We live in times when religions are keen to enforce the control they once took for granted.… Read the rest
Family Values Rally in Rome 
May 12th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Vatican under Benedict has been conducting a fierce campaign to protect traditional families. … Read the rest
Islamic Center of Johnstown Demotes Imam
May 12th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Said a sentence of death would be warranted for Hirsi Ali; board and members repudiate that view.… Read the rest
Nigerian ‘Sharia Police’ Trash Four Theaters
May 12th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
‘The way they have been spoiling and polluting our culture and religion is no longer acceptable.’… Read the rest
AP Reports Tasneem Khalil’s Release
May 12th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Detention sparked off widespread concerns among international media and human rights watchdogs. … Read the rest
What matters, and why?
May 12th, 2007 10:44 am | By Ophelia BensonLet’s do a thought experiment. Suppose a 24 hour period during which every heterosexual copulation on the planet resulted in conception and then, 48 hours later, spontaneous abortion. Would that be a tragedy?
Then suppose a 24 hour period during which every infant born between 48 and 72 hours earlier, died. Would that be a tragedy?
It seems to me that people who think an embryo is just as important as a neonate would answer yes to the first. But what I wonder is, why? Why would that be a tragedy? More particularly, to whom would it be a tragedy? Can something be a tragedy to no one and still be a tragedy?
The problem is that no one would … Read the rest
Committee to Protect Journalists on Khalil
May 11th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Calls arrest ‘an indication of the fragile state of press freedom in Bangladesh.’… Read the rest
AsiaMedia Reports Tasneem Khalil’s Release
May 11th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Khalil’s arrest was the latest in a string of military actions against journalists.… Read the rest
Drishtipat Reports Tasneem Released
May 11th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Staffers in office say he looks physically ok, but badly shaken up.… Read the rest
Senior Vets Call for Slaughter of Bullock
May 11th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
British Cattle Veterinary Association said any risk of TB spreading was unacceptable.… Read the rest
Hindus Resist Slaughter of Welsh Bullock
May 11th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
The ‘sacred’ bullock has tested positive for TB.… Read the rest
Pope ‘Creates’ Brazil’s First Saint
May 11th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Really?! Out of what, some woman’s rib?… Read the rest
BBC Reports Tasneem’s Arrest
May 11th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
But spells his name wrong.… Read the rest
AP Reports on Tasneem Khalil
May 11th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Zafar Sobhan of the Daily Star said Khalil was being held without any charge or warrant.… Read the rest
Tasneem Khalil
May 10th, 2007 5:47 pm | By Ophelia BensonUpdate: There are reports that Tasneem has been released, but so far they seem to be reporting each other, all reporting something Human Rights Watch said. It’s not absolutely clear how HRW knows – although Tasneem works for them, so they probably do know. Still, I’ll feel happier when some major media report it. But it’s the middle of the night everywhere but Seattle; no doubt by the time I get on the computer tomorrow there will be lots of major media reports.
This is terrible. I know Tasneem – well not know, exactly, but we’ve swapped emails, he’s a fan of B&W and sends me links to his excellent articles; I think of him as a friend in … Read the rest
Army Arrests Journalist Tasneem Khalil
May 10th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
“We are extremely concerned about Tasneem Khalil’s safety,” said Brad Adams of HRW.… Read the rest
Moses is so Cool
May 10th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Okay, Jesus, whatever works for you, man.… Read the rest
Moses is sooooo Irritating
May 10th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
He is non-judgmental and holier-than-thou at the same time.… Read the rest
Moses Goes Pomo
May 10th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
He’s off to continue his quest to destabilise the univocity of meaning. Vroom vroom.… Read the rest
Some Expected the Pope to Be Diplomatic
May 10th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
But he thinks ‘an assertion of bedrock Christian values is the only way to stem the tide toward secularism.’… Read the rest
