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Multipolarity, an order still to be established

by Guy Mettan,* Geneva

(25 October 2023) Geneva readily positions itself as an international city, a humanitarian city, and a city of peace. Unfortunately, its commitment and tradition have been undermined since Switzerland decided, at the end of February 2022, to break its tradition of neutrality and move closer to NATO.

ICRC*

Israel and Occupied Territories: People caught in rising violence need your help

(25 October 2023) The hostilities that broke out Saturday 7 October are at a level that we have not seen in many years. They have the potential to cause even more suffering to civilians on both sides.

United Nations

Guterres appeals for ‘sustained’ humanitarian access to Gaza

(25 October 2023) (Cairo, 19 October 2023) With essential supplies running out in Gaza, UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Thursday appealed for humanitarian access to the besieged enclave.

Saving Israel and Palestine through the United Nations

by Jeffrey D. Sachs,* USA

(18 October 2023) Following Hamas’s heinous attack on innocent Israeli civilians, senior Israeli military strategists are threatening the ethnic cleansing of Gaza. This would be another Nakba (Arabic for catastrophe), akin to the mass expulsion of Palestinians from their homes and land in 1948. If Israel commits massive war crimes in Gaza in the face of global calls for restraint, Israel would put its fundamental national security at risk.

Swiss school system at the limit – everyone is losing out

Personal report of a teacher

by Vanessa Pestalozzi,* Switzerland

(18 October 2023) A lot of time and money, energy and personnel are invested in integrating children with behavioural problems or special needs in schools. A whole army of professionals takes care of them. For children without special needs and without behavioural problems, there is not much time and energy left; integration “at any price” is usually at their expense. And at the expense of teachers who coordinate the special settings.

“A fateful friendship”

Toxic consequences of Europe’s dependence on the USA

Interview with Werner Rügemer,* Germany

(18 October 2023) (Edit.) Dr Werner Rügemer, a publicist from Germany, dedicates his professional work to exposing societal, political and social ills.

His latest book “Fateful Friendship. How the USA Conquered Europe”, is particularly explosive in view of the conflict in Ukraine, as the alignment of European policy, and especially that of Germany, with the USA on this issue is unmistakable. For Switzerland, too, the question arises as to why it is so aligned with the USA in taking sides in Ukraine.

Following a discussion event organised by “Swiss Standpoint” in Frauenfeld, the editorial team had the opportunity to talk to Werner Rügemer about his latest book where he was able to explain his positions in more detail.