Health 10th Anniversary Conference
Dear colleagues,
Call for Proposals Due October 6!
Community-Campus Partnerships for Health 10th Anniversary Conference
"Mobilizing Partnerships for Social Change"
April 11 - 14, 2007 in Toronto ON Canada
Details at: www.ccph.info
How do we combine the knowledge and wisdom in communities and in academic institutions to solve the major health, social and economic challenges facing our society? How do we ensure that community-driven social change is central to service-learning and community-based participatory research?
Community-Campus Partnerships for Health (CCPH) is convening our 10th anniversary conference, April 11-14, 2007 in Toronto, to nurture a growing network of community-campus partnerships that are striving to achieve the systems and policy changes needed to address the root causes of health, social and economic inequalities. The conference seeks to build knowledge, skills and actions for achieving healthy and just societies.
We invite you to share your knowledge, experience and lessons learned with hundreds of colleagues who - like you - are passionate about the power of partnerships to transform communities and academe.
The conference planning committee is looking for proposals that address one or more of these sub-themes:
*Understanding and Addressing the Social Determinants of Health
*From Grassroots Movements to Policy Change
*Communities as Centers of Learning, Discovery and Engagement
*Developing the Science of Community-Based or Practice-Based Evidence
Proposals are sought for these session formats:
*Pre-conference intensive workshops
*Skill-building workshops
*Story sessions
*Challenges consultation sessions
*Film screening and discussion sessions
*Posters
*Thematic posters
This CCPH conference in particular is notable for a number of reasons:
*It celebrates our 10th anniversary, allowing us to reflect on our history and evolution and engage stakeholders in determining our future directions.
*It is our first conference held in Canada, presenting unprecedented opportunities to learn from Canadian experiences with community-campus partnerships and the social determinants of health, and to explore synergies across North America and beyond.
*It takes place in one of the most diverse cities in the world, enabling us to explore critical issues of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, wealth and culture.
*It represents an important product of our partnership with the Wellesley Institute (www.wellesleyinstitute.com), the Toronto-based organization that advances the social determinants of health through rigorous community-based research, reciprocal capacity building, and the informing of public policy.
We hope you can join us in Toronto next spring! Please forward this announcement to colleagues who may be interested!
For more information, visit www.ccph.info
For information on financial support for conference participants, visit
http://depts.washington.edu/ccph/conf-support.html
For information about being a conference exhibitor or cosponsor, visit
http://depts.washington.edu/ccph/conf-exhibiting.html or contact Annika Sgambelluri at annikalr@u.washington.edu
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Community-Campus Partnerships for Health promotes health (broadly
defined) through partnerships between communities and higher educational
institutions. Become a member today at www.ccph.info
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DemocracyNews- August 2006
DemocracyNews- August 2006
The WMD's DemocracyNews
Electronic Newsletter of the World Movement for Democracy - www.wmd.org
August 2006
POSTING NEWS:
We welcome items to include in DemocracyNews. Please send an email message to world@ned.org with the item you would like to post in the body of the message.
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CONTENTS
DEMOCRACY ALERTS/APPEALS
1. Iran government Bans Leading Human Rights Organization 2. Human Rights Watch Calls on Vietnamese Government to Promote Fundamental Human Rights and Political Pluralism
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS
3. 2006 International Conference on the State of Affairs of Africa 4. Calls for Nominations for 2007 Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize 5. Individu-land Announces Updated Web Site 6. Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society Calls for Applications for Emerging Leaders Program 7. Human Rights Leadership Training Program Announced 8. New Carnegie Arabic-Language Web Portal 9. Call for Applications: Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellowships
CIVIL SOCIETY STRENGTHENING
10. Civic Bangladesh Launches Web site 11. Amman Center for Human Rights Studies Workshop on Non-Governmental Organization
CONFLICT RESOLUTION
12. Radio for Peace Building, Africa, 2006 Awards 13. Israel/Palestine Center for Research and Information Issues Policy Paper on Current Middle East Crisis
ECONOMIC REFORM AND THE BUSINESS SECTOR
14.Centerfor International Private Enterprise Releases Overseas Report
HUMAN RIGHTS
15. Third Edition of Human Rights in the World Community Published 16. Distance Learning Course on the Inter-American System of Human Rights Protection and Promotion 17. Nominations for 2007 International Human Rights Lawyer Award 18. International Human Rights Colloquium Seeks Applications 19. Distance Learning Course on Using Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for Human Rights Work
INTERNATIONAL DEMOCRACY ASSISTANCE AND SOLIDARITY
20. Campaign of Support to Civic Resistance in Cuba Launched 21. Club of Madrid Holds Strategy Meeting 22. African Network on Freedom of Expression Issues Warning 23. New Solidarity Center Report Exposes Dangers Faced by Colombian Trade Unionists
LEGISLATIVE DEVELOPMENT AND ASSISTANCE
24. New Governance and Social Development Resource Center Online
POLITICAL AND CIVIC PARTICIPATION OF YOUTH
25. 13th Human Rights Annual Internship for Arab and Egyptian University Students
POLITICAL PARTIES AND POLITICAL LEADERSHIP
26. National Front for Democracy-Bhutan Proposes Peoples’ Constitution
WOMEN’S ISSUES
27. New Handbook on Women in Parliament: Beyond Numbers
28. WORLD MOVEMENT PARTICIPATING NETWORKS, ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS MENTIONED IN THIS ISSUE
DEMOCRACY ALERTS/APPEALS
1. Iran government Bans Leading Human Rights Organization
On August 2, Iran's Interior Ministry banned the Defender of Human Rights Center (DHRC), one of the country's most prominent minority rights groups. Based in Tehran, the organization has been active in defending rights of women, political prisoners and minorities in Iran. The organization was founded by several prominent Iranian lawyers including Abdolfattah Soltani, Mohammad Seifzadeh, Mohammad Ali Dadkhah, Mohammad Sharif and, most notably, 2003 Nobel laureate Shirin Ebadi, who is currently president of the Center. The Center is a member of the International Federation for Human Rights and was the recipient of the 2003 Human Rights Award from the French National Commission of Human Rights.
In a message posted on the Center’s Web site, Ms. Ebadi called for solidarity with members of the Center whose responsibilities include reporting human rights violations that take place in Iran, defending political prisoners, and supporting families of prisoners financially and spiritually. Members of the Center have been threatened with arrest should they attempt to resume activities.
A call for solidarity from the President of the Defender of Human Rights Center (DHRC) is posted at:
http://www.payvand.com/news/06/aug/1093.html
For more information related to the banning of the Center go to:
http://www.rferl.org/featuresarticle/2006/08/E81DC00E-FC38-45AA-BC2B-246F00889AA0.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/08/AR2006080801312.html
http://jurist.law.pitt.edu/paperchase/2006/08/activists-condemn-iran-for-banning.php
http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/view.php?StoryID=20060809-094503-4365r
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/HRW/fb847e9023d98e98325d023315a825c5.htm
Statement from Human Rights Watch -- http://www.hrw.org/english/docs/2006/08/08/iran13928.htm
Other relevant sources:
Shirin Ebadi’s personal website in Persian (the English version is still under construction) -- http://www.shirinebadi.ir/
Nobel Prize page http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/2003/ebadi-lecture.html
2. Human Rights Watch Calls on Vietnamese Government to Promote Fundamental Human Rights and Political Pluralism
On July 12, Human Rights Watch (HRW) issued an open letter to Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung of Vietnam commending the Vietnamese government for strides made on economic growth, health, education, and poverty alleviation, but urges the government to seize this opportunity to launch legislative and policy reforms to firmly establish respect for human rights as a central tenant of the administration. HRW identifies the government’s control over freedom of expression and the internet; restrictions on freedom of association and religion; and arbitrary arrest, torture, and unfair trials as the key areas the Vietnamese government should set as priorities to improve its promotion and protection of human rights.
Go to: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2006/07/12/vietna13728.htm
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS
3. 2006 International Conference on the State of Affairs of Africa
The International Institute for Justice and Development (IIJD) is planning the 2006 International Conference on the State of Affairs of Africa (ICSAA), which will be held in Boston on October 26-28, 2006, and will feature President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia as the keynote speaker. The conference will address current issues facing Africa, such as poverty, political turmoil, and economic stagnation that continues despite years of international aid. The objective of the 2006 ICSAA is to increase international collaboration among African development efforts to address these issues more efficiently. By bringing together politicians, academics, NGOs, experts from international institutions, and other persons directly involved in development efforts, IIJD hopes the conference will facilitate the sharing of experiences and expertise and produce an integrated plan for more effective future work.
For registration and more information go to: www.icsaa.iijd.org
4. Calls for Nominations for 2007 Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize
The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation invites nominations for the 2007 Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize for organizations that have made extraordinary contributions toward alleviating human suffering anywhere in the world. The $1.5 million prize—the world’s largest humanitarian award—is presented annually to an established nonprofit, charitable, or nongovernmental organization. Nominated organizations must have an operating budget larger than $500,000. The prize is not a grant based on future goals, but an award for recent and historic accomplishments. Final selections are made by an independent international panel of jurors. The 2007 prize will be announced in the fall of 2007. Nominations must be received or postmarked by November 6, 2006.
For guidelines on nominators and nominees go to: www.hiltonfoundation.org/main.asp?id=43&side=1
5. Individu-land Announces Updated Web Site
August 11 2006, marks the one year anniversary of Individu-land’s work in Pakistan. Individu-land is a cyber space community in which the individual is considered most important, and was founded to re-claim the space for individuals the around the world. Individu-land considers itself a space for liberal, secular individuals who believe that the state is for the individual and not vice versa, championing minimal government, private entrepreneurship, open markets, and globalization. It has been working as a political advocacy, resource and analyst group for one year in Pakistan. Now, Individu-land plans to consolidate its work and begin work on new initiatives, including launching an updated version of its Web site on August 11, which includes a new publications section and a new section titled “Individuals Talk,” featuring audio interviews with subject specialists.
