Post No. 1,002 – For Sunday evening’s meditation-clearing

My apologies: Blogger has TOTALLY stuffed this post's formatting up on me, and I can't get it right :(

Note: I am NOT a journalist, and make NO claims to objectivity or freedom from bias or trying to cover all [there are often more than two] sides of an issue: these posts are the equivalent of a re-tweeting service, or, at best, a commentary site, and are posted for the purpose of assisting in the clearing of nonBPM (“unbalanced/unbalancing”, or spiritually immature”) energies.

For everyone’s convenience:   the reminders / explanations about Sunday’s meditation-clearing are here;   a simplified blogiography of posts related to this work is here,   a list of themes I have identified here;   my changing the personality of oppressors and other world leaders post is here;   (see here for some investigation into evidence of the effectiveness of this type of work … and also here and here are interesting);   a range of information on emotions is here, and suggestions on how to work with emotions is here;   this copy of a speech to one of the Parliament of World Religions has excellent, helpful insights on generational transmission of harm, the cost of war, and ways to heal our hearts;   and   this post reminds us to be patient and persistent, like a “speeding oak” (and I like the comment about a sudden “shift” being just another form of apocalyptic thinking).

Now, as mentioned above, the purpose of posting these news links (and, incidentally, these posts are the equivalent of a re-tweeting service, or, at best, a commentary site: again, I am NOT a journalist, and make NO claims to objectivity or freedom from bias or trying to cover all [there are often more than two] sides of an issue – see here) is not only to inform:   it is also to stimulate a connection to nonBPM units that need to be cleared and BPM units that need to be strengthened, so that you can do the clearing / strengthening that is required.   That only works if you don’t let yourself be overwhelmed by this, so take it in small chunks if you need to, but remember to actively clear and heal! … including yourself.

Further to that, in the same way that activists used to argue that “the personal is political”, the energies we use and manifest in our daily lives contribute to the larger soup of energies that influence world events. If you want to, for example, improve the communication of nations, improve yours. To help stop abuses of power, be always ethical in your conduct. Want peace? Then work in an informed, understanding, intelligent and nuanced way for peace in yourself and your life. (I also urge people to simplify their lives as much as is possible.)

There are some notes at the end of this post about other options for those who do not like this way of working, opportunities for healers, and the default plan for any time I am late getting my Psychic Weather Report up.

Now, the themes – short, medium and long term - that come to mind for my work this week, after I review all this news, are (and no apologies if this repeats the themes of any previous weeks – in fact, given the size of this task, that is to be expected):

(a)   based on my interpretation of information here and here with Saturn in Sagittarius contributing to finding an authentic balance (until 20^th December, 2017), Uranus in Aries contributing to fresh and possibly radical starts (until some date in the Year 2018), and Pluto in Capricorn contributing to a transformation of power and business (and careers) (until some date in the Year 2024), conditions are ripe for a change for the better in world politics;

(b)   there is an enormous need to clear nonBPM energy – the thought forms, unattached energy and scars of the collective unconscious created by millennia of violence. This need includes rescuing those who have been trapped by that history, and healing the warped views, seemingly “inherent” biases, and other damage done by the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual violence committed on scales large and small in that timeframe;

(c)   viewing the overall emotional state of the world from an elemental point of view, this week we need more of the courage of BPM Fire;

(d)   the rune for this week’s meditation is Ken / Kenaz, rather than a bindrune:

(e)   the major events this week are:   the change in position of Hamas on the borders of a Palestinian state;   continued attacks on information, trust and human rights – although the ICC continues to make some stances in favour of human rights;   growing flashpoints over Kurds in Syria – which will work out in the Kurds’ favour if the USA continues to support them;   continued concern over the current US President;   Yemen, Turkey, Syria, Burundi and all of central Africa are of particular concern this week;   continued suppression of people by the imposition of gender and other stereotypes;

(f)   personal fears, insecurity and possessiveness continues to be a major driver;

(g)   distraction through outrage may be an issue – it certainly warrants careful thought;

(h)   abuses in the name of security – including sexual assaults – continue and grow, largely as a result of fear, weak thinking and sheeple-mindedness;

(i)   how to effectively fight violent extremism continues to be analysed, and dealing with underlying problems remains important –as shown by the recent creation of a Rohingya violent extremist group, after decades of abuse by Burmese authorities and people;

(j)   dealing with climate change and other environmental issues (including over-population) remains a vital imperative – and some individuals and groups are continuing to lead the way. Properly addressing poverty and inequity are also vital;

(k)   the counter to fear is genuine  EQ and clear thinking, expressed through calm, de-escalating speech;

(l)   peace is powerful, but it is a process requiring patient (not impatient!), persistent and nuanced nurturing, and a blend of conventional spiritual work, clearing nonBPM units, and physical world activism;

(m)   where problems exist, advocating for BPM responses, and being as BPM as one can be, and constructive solutions - as is clearing nonBPM units;

I also take this opportunity to emphasise that it is absolutely VITAL that this psychic / metaphysical / spiritual work be performed non-violently and as is for the Highest Spiritual Good – which is part of being BPM – on all levels and in all ways. Always remember (see here): Do you fight to change things, or to punish? See also here, here, here, here, here, and my comments about “authentic presence” in this post.

