Russia's population has been decreasing for over 20 years; Russians die younger and have few children. One author says this is because Russian society has learned to give up hope.

If that is true — I don't take it as certain — then it probably relates to the cruel capitalism that took over Russia in 1991. The same thing might happen in the US if the plutocrats cement their power.

The US justice system will believe in the impossible, to excuse killings by thugs, or to keep someone in jail.

Big Ag in Oregon procured a law giving farms immunity for dropping toxic pesticides on people's houses.

Qatar has admitted arresting two foreign human rights defenders who were investigating slavery in Qatar.

The delay in announcing this shows that the government hoped the world would not notice, and that the "illegalities", if not fabricated, are violations of laws Qatar will be ashamed to have.

For Israel, the Beginning of Wisdom Is to Admit Its Mistakes. If Israel wants security, it should stop the policies that insure Palestine can't have any security.