Go to: http://www.individualland.com/
6. Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society Calls for Applications for Emerging Leaders Program
The Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society’s Emerging Leaders International Fellows Program is calling for 2007 applications. The program provides leadership training through applied research and professional mentorships for young scholar-practitioners in the nonprofit sector. The program is open to scholars and practitioners interested in building Third-Sector capacity in the United States and overseas. This year’s Fellows will be selected from abroad and communities of color under-represented in the U.S. grant-making sector. Fellows are based at the Graduate Center of The City University of New York, where they design and pursue an individualized research project and participate in a seminar with Third-Sector leaders. The research topic for applicants to the 2007 Emerging Leaders Program is “community foundations.” A limited number of fellowships for research on Diaspora or corporate philanthropy are also available for applicants based outside the United States. Fellows participate in a 3-month seminar, March 1 to May 31, 2007, on U.S. and international voluntary sectors. Fellows are expected to produce a 25-page research paper on their findings, which will be presented in the seminar. They will learn about the work of key agencies, meet with foundation and nonprofit representatives, and attend selected workshops or conferences. Each fellowship covers the cost of tuition, includes a monthly stipend, and provides single-room dormitory accommodations, as well as economy round-trip air travel to and from the United States. Application materials must be received no later than September 15, 2006.
Go to: http://philanthropy.org/programs/intnl_fellows_program.html
7. Human Rights Leadership Training Program Announced
The Global Human Rights Leadership Development Institute (GHRLDI) launches a Web based Human Rights Leadership Training Program, a capacity building program for activists and community advocates. The online course will be held from October 2 – December 9, 2006, and will provide participants with understanding and skills to equip human rights educators and advocates to integrate knowledge of politics, economics, cultural diversity, and gender issues into human rights work; strategize training and methodologies for human rights training; and establish a global network of trainers on human rights education. Participants will receive a Certificate of Participation and a printed copy of the workshop proceedings upon successful completion of the course. The online course costs US$200 with scholarships available for qualified applications. The deadline for applications is September 20, 2006.
Go to: http://www.justicegroup.org/training/application.htm
8. New Carnegie Arabic-Language Web Portal
The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace has launched the Carnegie Arabic Web Portal. The portal is an Arabic-language resource designed to reach new audiences to broaden access to Carnegie’s growing volume of Arabic publications. Through these publications, the Middle East Program at the Carnegie Endowment hopes to build knowledge about political and economic reform, help political actors in the Arab world better understand the challenges facing them internationally, and add a comparative dimension to the understanding of reform in Arab countries. The main feature of the Carnegie Arabic Web Portal is the Arabic-language version of the Arab Reform Bulletin, an online monthly journal on the latest political reform developments from Arab and Western perspectives. The Web portal also contains Arabic translations of select Carnegie Papers, commentaries on the Middle East and related subjects, such as nuclear nonproliferation, as well as writings originally published in Arabic.
To access the Arab Reform Bulletin, go to: http://www.carnegieendowment.org/programs/arabic/publications/arb.htm
9. Call for Applications: Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellowships
The Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program at the Washington, DC-based National Endowment for Democracy welcomes applications from candidates throughout the world for fellowships in 2007-2008. Established in 2001, the program enables democracy activists, practitioners, scholars, and journalists from around the world to deepen their understanding of democracy and enhance their ability to promote democratic change. The program is intended primarily to support activists, practitioners, and scholars from new and aspiring democracies; distinguished scholars from the United States and other established democracies are also eligible to apply. Projects may focus on the political, social, economic, legal, and cultural aspects of democratic development and may include a range of methodologies and approaches. A working knowledge of English is an important prerequisite for participation in the program. The application deadline for fellowships in 2007-2008 is Wednesday, November 1, 2006.
For further information about the program, available in English, Arabic, Russian, and Spanish, go to: www.ned.org/forum/fellows.html
CIVIL SOCIETY STRENGTHENING
10. Civic Bangladesh Launches Web site
Civic Bangladesh, a non-profit, non-partisan civil society organization, has launched its Web site. Civic Bangladesh seeks to empower civil society and civic participation to promote democratic governance in Bangladesh, consolidate democratic norms and processes, promote human rights and the rights of women, and encourage civic engagement in establishing transparent and accountable governance. To achieve these objectives it is working to develop free associations and autonomous institutions, build civic networks and coalitions, and engage citizens in advocacy campaigns. The new Web site describes the organization, current programs, and contains the organization’s contact information.
Go to: http://www.civicbd.org/
11. Amman Center for Human Rights Studies Workshop on Non-Governmental Organization
The Amman Center for Human Rights Studies organized a workshop, entitled "The Mechanisms of the Non-Governmental Organization: Reality and Prospects," in which fourteen working papers were discussed on such topics as: the challenges and concerns faced by human rights organizations in Syria; challenges faced by non-governmental organizations; the reality of women's organizations in Syria; and civil society and its role in change. Fifteen participants from 10 human rights and civil society organizations participated in the workshop, and ACHRS will publish the papers.
Go to: http://www.achrs.org/english/CenterNewsView.asp?CNID=205
CONFLICT RESOLUTION
12. Radio for Peace Building, Africa, 2006 Awards
The Radio for Peace Building Africa seeks to recognize through its 2006 awards the best radio programs that contribute to peace. Radio for Peace is looking for programs that reduce tensions in groups and communities, enhance shared interests, break down listener stereotypes, and provide positive role models. The awards are open to all African radio broadcasters. Prizes will be awarded in the following categories: Drama, Talk-shows, and Youth Radio. Four prizes will be awarded in each category. First place is 800 euros and the others are 300 euros each. Candidates are limited to one program per category. Entries must be in English or French, or must be accompanied by a full translation in one of these two languages. Entries must have been broadcast in Africa in 2005 or 2006. Candidates must enter by September 30th, 2006.
To obtain an entry form contact: radiopeaceafrica@sfcg.be
For more information on Radio for Peace Building, Go to: http://www.radiopeaceafrica.org/
13. Israel/Palestine Center for Research and Information Issues Policy Paper on Current Middle East Crisis
On July 25, the Israel/Palestine Center for Research and Information (IPCRI) issued a policy paper to encourage decision makers to use the current Middle East crisis as an opportunity for political change to bring the region into a new era of regional and bilateral negotiations. The paper suggests the opportunities created by the crisis include greater will of all parties involved to replace the paradigm of violence with one of political dialogue and negotiations; the implementation of UN Resolutions; creating a peace process between Israel, Lebanon, and Syria; stabilizing a long-term Israeli-Palestinian ceasefire leading to the renewal of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process; and the utilization of international forces in various effective peacekeeping roles. The paper suggests that the comprehensive approach of dealing with bilateral tracks involving the three nations and Palestine in parallel enables the entire process to be concluded by addressing the root causes of the conflict.
Go to: http://www.ipcri.org/
ECONOMIC REFORM AND THE BUSINESS SECTOR
14.Centerfor International Private Enterprise Releases Overseas Report
The Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) has released its summer issue of the Overseas Report, including a feature story on Pakistan’s IT sector, an article on promoting small business in Senegal, a sample post from the CIPE Development Blog, an update on economic reform in Egypt, and indigenous initiatives in Ecuador. The center spread features a report on CIPE’s current work in Afghanistan. CIPE was founded by the US Chamber of Commerce in the belief that economic and political freedoms are intertwined. CIPE partners with business associations, think tanks, and other private sector organizations in countries where there is both a need for progress and an opportunity for reform.
Go to: http://www.cipe.org/publications/overseas/pdf/OR_Summer_2006.pdf
HUMAN RIGHTS
15. Third Edition of Human Rights in the World Community Published
The University of Pennsylvania Press has printed the third edition of the textbook, HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE WORLD COMMUNITY: ISSUES AND ACTIONS, edited by Richard P. Claude and Burns H. Weston. The text will be featured at the American Political Science Association’s short course on “Teaching Human Rights.” This textbook seeks to introduce students to human rights, while promoting their critical and analytical skills. The textbook features in-depth scholarly introductions to each chapter; questions for discussion and reflection; and an extensive bibliography and annotated filmography. Sample chapters include: Basic Decencies and Participatory Rights, Human Needs as Security Rights, International Approaches to Human Rights, and National Approaches to Human Rights Implementation.
Go to: http://www.upenn.edu/pennpress/book/14271.html
16. Distance Learning Course on the Inter-American System of Human Rights Protection and Promotion
Human Rights Education Associates offers a distance learning course to provide participants with practical guidance on how to protect human rights through the Inter-American human rights system, and specifically the institutions and treaties of the Organization of American States (OAS). Participants will be introduced to the main Inter-American human rights conventions and jurisprudence, primarily as developed through the Inter-American Commission of Human Rights (Washington D.C.) and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (San Jose, Costa Rica). The course addresses human rights standards as they apply to civil and political rights; economic, social and cultural rights; and the rights of minorities. Case studies include freedom of expression; violence against women; victims of torture; the rights of Afrodescendants; and the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons. The course involves approximately 60 hours of reading, online working groups, interaction among students and instructors, and assignments. It is offered over a 12-week period beginning on September 18. Participants should have a good written command of English (the course language is English), have high competence and comfort with computer and Internet use, and have regular access to e-mail and the Internet. The tuition fee is US$ 525 (tuition for auditors is US$ 200). Full and partial scholarships are available for applicants from the Americas based on financial need. Applications are due August 21, 2006.