News and other matters from this week include the following (opportunities/good news are shown in green; comments are shown in purple; WARNING: some of these links may contain triggers around issues such as violence, sexual assault, discrimination, etc).

• Permanent issue: may all actual and potential BPM [1] Leaders be kept BPM safe, including keeping them undetectable to the nonBPM and keeping all their Significant Others inviolable against being used for indirect  psychic attack, and may they have all the BPM opportunities and assistance (so-called “good luck”) for them to be BPM effective at influencing the world’s direction, development and unfoldment, all as is for the Highest Spiritual Good;
• Permanent issue: may all humans recognise, irrespective of the appearance of difference, the essential shared humanness of other people, the inherent resilience, the dynamic power, the strength of BPM collaboration, and the opportunities of having a diverse, inclusive and welcoming population, and may all people choose fairness, when such decisions are before them;
• Permanent issue: may all humans choose to live modestly – to forgo outdoing others, or trying to have more than they need - for the sake of an easier, more manageable life, if they cannot do it for the sake of the planet;
• Events warranting particular attention, or fitting into too many categories:
     Hamas is to propose the establishment of a Palestinian state along (post-war) 1967 borders, after decades of demanding the reclamation of the entirety of historic Palestine;   the link between the current “fake news” fad with the rubbish being circulated to justify the (2^nd) Iraq War;   a critique of botched privatisation;   the future of agriculture as a result of climate change;   an argument that, despite the clear historical parallels, labelling people like the current US President fascist is a distraction from the key issue of “how do we defend democracy” (and has become too watered down to even be an effective insult);   a far right website is editing and misrepresenting conversations with journalists;   an article on the appalling invasions of privacy by US Border hate agents, with some suggestions about ways to keep your personal passwords etc safe;   the major threats to global security are, according to an informal survey of experts, climate change (by a factor of three), poverty and inequality, nationalism and the current US President;
• With regard to democracy (which requires  protection of minorities and the vulnerable – and remember Gandhi’s question about whether one is fighting to change things, or to punish, and the list of 198 methods of nonviolent action), freedom and governance (e.g., here, here, here and here, and see also here):
  Note: I have created a section specifically for the current US President below
     -   analyses this week include:   an examination of why right wing extremist politicians are so popular in the Netherlands;   “Arabophobia” in the USA;   an assessment of politics in Thailand;
     -   of concern this week:   tinkering with the constitution in Kazakhstan is unlikely to bring real democracy;   the UK may have facilitated an $800 million corrupt payment;   risks of a violent crackdown on protests in Belarus;   hope has been killed in Bahrain;
     -   good news this week includes:   Botswana appears to be Africa’s model democracy;
     -   and in my home nation this week:   a call to renationalise Australia’s electrical grid;   a critique of the current journey towards a treaty with indigenous people in Australia;   an opinion piece arguing that the loss of penalty rates is an attack on Australia’s way of doing things (and workers’ rights);   a call for a modern anti-slavery act in Australia;   allegations that the Federal Government is cultivating "a climate of fear" over its ineptly executed alleged debt recovery system;   agreement that foreign political donations should be banned, but disagreement over the neoliberal government’s attempt to back its mining mates by banning foreign donations to environmental groups;   a warning that a precedent has been set for other workplace condition cuts;   calls for a report on the death of a young work-for-dole man to be released;
     -   this week’s atrocity alert at R2P lists Iraq, Syria and the “Democratic” Republic of Congo;
• With regard to the current US President this week:
     -   the current US President has accused former President Obama of wire tapping him – which has resulted in predictable outrage, and a denial by the FBI, but see also this critique. From my point of view, this accusation is a major and despicable act. See also here, for criticism of both major claims against the current and former US Presidents;
     -   the current US President has hypocritically praised the jobs figures he once criticised (with claims that were labelled “pants on fire”), and the White House spokesperson may have broken more rules on that matter … ;
     -   a lengthy opinion piece questioning the sincerity of the current US President’s oath;   a conservative source is unhappy with the current US President as another calls for the current POTUS to be a team leader (other conservatives are suggesting –and thereby showing they do not understand communications and its importance – that the current POTUS’ tweets “simply be ignored” … );   a prediction, based on bond markets, that the current US Presidency will be short lived … ;
     -   conservative concerns about the effects of the “America First” policy – see also here;
     -   the shrinking role of human rights in the current US administration;
     -   Canada will remain an open country;   more personal experience stories of the victims of the USA’s Border Hate agents;   neochristian evangelicals are the most fervent supporters of the travel ban;   the revised travel ban has been issued - see here, here, and here;   the USA may split families that cross its borders illegally;   the USA’s TSA is doing more groping – to the detriment of the US tourist industry (has anyone in academia thought to look into or comment on the personal damage being done by this? If not, why not?!);   criticism of the “mass hysteria” underlying the USA’s recent border rules;
