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Dear Friend,
As the world confronts widening wars, accelerating climate disruption, deepening inequality, and shrinking democratic space, the need for independent journalism has never been greater. This issue of Countercurrents brings together critical analyses and firsthand accounts that illuminate these interconnected crises while also exploring pathways toward justice, peace, and social transformation.
We lead with extensive coverage of the escalating US–Iran conflict, which threatens to destabilize the wider West Asian region, disrupt global energy supplies, and deepen an already volatile geopolitical landscape. Alongside this, we continue our coverage of Palestine, including urgent international calls for the release of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, a deeply moving account of returning to a devastated home in Gaza, and an open letter affirming that solidarity with Palestine extends beyond governments.
Climate change remains one of humanity's defining challenges. Our featured analysis examines how ecological breakdown is reshaping economies, societies, and livelihoods across the globe, with particular attention to the vulnerabilities of South Asia.
The issue also explores alternatives and resistance: community-led solutions to rural water governance, the promise and limitations of humanitarian education, critical reflections on militarization and NATO, the changing geopolitical landscape of West Asia, and structural inequalities embedded in the global economy.
We also publish important contributions on civil liberties, human rights, education, constitutional accountability, digital culture, Ambedkar's social thought, Balochistan, Bastar, the regulation of NGOs, and the continuing relevance of Marxist critique in contemporary intellectual debates.
At Countercurrents, we believe that understanding the world requires connecting events to their deeper political, economic, and ecological causes. We remain committed to providing a platform for independent voices that challenge dominant narratives and contribute to informed public discourse.
Thank you for reading, sharing, and supporting reader-funded journalism.
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IRAN-USA CONFLICT
US–Iran Conflict Deepens as Retaliatory Strikes Threaten Regional War
by Countercurrents Collective
The exchange of military strikes between the United States and Iran has rapidly eroded a fragile ceasefire, pushing the region into one of its most dangerous moments in recent years. Attacks now extend across Iran, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and the Persian Gulf, with civilian casualties, damage to infrastructure, and growing risks to global energy supplies. As both governments justify their actions as defensive responses, diplomatic efforts have struggled to contain the escalation. This article examines the latest developments, the widening regional implications, and why the conflict poses serious challenges for international peace, economic stability, and global security.
Deferring a Crisis: The Iran-US Ceasefire Cracks
by Dr Binoy Kampmark
The fragile ceasefire between Iran and the United States is showing clear signs of collapse as renewed attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, retaliatory strikes, and the reimposition of sanctions deepen regional instability. Dr. Binoy Kampmark examines how violations of the June memorandum, continued fighting involving regional allies, and escalating military exchanges have exposed the limits of the agreement. He argues that despite increasingly hostile rhetoric and expanding military operations, neither side has abandoned the possibility of future negotiations. The article explores the strategic calculations, geopolitical consequences, and uncertain diplomatic prospects shaping a conflict that remains unresolved despite the formal ceasefire.
When Seafarers Become Casualties of Conflict: Four Indian Lives, One Global Crisis
by Jacob Clint
Four Indian seafarers lost their lives in June 2026, exposing the growing dangers faced by civilian maritime workers as commercial shipping routes become entangled in geopolitical conflict. This article examines how attacks in conflict zones and failures in emergency medical care reveal serious gaps in international protections for seafarers. It also documents the efforts of the Forward Seamen’s Union of India to secure justice, stronger safety measures and greater accountability. The deaths of these workers underscore the urgent need for international action to safeguard the people whose labour keeps global trade, energy supplies and essential goods moving.
PALESTINE
UN Inquiry, Family, and Rights Groups Urge Israel to Immediately Release Gaza’s Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya
by Quds News Network
A United Nations inquiry commission, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya’s family, and leading human rights organisations have called for the immediate release of the Palestinian doctor, who has been held by Israel without charge for more than 18 months. Lawyers and rights groups report severe torture, denial of medical care, and rapidly deteriorating health, while UN bodies describe his detention as arbitrary and contrary to international law. Once the director of Gaza’s Kamal Adwan Hospital, Abu Safiya has become a symbol of the wider targeting of Palestinian healthcare workers. The article examines the mounting international calls for his release.
