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"He needs multiple surgery outside Iraq. It's a dysfunctional problem. He has no hearing in his left ear. They told me he has to be six before they can remove cartilage from his chest wall to put in his ear. All operations have to be outside Iraq to beautify the ear and give him his hearing." And all the while his father talks, five-year-old Sayef Ala'a sits obediently on the sofa beside us, doing as his father tells him, moving his head to show us the scrappy bit of flesh that constitutes his left ear, tipping his head to one side so we can take pictures of it. Compared to other children with birth deformities, Sayef Ala'a is lucky. He can see, breathe, walk, run, play and listen to his father and friends with his right ear. And he is a little boy of much courage. "He hasn't learnt much yet – that's because he hasn't been to school," his father says. "I'm worried he would be bullied at school. He's a child, but sometimes he co...

Revolution In The Air:    John Pilger speaks @ Marxism 2012     : Information Clearing House Revolution In The Air John Pilger Speaks At Marxism 2012 Marxism 2012: Revolution in the air hosts radical journalist, writer and film-maker John Pilger for a fascinating session on the mass media and propaganda. Back for his fourth year, Pilger says about the Marxism conference: Posted April 27, 2012   "Marxism in Melbourne is now Australia's premier festival of debate and free speech on issues that are either excluded from or suppressed by the mass media: issues such as the government's agenda for Indigenous Australians, Palestine and propaganda in its many disguises." Pilger is recognized the world over for his investigative journalism. His many awards include: - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - The Richard Dimbleby Award - American Television Academy Award ('Emmy') - International Reporter of the Year - Journalist of the Year Marxi...

How Obama Recycled a Lie about Iran      : Information Clearing House April 26, 2012 "Information Clearing House" --- In June 2007, Middle East expert and University of Michigan professor Juan Cole remarked that bad translations can sometimes start wars. Professor Cole, in this case, was referring to the misleading, yet widely circulated mistranslated remark by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad during a speech in 2005 — in which he is purported to have said that Israel should be “wiped off the map.”

 Why I Refused to Return to Fight in Afghanistan's Brutal Occupation        : Information Clearing House Why I Refused to Return to Fight in Afghanistan's Brutal Occupation The Taliban clearly has broad support from Afghan people. Conscientious objection is a right and obligation in a failed war By Joe Glenton April 27, 2012 "The Guardian" - - Recent attacks in Kabul confirm the occupation is falling to pieces. Claims about "decisive years" and "turned corners" are little more than cant. Instead for all their lack of air power, drones and high-tech equipment, the Taliban are gaining ascendancy. The ability to attack up to seven different locations, to hold one for 20 hours, and to attack the fortified compounds of the occupiers and local supporters cannot sensibly be read as a sign that the insurgency is losing ground. Fighting in Afghanistan is seasonal and the Kabul attacks were the season's opening game. No insurgency can survive ...