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'Female firebrands' and S11

BY MARGARET ALLUM A radio commentator in Melbourne remarked during the September 11-13 (S11) protests there against the World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting that he had noticed a "female firebrand" inciting others to join the blockade of the Crown

PALESTINE: 'To die surrendering or to die resisting?'

WEST BANK, October 13 — A few days ago, the Palestinian people experienced a turning point as their struggle against the Israeli occupation reached a new peak. The people witnessed a savage Israeli bombardment using tanks, rockets and helicopters.

INDONESIA: Militant union wins legal recognition

JAKARTA — Following a long battle, the militant Indonesian National Front for Workers Struggle (FNPBI) has finally won legal status as one of the country's 38 recognised unions. The decision, by the ministry of labour, was based on a new law

Networker: What do consultants do?

What do consultants do? Ever wondered what a “consultant” does? You must have heard of them. They are the “experts” who grow and prosper with every government move. Closing down schools? You need a consultant. Handing over government

Iraqi communists look forward

BY SHANE BENTLEY SYDNEY — Although Saddam Hussein's Iraqi regime seems to be improving its relations with the rest of the world, Iraqi communists should continue to fight both the United Nations sanctions on the country and Hussein's Ba'ath

Loose cannons

Nothing wrong "The meals weren't used in the end, but there was certainly nothing wrong with the food." — A spokesperson for Qantas after its workers forced the airline to stop serving meals after their "best by" date. Unlike governments?

CUBA: Fidel leads immense march against blockade

HAVANA — Almost half the population of Havana — 800,000 people — led by President Fidel Castro, marched on October 18 to protest against the false impression being created by the United States that it has relaxed its blockade against Cuba. At

North Coast discusses S11

BY NICK FREDMAN LISMORE — Sizeable meetings and lively discussions have been held across northern NSW about the meaning of the S11 protests against the World Economic Forum meeting in Melbourne, reflecting both the many people from the area who

Apology

The last issue of Green Left Weekly inadvertently printed a photograph of an Aboriginal activist who has died. We sincerely apologise for any distress this may have caused Aboriginal people.

News briefs

Democracy ACT-style CANBERRA — ACT chief minister Kate Carnell announced her resignation on October 17, just before a no-confidence motion was to be debated by the ACT Legislative Assembly. Carnell's resignation prevented the possibility of an

A tale of two lunches

BY ZANNY BEGG SYDNEY — Inside the luxurious Westin Hotel on October 20, young business entrepreneurs rubbed shoulders with corporate leaders from such companies as Chubb Security, AMP, Multiplex, Coles Myer and British American Tobacco and then

A light punch of realism

A Room for Romeo BrassDirected by Shane MeadowsWritten by Shane Meadows and Paul Fraser REVIEW BY JONATHAN SINGER The dramatic and comic realism of A Room for Romeo Brass carries an emotional punch, but in the end the blow is only lightly felt.