     -   the current US government has continued down its path of removing affordable health care – particularly for the poor, to the benefit of the wealthy. See also this conservative critique of the response;
     -   an assessment of what the current US President’s high acceptance of risk may mean for US military operations;
     -  criticism of the current US President’s obsequious underlings;
• With regard to violent extremism (aka, terrorism - e.g., Da’esh) (and, incidentally, I consider ALL people advocating hate or discrimination in response to violent extremism to actively be doing the work of violent extremists. This PARTICULARLY includes those cretins [including in the media, and Amnesty International] who use the acronym ISIS (see also here), which is actually the Greek name of the Egyptian Goddess Aset – and others (see also here and here) - and actively perpetuates the patriarchal and sacrilegious evil that violent extremists are trying to accomplish in this world – which will be countered, in part, by the sort of approach advocated by “Cure Violence”, and, in part, by addressing real and perceived disempowerment and acknowledging the variety in what provides genuine, BPM fulfilment as a counter to fanaticism as a source of meaning. I also am inclined, personally, to include here the last two millennia of neochristian and colonialist social engineering, which has led to suppression of women, child abuse, the Crusades, the Inquisition, etc, as violent extremism, but that would take too much explaining. As a final point, I am deliberately avoiding the use of specific names of violent extremist groups as much as possible to reduce the publicity they get – I’m not a primary news source, and thus consider I can do so: any names that are needed are in the articles I have provided links to):
     -   violent extremist attacks/acts have occurred this week in Canada, Mali, Afghanistan, Kenya, USA (see also here), and, according to this Wikipedia page, there have been 4 attacks in Iraq and 1 attack in Syria (out of a total 15);   prevention has or may have occurred in Malaysia;   in contrast to their public desecration of antiquities, tunnels under the Iraqi city of Mosul show violent extremists harboured saleable items;
     -   the UN Security Council has visited Niger, one of the poorest nations in the world, where the fight against violent extremism is linked to development and aid, and also Chad and Cameroon, to hear testimony from the victims of violent extremism;   the UK has now said that the Muslim Brotherhood is a “firewall” against violent extremism, acknowledging that many of its members are themselves victims;   hundreds of Dutch citizens have demonstrated support for that nation’s Muslims;   New York City's police department has agreed to a new settlement in a lawsuit accusing it of illegally targeting Muslims for surveillance giving "even more protective of religious and political freedoms" and additional powers to a civilian representative charged with reviewing the department's counter-terrorism efforts, after a federal judge rejected an earlier deal;   Germany will increase video surveillance in public places;
     -   a fact check shows that the overwhelming majority of released prisoners from Camp X-Ray at Guantanamo Bay who (allegedly) continued or became involved in terrorism were released under US President Bush;   the major threats to global security are, according to an informal survey of experts, climate change (by a factor of three), poverty and inequality, nationalism and the current US President;   the women who have been driven to violent extremism in Nigeria;   an assessment of the Rohingya “insurgent” group in Burma;
• With regard to refugees (noting the New York Declaration):
     Canada will remain an open country;   the Australian Immigration Minister was "involved" in the delay of the release of a report on abuse of child refugees, which found that over 100 incidents did NOT receive an adequate response;   the UN has warned that Hungary’s adoption of compulsory detention of all refugees is a breach of that nation’s international obligations;   criticism of the abuses Australia is exposing LGBTIQ refugees to in its refugee gulag;   concerns that it is still not safe for Sri Lankan refugees to return home;   fighting between rival people smugglers in Libya has killed 22 refugees;   Italian citizens are defying laws to help refuges;   criticism of the “mass hysteria” underlying the USA’s recent border rules;
• With regard to human (and other) rights and discrimination (including associated violence / crime):
     -   on homophobia/transphobia this week:   the US Supreme Court has cowardly taken a backward step;   more moronic homophobia in Russia;   criticism of the abuses Australia is exposing LGBTIQ refugees to in its refugee gulag;   the majority of US citizens oppose transphobic laws around toilets;
     -   on racism this week:   “Arabophobia” in the USA;   a critique of the current journey towards a treaty with indigenous people in Australia;   the effect of separating land and water rights on Australia’s indigenous people;   powerful criticism of a BBC programme which portrayed an indigenous community as alcoholic – and a subsequent apology for the misrepresentation of the wake;   the experiences of biracial people;