Return to Al-Wihda Tower
by Khaled Al-Qershali
After more than two years of displacement, Khaled Al-Qershali’s family returns to their damaged apartment in Gaza City, hoping to rebuild their lives. They carry belongings up six flights of stairs, patch shattered floors and walls, restore water and electricity where possible, and reclaim small routines that offer a measure of dignity. Yet each step forward is overshadowed by renewed airstrikes, damaged infrastructure, and the constant shortage of essential supplies. This personal account documents the difficult process of returning home, revealing how survival, resilience, and everyday labor continue amid destruction, uncertainty, and the enduring realities of occupation and war.
Open Letter to Benjamin Netanyahu: India Does Not Speak With One Voice
by Dr Suresh Khairnar
India's support for Israel is not unanimous, argues Dr. Suresh Khairnar in this open letter to Benjamin Netanyahu. Citing the 2024 Indian election results, he contends that the views of the Indian government should not be equated with those of the country's entire population. The letter criticizes Israel's military actions in Gaza, Iran and Lebanon, references the writings of Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela on Palestine, and points to growing international criticism of Israeli policies. It concludes by asserting that many Indians identify with traditions of nonviolence, justice and solidarity with oppressed peoples rather than support for war.
CLIMATE CHANGE
Climate Change at the Tipping Point: Global Disruptions and the Growing Crisis in the Indian Subcontinent
by Pon Chandran
Climate change is no longer a distant threat but a defining force shaping economies, ecosystems and human survival. This article examines how rising temperatures, extreme weather, ocean warming and disrupted water systems are transforming the world, while placing the Indian subcontinent among the regions most vulnerable to climate impacts. It explores growing pressures on agriculture, energy, public health and coastal communities, and argues that climate adaptation must become central to development and governance. The article also highlights the emerging importance of regional cooperation, resilient infrastructure and sustainable water management as climate risks become increasingly interconnected across South Asia and beyond.
COUNTER SOLUTIONS
What Is Humanitarian Education and Does It Help Build Peace?
by Chloe Bruce
Humanitarian education has become an essential response to conflict, displacement, and humanitarian crises, extending beyond access to schooling to include psychosocial support, peace education, and resilience-building. This article examines how humanitarian organizations seek to protect children, rebuild communities, and reduce violence through education, while assessing the evidence for its long-term impact. It also explores the challenges of chronic underfunding, political constraints, fragmented approaches, and limited evaluation. As conflicts intensify worldwide, the article argues that education remains a vital humanitarian investment, even as questions persist about its effectiveness in building lasting peace.
Community Mobilisation Helps in Resolving Rural Water Supply Problems
by Bharat Dogra
Access to piped water is transforming life in many rural communities, reducing the daily burden of collecting water, especially for women. Yet uneven supply, delays, exclusion of remote settlements, and local inequities continue to hinder progress. This article examines how community participation, led by trained women volunteers known as Jal Sahelis, is helping resolve disputes, improve implementation, and ensure that water reaches every household. It also highlights why protecting local water sources remains essential for long-term water security, even as piped supply expands. A ground-level account of challenges, collective action, and lessons for sustainable rural water governance.
NATO
An Open Letter to NATO: The False Promise of Militarized Security
by Dr Curtis FJ Doebbler
As NATO expands military spending and reinforces deterrence strategies, Dr. Curtis FJ Doebbler argues that lasting security cannot be achieved through militarization alone. The article examines the human, economic, and legal consequences of prioritizing arms over social investment, contending that inequality, exclusion, and weak international cooperation are the deeper drivers of conflict. It calls for a renewed commitment to international law, participatory governance, fair economic policies, and global institutions capable of addressing shared challenges such as climate change, poverty, and public health. The essay presents a case for redefining security around human well-being rather than military power.
