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Dear Friend,
This issue comes at a time of intensifying global tensions. The deepening crisis around Iran, the continuing devastation in Gaza, and widening fault lines across West Asia reflect a dangerous drift toward prolonged conflict. Alongside, we carry critical analyses on imperial power, resistance in Lebanon, the persistence of the Palestinian struggle, and the broader moral and political consequences of war. We also bring reflections on climate justice, democracy, and the shifting directions of Indian foreign policy.
Amid these turbulent times, we also mark Ambedkar Jayanti. We extend our greetings to all our readers and present a special package of articles engaging with the life and thought of B. R. Ambedkar, whose ideas continue to illuminate struggles for justice, equality, and human dignity.
We invite you to read, reflect, and share.
LATEST ON WAR ON IRAN- Dangerous Waters: Escalation Around Iran Intensifies
Tensions deepen as the US blockade of Iran’s ports takes hold, even as Donald Trump claims Tehran seeks renewed negotiations. Reports suggest Pakistan may host fresh talks, while China signals defiance, affirming its maritime and energy ties with Iran through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump’s threat to target all vessels transiting Iranian ports raises the specter of direct confrontation, including with Chinese ships. Meanwhile, violence continues in Gaza, with civilian casualties mounting. As geopolitical fault lines sharpen, the risk of a wider conflict grows. Restraint and diplomacy are urgently needed to prevent further escalation.
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In Solidarity
Binu Mathew
Editor
Countercurrents.org
WAR ON IRAN
How Many People Have the US and Israel Killed in Iran?
by Medea Benjamin and Nicolas J S Davies
In this analysis, Medea Benjamin and Nicolas J. S. Davies examine the human toll of US and Israeli military actions in Iran, questioning official casualty figures and highlighting the likelihood of large-scale undercounting. Drawing on comparisons with other conflicts and independent estimates, the article argues that the true number of deaths may be far higher than reported. It underscores the systematic minimization of civilian suffering and calls for rigorous, transparent accounting of war casualties to confront the scale of destruction and ensure public awareness and accountability.
Hormuz has exposed the hegemon
by Ashraf Zainabi
Ashraf Zainabi examines how statements around the Strait of Hormuz reveal deeper patterns of power in global politics. The shift from calls to keep the passage open to threats of blocking it highlights a broader contradiction in hegemonic behavior. Donald Trump is presented not as the origin of this approach but as one who makes it explicit through blunt and high-risk assertions. The article reflects on how such unpredictability reshapes diplomacy, increases tensions, and weakens consistency in international norms, raising concerns about the gradual erosion of a stable global order.
Ignorant and Imbecile Warriors: America and Israel Waging War on Humanity
by Dr Mahboob A Khawaja
Dr Mahboob A. Khawaja presents a sharp critique of contemporary warfare led by the United States and Israel, arguing that political arrogance, moral failure, and disregard for international norms are pushing humanity toward deeper crisis. The article examines the rhetoric of leadership, the erosion of global institutions, and the human cost of escalating conflict in Iran and Palestine. It highlights the complicity and silence of regional powers, while warning of long-term civilizational consequences. Framing war as both a moral and political collapse, the piece calls attention to the urgent need for accountability, reason, and a renewed commitment to peace.
PALESTINE
Basic Points About The Zionist Israeli-Arab Palestinian Conflict
by Dr Vladislav B Sotirovic
This article outlines the historical origins and core dynamics of the Zionist Israeli–Arab Palestinian conflict. It traces the rise of Zionism, British involvement, and the establishment of Israel, alongside the displacement and dispersal of Palestinians. The piece emphasizes that the conflict is fundamentally a struggle over land, shaped by competing historical narratives and political claims rather than purely religious differences. It also examines the consequences of wars, occupation, and refugee crises that continue to define the region. By presenting key arguments from both sides, the article offers a concise framework for understanding one of the most enduring and complex geopolitical conflicts.
LEBANON
Apologies to All the People in Lebanon
by Vijay Prashad
In this reflective and deeply critical essay, Vijay Prashad revisits decades of violence and instability in Lebanon, tracing the roots of recurring conflict to regional power dynamics and sustained military interventions. He documents recent bombings in Beirut alongside a longer history of invasions, displacement, and resistance, highlighting the human cost borne by civilians. The article situates Lebanon within broader geopolitical strategies, examining how narratives of security and counterterrorism have justified widespread destruction. Framed as an apology, it calls attention to global complicity and urges a moral reckoning with the suffering endured by the Lebanese people and the unresolved crisis across the region.
