NEWS & REPORTS

Kazakhstan still lives in Soviet era despite all efforts of modernization

Former Soviet Kazakhstan still lives under corruption now disguised in a democratic and globalized outlook. Despite the growing effects of globalization following the country's independence 13 years ago, almost everything here seems to be from another world.

Deposed Saddam issues decrees from his hideout

From his hideout in Iraq, deposed dictator Saddam Hussein sent out messages giving Iraqis "his instructions" on what to do with public offices' cars that were looted in the aftermath of the liberation of Baghdad on April 11.

Gay couple unites in Argentina, first for Latin America

Two Argentine men became the first gay couple to legally join in a civil union in Latin America when they exchanged rings and kisses in Buenos Aires in mid-July.

Dunkin Donuts clashes with Beirut's queer community

Dunkin Donuts and gay groups clashed over what the Lebanese queer community described as the franchise's policy of discrimination against homosexuals in Lebanon.

Belarus Young Social Democrats seek youth rights

The MSD (Young Social Democrats) is an independent Belarusian youth association, which is ruled according to the principles of democratic socialism.

No Frontiers updates its website

At the time student activity recession hits the summer break, independent leftist student group No Frontiers (NF) updated its website.

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		Issue 5- August 2003 Bin Ali rules forever Tunisian President Zeinel-Abidine Bin Ali is slated to win a sweeping fourth term presidency during the country's fourth presidential election ever since Tunisia won its independence from colonial France in 1957. Full Story Also in this issue:	Available in PDF format (Click to open page)
		NEWS & REPORTS Kazakhstan still lives in Soviet era despite all efforts of modernization Former Soviet Kazakhstan still lives under corruption now disguised in a democratic and globalized outlook. Despite the growing effects of globalization following the country's independence 13 years ago, almost everything here seems to be from another world. Deposed Saddam issues decrees from his hideout From his hideout in Iraq, deposed dictator Saddam Hussein sent out messages giving Iraqis "his instructions" on what to do with public offices' cars that were looted in the aftermath of the liberation of Baghdad on April 11. Gay couple unites in Argentina, first for Latin America Two Argentine men became the first gay couple to legally join in a civil union in Latin America when they exchanged rings and kisses in Buenos Aires in mid-July. Dunkin Donuts clashes with Beirut's queer community Dunkin Donuts and gay groups clashed over what the Lebanese queer community described as the franchise's policy of discrimination against homosexuals in Lebanon. Belarus Young Social Democrats seek youth rights The MSD (Young Social Democrats) is an independent Belarusian youth association, which is ruled according to the principles of democratic socialism. No Frontiers updates its website At the time student activity recession hits the summer break, independent leftist student group No Frontiers (NF) updated its website.	July Issue Iran's youth express discontent Castro: Cuba tailors Marxism to fit its needs. Unhappy American director comes down heavily on US administration. Canada comes out of the closet. Arabesque architecture, poor services and low tourism characterize Asfahan. Experts divided on the future of post-war Iraqi democracy... and more

		EDITORIALS A preemptive 'No' to dictatorship The No War, No Dictatorship campaign organized during the build up to war on Iraq was prudent. It conveyed a message that those people who opposed a colonial war on Iraq were also irritated by a dictatorship hiding behind a purportedly pan-Arab and socialist rhetoric. What is it with gays? Barely a day passes before one reads in newspapers or sees on television a piece of news reporting about gay activists fighting for their rights in some country here or there.

		Op-Ed When rural and urban areas evolve hand in hand BEIRUT - Back in our school days, we were always asked to discuss whether we preferred living in the village or in the city. Having always opted for the city, this choice of mine matured and was reinforced with time. A comparative balance between the scales of diversity and perversity What exactly does diversity mean? How is it any different from perversity? This has been an ongoing issue for me ever since I moved from Lebanon to the US - a completely different dynamic of a society. Democracy is the opium of the masses Democracy is evil. Despite oil and greenery, Iraq was still very impoverished We headed to Iraq by land through the Abdali Kuwaiti-Iraqi boarder point. Our first encounter in Iraq was a village of Bedouins, same as the ones present on all frontiers between Lebanon and Syria, with children anywhere waving their hands to all the cars that pass.

		FEATURES, HISTORY & CULTURE In memory of civil marriage Carla and Wissam met some seven years ago during a training course. He thought she was arrogant, she did not notice him at the time. Tunisia 'elects' Bourguiba president for life Tunisia was under the control of the French mandatory power until 1956 when this small Mediterranean country was able to gain its independence after the Tunisian nation unleashed a wave of violence and demonstrations against the foreign occupation. Azmi Beshara analyzes 'what went wrong' in a new book Azmi Beshara disclosed an unprecedented criticism of the Arab society in his new book which is by far, the best book one could read over the past few years.

		LIGHT NEWS Hollywood Watch: More violent action than intellect in Termintor3 Terminator 3 suggested that Judgement Day was not stopped as events unfolded in Terminator 2.

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NEWS & REPORTS

EDITORIALS

Op-Ed

FEATURES, HISTORY & CULTURE

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