2005 will be remembered as the year that citizens across the world started to realise the rules of the game in the "war on terror." Extraordinary rendition, US supported and administered torture, unauthorised spying on citizens, privatised killing, diving support for the Iraqi quagmire and a growing Iranian influence. Liberation, indeed.
In other news, we saw the shameful response to Hurricane Katrina, world apathy on the Sudanese genocide, military threats towards Iran's supposed nuclear arsenal, Latin America's challenge to US imperialism, Israel's talk of peace but further entrenchment of the occupation, Pacific islands starting to feel the effects of global warming and climate change starting to be taken seriously, in some quarters anyway.
We should take heart from the fact that the US's global influence is waning. Still a superpower but heavily weakened by the Iraq war and imperial arrogance, Latin American countries provide perhaps the best example of a way forward towards a world without constant US threats and bullying. The mainstream media is being challenged like never before and many people are simply ignoring the "establishment" sources and looking elsewhere.
In Australia, we experienced the full force of the Latham Diaries - the finest and most insightful political book about the local scene for a very long time - and the Howard government's control of the Senate saw a flurry of legislation likely to benefit the business community and the Murdoch press, but few others. Opinion polls now show the ALP in front, a direct connection to draconian industrial relations "reforms." The Labor party remains an archaic institution and appears to inspire less people every day. Support for the Greens is steady but climbing in some states. Robert Fisk made his first tour to the country (and returns next March.)
On a personal note, the year has been challenging. My book on Israel/Palestine is nearly finished and will be released in July next year through Melbourne University Publishing. My time in the Middle East - and constant, almost obsessive, threats - makes me even more determined to challenge the Zionist version of the conflict.
I've recently signed with Random House to write a book about the parlous state of the Australian media, the often corrosive impact of the US media and the curse of "insider" journalism. It will be released in 2007.
My regular column for growing online magazine New Matilda - and the positive emails I receive after nearly every article - has proven that there is an appetite for dissenting work in the Australian media.
After being appointed to the board of Macquarie University's Centre for Middle East and North African Studies, we intend to inject some humanity and diversity to the often one-dimensional, Orientalist and racist views of the Arab world and Islam present in Australian society.
There are a number of other projects in development and I should be able to confirm these early in 2006.
As for this humble blog, thanks for all the comments, thoughts and suggestions. I have a number of ideas to expand the site next year. Let's all try to lower the abuse and increase the insights.
I'll be back in the first days of the new year.
Peace to you all.
In other news, we saw the shameful response to Hurricane Katrina, world apathy on the Sudanese genocide, military threats towards Iran's supposed nuclear arsenal, Latin America's challenge to US imperialism, Israel's talk of peace but further entrenchment of the occupation, Pacific islands starting to feel the effects of global warming and climate change starting to be taken seriously, in some quarters anyway.
We should take heart from the fact that the US's global influence is waning. Still a superpower but heavily weakened by the Iraq war and imperial arrogance, Latin American countries provide perhaps the best example of a way forward towards a world without constant US threats and bullying. The mainstream media is being challenged like never before and many people are simply ignoring the "establishment" sources and looking elsewhere.
In Australia, we experienced the full force of the Latham Diaries - the finest and most insightful political book about the local scene for a very long time - and the Howard government's control of the Senate saw a flurry of legislation likely to benefit the business community and the Murdoch press, but few others. Opinion polls now show the ALP in front, a direct connection to draconian industrial relations "reforms." The Labor party remains an archaic institution and appears to inspire less people every day. Support for the Greens is steady but climbing in some states. Robert Fisk made his first tour to the country (and returns next March.)
On a personal note, the year has been challenging. My book on Israel/Palestine is nearly finished and will be released in July next year through Melbourne University Publishing. My time in the Middle East - and constant, almost obsessive, threats - makes me even more determined to challenge the Zionist version of the conflict.
I've recently signed with Random House to write a book about the parlous state of the Australian media, the often corrosive impact of the US media and the curse of "insider" journalism. It will be released in 2007.
My regular column for growing online magazine New Matilda - and the positive emails I receive after nearly every article - has proven that there is an appetite for dissenting work in the Australian media.
After being appointed to the board of Macquarie University's Centre for Middle East and North African Studies, we intend to inject some humanity and diversity to the often one-dimensional, Orientalist and racist views of the Arab world and Islam present in Australian society.
There are a number of other projects in development and I should be able to confirm these early in 2006.
As for this humble blog, thanks for all the comments, thoughts and suggestions. I have a number of ideas to expand the site next year. Let's all try to lower the abuse and increase the insights.
I'll be back in the first days of the new year.
Peace to you all.
11 Comments:
Yes, most of us have a vested interest in the truth. We'll see what you've actually done to harm the truth when we read your book.
Who knows? You might actually have written something true. But the odds aren't with you on that one.
Most likely you've wrapped some kernal of truth in layers of bullshit and expect the public to accept the bullshit as reality for the sake of the nugget.
Were it not for the BS, it would attract scant attention.
Noticing the fate of whistle blowers and the fate of most establishments, it would appear that whistle blowers get blown away while establishments just plug along.
Notice all of the dead palestinians at their brothers' hands, while hamas, Islamic Jihad, and the Fatah just keep plugging along.
Luckily for AL, he blowing nothing but hot air.
Addamo - your ignorance is frightening. The Protocols are an obvious and proven fake, yet it continues to be a best seller in many arab lands and continues the rounds of the Internet.
And the Nixon Affair has not done a thing to stop any American President or Agency from doing most anything.
What was the old fart talking about?
Antony,
The purile attacks from your critics who represent the powers that be should be worn like a medal of honour.
Keep up the great work and I look forward to your books, and remember, the establishment is built on ignorance. Expose them for what they are and it all will come crashing down like a house of cards.
Regards
Broken Leg
To all my friendlies here at Antony's place and to Antony himself- MAY ALL YOUR HOPES, DREAMS AND WISHES FOR THE NEW YEAR COME TRUE! HAPPY NEW YEAR!
PEACE.
May they not. Like the monkey's paw, the wishes of many on this site would prove fatal.
Ant, my gift to you in 2006 will be teaching you how to filter your commenters by IP... your trolls have more sockpuppets than Jim Henson ever did.
To Human,
Thanks, and as you would say....peace.
To all, Happy New Year and may '06 bring you luck, happiness and, if you're into that sort of thing, prosperity.
Is there any wonder why Weezil is called such?
At least sex has no conscience. Hopefully you felt guilty, atoned, and was rewarded with a life not as great as you expected, and it all worked out.
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