Go to: http://www.hrea.org/courses/11E.html
17. Nominations for 2007 International Human Rights Lawyer Award
Nominations are sought for the 2007 International Human Rights Lawyer Award, formerly the International Rule of Law Award. The award is presented annually by the American Bar Association’s Section of International Law to recognize distinguished foreign lawyers who have suffered persecution because of their professional activities. Presentation of the Award serves to publicize unheralded efforts and human rights issues deserving greater awareness. Nominations should identify and describe the reasons in support of eligibility of the nominee, the human right issue addressed, and the nature of persecution suffered. The 2007 Award will be presented at either the Spring or Annual Meeting. Nominations are due by September 15, 2006.
Nominations and questions should be emailed to: Russell@kerrlawfirm.com.
18. International Human Rights Colloquium Seeks Applications
Conectas Human Rights, based Sao Paulo, Brazil, invites interested parties to participate in the VI International Human Rights Colloquium, an annual capacity-building and peer-learning event designed for young activists from the “Global South” (Africa, Asia and Latin America). The objective of the Colloquium is to strengthen the impact of human rights activists’ work and offer an opportunity to build new collaborative networks among activists and academics. The Colloquium offers lectures, seminars, and working groups on topics including the role of constitutional courts in protecting human rights, human rights litigation strategies, documenting and denouncing human rights violations, and designing strategies for sustainable financing. The Colloquium is organized by Conectas Human Rights and SUR – Human Rights University Network. Young candidates from the Global South who demonstrate commitment to the human rights cause and have at least two years of work experience in the area are encouraged to apply. Candidates can apply online or can download the application form. Applications will be accepted until September 3, 2006.
Go to: http://www.conectas.org/coloquio/
19. Distance Learning Course on Using Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for Human Rights Work
The Human Rights Education Associates is offering an e-learning course, from September 20 – December 12, 2006, intended for staff members of human rights and social justice NGOs who are responsible for information and communication within their organization. Participants will be introduced to proven methods of using ICTs to promote human rights work. They will become equipped with the knowledge and tools to more effectively design and implement listservs, Web sites, databases or multi-media for advocacy campaigns, training and information management. This course involves 60 hours of reading and online working groups. The course is based on a participatory, active learning approach, with an emphasis on peer-to-peer learning. Participants will receive a Certificate of Participation upon successful completion of the course. Deadline for applications is August 15, 2006.
Go to: http://www.hrea.org/courses/3E.html
INTERNATIONAL DEMOCRACY ASSISTANCE AND SOLIDARITY
20. Campaign of Support to Civic Resistance in Cuba Launched
A new campaign of support to civic resistance in Cuba was launched, according to Directorio, a non-profit organization that works for democracy in Cuba. The “non-cooperation with the dictatorship” initiative, is a partnership among the Plantados organization, Mothers and Anti-Repression Women (MAR) for Cuba, and the Cuban Democratic Directorate, seeks to mobilize and prompt the Cuban population to refuse to participate in acts of repudiation against political dissidents and generate activities of civil disobedience in favor of democratic change. The campaign is based on six slogans incorporated in signs and stickers which will circulate inside Cuba: I do not follow (I do not belong to the Communist Party, Committees for Defense of the Revolution (CDRs) and the Union of Young Communists (UJC)); I do not repress (I am not a part of the repressive government apparatus); I do not attend (the mass acts summoned by the regime); I do not squeal (I do not betray my countrymen), I do not cooperate (with the economic production activities of the regime); and I do not repudiate (I do not participate in the acts of repudiation). A seventh slogan summarizes the pattern of conduct towards national democratization: I do want change. This first stage of the campaign will last a year.
Go to: http://www.directorio.org/coverage/coverage.php?note_id=1113
21. Club of Madrid Holds Strategy Meeting
The Club of Madrid, an organization composed of 68 democratically elected former heads of state that focuses on leadership for democracy and acts as a consultative body for governments, leaders and institutions involved in the process of political transition, held a strategy session in New York City on July 19- 21. The strategy meeting was attended by four Club members: its Secretary-General, Kim Campbell, former prime minister of Canada; Joaquim Chissano, former president of Mozambique; Mary Robinson, former president of Ireland; and Ben Mkapa, former president of Tanzania. Additionally, partners from peer organizations including the United Nations Development Programme, the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy, the National Democratic Institute, the UN Democracy Fund, and the International Center for Transitional Justice, among others, participated. Additionally, the possibility of bringing the political capital of the Club to bear on countries back sliding from democracy was also considered. It was suggested that strategy meetings of peer organizations should be held more regularly to enhance greater coherence in the approaches of the different organizations.
Go to: http://www.nimd.org/default.aspx?menuid=0&type=newsitem&contentid=326&special
INTERNET, MEDIA, AND FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
22. African Network on Freedom of Expression Issues Warning
The Network of African Freedom of Expression Organizations (NAFEO) has warned that the state of free expression and freedom of the press is deteriorating rapidly across the African continent. NAFEO says there is a "marked increase in the arrests, detention, repression and general harassment of journalists, media and other communications workers." The coalition also notes that many governments have either introduced new legislation or have intensified the application of laws that criminalize journalistic work and free expression. Six countries stand out as leading violators of free expression: the Gambia, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Swaziland, Tunisia, and Zimbabwe. NAFEO has urged Nigerian President Olusegun Obansanjo to use his influence within the African Union to persuade leaders of these countries of the need to respect and protect freedom of expression and freedom of the press. NAFEO says it is planning a campaign aimed at pressuring governments to repeal laws criminalizing press offenses and to free individuals who have been detained or imprisoned for exercising their free speech rights. NAFEO invites human rights groups, media organizations, and other civil society organizations to join the campaign.
Go to: http://www.misa.org/cgi-bin/viewnews.cgi?category=1&id=1150272690
LABOR UNIONS AND WORKER RIGHTS
23. New Solidarity Center Report Exposes Dangers Faced by Colombian Trade Unionists
On June 15, the US.-based Solidarity Center unveiled a new report, “Justice for All: The Struggle for Worker Rights in Colombia,” at a panel discussion at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. The report found that over the past 20 years, more than 4,000 Colombian trade unionists have been killed for their activism. According to the report, Colombia is the most dangerous country in which to be a trade-union member; more union activists are killed in one year in Colombia than in the rest of the world combined. “Imagine accepting a union leadership post during a labor conflict around conditions and respect in the workplace, knowing that the last four previous leaders had been murdered while seeking the same dignity and fairness you seek for yourself and your co-workers,” said AFL-CIO Executive Vice-President Linda Chavez-Thompson, who offered the opening remarks at the panel discussion. “This is a reality for workers in Colombia.” The report includes sections on the historical context of worker rights in Colombia, child worker rights, and suggestions for advancing worker rights in the country.
For the full text of the report, go to: http://www.solidaritycenter.org/files/ColombiaFinal.pdf
LEGISLATIVE DEVELOPMENT AND ASSISTANCE
24. New Governance and Social Development Resource Center Online
The Governance and Social Development Resource Centre (GSDRC), based in the UK, has launched a Web page to provide information to support international development projects, program planning, and policymaking. The GSDRC, established by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) in 2005, offers access to research and training in governance, conflict, and social development, as well as advice on demand, including rapid response research and consultant finding. Services offered include: document library supporting independent research needs; topic guides providing overviews of current knowledge in various thematic areas; an organization directory with contact information for organizations active in relevant issues; conferences and training directory to support professional development needs; and an email bulletin with announcements of new publications and other news.
Go to: http://www.gsdrc.org/
POLITICAL AND CIVIC PARTICIPATION OF YOUTH
25. 13th Human Rights Annual Internship for Arab and Egyptian University Students
On July 11-30, the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS) held the 13th Annual Human Rights Internship. The internship program, “Towards Activating the Role of Young People in Democratization,” drew 80 participants from seven Arab countries. Covering themes such as human rights, rights of women, and regional crisis, the annual internship featured 38 lectures, 10 training sessions and round tables, and 7 student-led taskforces. Field visits were made to human rights organizations and centers in Egypt. The activities were led by a host of intellectuals, university professors, judges, journalists, and human rights activists.
Go to: http://www.cihrs.org/Press_details_en.aspx?per_id=113&pr_year=2006
POLITICAL PARTIES AND POLITICAL LEADERSHIP
26. National Front for Democracy-Bhutan Proposes Peoples’ Constitution
On July 17, the National Front for Democracy - Bhutan (NFD- Bhutan), a coalition of Bhutanese political parties, unveiled an alternative Constitution for the Kingdom of Bhutan. The coalition wrote the People’s Constitution in the form of suggestions as a response to their disappointment in the contents of the "Draft Constitution" unveiled by the royal regime on March 26, 2005. NFD- Bhutan is protesting the Draft’s dismissal of the interests of 20 percent of Bhutanese citizens who live as refugees in India and Nepal. The NFD- Bhutan appealed on April 26, 2005 to the King of Bhutan urging him to review the contents of the "Draft Constitution" to make it more inclusive by providing space to all sections of Bhutanese society regardless of caste, religion, language, or ethnicity, but the requests of NFD- Bhutan were ignored. As a result, the NFD- Bhutan spent a year drafting the Peoples’ Constitution to contain more democratic and inclusive elements.