     -   on sexism this week (keeping in mind the overblown influence given to testosterone):   a TV panel has discussed sexual assault, including how to respond to that and forgiveness (as described, the forgiveness is of oneself, not the perpetrator: that I would accept, but the perpetrator has to learn that what they did is wrong);   an actress is campaigning for healthier portrayal of gender in the entertainment industry;   profoundly disturbing sexual aggression and invasion of privacy by men serving in the US military is being investigated;   a school book is teaching girls to “rebel” against gender straightjackets;   gender inclusive pedestrian crossing signs;   Muslim women have used social media to highlight the sexism they experience;   Algeria is struggling to find enough women candidates to fill its required quota;   the appalling abuse of women in prisons in Brazil;   the UN has launched a joint report with the African Union and UN Women “detailing the progress and challenges to women’s struggle for human rights in Africa, while the UN rights chief warned that the women’s movement around the world is facing a backlash that hurts both men and women”;   the UN has announced “a new approach” to stamp out sexual abuses by those serving under the UN flag;   a Canadian judge who undermine confidence in the judiciary by asking a sexual assault victim why she “couldn’t keep her knees together” has resigned after a scathing assessment;   two Afghan women have taken up fencing;   “Overwhelming evidence shows that gender equality is a precondition for sustainable growth, welfare, peace and security”;
     -   some links for International Women’s Day, beginning with an article on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”, which started 20 years ago: here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here, and, with profound apologies for using social media links, here, here, here, here, here (Iceland will require companies to prove equal pay),and, on a lighter note, this (I like the comment about sharing "even if you haven't read it");
     -   on other forms of human (and other) rights this week:   hundreds of Dutch citizens have demonstrated support for that nation’s Muslims;   the shrinking role of human rights in the current US administration;   an opinion piece arguing that the loss of penalty rates is an attack on Australia’s way of doing things (and workers’ rights);   a call for a modern anti-slavery act in Australia; right wing extremists have appeared in court on religious vilification charges (their statements to the press outside the court were ... interesting);   New York City's police department has agreed to a new settlement in a lawsuit accusing it of illegally targeting Muslims for surveillance giving "even more protective of religious and political freedoms" and additional powers to a civilian representative charged with reviewing the department's counter-terrorism efforts, after a federal judge rejected an earlier deal;   “Human Rights Watch has accused Bahraini authorities of "attacking" the family of a leading UK-based Bahraini human rights activist, as the country moved to dissolve the leading secular opposition party”;   Apple has stopped buying cobalt from a supplier in the “Democratic” Republic of Congo (DR Congo) to deal with a child labour problem in its supply chain;   concerns that some unvaccinated kids are being denied treatment;   Nike has developed sportswear for Muslim athletes;   the International Criminal Court has opened a preliminary investigation into atrocities committed by the Nigerian army;   according to the UN, “About 2,000 people were killed and entire neighbourhoods razed in south-eastern Turkey in 18 months of government security operations characterized by massive destruction and serious human rights violations” in 2015-16;
• With regard to crime, judicial matters and policing:
     allegations that officials didn’t respond adequately to warnings about a mother who tried to drown her children will be investigated;   the Australian Immigration Minister was "involved" in the delay of the release of a report on abuse of child refugees, which found that over 100 incidents did NOT receive an adequate response;   a TV panel has discussed sexual assault, including how to respond to that and forgiveness (as described, the forgiveness is of oneself, not the perpetrator: that I would accept, but the perpetrator has to learn that what they did is wrong);   New York City's police department has agreed to a new settlement in a lawsuit accusing it of illegally targeting Muslims for surveillance giving "even more protective of religious and political freedoms" and additional powers to a civilian representative charged with reviewing the department's counter-terrorism efforts, after a federal judge rejected an earlier deal;   the appalling discovery of dead babies in a sewer near a former church-run home for unmarried mothers in Ireland may lead to the widening of a current enquiry;   the appalling abuse of women in prisons in Brazil – and young people;   a journalist has been jailed in Azerbaijan for reporting on police abuses;   two decades after they failed to stop ethnic violence, the Solomon Islands police will be rearmed as the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands withdraws;   a Canadian judge who undermine confidence in the judiciary by asking a sexual assault victim why she “couldn’t keep her knees together” has resigned after a scathing assessment;   “South African authorities have been asked to appear at the International Criminal Court … over the failure to arrest [the] Sudanese President … during a visit two years ago”;   the International Criminal Court has opened a preliminary investigation into atrocities committed by the Nigerian army;
• With regard to press aka the media, and freedom of expression (keeping in mind that claims of presenting “both sides” of a debate can be WRONG if the other side is RUBBISH –as is the case on LGBTIQ issues: having an “equal say”, or a “right to respond” MUST be assessed in the context of what is happening overall in society – NOT solely in one limited incident):
     an article on the surreal charges against an investigative journalist who revealed the shadowy practices of the “Gulen movement” in Turkey – and is now accused of being part of it;   concerns over media freedom in the nation of Georgia;   a journalist has been jailed in Azerbaijan for reporting on police abuses;   Russian police have rearrested a critic of Putin after he staged another protest;   conservative discomfort over media “bias”;

