Writer
Stuart Rees
Stuart Rees OAM is Professor Emeritus, Univ. of Sydney, recipient of the Jerusalem (Al Quds) Peace Prize and author of the recent Policy Press book ‘Cruelty or Humanity’.
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Peace scenarios for Ukraine via people’s tribunals
In November 1966, regarding the conduct of the Vietnam war, the philosopher, anti-war activist Bertrand Russell founded a People’s Tribunal to ‘inform public opinion and arouse opposition to war.’ Continue reading »
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Election absentee: Who dares to mention socialism?
An election campaign in an apparently democratic society is affected by fear to mention the goals and benefits of socialism. Commentators censor themselves. The agenda offered to voters is controlled by a media obsessed with the image of two leaders. In addition, derision by a right wing press, bullying by shock jocks, basic ignorance of Continue reading »
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Colonisation stifles Indigenous leaders: now Victor Yeimo in West Papua
Victor Yeimo, leader of the West Papuans’ struggles for freedom has been in prison since May 2021. The world needs to know. To argue for his interests, Australia needs to summon a touch of courage. Without persistent pressure on the Indonesian government to provide urgently needed medical treatment for Victor, he is likely to die Continue reading »
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Reporting about Ukraine: peace difficult, war easy
In the grinding weeks of an Australian Federal election, something needs to happen to change the language, to prompt debate, to craft vision, and even generate excitement. That something could be the goal of peace with justice. Continue reading »
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A sociology of Q&A: what is addressed, what is missed?
Branded as the occasion when the public asks questions and a panel of experts give answers, ABC televisions’ Q&A misses an opportunity to inform let alone inspire their audience. Continue reading »
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To end war, a language of peace, for Ukraine and for Russia
Despite hatreds generated by aggression and slaughter, a ceasefire in Ukraine depends on respect for the dignity of all parties and on their potential to recognise a common humanity. Continue reading »
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Truths lost in the lying pandemic
Cooperation to achieve peace depends on trust created by parties believing what is said, relying on assurances given and on promises made. Instead of trust bolstered by a search for truth, lying has become a political art, and conned citizens become become enthusiastic imitators. Continue reading »
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Julian Assange v. Legal – political cruelty and cowardice
The UK High Court’s decision to not allow Julian Assange’s appeal against his extradition to the US is the latest chapter in years of powerful governments fascination with cruelty, each act contrived through legal antics labelled justice. Continue reading »
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Searching for peace in Ukraine
Instead of searching for peace in Ukraine, western leaders and western news media have promoted US/European solidarity in opposition to Russian violence, a trend nurtured by enthusiasm for ways to arm Ukraine and punish Putin. Continue reading »
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To challenge Putin avoid Australian aggression
Scott Morrison frothing about Putin can be replaced by some acknowledgement of our part in a world order gone wrong. Continue reading »
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Dogmatists shouting freedom: significant lessons from John Stuart Mill
Democracy is eroded by selfish, untruthful, often violent individualism. Continue reading »
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Election predictions: Mismatch between polls and pundits
Before voting in a May election, the public must expect commentator confusion, as in the contrast between predictions from polls and and the judgements of pundits. Continue reading »
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Forget warfare obsession, give peace a chance in Ukraine
Australian election candidates should remind themselves that preparations for war contribute nothing to people’s mental or physical health. Continue reading »
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Australia’s structural cruelty goes beyond refugee policy
Australia’s reprehensible treatment of refugees now goes beyond cruelty, and instead could be described as evil. Continue reading »
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Sydney Festival boycott justified, despite repetitive protests of Israel lobby
Opposition to such a boycott depends on lies about a movement that rejects racism and violence and is based on principles of international law. Continue reading »
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Bully boy tactics-Refugees, Christine Holgate and now Novak Djokovic.
Outsiders might think the accounts of long-term detainees refer to policies and conditions in Kazakhstan and Belarus not in alleged fair-go Australia. Continue reading »
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Lessons on policy from a visionary public servant, and a thoughtful MP
The beginning of 2022 sees an urgent need for long-term thoughtfulness which diagnoses current threats to existence and creative ways to respond. Continue reading »
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A man of substance, and joyful to the last: the Desmond Tutu I knew
Armed with inclusive views of humanity, “the Arch” crossed borders, challenged nationalism and advocated justice, not least for the Palestinians. Continue reading »
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Christmas spirit missing in Israeli variants of cruelty
In the spirit of Christmas and with a touch of courage, the Israel lobby should be shunned and the malicious treatment of Palestinians condemned. Continue reading »
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No justice for Julian Assange, but plenty of cruelty
Julian Assange’s pending extradition to the US allowed the Australian government a chance to show some ticker by demanding his freedom. Continue reading »
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‘Can do capitalism’: An outdated, selfish narrative
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has been promoting ‘can do capitalism’, when what Australia needs is policies that treat all citizens equally. Continue reading »
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Scott Morrison’s cruel indifference to pleas for climate action
Too much is at stake to be timid in critiques of the Morrison government’s outrageous ‘Australian Way’ of addressing climate change. Continue reading »
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Selfishness emerges as the planet’s greatest existential threat
Global policymakers’ selfishness could prove terminal, driving the relentless exploitation of the planet’s natural resources. Continue reading »
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The moral morass behind Australia’s arms exports to Africa
The Defence Department and Australian arms manufacturers appear to have no qualms about selling weapons to countries where conflict and human rights abuses are prevalent. Continue reading »
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The sneaky deal to have NSW Labor adopt controversial anti-Semitism definition
In a surprise move, the NSW Labor Party recently adopted a controversial definition of anti-Semitism without open debate after some last-minute changes to the agenda. Continue reading »
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Nobel Peace Prize recipients Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov have some lessons for Australia
Australian journalists should try imitating the extreme courage of Nobel Peace Price winners Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov — justice needs to be done on many issues. Continue reading »
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Maria Kalesnikova: Amazing courage for Belarus and beyond
In democracies, there are few risks in challenging abusive policies, though courage to do so is often missing. Yet in a brutal, dangerous country, young Belarusian leader Maria Kalesnikova is displaying that indispensable quality. Continue reading »
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Adoption of anti-Semitism definition is absurd and abusive
Anti-Semitism is racist, bigoted and should never be tolerated. Yet in arguing for the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism, Australian politicians’ rationale has been thoughtless, often absurd and usually abusive of the rights of Palestinians. Continue reading »
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An Australian Story of Cruelty: the Biloela family
On Monday, former immigration minister Amanda Vanstone was wringing her hands on ABC TV. Not on behalf of the persecuted Biloela family, though. She was crying crocodile tears to defend a powerful, inflexible government. Continue reading »
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Anti-Palestinianism is as damnable as anti-Semitism: a statement is long overdue
Before endorsing the International Holocaust Remembrance Association’s definition of anti-Semitism, politicians in Australia and other western countries should consider the implications for the rights of Palestinians. Continue reading »