Go to: http://www.wmd.org/documents/aug06-Bhutan.doc
WOMEN’S ISSUES
27. New Handbook on Women in Parliament: Beyond Numbers
The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) has released a revised handbook entitled “Women in Parliament: Beyond Numbers.” This updated edition provides a three-step approach to strengthening the role of women in parliament by identifying the obstacles women confront upon entering parliament; providing strategies for overcoming these obstacles; and outlining strategies that women parliamentarians can implement to influence politics once they are elected. This edition includes case studies from Argentina, Burkina Faso, Ecuador, France, Indonesia, Rwanda, South Africa and Sweden, regional overviews from the Arab World, Latin America, South Asia, and a case study on the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
Go to: http://www.idea.int/publications/wip2/
28. WORLD MOVEMENT PARTICIPATING NETWORKS, ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS MENTIONED IN THIS ISSUE
• Amman Center for Human Rights Studies (ACHRS) - www.achrs.org
• Israel/Palestine Center for Research and Information (IPCRI) - www.ipcri.org
• Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) - www.cipe.org
• Club of Madrid - www.clubmadrid.org
• Directorio - www.directorio.org
• Individu-land - www.individualland.com
• Solidarity Center - www.solidaritycenter.org
• Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS) - www.cihrs.org
• International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) - www.idea.int
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Common Ground News Service - 27 August - 03 September 2006
Common Ground News Service
Partners in Humanity (CGNews-PiH)
for constructive & vibrant Muslim-Western relations
27 August - 03 September 2006
The Common Ground News Service – Partners in Humanity (CGNews-PiH) aims to promote constructive perspectives and dialogue about Muslim–Western relations. CGNews-PiH is available in Arabic, English, French and Indonesian. To subscribe, click here. (http://www.sfcg.org/template/lists.cfm)
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Inside this edition
1) by David Ignatius
Syndicated columnist, David Ignatius, describes a recent conversation with Ahmed Sheikh, the editor in chief of Al-Jazeera television, about different views in the Middle East on the fifth anniversary of 9/11. Admitting that as a journalist himself he has often found Al-Jazeera’s coverage “tries too hard to present the Arab news, rather than just the news,” he is struck in his meeting by how difficult it is to cover the region and quotes what Sheikh claims is one of the biggest challenges, "all the threads and problems are intertwined…it's very difficult to trace where they begin and end." Describing some of the complexities facing the satellite channel in its reporting, Ignatius remains a supporter: “Al-Jazeera is confronting one of the abiding truths of honest journalism - that the world is damned complicated, and that it's very hard to know who the good guys and bad guys are.”
(Source: Daily Star, 24 August 2006)
2) by Rana Sweis
Rana Sweis, a journalist and recent graduate of Hofstra University, provides a review of John Updike’s recent best-seller Terrorist. Replete with portrayals of harsh stereotypes that are brought to the fore through various characters and providing a window for Western readers in the mind of a frustrated Arab-American youth, the book is an uncomfortable read at times. However, Sweis concludes it “does go a long way toward exploring, and potentially helping bridge, the ever-growing gap of misunderstanding between the Arab world and Americans.”
(Source: Common Ground News Service (CGNews), 29 August, 2006)
3) by Zaenal Abidin Eko Putro
Executive Director of the Center for Asian Studies (CeNAS) in Jakarta, Zaenal Abidin Eko Putro, provides an interesting perspective on the old argument about whether democracy can be implemented in predominantly Muslim countries. Sharing the example of Indonesia’s democratic system and the inclusion of Islamic parties in the democratic process, he urges the West to continue to support democratic reform in the Muslim world and to work closely with Muslim scholars to refine and adapt Western-style democracy for the needs and unique circumstances of these countries.
(Source: Common Ground News Service (CGNews), 29 August, 2006)
4) by Mohammad Yazid
Mohammad Yazid, staff member on The Jakarta Post's Opinion Desk, looks at the various ways in which jihad is understood in the Muslim world and contends that the most difficult form of jihad is "the war against one's own desires.” Arguing that the current global context requires a different way of performing jihad, he looks to prominent Muslim thinkers in Indonesia who suggest that today’s jihad could take the form of “continuing to exert political pressure on the United Nations to stop Israel's attacks”, sending peacekeeping forces to Lebanon, and even prayer.
(Source: Jakarta Post, 18 August 2006)
5) by Joshua Mitnick
Christian Science Monitor correspondent, Joshua Mitnick, examines the thorny issue often claimed to be at the root of the long-standing conflict between Israel and Lebanon, the dispute over the Shebaa Farms. Although it would not act as the be-all-and-end-all in Lebanese-Israeli relations, the resolution of this issue, which will shortly be discussed by the UN Security Council, could help to bring some stability to the region. "I am not sure if Hizbullah is willing to lay down its arms if Shebaa Farms is returned," says Adib Farha, a former aide to Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora who today resides in the US, "but the Lebanese government's hand will be strengthened tremendously and the Lebanese public - even those who support Hizbullah - are going to start questioning the justification of the alleged resistance."
(Source: Christian Science Monitor, 22 August 2006)
1) Al-Jazeera faces the ambiguities of a complex world
David Ignatius
Washington, D.C. - What do people in the Middle East think five years after the September 11, 2001, attacks? To get a quick snapshot, I paid a visit to Ahmed Sheikh, the editor in chief of Al-Jazeera television. It was reassuring, in a perverse way, that he views the situation in his region the same way that most Americans would - as a dangerous mess.
Sheikh told me he had been mulling this week over how Al-Jazeera should cover the 9/11 anniversary. "Five years after that catastrophe, the Arab world is much more divided than it used to be," he reflected. "The image of Islam has been tarnished to a great extent. We are weaker than we used to be against Israel. Development is absent." When he stands back and looks at the region, Sheikh says, "all the threads and problems are intertwined. It's very difficult to trace where they begin and end."
Sheikh fears that Iraq is headed toward a calamitous civil war that will spill over to other countries that have mixed Shiite-Sunni populations, such as Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. "If the Americans can prevent civil war from happening, their presence would be useful," he says. But after three years of American failure to stabilise the country, he is doubtful.
Al-Jazeera's editor remains militant about Arab causes. "What doesn't change for our viewers is indignation against US and Israeli policies," he says. But with the exception of the Palestinian struggle and the Iraqi resistance to American occupation, he says, most of the so-called jihadist battles have actually produced what the Arabs call fitna, or self-destructive internal strife.
Sheikh works out of a small office just off the main newsroom. He joined Al-Jazeera when it was founded in 1996 after working for the BBC and other television news channels. Dressed in shirtsleeves, just back from the morning story conference with his editors, he looks a bit like an Arab version of Lou Grant.
Al-Jazeera has been attacked by American officials as a propaganda tool for Osama bin Laden and other Muslim radicals. And as a journalist, I have often found its coverage unbalanced. It tries too hard to present the Arab news, rather than just the news. That said, I was struck talking to Sheikh how complicated it has become for Al-Jazeera to cover this part of the world.
Take coverage of Iran: Al-Jazeera recently reopened its bureau there after it was closed by the Iranian authorities for 18 months. The network's crime was that it sent a camera crew into southwestern Iran and reported complaints of the Arab minority there that they were unfairly treated by the central government. After the broadcast aired, there were protests and civil unrest in the region - and the Iranians decided to pull the plug.
Iraq poses a worse problem. Because Al-Jazeera reported from behind the lines of the Sunni insurgency, Iraqi Shiites became indignant about its coverage. The Shiite-led government expelled the network in September 2004, but Sheikh says he would be reluctant to go back now. Relations with the US military are better, but because of Shiite anger, it would be "very, very dangerous" for Al-Jazeera.
"People say we are the channel of the insurgents. It's not true. We are the channel of everybody. We are critical and balanced. That is what a journalist is supposed to do - not drum the official point of view but criticise, try to evaluate."
Syria and Lebanon also pose tricky problems for an Arab satellite network. After Al-Jazeera broadcast an exclusive hour-long interview with Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, leader of the Shiite militia Hizbullah, it was attacked by Sunni Salafists, who back Al-Qaeda and consider the Shiites apostates. And after Syrian President Bashar Assad denounced other Arab leaders as "half-men" for failing to support Hizbullah against Israel, Sheikh says it was hard to find a balanced on-air commentator.
I've been a proponent of Al-Jazeera, despite its tendency to spin coverage, because it was the first step toward real broadcast journalism in the Arab world, as opposed to the old state-run propaganda channels. And my conversation with Sheikh reinforces that conviction. After 10 years, Al-Jazeera is confronting one of the abiding truths of honest journalism - that the world is damned complicated, and that it's very hard to know who the good guys and bad guys are.
That's a start. If we can have common standards for covering the news in the Middle East, maybe we can eventually do something to fix the problems we all agree are there.
###
* David Ignatius is a syndicated columnist. This article is distributed by the Common Ground News Service (CGNews) and can be accessed at www.commongroundnews.org (http://www.commongroundnews.org).
Source: Daily Star, 24 August 2006; www.dailystar.com.lb (http://www.dailystar.com.lb).
Copyright permission has been obtained for publication.
2) ~Youth Views~ Book review: Terrorist by John Updike
Rana Sweis
Amman, Jordan - John Updike’s new novel, Terrorist, released a few weeks ago in the United States, is selling like “hot cakes”. Perhaps it became an instant best-seller because it is a John Updike novel. Or perhaps because the life and mind of a terrorist fascinates Americans.
The book opens with thoughts running through the mind of an Arab-American, high school student, named Ahmad, an intolerant, conservative, aloof but shrewd critic of the American way of life.
His mother is Irish-American. His father, absent from his life since childhood, is an Egyptian. A sensitive and bright senior in high school, Ahmad seems to be failing to live up to his potential when he reveals to his Jewish guidance counsellor, Jack - the novel’s other main character - that he is planning a career merely as a truck driver.
The novel often reads like non-fiction because of its depiction of real political events and identity issues. There is the story of 9/11, the mention of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and more importantly, the tale of a confused adolescent living between two worlds, Muslim and American.
The reader witnesses Ahmad’s growing resentment and lack of healthy social relationships evolve into something far more unhealthy than normal adolescent angst – Ahmad is considering becoming a suicide bomber. Jack senses Ahmad’s potential and intelligence but is unable to stop the process, partly because of his sympathetic views of some of Ahmad’s criticisms of American society. His interest in Ahmad leads him also down his own path of self-assessment and strange encounters.
Updike’s prose is vivid, luring the reader into Ahmad’s streets, neighbourhood and school: “The halls of the high school smell of perfume and bodily exhalations, of chewing gum and impure cafeteria food, and of cloth—cotton and wool and the synthetic materials of running shoes.”
