Ken Coates

Idle No More bewildered many Canadians. Launched by four women in Saskatchewan in reaction to a federal omnibus budget bill, the protest became the most powerful demonstration of Aboriginal identity in Canadian history. Thousands of Aboriginal people and their supporters took to the streets, shopping malls, and other venues, drumming, dancing, and singing in a collective voice. Idle No More lasted for almost a year before the rallies dissipated. Many observers described it as a spent force. It was anything but. Idle No More was the most profound declaration of Indigenous identity and confidence in Canadian history, sparked by Aboriginal women and their supporters, sustained by young Indigenous peoples, filled with pride and determination. When the drums slowed, a new and different Canada was left in its wake. Partially stunned by the peaceful celebrations, but perplexed by a movement that seemed to have no centre and no leaders, most Canadians missed the point. Through Idle No More, Aboriginal people have declared that they are a vital and necessary part of Canada's future. The spirit of the drumming, singing and dancing lives on in empowered and confident young Aboriginal people who will shape the future of this country for decades to come.

A collection of hard-hitting essays and other pieces attacking nuclear proliferation and Western foreign policy.

Four young British Muslims have been identified as the suicide bombers in London. Parts of the liberal press have pondered the question of how apparently nice young people could become embroiled in such fearful events. One young man was a proficient cricketer. Another was still a teenager.

Includes coverage of: John Major interviewed by Elinor Goodman; Hans von Sponeck interviewed by Silvia Cattori - Manipulating the Security Council; Usamah Hamden, Michael Ancram MP, Jonathan Lehrle, Mark Perry - "Eyeless in Gaza"; Gabriel Kolko - "Israel"; and James Alexander Thom - "The Man Without a Country".

In September 2004, John Humphrys interviewed Prime Minister Blair about his decision to go to war on Iraq. In his inimitable way, the Today presenter said: "If your judgement is wrong on this - let me put this very bluntly, you wouldn't be fit to be Prime Minister..." Ken Coates provides a commentary on the facts underlying this memorable exchange.

The end of the Cold War, far from bringing a new era of universal peace, gave place to a frenzied new drive to build more powerful and deadly weapons and a permanent Orwellian 'war on terror' which is self-renewing, and it is feared unwinnable.