With regard to overcrowding and “modern” lifestyle issues (is YOUR smart phone free of conflict  minerals, environmental harm and child labour? I was recently pleasantly to find IT manufacturers now making at least some effort in this regard. Do you suffer from FOMO? Is your social media making you miserable or envious? Are you being duped by modern mantras? Does your AI use ethics? Does your corporation misuse mindfulness as a distraction from working conditions? Do you understand embedded emissions? Do you want a bigger, flashier home/car than people had 50 years ago – which means you are actively abusing the environment and society’s cohesion?):
   -   there is a limit to how much carbon dioxide trees can absorb;   the UN has focused on youth, tomorrow’s guardians, for this year’s World Wildlife Day;   China has built a “bird airport” on a migration route;   as the UN warns pollution kills 1.7 million children annually, an article on air pollution, and another about a 30 year US study which found - depending on the species - trees reduce air pollution by <1 15="" pollutants="" some="" span="" style="color: #006600;" to="" typically="" up="">equating to 17.4 million tonnes of air pollution and US$6.8 billion benefit to human health and 850 avoided annual deaths

;   China will address pollution;   Australia has made some progress – particularly with regard to the marine environment – but needs to do a lot more to protect the environment;   “A vocal proponent of wind energy has taken the unprecedented step of making a formal objection to the Jupiter Wind Farm planned for Tarago, near Canberra”;   the seasonal pollution caused in Egypt by burning “rice straw”;   using behavioural science to promote sustainability;   Australia’s summer this year showed the effects of climate change;   a rebuttal of claims that renewables have been causing blackouts in Australia, as Tesla claims that it could provide (at a bit over $200 million) battery storage to “fix the problem”;   a major not-for-profit climate change advocacy group has closed, owing to a lack of funds;   poachers have killed a rhino at a European zoo;   the major threats to global security are, according to an informal survey of experts, climate change (by a factor of three), poverty and inequality, nationalism and the current US President;   science based environmental taregts could result in business filling the gap set by government inaction;   the new head of the US EPA has shown that he is a complete ****head;   the Great Barrier Reef has been bleached for an unprecedented second year running;   “Bottlenose dolphins across southern Australia are facing a growing contamination danger from man-made [sic] compounds which do not degrade in the natural environment, a new study has found”;   an indigenous community which owns and operates the only community-owned rhino sanctuary in Kenya has alleviated human-wildlife conflicts from wild animals searching for water, prey and pasture during drought by reducing bush-cutting to ensure more fodder for wildlife on their lands sand continued to coexist harmoniously with wildlife while supporting their own pastoral lives and cultures;
   -   “repair cafes” are helping to reduce waste, which is great, but are also pushing for a “right to repair”, which could be good or bad depending on the circumstances;   Apple has stopped buying cobalt from a supplier in the “Democratic” Republic of Congo (DR Congo) to deal with a child labour problem in its supply chain;   a US city is using superfast Internet to try to cut poverty;   the privacy challenges involved in smart cities / communities;   an article on the problem of doxing;   e-waste being pulled apart by children in a “toxic” dump in Africa includes e-waste from Australia;   new research suggests kids prefer to read paper books;   more criticism of Microsoft 10;
   -   more changes to make houses a little more affordable in my home state – but still missing tiny homes;   another rebuttal of supply side problems as the cause of unaffordable housing;   a dispute over views on housing prices/affordability;   with profound apologies for using a social media link, an article on the calamities we have brought on ourselves by “keeping up with the Joneses”;   staggering profit margins at airports are being described as a textbook example of how NOT to privatise;   an article on “the paradox of thrift” calling for balance between spending and saving;   tech workers in parts of the USA have resorted to living in communal houses with massive numbers of people to overcome exorbitant house prices;
   -   an article on a meditation boot camp (my term - sorry);   problems blocking kids from getting enough exercise – which includes over-scheduling their time;   an interesting article about intergenerational happiness;   the benefits of quiet;