"MUSLIM NATO"
Beyond the “Muslim NATO”- Strategic Autonomy in a Multipolar World
by Dr Ranjan Solomon
https://countercurrents.org/2026/07/beyond-the-muslim-nato-strategic-autonomy-in-a-multipolar-world/
The shifting balance of global power is prompting new debates about security, regional cooperation and strategic independence across West Asia. In this article, Dr. Ranjan Solomon argues that the idea of a “Muslim NATO” is less a religious military alliance than a reflection of a broader search for strategic autonomy in an increasingly multipolar world. Examining the legacy of Western interventions, the war in Gaza, regional diplomacy and changing global alignments, he contends that emerging partnerships are driven primarily by national interests and sovereignty rather than ideology, signalling a significant transformation in the international security landscape.
GLOBAL ECONOMY
The Global Economy Wasn’t Built for Everyone
by Utkarsh Mishra
The global economy is often presented as a system that channels wealth and opportunity to developing countries. This article argues that the reality is increasingly the opposite. Drawing on recent data and research, Utkarsh Mishra examines how debt, trade rules, financial systems, taxation, and intellectual property regimes contribute to a steady outflow of resources from poorer nations. It traces the historical evolution of these institutions and explores how unequal terms of trade and global finance continue to shape development outcomes. The article offers a detailed analysis of the structural forces behind persistent global economic inequality.
MARXISM
“Requiem for French Theory”
by Monthly Review Press
French Theory has shaped academic debates across the humanities for decades. In "Requiem for French Theory", Aymeric Monville and Gabriel Rockhill offer a sustained Marxist critique of its intellectual legacy, arguing that its rise was intertwined with Cold War politics and anti-communist ideology. This introduction by John Bellamy Foster traces the historical origins of French Theory, examines its influence on contemporary thought, and situates the new book within broader debates on philosophy, class struggle, and imperialism. Published by Monthly Review Press, the volume presents a provocative intervention in ongoing discussions about Marxism, postmodernism, and the politics of knowledge.
BALOCHISTAN
Balochistan and the Abnormal Crisis of a Failing State: Repression, Resistance, and the Collapse of Trust
by Baloch Siddik Azad
Balochistan is witnessing an intensifying cycle of repression and public resistance amid growing political unrest. This article argues that recent arrests, life sentences, internet shutdowns, and security measures reflect a deeper crisis rooted in decades of mistrust and militarized governance. It examines allegations of enforced disappearances, proxy violence, judicial manipulation, and economic marginalization, while highlighting the emergence of organized civil resistance and diaspora advocacy. The author contends that the erosion of trust between the Pakistani state and the people of Balochistan has become structural, making political dialogue, accountability, and justice essential for addressing the province’s long-standing crisis.
FCRA AMENDMENT
Social Work, Conversions and NGOs
by Dr Ram Puniyani
Dr. Ram Puniyani examines the debate around NGOs, religious conversions, and recent changes to the FCRA, placing them in the context of constitutional rights, historical evidence, and public policy. The article reviews census data, major incidents of anti-Christian violence, the Niyogi Committee report, and the views of Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi on religious freedom and conversion. It argues that widely circulated claims about large-scale forcible conversions are not supported by available evidence and explores how these narratives continue to shape legislation, public discourse, and the work of civil society organizations across India.
YOUTH MOBILISATION
Krantikari Yuva Sangathan Releases its Chargesheet Against Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan
by Krantikari Yuva Sangathan (KYS)
Krantikari Yuva Sangathan (KYS) has released a detailed chargesheet demanding the dismissal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alleging repeated failures in the management of India’s education system. The document cites examination paper leaks, controversies over education policies, funding shortfalls, institutional governance, academic freedom, and the condition of public education. It argues that these issues have deepened inequality and weakened public confidence in educational institutions. The chargesheet calls for accountability from the Union government and urges the Prime Minister to remove the minister from office.
