July 2001

Although fierce repression by the Algerian authorities had caused 100 deaths by the start of July, it did nothing to stop the revolt by angry Algerians. It started on 18 April in Kabylia, after gendarmes in Beni Douala murdered a young secondary-school pupil, Massinissa Guermah, whose name is symbolic (1). It is not surprising that the latest uprising should have started in a traditionally rebellious, culturally distinct part of Algeria. In 1871 it was the scene of a vast revolt, savagely (...)

Last summer and this there have been riots in the streets and on urban estates in France and England, barely explained by the attendant media, yet clearly connected with angry young males, many of them second generation immigrants from former colonies, reacting to rightwing provocation or perceived police prejudice. The rioters very often are in work and have even achieved some prosperity. So what is happening?

US President George W Bush made his first official visit abroad this summer. Europe was his chosen destination, but he decided not to stop in London, Paris or Berlin. The transatlantic climate has been chilly in recent months, with differences on the death penalty and the environment (especially the Kyoto protocol) and muted disagreement on the revival of a strategic defence initiative that threatens the treaties on disarmament signed with Moscow. The Republicans’ loss of their majority in the Senate could diminish their control over foreign policy. But one aspect of Washington’s programme will remain intact: while public spending is about to feel the effects of slowing growth and tax cuts, the defence budget is set to rise.

The Bush administration is shifting the direction of US strategic thinking. Priority will be given to the technological race and to the development and deployment of flexible, hi-tech forces capable of intervening anywhere in the world, to ensure the lasting primacy of US armed forces.

The revolt by angry young Algerians started in Kabylia and then spread to other parts of the country despite countermeasures that claimed 100 lives. They, and other Algerians, reject the corrupt, arrogant clique clinging to power. Recent summit-meeting statements suggest Europe may finally have perceived the realities, too.

Multinationals like Monsanto are facing real grassroots opposition in the world, especially over agro-chemicals and GMOs. Monsanto has led the big corporations towards diversionary tactics: they have issued codes of conduct and ethical charters to conceal their real objective of creating value for their shareholders. They are promoting their products as cures for third world hunger and disease, and as an alternative to the dangers of pesticides. They hope to win over a hostile public with advertising.

After years of lethargy the international community has declared war on Aids. Following a special session of the UN in June and the G8 summit in July, a fund will be set up by the end of the year. But the agreement being negotiated with the pharmaceutical industry may fail to provide much-needed care for millions in the South.

Many of Hungary’s intellectuals are desperately poor and have to take several jobs; they are under pressure from the government of Victor Orban, who is encouraging nationalists and flirting with the far right.

Elections for governors were held on 10 June in the six provinces of Madagascar, one of the world’s poorest nations. The provinces hope for benefits from new powers of autonomy that have been granted by the national constitution. The reforms are meant to bridge the gap between ordinary Madagascans and the government’s decision-makers, and to stimulate economic growth in regions far from the caprices of the capital city. But little has changed yet in the provinces.

Most Syrian troops have withdrawn from Beirut and the surrounding area without official remark. Lebanese politicians have been openly critical of Syria’s military presence, especially since Israel’s withdrawal from south Lebanon. But ordinary Lebanese are more concerned with the economy.

The Israelis have withdrawn from the school curriculum a textbook giving a balanced view of the nation’s history, only a few months after international media accused the Palestinian Authority of using anti-semitic schoolbooks. These did have omissions, but their real error was to refute Israel’s version of Palestinian history.

When internet problems are raised, racism, paedophilia and terrorism are talked about - and, in the same breath, counterfeit and piracy. A worldwide debate on intellectual property is under way. Why does the Council of Europe’s proposed convention on cybercrime seek to criminalise infringements of intellectual property rights?