Hezbollah Stands as Israel’s Nemesis in The Lebanese South
by Dr Marwan Asmar
Dr Marwan Asmar examines the ongoing confrontation in southern Lebanon, where Israeli forces are attempting to establish a security zone amid sustained resistance from Hezbollah. The article describes military incursions, destruction of villages, and large-scale displacement of civilians, alongside reports of casualties and material losses. It highlights key flashpoints such as Bint Jbeil, where clashes continue despite Israeli advances. Situating the conflict within a broader regional context, the piece notes tensions linked to US-Iran dynamics and the uncertainty surrounding potential negotiations. The situation remains volatile, with a protracted war of attrition shaping developments on the ground.
ISRAEL/ZIONISM/JUDAISM
From Golden Calf to Sacred Dwelling: Reimagining Jewish Identity Beyond the Nation-State
by Ariel Gold
Ariel Gold reflects on how fear and dislocation can transform faith into allegiance to power, drawing on the biblical story of the golden calf. She argues that modern political Zionism risks becoming an idol, substituting spiritual grounding with militarized nationalism. Revisiting the Torah’s account of the Mishkan, she proposes an alternative rooted in repair, accountability, and shared humanity. The piece calls for solidarity across divisions and rejects both state violence and reactionary bigotry. Invoking the ethical vision of Martin Luther King Jr., it urges a return to justice, humility, and collective responsibility.
AMERICAN IMPERIALISM
CUBA
Cuba Under Siege: Blockade, Hardship, and the Resilience of a Revolution
by Malvika Nair
Based on a recent visit to Cuba, the author documents an intensifying economic and humanitarian crisis following a tightened US blockade targeting fuel and financial flows. Severe shortages, prolonged blackouts, and disruptions to healthcare, transport, and daily life have deepened hardships across the island. Drawing on firsthand observations, the account notes that public responses reflect continued support for the ideals of the revolution and resistance to external pressure. Mass mobilisations and everyday resilience underscore a collective resolve shaped by decades of confrontation with US policy.
Will Death In The Form of Trump’s Death Genes Prevail Over Us?
by Phil Rockstroh
Phil Rockstroh reflects on a moment of deep historical and psychological rupture, linking the turbulence of contemporary geopolitics with a broader crisis of culture and conscience. He portrays Donald Trump as both symptom and catalyst of a deeper “death drive” within late-stage capitalism and imperial power. Moving between political critique and philosophical meditation, the essay explores alienation, moral collapse, and the persistence of violence in public life. Yet it also gestures toward the possibility of resistance, urging an inward reckoning that preserves human empathy and ethical clarity amid accelerating disorder.
CLIMATE CHANGE
Gender Justice is Central to Climate Justice : Interconnections between Climate Change and Gender in India.
by Soumya Dutta
Gender justice lies at the core of climate justice in India, where climate impacts intersect with deep social inequalities. This article outlines how women—especially from marginalized communities—face disproportionate burdens from heat stress, water scarcity, disasters, and displacement, while having limited access to resources and decision-making. It highlights the intersection of gender with caste, class, and geography, and examines gaps in current policy frameworks. At the same time, it documents the crucial role women play in community resilience and environmental stewardship, arguing that equitable and effective climate action must center gender justice as a structural priority.
INDIAN FOREIGN POLICY
India at the Crossroads
by Dr Ranjan Solomon
Dr Ranjan Solomon reflects on a pivotal moment in India’s foreign policy, examining its shift from Non-Alignment toward closer engagement with Western power blocs. The article questions whether this trajectory undermines India’s historic commitment to Global South solidarity. It critiques growing alignment with elite forums like the G7, evolving ties with Israel, and hesitation within BRICS. Framing the issue as both political and psychological, the piece argues that the pursuit of global recognition risks eroding autonomy and moral clarity. It calls for a renewed emphasis on dignity, independence, and leadership rooted in justice, equity, and post-colonial responsibility.
AMBEDKAR JAYANTI
Ambedkarism -Memory to Movement
by Dr Ranjan Solomon
Dr. Ranjan Solomon reflects on Ambedkarism as a living political force rooted in the experiences and ideas of B. R. Ambedkar. Tracing its origins in everyday caste humiliation, the article situates Ambedkar’s thought as a structural critique of inequality rather than a moral appeal for reform. It examines how his legacy is simultaneously invoked and diluted in contemporary India, while remaining vital to struggles for dignity and justice. Emphasising education, organisation, and solidarity, the piece argues for renewed engagement between anti-caste and class-based movements to confront deepening inequality and democratic erosion.
Ambedkar Jayanti: A Personal Tribute and Retrospective Reflection
by Dr Suresh Khairnar
Dr Suresh Khairnar's personal tribute to B. R. Ambedkar revisits his intellectual journey, early influences, and lifelong struggle against caste oppression. It traces formative moments, from his encounter with Buddhist thought to his critique of social inequality and leadership in movements like Mahad. The piece reflects on his 1935 declaration to leave Hinduism, his questions on equality, and his eventual conversion to Buddhism in 1956. It also situates his warnings on majoritarian nationalism within contemporary developments, drawing from the author’s own observations to underline the continuing relevance of Ambedkar’s ideas.
