Back on track!

I am back online after a long time without proper Internet-access - and I have a lot of links Iäve collected in the meantime to share with you! Later I will get back to pictures also...

Anyway, first some more or less random links from the last month!

An article on forced labour ("modern slavery") in Sweden today.

At the end of Ramadan, when it is becoming more and more a mainstream phenomenon on countries in western Europe, a wish from a Swedish politician for more Islamic banking opportunities in Sweden!

In the aftermath of the Turkish elections a stream of discussion is coming. Here prime minister Erdogan speaks out in favour of the freedom to wear headscarfs. The need for a new civilian constitution is discussed also, as well as the situation of Kurds in Turkey.

Speaking of headscarfs - Anna Dahlberg of Expressen speaks out for the need to recognize the choice to wear headscarfs and grant for instance education rights regardless.

Another perspective on Turkey, on the trendy modern Istanbul for socialites and us who enjoy life is offered in these articles: here and here.

Swedish foreign minister Carl Bildt writes in the importance of being present in Baghdad - let's see what comes out of that! ;-)

An interesting feature on 10 films on democracy to be broadcast on Swedish television starting today. The project has a website of it's own too!

A quick look into Israeli domestic politics (much more domestic than the regional "peace"-related reports we usually get) is offered here. And a little something on developments in the region - the much questioned and obscure Israeli raid into Syria - what actually happened? And why?

Some perspectives on the recent (renewed) cartoon issues: on the fundamental need for inalienable rights, on demands for changed legislation to prevent further cartoons, on threats determination publication, on challenging religious taboos as a civil duty, A personal reflection - are these perspectives necessarily mutually incompatible? And how do we market values such as freedom of expression so they seem more attractive to those not already assured of their fundamental value?

Finally, something completely different - I hope some of you noticed and honoured the 30th anniversary of the death of Steve Biko.