U.S. Turns Blind Eye as Saudis Fund Jihadists in Syrian Conflict

Patrick Cockburn Democracy Now!
So, you know, it is extraordinary that al-Qaeda has been the great sort of winner of the conflicts over the last—whenever it is, since 9/11, and they’ve—and managed to make such tremendous gains without much opposition from Washington or London or Paris.

Defining Moments and Crystal Stairs

Charles M. Blow, Op-Ed Columnist New York Times
“Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.” And yet, we must continue to climb, “sometimes goin’ in the dark, where there ain’t been no light.”

Mandela is Dead Why Hide the Truth about Apartheid?

Fidel Castro Cuba Debate
Fraternal feelings of deep brotherhood between the Cuban people and the homeland of Nelson Mandela born of an event that has not even been mentioned, and which had not said a word over many years, Mandela, because he was an apostle of peace and did not want to hurt anyone. Cuba, because he never made an action seeking glory or prestige.

Radicals in City Hall: An American Tradition

Peter Dreier Dissent
The time appears to be ripe for a new wave of urban reform. Both socialists like Seattle’s Sawant and progressives like New York’s de Blasio have a chance to popularize “left wing of the possible” ideas that seem bold but not preposterous. But as their socialist and progressive counterparts over the past century recognized, good ideas don’t become policy without social movements behind them.