• With regard to education:
     a school book is teaching girls to “rebel” against gender straightjackets;   the potential benefits of schools in helping to raise kids;   new research suggests kids prefer to read paper books;   “Every day some 370 million children around the world are fed at school, while learning about healthy food and nutrition through school meals programmes that also help boost attendance, the United Nations reports”;
• With regard to the conflict in Afghanistan (noting that Afghanistan was once a peaceful and modern society, even allowing women in miniskirts, before the Russian invasion – see here):
     “A new US strategy to break a stalemate in Afghanistan will require additional American troops” – and may get them: see here;   Pakistan has closed its border with Afghanistan again;   two Afghan women have taken up fencing;
• With regard to Africa, the Africa Center for Strategic Studies (and other sources) also has:
     -   the UN has launched a joint report with the African Union and UN Women “detailing the progress and challenges to women’s struggle for human rights in Africa, while the UN rights chief warned that the women’s movement around the world is facing a backlash that hurts both men and women”;
     -   accessible fresh water in northern Africa and West Asia has declined by two thirds over the last 40 years;
     -   an assessment of the G20-Africa relationship now that Germany is head of the G20;
     -   Botswana appears to be Africa’s model democracy;
     -   the UN Security Council has visited Niger, one of the poorest nations in the world, where the fight against violent extremism is linked to development and aid, and also Chad and Cameroon, to hear testimony from the victims of violent extremism;
     -   a call for “holistic thinking” for peace and development in the Lake Chad region;
     -   the UN has warned rebels in the Central African Republic (CAR) not to impede humanitarian aid;
     -   Apple has stopped buying cobalt from a supplier in the “Democratic” Republic of Congo (DR Congo) to deal with a child labour problem in its supply chain;   three mass graves have been discovered in the DR Congo;
     -   Zimbabweans are turning to street businesses to survive;
     -   a call for stronger protection of civilians in Mali;
     -   Burundi has reduced its cooperation with the UN;   sanctions have been urged on Burundian officials;
     -   Nigeria’s President has returned home after weeks of medical care in the UK;   criticism of the anti-corruption campaign in Nigeria as ineffective;   the women who have been driven to violent extremism in Nigeria;   the International Criminal Court has opened a preliminary investigation into atrocities committed by the Nigerian army;
     -   e-waste is being pulled apart by children in a “toxic” dump in Africa;
     -   “South African authorities have been asked to appear at the International Criminal Court … over the failure to arrest [the] Sudanese President … during a visit two years ago”;   concern over the state of South Africa;
     -   after a doctor’s strike has not been resolved for over 90 days, Kenya may hire foreign doctors;   an indigenous community which owns and operates the only community-owned rhino sanctuary in Kenya has alleviated human-wildlife conflicts from wild animals searching for water, prey and pasture during drought by reducing bush-cutting to ensure more fodder for wildlife on their lands sand continued to coexist harmoniously with wildlife while supporting their own pastoral lives and cultures;
• With regard to China (may her growing middle class bring a love of peace and freedom) and East and South East Asia:
     -   China will address pollution more strongly – see also here;   the abusive experience of people in jail in China;   China has built a “bird airport” on a migration route;   as China slows its military spending, it also deploys its most advance rescue ship to the South China Sea;   a critique of China’s proposal for international cooperation on cyberspace;   China has denounced North Korea’s missile test and DENOUNCED the South Korean deployment of a US missile defence system … ;   Chinese military technology continues to develop;
     -   North Korea has test fired ballistic missiles during US-South Korean wargames – leading to further deployment of the US missile defence system (that deployment seems to be taking some time … );   North Korea is continuing to thumb its nose at the world over nuclear power and make nuclear threats;   an analysis of North Korea’s missile programme – and see also here and here;
     -   tensions are continuing to escalate between North Korea and Malaysia, with a series of tit-for-tat measures trapping people;
     -   the impeachment of the South Korean President has been upheld;
     -   China has dismissed Philippine concerns over alleged survey ships;
     -   China will crack down on any protests in the occupied nation of Tibet on the anniversary of the 1959 uprising;
     -   China says it will formulate “new language” on Taiwan later this year;
     -   clashes with rebels in Burma have killed 30 people;
     -   corruption and administrative enquiries have been launched in response to a scandal over the relocation of a naval base in Papua New Guinea;
     -   an assessment of politics in Thailand;
     -   an assessment of the Rohingya “insurgent” group in Burma;
• With regard to Europe:
     -   risks of a violent crackdown on protests in Belarus;
     -   an analysis of the risks of Russian hybrid war against the Baltic states, with recommendations;   eastern European leaders have asked for US help against Russia;
     -   growing tension between Germany and Turkey over the issue of demonstrations in Germany relating to a Turkish referendum (giving the current Turkish President greater powers);   Germany has warned of the danger of an arms race with Russia, and has called for an end to the fighting in eastern Ukraine as a first step to avoiding that;   Germany will increase video surveillance in public places;   an assessment of the G20-Africa relationship now that Germany is head of the G20;
     -   hundreds of Dutch citizens have demonstrated support for that nation’s Muslims;
     -   the appalling discovery of dead babies in a sewer near a former church-run home for unmarried mothers in Ireland may lead to the widening of a current enquiry;
     -   the UN has warned that Hungary’s adoption of compulsory detention of all refugees is a breach of that nation’s international obligations;
     -   an assessment of the French Presidential election campaign;
     -   Turkish tensions with Europe may spill into Switzerland;
     -   Estonia has said “that the EU will be strong if all member states invest sufficiently in independent national defence”;
     -   Italian citizens are defying laws to help refuges;
     -   Poland is angry at the prospect of a “two speed Europe”;
• With regard to the conflict in Iraq (noting that Iraq was once a peaceful and prosperous society, before the UK / USA / CIA backed revolution – see here, and that it needs an emphasis on a secular society and citizenship – but also here, although based in Syria and here):
     -   more than 40,000 people, including 15,000 children, have fled the fighting in Mosul during the last week – the UN is expanding its camps;   allegations that violent extremists have used chemical weapons in Iraq;   the families of violent extremists are being forcibly displaced;   in contrast to their public desecration of antiquities, tunnels under the Iraqi city of Mosul show violent extremists harboured saleable items;
     -   and the Iraq Body Count project reports 315 people killed in the last week;
• With regard to the Libyan civil war:
     two oil ports in Libya have been lost to “armed factions” – see also here;   fighting between rival people smugglers in Libya has killed 22 refugees;
  Libya is one place where adopting a commitment to modern, inclusive values would result in a spiritual (including karmic) benefit – POSSIBLY also a physical gain, although that is less assured.
• With regard to Russia (which is currently supporting an – in my opinion, based on R2P principles - illegitimate regime in Syria), Russian influenced nations and eastern Europe, and responses:
     -   an examination of Russia’s “growing muscularity” over the last two decades (with a very pertinent comment about the gross failure of the transition to a market economy);   the centenary of Russia’s February Revolution (not the one everyone knows about);   more moronic homophobia in Russia;   an analysis of the risks of Russian hybrid war against the Baltic states, with recommendations;   eastern European leaders have asked for US help against Russia;   in a personal meeting, Russia’s President told Israel’s Prime Minister to stop “living in the past” when considering Iran;   Germany has warned of the danger of an arms race with Russia, and has called for an end to the fighting in eastern Ukraine as a first step to avoiding that;   Russian police have rearrested a critic of Putin after he staged another protest;
• With regard to South and Central America:
     -   the appalling abuse of women in prisons in Brazil – and young people;   a Brazilian sports team will wear messages on their guernseys to highlight the problems faced by women;
     -   a fire in a home for abused girls in Guatemala has killed 22;
     -   a Mexican town is recovering after a massive fireworks tragedy;
     -   peasants in Honduras are suing a branch of the World Bank over its financing of a company for alleged attacks and killings, including actions by the company’s private security forces;
     -   Venezuela and Peru are calling each other names;
     -   concerns that deregulation under the dictator Pinochet led to a massive bushfire;
• With regard to South Asia (aka the Indian sub-continent), The Hindu and other sources have:
     -   three people have been arrested for murdering a girl in India as a “human sacrifice”;   despite the anti-corruption drive, 70% of Indians still have to pay bribes to get basic services;   an assessment of the growing ties between India and Iran over the slow progressing Chabahar Port;
     -   anti-India protests have taken place in Nepal after Indian border guards killed a Nepali citizen;   Nepalese brick kilns have been rebuilt using cleaner technology after last year’s earthquake;
     -   Pakistan has closed its border with Afghanistan again;
     -   concerns that it is still not safe for Sri Lankan refugees to return home;
• With regard to Sudan and South Sudan:
     -   “South African authorities have been asked to appear at the International Criminal Court … over the failure to arrest [the] Sudanese President … during a visit two years ago”;   259 rebels have been pardoned in a measure aimed at “preparing the environment for achieving lasting peace in the country”;
     -   the UN has called for aid to prevent the spread of South Sudan’s famine, as humanitarian aid is ordered out of an area ahead of a military campaign;   corruption and war robbed the young nation of South Sudan of its promise – see also here;   the UN says “South Sudan is experiencing ethnic cleansing and edging closer to genocide” – see also here;   corruption has bled large sums of money from South Sudan’s Crisis Management Committee;
• With regard to the conflict in Syria, where Assad’s regime has, in my opinion, lost all claims to legitimacy, and it is time to consider partition (see here, here, here and here):
     the USA and Turkey may clash over Kurdish fighters in Syria, but “Syrian government forces have taken over positions from a US-backed militia in the northern city of Manbij on part of a frontline with Turkish-backed rebel forces, in line with a deal brokered by Russia”;   evidence that the psychological damage to Syrian children may be irreversible;   US backed forces claim they can retake Raqqa – and don’t want any involvement of Turkey, which has killed 71 Kurdish rebels in the last week and is losing friends and allies as it sinks further into its Syrian “debacle”;   Turkey has shut down a US humanitarian group delivering aid to Syria;
• With regard to Turkey:
     the USA and Turkey may clash over Kurdish fighters in Syria;   an article on the surreal charges against an investigative journalist who revealed the shadowy practices of the “Gulen movement” – and is now accused of being part of it;   growing tension between Germany and Turkey over the issue of demonstrations in Germany relating to a Turkish referendum (giving the current Turkish President greater powers); Turkey has killed 71 Kurdish rebels in the last week and is losing friends and allies as it sinks further into its Syrian “debacle”;   according to the UN, “About 2,000 people were killed and entire neighbourhoods razed in south-eastern Turkey in 18 months of government security operations characterized by massive destruction and serious human rights violations” in 2015-16;   Turkish tensions with Europe may spill into Switzerland;   Turkey is continuing its post-coup probes and raids;   Turkey has shut down a US humanitarian group delivering aid to Syria;
• With regard to the conflicts in Ukraine, particularly in the east:
     a call has been made by the UN for $25 million in aid in eastern Ukraine;   Ukraine is considering sanctions against a Russian bank which has recognised passports issued by rebels;   Germany has warned of the danger of an arms race with Russia, and has called for an end to the fighting in eastern Ukraine as a first step to avoiding that;   a court decision is a blow against corruption;
• With regard to West Asia / the Middle East and North Africa, the Middle East Eye and other sources have:
     -   Hamas is to propose the establishment of a Palestinian state along (post-war) 1967 borders, after decades of demanding the reclamation of the entirety of historic Palestine;   the USA has started examining the possibility of moving its Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem;   Israel’s Prime Minister “offered a plan to form a unity government with Israel's opposition last year as part of a regional peace bid, then later backtracked”;   an examination of French volunteers in the Israeli military;   calls for an apology over the Balfour declaration;   Israel has banned entry “by those who called for a boycott of Israel or settlement products in the occupied West Bank” - see here for legal background, and an opinion here that it is counter-productive;   in a personal meeting, Russia’s President told Israel’s Prime Minister to stop “living in the past” when considering Iran;
     -   procedural questions about home detention in Tunisia;
     -   criticism of the Iranian Navy after it forced US and British naval ships to alter course (presumably in international waters);   an assessment of the growing ties between India and Iran over the slow progressing Chabahar Port;
     -   the seasonal pollution caused in Egypt by burning “rice straw”;   Egypt’s spies have hired Washington lobbyists to improve their image … stopping torture etc would also help, of course;   protests over unaffordable bread have paralysed parts of Egypt;
     -   “Human Rights Watch has accused Bahraini authorities of "attacking" the family of a leading UK-based Bahraini human rights activist, as the country moved to dissolve the leading secular opposition party”;
     -   Algeria is struggling to find enough women candidates to fill its required quota;
     -   accessible fresh water in northern Africa and West Asia has declined by two thirds over the last 40 years;
     -   Lebanon’s new President has sparked a storm of controversy;
     -   hope has been killed in Bahrain;
• With regard to the war in Yemen (unlike Iraq and Syria, I cannot find a source of regular information on casualties in Yemen, but the hardship and deaths from food, water and medical shortages that concerns me just as much – if not more, and I don’t know if such sites would report that; it is also important to remember that there are multiple sides in this dispute – and opponents to the government are not necessarily Houthi or violent extremist):
     an article on internally displaced people in Yemen;
• With regard to natural and other catastrophes:
     the UN has called for aid to prevent the spread of South Sudan’s famine;   agreement has been reached on a major disaster risk reduction plan, at one of an ongoing series of conferences, this one in Canada;   Haiti lost 32% of its GDP as a result of Hurricane Matthew, six months ago, and a call has been issued for aid;   100 million are at risk of starvation globally;   the UN has developed an information plan to better manage supplies during health emergencies (why has it taken so long to do this?).

