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Edward Snowden writes to Europe

Europe has released American whistle-blower Edward Snowden’s written responses to questions by members of the European Parliament. Europe is expected to decide soon on a controversial “Safe Harbour” data transmission and privacy agreement with the United States, considered essential for American technology companies like Google to operate in Europe. F&O reports in Dispatches, Publica, here. (Public access) ~~~ Independent, non-partisan and employee-owned, F&O performs journalism for citizens, funded entirely by readers. We do not carry advertising or solicit donations from non-journalism foundations or causes. Subscribe by email to our free FRONTLINES, a log of new works, with the odd small

F&O Weekend

F&O’s rich selection of reports, analysis and commentary this weekend includes: new Commentary pieces by Chris Wood and Jonathan Manthorpe, and an Arts note on Norway’s choice of a design to memorialize the country’s horrific 2011 slaying. A Dispatch from ProPublica reviews research on the health impact of fracking for natural gas, while in Expert Witness a professor makes a case for thinking smarter — much smarter — about geoengineering and climate change. Norway’s Void (Public access) A “memory wound” was chosen this month by a Norwegian panel to memorialize the 2011 massacre of 77 people, most of them teenagers,

Fake trial and setback for Malaysia’s opposition leader

Another case of truth is stranger than fiction: For 16 years Malaysia’s establishment has managed to thwart the political efforts of the country’s opposition leader, whose followers have remained loyal despite the horrendous allegations against him. Now, once again, a Malaysian court has dealt him a setback. International affairs analyst Jonathan Manthorpe looks at the big picture. Excerpt of his new column: Today’s conviction of Malaysia’s opposition leader, Anwar Ibrahim, for sodomy in a clearly politically motivated trial, may well backfire on the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition and bring its downfall in the next elections. A Court of Appeal in

Lookin’ for love – not to get fracked

Chris Wood has a parent’s perspective on planetary etiquette in his new Natural Security column: if you’re looking to date “his” planet, you better be ready to treat her right. An excerpt: These eight simple rules — borrowed from an American sit-com — are addressed to any person (corporate or otherwise) who asks to take my planet out for a date at the mines, the oil well, or the multi-acre Walmart parking lot. By all means, have fun, kids. Come home with a tattoo and a stray dog you found in the street, if you like. Just follow these …

Chinese imperialism ignored amid Ukraine-Russia debate

The outpouring from the West of shock and outrage over Russia’s actions in Ukraine has been … “entertaining,” writes international affairs analyst Jonathan Manthorpe. The reaction to Russia is especially bizarre given there really is a colonial, expansionist power afoot in the world – and Russia may well be one of its targets. The sound and fury aimed at Russian President Vladimir Putin in the last few days has been vastly entertaining. But it was evident from the start that, as Ukraine sank into internal chaos, Putin would ensure the security of the Russian Black Sea Fleet and the continuation

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