openDemocracy receives so many carefully considered messages about our work that it seems a shame to keep them to ourselves. Each week, we share some of the most thought-provoking comments from our readers.
Send us your thoughts for next week’s round-up by replying directly to any of our emails or commenting on our articles or Instagram posts.
These comments are edited for clarity, accuracy and length, and aren’t necessarily a reflection of openDemocracy's editorial position.
Re: The US is facing its Suez moment – the outcome could change the world order
Your last comment about wisdom hit home for me. Why is it that people have become so absorbed in various conflicts that they have tended to forget that harmony can result from conflict? It takes a willingness to cooperate in finding solutions to problems and a genuine desire to do so. Wisdom would indicate this. Perhaps it is time for wise people to begin trying to have more influence on human life. Taking the opportunity to vote when possible is a good start. –Jon via our website
Re: Orbán’s election defeat is a blow to the global anti-gender movement
I'd check on Péter Magyar’s credentials before making assumptions about how much things will improve now. –Drawn via Bluesky
Weekly poll: Will the United States and Iran reach a deal?
I certainly didn't think the UK should get involved in yet another US war (in addition to the previous ten or so under a series of previous presidents over the past 40 years). That far, I broadly support Keir Starmer's stance on it.
However, I do think Starmer and much of the media should have made a clear statement that our opposition to the war should not be seen as any kind of comfort for Iran’s murderous far-right religious dictatorship, which thinks nothing of murdering tens of thousands of protesters (which still continues) or public executions. It is a scar on our world.
And it should also be stated that the Iran war is far from unprovoked, particularly in relation to Israel. I have many criticisms of Israel, both in the severity of its response to the 7 October attack by Hamas and also its treatment of the Palestinian settlers in the West Bank, but over the decades, both Iran and its proxies have been every bit as bad if not worse in their effect on the Middle East. –P Murtagh
Your weekly polls are very useful and revealing. Thanks for organising them. –Judith Ryser
Re: Revealed: Morocco forcibly displaced Black migrants ahead of AFCON tournament
London authorities did that to homeless people before they hosted the Olympics. Disgusting behaviour, no matter which marginalised group it impacts. –acommonblackbird via Bluesky