The Constitution of India is not written! Ambedkar created a living social contract
by Dr Madabhushi Sridhar Acharyulu
This article challenges the notion of a single authorship behind India’s Constitution, presenting it instead as a collective, evolving social contract rooted in “We, the People.” While acknowledging the foundational contributions of B. R. Ambedkar, it situates his role within a broader process shaped by diverse minds, rigorous debate, and institutional deliberation. The piece highlights the intellectual groundwork of B. N. Rau, the precision of Surendra Nath Mukherjee, and the Constituent Assembly’s sustained engagement. Ultimately, it underscores that the Constitution’s vitality lies not only in its drafting but in its ongoing interpretation and practice by citizens.
State Socialism versus Neoliberalism in India: An Ambedkarite Critique of Political Economy
by SR Darapuri
This article revisits the economic thought of B. R. Ambedkar to critique India’s shift from state-led development to neoliberal reforms. It contrasts Ambedkar’s vision of state socialism—grounded in redistribution, public ownership, and caste justice—with post-1991 policies emphasizing markets, privatization, and growth. The essay argues that neoliberalism has deepened structural inequalities, particularly along caste lines, while sidelining the goal of economic democracy. By foregrounding Ambedkar’s framework, it calls for a renewed political economy that centers equality, social justice, and substantive democracy in India’s development trajectory.
Beyond the Ghetto: Ambedkar, the Double Stage and the Decasting of Thought
by Skand Priya
This essay revisits B. R. Ambedkar beyond commemorative praise, arguing that recognition often confines his thought rather than expands it. It introduces the idea of a “double stage” in which Ambedkar is publicly celebrated while his radical intellectual project is fragmented and contained. The piece critiques selective readings across academia and politics, and calls for a “decasting” of thought that treats Ambedkar as a universal thinker. It makes a case for integrating his work into core intellectual traditions, emphasizing its relevance for democratic theory, social transformation, and struggles against hierarchy.
The Making of Ambedkar’s Legacy
by Umesh Kumar
This article traces the evolving public image and global stature of B. R. Ambedkar, from a figure once confined to constitutional authorship and Dalit emancipation to a widely recognised intellectual and human rights icon. It examines milestones such as academic recognition, institutional naming, and international acknowledgments, alongside debates over political appropriation. Referencing voices like Amartya Sen and comparisons with Mahatma Gandhi, the piece highlights Ambedkar’s enduring relevance. It underscores his pragmatic commitment to social justice and the continued expansion of his influence across social, political, and global contexts.
Ambedkar and the Logic of Partition
by Ashish Singh
Ashish Singh revisits B. R. Ambedkar’s engagement with Partition as a rigorous inquiry into political structure rather than sentiment. Drawing on 'Pakistan or the Partition of India', the article traces how his position evolved amid failed negotiations and rising communal polarization. Ambedkar treated the claims of Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the Indian National Congress with critical seriousness, foregrounding questions of power, minority security, and stability. His reluctant consideration of Partition, including proposals like population exchange, reflects a pragmatic effort to address enduring conflict and protect vulnerable communities.
MEMORY
107th Anniversary of Jallianwala Bagh Massacre: Glorious heritage of joint martyrdoms of Hindus-Muslims-Sikhs which RSS-BJP rulers want to wipe out
by Shamsul Islam
Marking the 107th anniversary of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, this article revisits archival evidence that highlights a powerful history of united resistance. Drawing on official records and recovered documents, it shows how Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs stood together against colonial repression, and how their shared sacrifices shaped the freedom struggle. It also reflects on how these histories of collective martyrdom have been neglected or obscured in public memory. By recovering suppressed narratives, the piece foregrounds a vision of India rooted in solidarity, social diversity, and anti-colonial unity.
Shahid Bhagat Singh—Enduring Legacy and Increasing Relevance of the Message of India’s Great Freedom Fighter
by Bharat Dogra
Bhagat Singh remains a powerful symbol of resistance, but his deeper message of equality, secularism, and social transformation is often diluted or misappropriated. This article revisits his writings and actions to recover his commitment to justice, anti-imperialism, and the unity of all people beyond caste and religion. It highlights his rejection of indiscriminate violence and his insistence on mass movements rooted in workers and peasants. Bhagat Singh’s legacy offers a critical framework to assess contemporary claims on his ideas and their relevance today. It underscores his vision of a just socialist order and global fraternity grounded in human dignity.