Unfortunately, clichés and stereotypes at times stifle the novel, despite Updike’s gifted way with words. As the title suggests, sometimes it seems that Updike’s portrayal of Ahmad involves stereotypes that border on racism, and whether these are Updike’s perceptions or merely those of his characters is not clear. Even the cover illustration is that of a shadowy figure, with no clear features, walking away.
Witness a Federal agent discussing the difficulties of investigating suspects: “Damn!” he explodes…“I hate losing an asset. We got so few in the Muslim community…We don’t have enough Arabic speakers, and half of those we do have don’t think like we do. There’s something weird about the language – it makes them feeble-minded, somehow…The explosives team…they are not talking, or else the translator isn’t telling us what they’re saying. They all cover for each other, even the ones on our payroll, you can’t trust your own recruits anymore…”
Still, this novel remains a page-turner and worthy read despite these flaws. Updike’s use of Arabic words and quotations from the Qur’an demonstrate substantial research on his part, lending an impression of credence to a portrayal that many Arab readers may feel uncomfortable with. Unfortunately, a few young Muslim men do take Ahmad’s path, and Updike does a respectable and scholarly job of exploring the twisted interpretations of Islam that result in such destructive actions.
Ultimately, Updike’s hopeful end, rushed though it may be, does suggest that violence and terrorism can be avoided and that inter-cultural understanding is possible: it is the American guidance counsellor, not the team of heavily armed American FBI agents, who ultimately saves the day, because Jack is able to empathize with and understand Ahmad.
Uncomfortable as the novel is at times, it does go a long way toward exploring, and potentially helping bridge, the ever-growing gap of misunderstanding between the Arab world and Americans. Updike deconstructs these issues and presents them eloquently, albeit painfully. At the same time, Updike seems equally interested in using Ahmad’s point-of-view to criticise contemporary American society as he is in writing a post-9/11 thriller. For both Muslim and Western audiences, there is much to be learned from this novel.
###
* Rana Sweis is a journalist and recent graduate of Hofstra University. This article is distributed by the Common Ground News Service (CGNews) and can be accessed at www.commongroundnews.org (http://www.commongroundnews.org).
Source: Common Ground News Service (CGNews), August 29, 2006; www.commongroundnews.org (http://www.commongroundnews.org).
Copyright permission has been granted for republication.
3) What democracy means in Muslim-Western relations
Zaenal Abidin Eko Putro
Jakarta – Many today argue that the world is engulfed in a terrifying "clash of civilisations" between the Muslim world and the West. Even though many refute the idea of such an international clash, it is clear that Muslim-Western tensions are playing out today in some parts of the world, with the most recent instance being the fighting between Israel and Hizbullah in Lebanon.
Another example of such a clash is a non-physical one that has occurred in the discourse on democracy. Most Western countries have accepted the idea of democracy and applied democratic political systems. However, only a small number of Muslim countries have adopted Western-style democracy. Some Muslim countries even reject this term and have created their own political systems based on Islamic principles of governance.
In addition, when some Muslim countries embraced democratic principles, the results were sometimes surprising and often viewed with dissatisfaction by the Western world. Specifically, the establishment of certain governments which came to power in free elections has resulted in Western criticism on several counts. One well-known example occurred in Algeria in 1990 when the Front Islamique du Salut (FIS) won the election, only to be overthrown by a West-supported military. A more recent controversial election victory was Hamas’– a persona-non-grata in the eyes of the United States- which is still categorised as a terrorist organisation despite winning a free election in Palestine. The Hamas government has yet to receive any support from Western countries under the influence of the United States.
Misperceptions about the principles and implementation of democracy have caused a great deal of misunderstanding between Muslim and Western cultures. Many Muslim peoples fear democracy in their countries will result in the erosion of moral and religious values and would represent yet another invasion of Western cultures and norms. Many Western cultures wonder whether democracy is compatible with Islam and fear the rise of Islamic extremist parties. And one specific concern that Western and Muslim academics have often differed on is whether democracy has room for shari‘a (Islamic law).
Yet regardless of these obstacles, the Western world should continue to work with Muslim countries to help them build their unique versions of democracy. Efforts toward greater understanding of the various definitions and perceptions of democracy and toward the practical implementation of democracy in predominantly Muslim countries should be met with greater Western support of these processes.
One country that is often held up as a positive example of a democratic political system in a predominantly Muslim state is Indonesia. Following its independence in 1945, Indonesia decided not to become an Islamic state as such, but a democratic nation-state, and has not seen a rise in Islamic extremism or violence. Indonesia's experience with the emergence of the Party of Justice and Prosperity (PKS) as the sixth runner up in the last parliamentary election is an interesting case in point. In the 2004 parliamentary election, no less than 8.3 million voters gave their support to the party and helped establish its 45 representatives in parliament. The party was also successful in placing prominent members as ministers in a cabinet led by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Vice President Jusuf Kalla.
The accusation that overwhelming success by the PKS would cultivate Islamic radicalism and spawn terrorist groups was unfounded. On the contrary, the result of a survey conducted by Kompas Daily about this party in June 2005 showed that while most people tended to be pessimistic over the future implementation of political platforms in Indonesia, this opinion did not apply to the PKS. No less than 60.4 percent of respondents expressed their optimism about the positive image of the party. For many people, the victory of PKS and the emergence of other Islamic parties are considered a positive move that will result in constructive change.
Unfortunately, this example has mistakenly been seen as the emergence of Islamic radicalism and terrorism in Muslim world by some. Yet, the Indonesian example fits with a trend that other countries have also seen when more radical groups, such as the IRA in Northern Ireland, have found room to participate in government, resulting in a decrease in violence and extremism. This suggests that the West should not impede the integration of radical Islamic groups into political systems.
What is clear is that a new perspective of democracy in predominantly Muslim countries, based on the needs of both the Muslim world and the West, must be developed in an effort to achieve long-term peace. Furthermore, Muslim and Western populations should aim for greater understanding and empathy towards the other. Above all, the Western world should take its first concrete step by giving more opportunity to Muslim scholars, governments, and civil society activists to practice their understanding about democracy in their own countries and consider opportunities to merge shari‘a law with the idea of democracy. Some Western intellectuals such as John L. Esposito, John O. Voll, Jeff Haynes, and Martin E. Marty have tried to push the adoption of democracy in Islamic countries. In fact, many believe that there is a democratic system that is compatible with the basic principles of shari‘a.
There are hopeful signs that the next steps in building mutual understanding between the Muslim and Western worlds are taking shape so that the current “clash” over the term democracy may yield a new hybrid version that combines the benefits of democracy in the West with the unique needs and circumstances of predominantly Muslim countries.
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* Zaenal Abidin Eko Putro is Executive Director of the Center for Asian Studies (CeNAS) in Jakarta. This article is distributed by the Common Ground News Service (CGNews) and can be accessed at www.commongroundnews.org (http://www.commongroundnews.org).
Source: Common Ground News Service (CGNews), August 29, 2006; www.commongroundnews.org (http://www.commongroundnews.org).
Copyright permission has been granted for republication.
4) Jihad in Mideast could mean unholy war
Mohammad Yazid
Jakarta - During the life of the Prophet Muhammad, Muslims at one point misunderstood the meaning of jihad (literally “struggle”, though often translated as “holy war”). This happened after Muhammad, for the first time, led Muslims to military victory in the Battle of Badr in 623. During this fight, Muslim troops, consisting of 313 mostly ill-armed males, fought against the well-armed and well-equipped polytheist Quraish troops of Mecca, numbering over 1,000 and led by several experienced generals. This war broke out because the polytheists drove away the Muslims and seized all their belongings so that the latter had to move to Medina.
After this battle, Muhammad, in a sermon to the warriors of Badr, some 150 kilometres southwest of Medina, said, "In fact, we have returned from a minor jihad to fight the major jihad." His words took his comrades by surprise so that one of them asked him, "Which major jihad do you mean, oh Prophet?" And the Prophet responded, "the jihad against one's own desires.”
Today, about 14 centuries later, Muslims, in several respects, have once again misunderstood the meaning of jihad. That this misunderstanding exists is easily observed from the great number of plans made in our country to dispatch volunteers to Palestine and Lebanon in response to Israeli attacks. Most of these jihadis have been mustered by such groups as the Indonesian Mujahidin Council (MMI), the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) and the Islamic Youth Movement (GPI).
Unfortunately, the recruitment system employed and the combat training provided to these volunteers show that the war against Israel is considered to be something like the Battle of Badr, namely one involving face-to-face combat. They apparently fail to realise that this war is conducted using super-sophisticated technology and is very different from the type of war that took place during the time of the Prophet Muhammad.
In terms of weapons technology alone, for example, Muslims lag compared with Israel, which enjoys the support of the United States. Israel also demonstrates superiority over Muslim armies in other respects, such as diplomatic skills. Should these volunteers fail to pay attention to these aspects, this would be tantamount to failing to understand Muhammad's teachings, which lend great significance to the strategy of war and mental preparation.
The Prophet's message can be understood if one studies the strategy adopted in the Battle of Uhud, which took place the year after Badr, in which Muhammad stationed a number of skilled archers on Uhud Hill, some six kilometres south of Medina, after he studied the battle formations and strengths of each side. This battle was once again provoked by the Meccan Quraish, who were greatly upset after they were defeated at Badr.
What this means is that if Muslims fail to pay attention to various important aspects of winning a war in this modern age, they will have again misunderstood the meaning of jihad. Jihad, therefore, has changed in meaning from a holy into an unholy war leading to meaningless and unnecessary deaths due to a misunderstanding of its true meaning.
There are a host of things to be taken into account for those wishing to become jihadi volunteers, such as whether or not they are married, and whether they have made suitable arrangements for their families left behind in Indonesia amid the current economic difficulties. A misunderstanding that is based on a failure to think things through honestly and deeply is just the same as the failure of the Prophet Muhammad's comrades to understand the meaning of “major jihad”, namely the war against one’s own desires.
