‘A Bavarian Provocation’ by Tariq Ali for Counterpunch, September 16, 2006
Was Benedict’s most recent provocation accidental or deliberate? The Bavarian is a razor-sharp reactionary cleric. A man who organises his own succession to the Papacy with a ruthless purge of potential dissidents and supervises the selection of Cardinals with great care leaves little to chance.
I think he knew what he was saying and why.
Choosing a quote from Manuel II Paleologos, not the most intelligent of the Byzantine rulers, was somewhat disingenuous, especially on the eve of a visit to Turkey. He could have found more effective quotes and closer to home. Perhaps it was his unique tribute to Oriana Fallaci.
Perhaps.
The Muslim world with two of its countries—Iraq and Afghanistan—directly occupied by Western troops does not need to be reminded of the language of …
‘Elephantine Corruption’ by Tariq Ali for the London Review of Books Blog, December 3, 2010
The Wikileaks confirm what we already know about Af-Pak. Pakistan is a US satrapy: its military and political leaders constitute a venal elite happy to kill and maim its people at the behest of a foreign power. The US proconsul in Islamabad, Anne Patterson, emerges as a shrewd diplomat, repeatedly warning her country of the consequences in Pakistan if they carry on as before. Amusing but hardly a surprise is Zardari reassuring the US that if he were assassinated his sister, Faryal Talpur, would replace him and all would continue as before. Always nice to know that the country is regarded by its ruler as a personal fiefdom.
Then we have the country’s military boss, General Kayani, sweetly suggesting that the Pushtun leader …
January 19, 2012 7:00 pm
New York Public Library Stephen A. Schwarzman Building 5th Ave & 42nd St New York, NY 10018 USA
Writer and filmmaker Tariq Ali and film director Oliver Stone will continue their ongoing discourse about “forgotten—or deliberately buried—episodes” from American history, from the US intervention against the Russian Revolution to the ongoing interference of the United States in Pakistani political affairs.
In their recent public dialogue, On History, Oliver Stone asks, according to Jon Wiener, “smart questions about the rise and fall of the United States and its empire in the 20th century.” In this conversation, the tables are turned as we ask Tariq Ali to kick off with some questions for Oliver Stone, leading into a conversation between them on politics, film, and the untold history of the nation.
Admission is $25 general, and $15 …
‘This is no rah-rah revolt’
‘This is no rah-rah revolt’ by Tariq Ali for The Guardian, April 25, 2006
Nepalese have lost their fear of repression and are making a genuine, old-fashioned revolution
There is something refreshingly old-fashioned taking place in the Himalayan kingdom of Nepal: a genuine revolution. In recognition of this, the US has told citizens except for “essential diplomats” to leave the country, usually a good sign. Since April 6, Nepal has been paralysed by a general strike called by the political parties and backed by Maoist guerrillas. Hundreds of thousands are out on the streets—several have been shot dead and more than 200 wounded. A curfew is in force and the army has been given shoot-to-kill orders.
But the people have lost their fear and it is this that makes them invincible. If a single platoon refuses to obey orders, the Bastille will fall and the palace will be stormed. Another crowned head will fall very soon. A caretaker government will organise free elections to a constituent assembly, and this will determine the future shape of the country. read more