Virginia Hazzard: A Quiet Legacy of Service, Integrity, and Enduring Commitment
by Ghassan Shahrour
This tribute reflects on the life and work of Virginia Hazzard, a committed civil society actor whose influence extended across decades of global engagement. From her work with UNICEF to her role in major international forums on women and aging, she embodied a model of service grounded in consistency, humility, and responsibility. Through personal encounters, the author traces her quiet yet enduring impact, including her efforts to recognize contributions to the well-being of older persons. Her legacy, sustained through an award established in her name, highlights the importance of principled, long-term commitment in an increasingly fragmented civil society landscape.
LIFE/PHILOSOPHY
Jawaharlal Nehru and the burden of governing with an idea
by Vinay Kumar
This reflective essay revisits Jawaharlal Nehru not as a figure of celebration, but as a thinker whose ideas shaped and strained the act of governing. It traces his faith in reason, secularism, and institutions, alongside the costs of political misjudgments involving Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Partition, and Kashmir. The essay examines how conviction can both guide and limit leadership, revealing the tension between moral vision and historical reality in Nehru’s enduring imprint on India.
The Ecology of Violence and the Stain of Complicity
by David Sparenberg
This essay reflects on the hidden ecological cost of war and the normalized complicity that sustains it. It argues that societies fail to teach the ethics of peace, leaving generations detached from the human and environmental consequences of organized violence. Power, concentrated in elite structures, perpetuates destruction while ordinary lives are drawn into its orbit. The text examines how language, media, and consumer culture mask devastation and dull moral response. It calls for renewed awareness rooted in empathy, honesty, and responsibility, presenting these as essential to reclaiming human dignity and resisting systems that normalize suffering, exploitation, and the steady erosion of collective conscience.
ENVIRONMENT
Act on Pollution, Not Whistleblowers: A Call for Accountability in Srikalahasti’s Electrosteel Case
by E A S Sarma
E A S Sarma raises concern over the handling of a complaint on alleged industrial pollution in Srikalahasti, where a whistleblower informed authorities about untreated effluent discharge by Electrosteel Castings Ltd. Instead of prompt investigation, a police complaint was reportedly filed against the informant. The letter urges the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board to fulfil its statutory duty by investigating the allegations, engaging with affected communities, and ensuring compliance with environmental norms. It emphasises constitutional obligations to protect the environment and public health, and calls for action against violations rather than punitive measures against those bringing environmental concerns to light.
HUMAN RIGHTS
Appeal from 200 + activists and academics across Telangana and India to CM Telangana, seeking intervention to end the vilification of Prof. Sujatha Surepally
by Concerned Citizens
Over 200 activists, academics, and concerned citizens from Telangana and across India have issued an appeal to the Chief Minister, urging immediate intervention to stop the ongoing vilification and harassment of Prof. Sujatha Surepally at Satavahana University. The letter highlights allegations of targeted smear campaigns, institutional bias, and intimidation affecting both faculty and students, particularly from marginalized communities. It calls for restoration of academic freedoms, accountability of university authorities, and protection of democratic and secular spaces within public institutions. The signatories emphasize the broader implications for higher education and the safety, dignity, and rights of scholars and students.
BOOK REVIEW
Understanding Trump and his Temper?
by Ashraf Zainabi
This review examines Too Much and Never Enough by Mary L. Trump as a lens to understand Donald Trump and the formation of his temperament. It highlights how family dynamics, competition, and emotional austerity shaped patterns of deflection, aggression, and dominance. The piece also reflects on the limits of personal narratives, noting the wider political and economic forces at play. By linking personality with global consequences, it situates individual behavior within broader instability, offering a measured exploration of power, leadership, and the structures that enable both.
MUSINGS
In My Quest for Solitude
by Zeenat Khan
In this reflective musing, Zeenat Khan recounts a deliberate retreat into solitude in a remote winter cabin. Away from everyday noise, she seeks clarity for her writing and confronts the inner demands of creative work. The quiet landscape, disciplined routine, and attentive listening to self become tools for shaping voice and purpose. The piece reflects on the necessity of withdrawal for artistic formation, the tension between daily life and inward search, and the fragile process of turning experience into narrative with patience and care. It offers a meditation on solitude as a chosen discipline rather than an escape from world.
Parliament, the Pick-Up and the Ensuing Past
by Rajshekhar Pant
Rajshekhar Pant reflects on how ways of seeing evolve from childhood wonder to disciplined conformity, and how this shift reshapes dreams, ambitions, and public life. Invoking William Blake, the piece contrasts modest, grounded aspirations with the accelerated, spectacle-driven ambitions of contemporary power. Through a roadside encounter and a meditation on Parliament, it examines how memory, history, and aspiration are curated, performed, and repackaged. In a landscape where scale replaces substance and projection precedes practice, the ordinary individual recedes into what the author calls the “ensuing past,” leaving behind a quiet, unsettling reflection on ambition, power, and erasure.
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