Jihad, which means hard work in the terminology of the ulama (religious leaders), means mobilising all existing capabilities and all that one possesses to uphold truth and virtue, and fight against iniquity and evil, with the expectation of receiving God's blessing in the process.
However, jihad has been interpreted by different groups according to their own understanding of the term. To a number of militant Muslim leaders, such as Osama bin Laden and Maulana Masood Azhar, the leader of Jaish-e-Mohammed, a banned militant outfit in Pakistan, jihad means killing.
If you look at chapter 29 verse 69 of the Qur’an, you will find that jihad does not mean killing, or being killed, but is about how to work hard so as to receive God's blessing. Jihad, for groups or individuals, is something that is essential as part of the journey toward spiritual progress.
While jihad has received different interpretations among Muslims, the plans hatched in Indonesia to dispatch jihadis to the Middle East has been criticised by a number of Muslim figures here.
Muhammadiyah chairman Din Syamsuddin is of the opinion that while conducting jihad is what he terms a human right, "... I need to remind all that the battlefield [in the Middle East] involves the use of modern weaponry. That's why military skills are necessary."
There are still many other areas where jihad could be waged, he suggests, by those wishing to assist the Palestinians and the Lebanese. Political jihad may be resorted to by continuing to exert political pressure on the United Nations to stop Israel's attacks. In the economic arena, jihad could be conducted by providing financial assistance. Or, one can also conduct a spiritual jihad by offering up prayers.
Meanwhile, Hasyim Muzadi, who chairs Nahdlatul Ulama, the country's largest Muslim organisation, has said that it is necessary for Muslims to unite. Arab countries, in particular, must join forces to stop the attacks by Israel. He argues that it would be better to dispatch peacekeeping troops to the Lebanon as a solution, rather than sending jihadi volunteers.
Taking into account the opinions of ulama and the correct understanding of jihad, jihadi volunteers should heed the government's suggestion that now is not the right time for them to go to the Lebanon. The most practical and realistic way forward for Indonesia would be to act constructively by contributing to the peacekeeping force in Lebanon and Palestine when this is established by the United Nations.
As Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda has put it, Indonesia is a country whose citizens are free to travel anywhere. Therefore, the government cannot prevent people from travelling. The only action that can be taken is to issue an advisory warning Indonesian citizens of the dangers they would face should they agree to be sent willy-nilly on a jihad to the Lebanon.
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* The writer is a staff member on The Jakarta Post's Opinion Desk. This article is distributed by the Common Ground News Service (CGNews) and can be accessed at www.commongroundnews.org (http://www.commongroundnews.org).
Source: Jakarta Post, 18 August 2006; www.thejakartapost.com (http://www.thejakartapost.com).
Copyright permission has been obtained for publication.
5) Behind the dispute over Shebaa Farms
Joshua Mitnick
Kibbutz Dan, Israel - Until six years ago, the mountain range that rises beyond the verdant orchards of this farming collective at Israel's northern tip was best known as the site where Abraham received his divine covenant in the Old Testament.
Few Lebanese or Israelis knew the range as the location of the Shebaa Farms, the site of an arcane border dispute that ultimately unravelled into a month-long war between Hizbullah and Israel.
"It's an arid piece of land," says Adib Farha, a former aide to Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora and a native of the southern Lebanese village of Marjayoun. "Most Lebanese had never heard of it until Hizbullah brought it up in 2000."
The UN Security Council is scheduled to revisit the thorny question of whom Shebaa Farms belongs to. A diplomatic solution, analysts say, could eventually bolster stability along the Israel-Lebanese border by weakening Hizbullah's justification for holding onto its weapons.
"It would lead to the marginalisation" of Hizbullah's militia, says Gidi Grinstein, the president of the Reut Institute, a Tel Aviv think tank. "The goal of eliminating Hizbullah from Lebanon is not achievable, therefore we should make Hizbullah's life more difficult through the politics of legitimacy."
Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora has often called for the resolution of the Shebaa Farms conflict as a means of neutralising Hizbullah's military wing. In a seven-point plan he unveiled last month during the height of the war, he called for Israel to withdraw from the farms and for the 12-square mile territory to be placed under UN guardianship pending a formal agreement between Lebanon and Syria over its sovereignty.
At the time when Israel withdrew from Lebanon in 2000, Hizbullah seized on claims that the farms belonged to Lebanon, thus justifying its attacks against Israeli forces occupying the territory. Israel and the UN said the real estate was part of the Golan Heights captured from Syria in the 1967 Six Day War. Damascus has declared that the Shebaa Farms belong to Lebanon. But it has never attempted to formally ratify the sovereignty of the mountainside with the Lebanese to gain UN recognition and acceptance of the new border.
From Kibbutz Dan, a series of Israeli military lookout towers are barely visible along the western slope of a mountain range stretching northeast toward the strategic Hermon peaks.
The outposts overlook the 1926 border that lies at the root of the confusion over Shebaa Farms. When the French created Lebanon, they drew a border with Syria that severed Lebanese villages like Shebaa from fields on the mountain range to the south where villagers owned land.
Yossi Lev Ari, a Kibbutz Dan resident, recalls how a few months after the Six Day War, he met Lebanese villagers carrying white flags who were allowed to cross the border to work their land.
Israel closed the border in the early 1970s after Palestinian guerrillas from Yasser Arafat's Fatah militia used the mountains to stage raids on farming villages such as Kibbutz Dan. The mountain range also enables Israel to peer into southern Lebanese villages. "To withdraw would be suicidal" in the absence of a peace treaty, says Mr. Ari.
When Israel withdrew from Lebanon in 2000, a UN team confirmed the French-drawn border. Hizbullah, as well as the Lebanese government, took issue with that decision, pointing to the old Lebanese-owned plots of land on the other side. To draw attention to Shebaa Farms, Hizbullah guerrillas abducted and killed three Israeli soldiers in a cross-border ambush in October 2000. The bodies were returned in a prisoner swap in January 2004.
Now, even if Israel were to give the territory back to Lebanon, few expect Hizbullah to forswear its fight against the Jewish state. "They don't have a territorial, or political, or economic quarrel with Israel, but a fundamental objection to Israel's right to exist. Part of the logic of the permanent resistance is to always find a new pretext," says Mr. Grinstein. "Shebaa Farms is a symptom of this phenomenon. When you think about it, that Shebaa Farms would be a pretext for a conflict between Lebanon and Israel is ridiculous."
Hizbullah has said in the past few years that it will not dismantle its military wing, even if the Shebaa Farms are returned to Lebanon. It argues that its battle-hardened fighters provide the only viable defence against Israel and they can't be disarmed until Israel no longer represents a threat to Lebanon.
But even if Hizbullah wouldn't be won over to the peace camp by a resolution to the Shebaa Farms dispute, some argue that the issue can still be used to pressure the militia into disarming. The average Lebanese citizen is likely to be less sympathetic to Hizbullah's ideology of waging an open-ended struggle against Israel.
"I am not sure if Hizbullah is willing to lay down its arms if Shebaa Farms is returned," says Farha, who today resides in the US, "but the Lebanese government's hand will be strengthened tremendously and the Lebanese public - even those who support Hizbullah - are going to start questioning the justification of the alleged resistance."
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* Joshua Mitnick is a correspondent with the Christian Science Monitor. Fellow correspondent Nicholas Blanford contributed to this piece from Beirut. This article is distributed by the Common Ground News Service (CGNews) and can be accessed at www.commongroundnews.org (http://www.commongroundnews.org).
Source: Christian Science Monitor, 22 August 2006; www.csmonitor.com (http://www.csmonitor.com).
Copyright (c) The Christian Science Monitor. For reprint permission please contact lawrenced@csps.com. Copyright permission has been obtained for publication.
Youth Views
CGNews-PiH also regularly publishes the work of student leaders and journalists whose articles strengthen intercultural understanding and promote constructive perspectives and dialogue in their own communities. Student journalists and writers under the age of 27 are encouraged to write to Chris Binkley (cbinkley@sfcg.org) for more information on contributing.
About CGNews-PiH
The Common Ground News Service - Partners in Humanity (CGNews-PiH) provides news, op-eds, features and analysis by local and international experts on a broad range of issues affecting Muslim-Western relations. CGNews-PiH syndicates articles that are balanced and solution-oriented to news outlets worldwide. With support from the Norwegian government and the United States Institute of Peace, this news service is a non-profit initiative of Search for Common Ground, an international NGO working in the field of conflict transformation.
This news service is one outcome of a set of working meetings held in partnership with His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan bin Talal of Jordan in June 2003.
The Common Ground News Service also commissions and distributes balanced and solution-oriented articles by local and international experts to promote constructive perspectives and encourage dialogue about current Middle East issues. This service, Common Ground News Service - Middle East (CGNews-ME), is available in Arabic, English, and Hebrew. To subscribe, click here. (http://www.sfcg.org/template/lists.cfm)
The views expressed in these articles are those of the authors, not of CGNews-PiH or its affiliates.
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Editors
Emad Khalil (Amman)
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Medhy Hidayat (Jakarta)
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CGNews is a not-for-profit news service.
28th Annual Ethnography in Education Research Forum
28th Annual Ethnography in Education Research Forum
“Ethnography and Education in Trying Times”
February 23-24, 2007
Center for Urban Ethnography
University of Pennsylvania
Graduate School of Education
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
***CALL for PAPERS***
ONLINE SUBMISSIONS OPEN: August 1, 2006
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: October 15, 2006
NOTIFICATION: Early November 2006
PRESENTATION SCHEDULE: Early January 2007
In most parts of the world attempts to homogenize education must compete with ever-expanding cultural and linguistic diversity. Standardized educational
goals and assessments are becoming dominant as school systems seek to prepare students to participate in broad national and international markets. Yet
students and teachers also live their lives in rich and vibrant local communities, which do not conform to standardized knowledges and practices. The 28th Ethnography in Education Research Forum seeks to explore directions for education in these trying times. What are the implications of educational standardization for the value of local knowledges in education? How can ethnographers put local knowledges and practices back on national and international agendas?
