Today's ETC lead writer Somar al Naher is critical of the lack of interest in the uprising in Iraq, both from the Swedish left and from the journalist corps.
Of: Sarah Hyde
This week's debate has called for support from several quarters for the fight for democracy - in both Iran and Iraq as well as Hong Kong. At the same time, Sida is responding to criticism of the assistance provided in the form of cash benefits to the very poorest.
November 27, 2019, Current debate
The conflict between protesters and the Hong Kong government has escalated over the week. Many protesting students have been imprisoned at a university. Photo: Studio Incendo (CC BY 2.0 License)
Of: Filippa Dyrefors
The protests in Hong Kong have been going on since March, and this week the conflict between the protesters and the government has escalated. In Sweden, a number of debaters have expressed their concern about the increasingly uncontrolled situation. At the same time, the debate about the Swedish development agency Sida has continued on the opinion pages.
November 20, 2019, Current debate
In recent months, Sida and Swedish development assistance have received harsh criticism on Swedish opinion pages.
Of: Amanda Wibne Romild
The debate about corruption and poor control of Swedish development assistance continues in Swedish newspapers. Svenska dagbladet's guest writer demands an aid preparation and the Sweden Democrats demand clearer demands for aid recipients. At the same time, other debaters are expressing concern about increased opposition to sexual rights in many countries around the world.
November 14, 2019, Current debate
Can a trade agreement with Cuba lead to a dialogue on democracy and human rights? Or is it the other way around? Photo: Mstyslav Chernov (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Of: Susanne Bartholdsson
For the second time this year, the government has submitted a proposal to the Riksdag to approve the new trade agreement between the EU and Cuba. The agreement is presented as a precondition for cooperation and dialogue with Cuba on democracy and human rights. But on the debate pages, opinions differ on the new trade agreement.
November 7, 2019, Current debate
Following last week's elections in Bolivia, President Evo Morales is accused of electoral fraud. Several liberal debaters are demanding that aid to the country be stopped. Photo: Sebastian Baryli, Flickr
Of: Sarah Hyde
During the week, several debaters have expressed concern about Sweden's cooperation with states that do not respect human rights and democracy. Swedish arms exports to Colombia, aid to Bolivia and trade agreements with Cuba. There are some issues that have been debated.
October 30, 2019, Current debate
Sweden's and the EU's relationship with Turkish President Erdogan has been on the agenda this week. It also has the Swedish development assistance budget. Photo: Russia Presidential Office and Maria Eklind
Of: Rebecka Rönnegård
Turkey's offensive in northern Syria characterizes the Swedish debate this week as well. More people have been forced to flee, which has created humanitarian needs. The Swedish government and the EU have been criticized for not doing enough. In addition, the debate on the size of the development assistance budget continued.
October 23, 2019, Current debate
To protect the Kurds in Syria, Green Youth wants a UN troop to enter the area, under Swedish leadership. Photo: Taylor Mohr
Of: Filippa Dyrefors
The debate over Turkey's offensive in Syria has continued to be intense this week. A number of opinion leaders have commented on the responsibilities of both the UN and the EU, and that Sweden should take a clear position to protect the Kurds. But there are also voices who think that the image of the conflict is misleading.
October 16, 2019, Current debate
Several debaters think that Sweden and the EU must support the Kurdish groups in northern Syria. Not least after Turkey's threat of an offensive. Photo: Kurdishstruggle (CC BY 2.0 License)
Of: Amanda Wibne Romild
This week, US President Trump has decided to withdraw his forces from Syria. At the same time, he gave the go-ahead for Turkish forces to launch an offensive. Something that has aroused a lot of debate on Swedish opinion pages. This is a great betrayal on the part of the United States, say this week's debaters who want the outside world to stand up for the Kurds in northern Syria.
October 9, 2019, Current debate
In connection with the People's Republic of China's 70th anniversary celebrations, several debaters warned about the country's influence in the outside world.
Of: Susanne Bartholdsson
The debate on Swedish climate policy has been intense after last week's UN summit, new alarm reports and global climate strikes. But China has also been in focus this week. Several debaters warn that human rights violations are spreading far beyond China's borders.
October 2, 2019, Current debate
This week's climate strikes have been debated extensively on Swedish debate and leadership pages. Photo: Julian Meehan (CC BY 2.0 License)
Of: Kerstin Edquist
Swedish opinion pages have this week turned inside out on the question of how they should relate to climate activist Greta Thunberg and the movement she started. At the same time, the Swedish government is being criticized for its climate policy, which is called both dishonest and "bourgeois insanity". And the opposition - they get criticized for flying to Israel at the same time to go to a celebrity party.
September 25, 2019, Current debate
