The Alliance of Nations was established in 2005, at the initiative of the Governments of Spain and Turkey, under the auspices of the United Nations. The program seeks to counter extremism through action based upon cross-cultural dialogue and interfaith cooperation. 20 individuals from a wide array of countries and disciplines were chosen by then Secretary General Kofi Anan to forge new partnerships and generate ideas aimed at building trust, while under no pressure to represent a state or national interest.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Thursday, May 7, 2009
U.S. Muslim Engagement Project: A New Response to Terrorism
A cross-section of American leaders met recently via the U.S. Muslim Engagement Project in order to address the underlying causes of terrorism, and to help set a new course of action in the Middle East. Terrorism measurements are difficult to pin down. But most intelligence data suggest linkage between the “war on terror” and significant increases in terrorism worldwide.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Inauguration Day: Youth Inspired by Barack Obama’s Dream
The record crowd of seven million people impelled to Washington D.C. on Inauguration Day included a huge percentage of students.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Creative Commons: Copyright Reform of the U.S. Congress:
I have only just discovered this interesting new voice on the public scene. His name is Lawrence Lessig. If you haven’t already heard of him, you might want to take note. His book, “Remix: Making Art and Commerce Thrive in the Hybrid Economy,” tackles art and copyright issues as they relate to new media. He outlines new realities that creators face in our online world. He also comments on Barack Obama, whom he knew from his earlier Chicago days. Last but not least, he discusses reform of the U.S. congress, advocating the weaning of the system from its over-dependency on raising money. Follow this link to a very interesting Charlie Rose interview with Lawrence Lessig. Charlie Rose Interviews Lawrence Lessig
Monday, November 17, 2008
Charter for Compassion: Changing the Religious Dialog:
Each fall season seems to roll in through the back door. The wind sneaks in and out between the cracks, until finally outsmarting the sun. It’s a halting thing, this transition into constant chills and comforting teas. Warmed bones are pried loose from complacent afternoons. We enter a world of sensation--mums and lungs on potent air -- at once familiar and new. Recent experiences gather, like thickened clouds, calling a contest for the store houses of memory. Consolidating the layers of present with past, space is made for new steps. Like most change, entering fall brings both the bitter and sweet. As nature folds in anticipation of winter, the fall can symbolize internal processing and introspection.
Monday, November 10, 2008
American Freedom Campaign: Film by Naomi Wolf Defends Constitution:
We are entering a period that promises renewal in our country. Most of us are optimistic that a return to our most deeply held collective values is imminent. If you love the freedoms provided by our American Constitution and believe in our ability to continue realizing its ideals, I ask you to watch this important film in its entirety. Journalist Naomi Wolf at first resisted the deeper implications of the last eight years' "War on Terror."
Friday, October 17, 2008
Hole in the Wall Camps: Tribute to the Creative Life of Paul Newman:
September brought a sad, sweet farewell to Paul Newman, who died of cancer at the age of 83. Amidst the media gloom and campaign rancor of the season, a glance at his life makes for refreshing fare.