The Ethnography in Education Research Forum invites papers that explore these
issues by ethnographically documenting grassroots responses to varying levels
of educational policy, describing teacher-researcher collaboration in the
development of equitable educational practices, making theoretical and
methodological connections between the study of societal level phenomena and
local processes, bringing to light covert responses to overt policy decisions,
and critically examining relationships between academic and public interests.
Plenary Speakers:
Marilyn Cochran-Smith, Boston College
Frederick Erickson, University of California at Los Angeles
Gloria Ladson-Billings, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Susan Lytle, University of Pennsylvania
All proposals may be submitted online beginning August 1:
http://www.gse.upenn.edu/cue/forum.php
TYPES OF PRESENTATIONS:
Proposals are requested for presentations in the following categories:
1. Individual Paper (Traditional or Work-in-Progress)
2. Group Sessions (Traditional or Work-in-Progress)
3. Data Analysis Consultation
Practitioner Research: For Individual Papers and Group Sessions, you may
choose to designate your presentation as PRACTITIONER RESEARCH. Practitioner research presentations focus on research by teachers and other practitioners in educational settings (e.g., school principals, counselors, non-teaching aides, parents, students, and other members of school communities).
Practitioner research presentations are particularly featured on Saturday,
known as Practitioner Research Day.
1. Individual Papers (15 minutes)
Individual papers by one or more authors. Either final analyses, results, and
conclusions (Traditional) or preliminary findings and tentative conclusions
(Work-in-Progress) may be submitted. Indicate practitioner research, if you
so choose.
2. Group Sessions (75 minutes)
A full session of no fewer than three and no more than six presenters,
including a discussant. These sessions may vary in organization: a set of
individual papers, a panel discussion, a plan for interaction among members of
the audience in discussion or workshop groups are possible formats. Either
final analyses, results, and conclusions (Traditional) or preliminary findings
and tentative conclusions (Work-in-Progress) may be submitted. Indicate
practitioner research, if you so choose.
3. Data Analysis Consultation (30 minutes)
Individual submissions only. Presenters offer data along with questions about
analysis for consultation with expert researchers and conference
participants. Data analysis consultation is by definition Work-in-Progess.
Presenters must follow specific guidelines available online:
http://www.gse.upenn.edu/cue/dacinstructions.php
PROPOSAL EVALUATION CRITERIA:
1. Significance for education
2. Conceptual orientation
3. Methodology
4. Interpretation
5. Quality of analysis
6. Depth and clarity
FORMAT OF PROPOSALS:
Everyone must submit:
A. Summary (limit 100 words)
This should be a brief overview of the work to be presented.
B. Description (limit 1500 words)
Selection is based on the description. A detailed description of the work to
be presented should be submitted including conceptual orientation, data
collection and analysis methods, data interpretation, and significance to
education.
Special Instruction for Group Sessions
Submit Summary and Description of the session overall, as specified above. If
the session consists of a set of individual papers, the group session proposal
must also include a description for each individual presentation.
All proposals must be submitted online:
http://www.gse.upenn.edu/cue/forum.php
Questions
E-mail: cue @ gse.upenn.edu
Nasjonalt etterutdanningskurs for ansatte i lærerutdanningen og lærere
Universitetet i Oslo, Det juridiske fakultet, Norsk senter for menneskerettigheter
Nasjonalt etterutdanningskurs for ansatte i lærerutdanningen og lærere, arrangert av Norsk senter for menneskerettigheter og Falstadsenteret 26.-28.10.2006.
Utdanningsenheten ved Norsk senter for menneskerettigheter (SMR) og Falstadsenteret inviterer høsten 2006 til et nasjonalt etterutdanningskurs om menneskerettigheter. Kurset er særlig rettet mot ansatte i lærerutdanningen på høgskoler og universiteter, men lærere i skoleverket kan også søke.
En hovedintensjon for kurset er å bidra til å sette lærerutdanningen i stand til å møte krav som stilles i de nye læringsplanene under Kunnskapsløftet. I læreplanen for samfunnsfaget i grunnskolen er formålet med faget formulert slik: ”Hensikten med samfunnsfaget er å bidra til forståelse av og oppslutning om grunnleggende menneskerettigheter, demokratiske verdier og likestilling, og stimulere til aktivt medborgerskap og demokratisk deltakelse.” Dette perspektivet er også inkludert i andre relevante fagplaner, og er nedfelt i Læringsplakaten. Læringsplakaten ble foreslått gjennom St.meld. nr 30 (2003-2004) ”Kultur for læring” og vil få status som forskrift. Denne definerer grunnleggende prinsipper og krav som skal forplikte og prege alle skoler og øvrige opplæringssteder.
Kurset er utviklet på bakgrunn av dette, og skal bidra til at ansatte innen lærerutdanningen får en grundig innføring i menneskerettigheter. Dette vil skje gjennom forelesninger om menneskerettighetene fra henholdsvis juridisk, statsvitenskapelig, historisk, filosofisk og antropologisk perspektiver. Det tas også opp konkrete og didaktiske problemstillinger knyttet til undervisning i menneskerettigheter. Forelesere kommer fra UiO Norsk Senter for Menneskerettigheter og Falstadsenteret. Programmet for kurset er vedlagt i denne meldingen
Praktiske opplysninger:
Kurset vil finne sted i lokalene til Falstadsenteret på Ekne utenfor Levanger. Det vil være mulig for kursdeltakere å overnatte på Falstadsenteret. Prisen for dette er 1580,- kroner for to overnattinger og inkluderer full pensjon. Under kurset vil det bli servert formiddagsmat, forfriskninger og fredag arrangeres det felles middag. For kursdeltakere som ikke ønsker overnatting er prisen 550,- kroner. Det er ingen ordinær kursavgift utover dette. Da Falstadsenteret er i ferd med å utvikle sitt serverings og overnattingskonsept må vi ta forbehold om at de oppgitte prisene kan bli noe justert.
Det tas opp maksimalt 30 deltagere. Påmeldinger sendes til e-post: baf@falstadsenteret.no . Merk e-postmeldingen ”mr-kurs”. Det gjøres løpende opptak inntil de 30 plassene på kurset er fylt. Angi i påmeldingen hvorfor du er interessert i å delta på kurset, og eventuell erfaring du har med menneskerettigheter som fagområde (undervisning, forskning eller annet).
Det vil bli lagt inn tid til spørsmål og diskusjon. Kursdeltagerne forventes å delta aktivt. Kursmateriell og program vil bli distribuert kort tid etter påmelding til de som tas opp.
Kontaktpersoner:
Bård Anders Andreassen
Kursansvarlig
Førsteamanuensis, UiO SMR
b.a.andreassen@nchr.uio.no
Bjørn A. Flatås
Studieleder Falstadsenteret
Postboks 278, 7601 Levanger
baf@falstadsenteret.no
Øyvind Henden
Studiekonsulent, UiO SMR
oyvind.henden@nchr.uio.no
SMR er et tverrfaglig forskningssenter ved Universitetet i Oslo; et uavhengig, nasjonalt senter for menneskerettigheter; et senter for internasjonalt orientert prosjektarbeid; og et senter for undervisning innen menneskerettigheter. http://www.humanrights.uio.no/
Falstadsenteret er et nasjonalt opplærings- og dokumentasjonssenter på Ekne i Levanger. Senteret er lokalisert i hovedbygningen i en tidligere tysk fangeleir. Hovedoppgaver er utvikling og formidling av kunnskap om krigens fangehistorie og menneskerettigheter gjennom dokumentasjon, forskning og formidling. http://www.falstadsenteret.no/
Bjørn A. Flatås
Studieleder
Stiftelsen Falstadsenteret
7624 Ekne
Tlf: 74028043
http://www.falstadsenteret.no
Invitation to Columbia University 9/11 Events
INVITATION TO Columbia University 9/11 Events
September 11, 2006
from
Afghanistan to Zimbabwe
Creative Responses to Conflict
www.tc.edu/PeaceEd/911
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How can we challenge the widely held assumption that violence can only be countered with greater violence?
What are some of the ways to move from tragedy toward transformation, preventing further occurrences of violence?
On the fifth anniversary of 9/11…
two events will take place on the campus of Columbia University. Both events are free and open to the public. We invite you, your family, friends, co-workers and colleagues to attend.
Together with September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows, Columbia’s Center for International Conflict Resolution at the School for International and Public Affairs and the Peace Education Center at Teachers College… we’ll have the unique opportunity to envision possibilities for breaking cycles of violence by learning from the real world experiences of a group of international guests (http://www.tc.edu/peaceed/911/guests.htm) who have developed their own creative, non-violent responses. Please join us on September 11th to hear their tragic and inspiring stories, and to discuss alternative responses to violence.
In addition, Peaceful Tomorrows, an organization of family members of 9/11 victims who have united to turn their grief into action for peace, is sponsoring several events in and around New York City from Sept. 8-14. Click here to download a schedule of these various public events.
For more information please visit the event website at www.tc.edu/PeaceEd/911
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12:00 NOON – 2:00 PM
Interactive Workshop
Location: 15th Floor
(SIPA) School of International and Public Affairs
420 West 118th Street
This panel will introduce Peaceful Tomorrows and their international partners to the Columbia University community. Workshop participants will form small groups and share their perspectives with the guest speakers. We will discuss and identify the common themes of the presenters’ responses to terrorism, violence, and war: What was it that made them react by trying to break the cycle of violence? What were the common challenges they faced in taking their stands? What were the common solutions they identified for ending violence?
