124

New book gives inspiring account of Rojava’s revolutionary bid for autonomy and women’s liberation

Revolution in Rojava: Democratic Autonomy & Women’s Liberation in Syrian Kurdistan
By Michael Knapp, Anja Flack & Ercan Ayboga (translated by Janet Biehl)
Pluto, 2016
285 pp., $38.95

Rojava, which is Kurdish for the “west”, is to be found in Northern Syria. In the middle of a conflict zone, marked by the war against the Assad regime, a Turkish invasion and ongoing conflict with the brutal jihadists of ISIS and al-Nusra, the Kurds and their allies are creating a new kind of democratic system.

Oil threat to Victorian waters

MELBOURNE — Community groups and environmentalists are highlighting the threat to Port Phillip and Westernport Bays by the oil industry and the danger to the Altona and Williamstown area from the proposed expansion of the Mobil Altona refinery.

Anti-vilification bill passed

Anti-vilification bill passed By Tom Flanagan The New South Wales Anti-Discrimination Act has been amended to outlaw vilification on the basis of a person's homosexuality. The private member's bill, introduced by independent MP Clover

Two plays on domestic violence

Two plays on domestic violence The Keys to the Animal Room By Peta Murray Flowers and Chocolates By Glenn Perry Both at Junction Theatre, Thebarton Community attitudes about domestic violence are still shaped by common mythologies

Against the blockade of Cuba

Against the blockade of Cuba The Cuban Institute for Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP) is inviting people around the world to participate in the struggle against the US blockade of Cuba by submitting written or graphic material for a

A Nicaraguan lake disappears

By Darwin Juarez MANAGUA — While Nicaraguans have seen more than their share of nature's foul moods, a recent disaster brought widespread realisation that human hands can sometimes tip nature toward malevolence. Beautiful and historic Lake

A generation discarded

By Sean Malloy Violence, poverty, homelessness and other forms of oppression and suffering experienced by young people are usually dealt with in compartments, separate and unconnected. A Lost Generation, a report prepared by the Australian Youth

Hospital workers win a battle

Hospital workers win a battle By Roberto Jorquera MELBOURNE — After eight days of Industrial bans, management at the Austin Hospital was forced to back down and reach agreement with the Health Services Union (HSUA) on procedures to be

Banks 'ripping off customers'

Banks 'ripping off customers' Australian Banks, by increasing their margins — the difference between the cost of funds to banks and how much they lend them for — over the past year, have cost customers an estimated $790 million.

Amnesty report: suspend military aid to PNG

By Norm Dixon The international human rights watchdog Amnesty International says Papua New Guinea government troops and their allies are continuing to murder, torture and rape suspected opponents and non-combatants on the island of

The vanishing forests of South-East Asia

Southeast Asia Rainforests: A Resource and Action Guide Edited by Martha Belcher and Angela Gennino Rainforest Action Network in cooperation with the World Rainforest Movement 1993. 100 pp. (large format) Reviewed By Jon Lamb This

Community independent stands

Community independent stands By Anthony Thirlwall ADELAIDE — Despite being offered little choice between the ALP and the Liberals in the state elections, South Australians will have the chance to vote for another alternative candidate.