RSS
Why is RSS not registering itself?
by Nagesh Chaudhary
Why is the RSS not registered under the Societies Registration Act despite being one of India's largest organisations? This article examines Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge's demand for registration and explores the ideological arguments advanced by the RSS in response. Drawing on the writings of M. S. Golwalkar, the author argues that the organisation's conception of nation, state and authority helps explain its position. The article also discusses the historical role of the Constitution, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar's critique of Manusmriti, and the political context in which the debate over the RSS's legal and constitutional accountability continues to unfold.
HUMAN RIGHTS
Reddening the Green: Costs, Contexts, And Consequences of the War in Bastar (2024-2026)
by People's Union for Democratic Rights
A new report by the People's Union for Democratic Rights examines 27 months of Operation Kagaar in Bastar, documenting publicly reported killings, arrests and surrenders between January 2024 and March 2026. It questions the absence of independent oversight, the expansion of militarized state policy, and accountability for the use of force. The report also places the conflict within the broader context of mining, land acquisition and legal changes affecting the rights of Indigenous communities and local self-governance. It argues that security operations, resource extraction and weakened legal protections are increasingly interconnected, with significant implications for human rights and constitutional safeguards.
BHAKTI MOVEMENT
Dr B. R. Ambedkar’s Views on the Bhakti Movement and the Upliftment of Dalits
by SR Darapuri
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s assessment of the Bhakti Movement combined appreciation with sharp criticism. While acknowledging the moral courage of saints such as Kabir, Ravidas and Chokhamela in challenging caste prejudice and ritualism, he argued that devotional reform did not dismantle caste or secure justice for Dalits. The article examines Ambedkar’s distinction between spiritual equality and social equality, his critique of saint-centered reform, and his insistence on education, political representation, constitutional rights and organized struggle as the foundations of emancipation. It explores why Ambedkar regarded structural transformation, rather than devotional practice alone, as essential for genuine social liberation.
WASTE MANAGEMENT
Bin-Free Bengaluru: A Good Idea Facing Ground Realities
by Deepika S R Sharanya M Sathish P and Saravanan V
Bengaluru’s decision to remove public garbage bins aims to promote waste segregation and reduce unhealthy dumping sites, supported by an extensive door-to-door collection system. Yet field research shows that the policy struggles against everyday realities. Many working households miss collection timings, leaving them with few practical disposal options, while limited access to waste drop-off kiosks encourages illegal dumping. The article examines how gaps between policy design and urban life undermine an otherwise well-conceived system. It argues that expanding convenient collection options, improving public awareness, and strengthening citizen participation are essential for making the city’s waste management strategy succeed.
SOCIAL MEDIA AND GEN Z
Algorithm in the Mirror: How Digital ‘Cultural Industries’ Bought the Soul of Gen Z
by Pardeep Singh Bali
Digital platforms have transformed culture into a system shaped by algorithms, advertising, and data. This article revisits the idea of the cultural industry to examine how social media influences identity, creativity, and consumption among Gen Z. It explores the rise of micro-dramas, influencer culture, algorithm-driven trends, and the growing shift toward private online spaces as young people seek more authentic forms of connection. It argues that understanding how digital platforms operate is essential for preserving individual autonomy. Critical media literacy, the article suggests, is an important step toward reclaiming agency in an increasingly commercialized digital environment.
BOOK REVIEW
Rajwati’s radiance
by Farooque Chowdhury
Farooque Chowdhury reviews "Rajwati and Her Times" by Madhu Bhaduri, a biographical account that traces the life of Rajwati Seth across colonial India, Partition, and the early decades of independence. The review highlights how one woman’s life illuminates wider social change, including debates on women’s education, widow remarriage, faith, caste, and communal violence. Rich with portraits of remarkable individuals and historical moments, the book offers insights into the intellectual, social, and political currents of a transformative era. It is a valuable resource for readers interested in history, society, memory, and the human experience across generations.