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7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Panel Discussion
“From Tragedy to Transformation: Alternative Responses to Violence”
8:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Living Memorial and Reception
Location: Altschul Auditorium
SIPA (School of International and Public Affairs)
420 West 118th Street
We invite you to attend this interactive panel featuring a special group of international guests of the September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows who, as family members of victims of violence will share with the audience their experiences, ideas, and ongoing efforts and initiatives in promoting non-violent responses to tragedy.
Panelists include: Raed Jarrar, Iraq; Father Michael Lapsley, South Africa; Julia Duany, Sudan; Anne Mulderry, United States.
We invite our guests to join us after the panel to participate and contribute to a “Living Memorial” honoring the victims of 9-11, as well as other violent tragedies, and to celebrate the creative non-violent alternative visions that give us hope for a more peaceful tomorrow.
Internasjonale trender innen medisin og empirisk samfunnsvitenskap
Internasjonale trender innen medisin og empirisk samfunnsvitenskap
Alle kurs er forhåndsgodkjent eller vil bli søkt godkjent som viderutdannings- eller spesialiseringskurs, og rettet mot psykologer, leger, psykiatere, sykepleiere og medlemmer av FO. Forskere og eksperter innen andre relevante fagområder oppmuntres til å delta.
Foredragsholdere
Alan G. Marlatt, Ph.D. University of Washington
Mindfulness and Harm Reduction
Deltagere: Alle som arbeider med forebygging, opplysningsarbeid, skadereduksjon, behandling (PUT, DPS, BUP, PPT, sykehus, etc.) eller FoU innen rus og avhengighet.
Norge, Våren 2007
Edna Foa, Ph.D. University of Pennsylvania
Behandling av PTSD
Deltagere: Alle som arbeider klinisk med traumatiserte pasienter (PUT, DPS, BUP, PPT, sykehus, etc.) eller FoU innen traumer, og dobbelt-diagnose lidelser som f.eks. borderline og rus. Eksperter innen stressmedisinsk psykiatri og forskere innen psykoterapi vil også ha utbytte av seminaret.
Oslo: SAS Radisson, 3-dager, våren 2007
John H. Halpern, M.D., Harvard University
Hallusinogener: Skader, muligheter og forskning
Deltagere: Alle som arbeider med forebygging, opplysningsarbeid, behandling (PUT, DPS, BUP, PPT, sykehus, etc.) eller FoU innen rus og avhengighet. Eksperter innen narkotikapolitiet, offentlig forvaltning, forskere innen psykoterapi, psykofarmakologi, toksikologi og nevropsykologi.
Oslo, Trondheim og Bergen: SAS Radisson, November 2006
Stefan G. Hofmann, Ph.D., Boston University
State-of-the-art: Sosial angst og panikklidelse
Deltagere: Alle som arbeider klinisk med barn/ungdom eller voksne (PUT, DPS, BUP, PPT, sykehus, etc.), eller mer spesialiserte pasientgrupper med dobbelt diagnostikk ( f.eks. rus og personlighetsproblematikk).
Oslo, SAS Panorama: 10-11 November 2006
Pål-Ørjan Johansen, Psykolog, Cand. Ph.D. NTNU
DBT og Borderline
Deltagere: Alle som arbeider klinisk med barn/ungdom eller voksne (PUT, DPS, BUP, PPT, sykehus, etc.), med multiple og alvorlig problematikk knyttet til regulering av følelser, impulsivitet, og selvskading.
Trondheim: 26-27 Oktober
Målgrupper: Vil variere noe ifra seminar til seminar. Men de fleste seminarene er relevante for alle som arbeider klinisk med barn/ungdom eller voksne (PUT, DPS, BUP, PPT, sykehus, etc.), eller mer spesialiserte pasientgrupper med dobbelt diagnostikk (f.eks. rus og personlighetsproblematikk) med rusforebygging og opplysningsarbeid, eller FoU innen rus og avhengighet. Eksperter innen narkotikapolitiet, offentlig forvaltning og forskere innen psykoterapi, psykofarmakologi, toksikologi og nevropsykologi.
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An Article With Concern About Humiliation, by Andrew Grice
An Article With Concern About Humiliation,
kindly forwarded to us by Floyd Rudmin.
Asian MEP says he was 'treated like a terrorist while travelling'
By Andrew Grice, Political Editor
Published: 24 August 2006
http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/politics/article1221299.ece
An Asian member of the European Parliament who claims he has repeatedly been treated as a suspected terrorist while travelling has warned the European Union against moving towards a system of "ethnic profiling" following the alleged plot to blow up transatlantic planes.
Claude Moraes, a London Labour MEP, has told how he has twice been detained and subjected to a full body search at airports for "travelling while Asian". One on occasion, security staff at Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris did not believe he was an MEP even though he was carrying the special diplomatic passport members are allowed.
On another two occasions, he was almost thrown off overbooked planes - once in front of fellow MEPs at Strasbourg - but staff backed down when he stood his ground. Mr Moraes insisted last night he was not seeking to complain about his own treatment and had tried to protest on behalf of many people from ethnic minorities who had suffered similar experiences. He said the issue was a "twilight zone" because race relations laws did not apply at airports and people were wary of complaining as they acknowledged the need for heightened security.
His campaign about the treatment of ethnic minorities while travelling has been backed by the Liberal Democrat MEPs Baroness Ludford and Sajjad Karim.
Writing in tomorrow's issue of the left-wing weekly Tribune, Mr Moraes says that the frequent "stops and searches" he faces are an inconvenience to him but "nothing compared" to the problems faced by ordinary people who have been "strip-searched" because of the "profiling" he says already takes place."This is not merely inconvenient. The effects can stay with the victims forever," he says.
The MEP is opposing calls by some aviation experts and airline bosses for a system of "ethnic profiling" in the wake of this month's alleged terrorist plot. He believes that in practice this would mean "taking people out of queues because they look Muslim" but is convinced that it would be a "blunt instrument" that would prove counterproductive.
Mr Moraes argues that good intelligence and policing, better aviation security and community support are the best ways to combat terrorism, while large-scale profiling would do more harm than good.
"By branding whole communities as suspect, ethnic profiling can legitimise prejudice," he says. "It can also engineer feelings of humiliation and resentment among targeted groups ... Intelligence gained from communities can dry up through lack of co-operation among the overwhelming moderate majority."
Although EU home affairs ministers rejected a formal European-wide system of "ethnic profling" at their emergency meeting in London last week, Mr Moraes is concerned that the idea is backed by France, Germany and the Netherlands. He says it already happens in Britain even though the Government opposes such a system, and the question now is whether it is extended.
His warning comes as the Government calls for a "mature" debate over immigration amid rising tension in some regions. Ruth Kelly, the Communities Secretary, is to launch a new Commission for Integration and Cohesion today, which will report next year. She will say: "Alongside the debate, we need action nationally but just as importantly in local communities themselves to build united communities and root out all forms of extremism."
Ms Kelly will acknowledge that for some communities, life in Britain feels different than it did two weeks ago. "Integration and cohesion are not states but processes. They need to be worked at, built on and nurtured," she will argue.
An Asian member of the European Parliament who claims he has repeatedly been treated as a suspected terrorist while travelling has warned the European Union against moving towards a system of "ethnic profiling" following the alleged plot to blow up transatlantic planes.
Claude Moraes, a London Labour MEP, has told how he has twice been detained and subjected to a full body search at airports for "travelling while Asian". One on occasion, security staff at Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris did not believe he was an MEP even though he was carrying the special diplomatic passport members are allowed.
On another two occasions, he was almost thrown off overbooked planes - once in front of fellow MEPs at Strasbourg - but staff backed down when he stood his ground. Mr Moraes insisted last night he was not seeking to complain about his own treatment and had tried to protest on behalf of many people from ethnic minorities who had suffered similar experiences. He said the issue was a "twilight zone" because race relations laws did not apply at airports and people were wary of complaining as they acknowledged the need for heightened security.
His campaign about the treatment of ethnic minorities while travelling has been backed by the Liberal Democrat MEPs Baroness Ludford and Sajjad Karim.
Writing in tomorrow's issue of the left-wing weekly Tribune, Mr Moraes says that the frequent "stops and searches" he faces are an inconvenience to him but "nothing compared" to the problems faced by ordinary people who have been "strip-searched" because of the "profiling" he says already takes place."This is not merely inconvenient. The effects can stay with the victims forever," he says.
The MEP is opposing calls by some aviation experts and airline bosses for a system of "ethnic profiling" in the wake of this month's alleged terrorist plot. He believes that in practice this would mean "taking people out of queues because they look Muslim" but is convinced that it would be a "blunt instrument" that would prove counterproductive.
Mr Moraes argues that good intelligence and policing, better aviation security and community support are the best ways to combat terrorism, while large-scale profiling would do more harm than good.
"By branding whole communities as suspect, ethnic profiling can legitimise prejudice," he says. "It can also engineer feelings of humiliation and resentment among targeted groups ... Intelligence gained from communities can dry up through lack of co-operation among the overwhelming moderate majority."
Although EU home affairs ministers rejected a formal European-wide system of "ethnic profling" at their emergency meeting in London last week, Mr Moraes is concerned that the idea is backed by France, Germany and the Netherlands. He says it already happens in Britain even though the Government opposes such a system, and the question now is whether it is extended.
His warning comes as the Government calls for a "mature" debate over immigration amid rising tension in some regions. Ruth Kelly, the Communities Secretary, is to launch a new Commission for Integration and Cohesion today, which will report next year. She will say: "Alongside the debate, we need action nationally but just as importantly in local communities themselves to build united communities and root out all forms of extremism."
Ms Kelly will acknowledge that for some communities, life in Britain feels different than it did two weeks ago. "Integration and cohesion are not states but processes. They need to be worked at, built on and nurtured," she will argue.