witnessing conflict: all articles

As the Review of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty continues in New York, openDemocracy publishes letters from the mayor of Hiroshima. The letters, sent to world leaders each time they authorise the detonation of a nuclear weapon, are part of the city’s vow to remind the world of the horrors of atomic warfare.

The assassination of Sheikh Ahmed Yassin has caused convulsive outrage among Gaza’s Palestinian people. From its epicentre, a young Irish human rights activist balances vivid reportage and cool reflection.

To the outside world, the bomb blast that hit the Mombasa Paradise Hotel on 28 November was the latest strike in al-Qaida’s “war” on Western targets. The local perspective is different. For the indigenous population of the Kenyan coastal region of Msumarini and the neighbouring villages of the Kilifi district, the bomb was just the latest calamity in the region’s downward spiral into poverty and banditry. Before the bombing, a recent Kenyan poll voted the Kilifi district as the third most likely in the country to erupt in violence.

Barbara Lubin appeals for help to help Palestinian children.

Kibbutz Shomrat, Western Galilee, Israel: The testimony of a reserve soldier in Jenin

Nakba Day, Palestine

Even if the neighbors come to discuss neutral matters, the community must bear arms even on the Shabbat to protect itself and its borders.

Medical Relief workers under attack from Israeli forces

The time has come for another call for ‘perestroika’

I was engaged to an Israeli: his brother-in-law was murdered by Palestinians. American Jews now think different things. But I believe we need more than a token Palestinian state.

Last Tuesday I traveled with an aid convoy to Nablus. We were the first humanitarian aid convoy to make it inside, and it was not a pretty sight.

I spoke to my Israeli and Palestinian friends, and they gave me hope.

13 reservists were killed in Jenin. Here is an update. We Israelis refuse to be called up for this.

I accompany a medical team through checkpoints to Palestinian villages. This was what happened to us the day the IDF went into Ramallah.

Britain should license the sale of anti-tank, anti-aircraft and other weapons to the Palestinians, so that they can defend themselves against attacks by Israel.

An Israeli challenges the world to face the truth of its historical treatment of the Jewish people.

Following an attack on the Ministry's headquarters in Ramallah, I urge the international community to intervene and end the Israeli atrocities on the Palestinian people.

In this letter, Islah Jadd recounts the desperate conditions in a Jenin refugee camp.

Rita lives in Ramallah. Her house was violated by Israel's army.

Saul Landau is appalled at Israel’s brutal actions – but he invokes both history and ancient Jewish ethic to refuse despair.