and from a range of other sites:

• an article (social media – sorry) arguing intuition is the highest form of intelligence;
• knowledge of organic farming is being shared across the Pacific;
• the story of a family that stayed together despite PTSD;
• the UN has disputed the idea that pesticides are essential to feeding a growing world population;
• “Pope Francis has said he may consider ordaining married men - under very specific circumstances - to address the shortage of Catholic priests”; - see also here;
• a critique of grammar zealots.

(Dear Reader, please remember, I expect you to think when reading this blog, and reserve the right to occasionally sneak in something to test that)

Now, some relocated notes and other comments/information.

Remember that many others are very capably doing this type of work – for instance, the Lucis Trust's Triangles network (which has been running for many decades),   the Correllian Tradition's 'Spiritual War for Peace' (begun in 2014, and see also here, here, and here), the Hope, Peace, Love and Prosperity Spell (also from the Correllian Tradition, in around 2007 or 2008),   the Healing Minute started by the late, great Harry Edwards (held at 10 AM and 10 PM local time each day, and has been running for decades);   the “Network of Light”  meditations;   and   also see here and here – even commercial organisations are getting involved (for instance, see here), there are online groups (e.g. here and here – which I’m not members of, and thus do not know the quality of) and even an app. No doubt there are many others, so, if you don't like what I am suggesting here, but want to be of service, there are many other opportunities for you. I also point out that more than just psychic work is required – activism in the physical world, even if it is “only” writing letters to politicians / the media will help, as will a whole range of other stuff. To stimulate some ideas on this aspect of service, see here, here and here, and, of course, here. On more physical level, there is the United Nations Online Volunteering page.

(Please note that I now specifically have a role for (absent) healers on Saturdays, as explained in the Psychic Weather Report posts. Anyone who wishes to be protector has a role every day :) , including – perhaps particularly - the first permanent issue I list below. At all times, on all levels and in ways, BOTH must ALWAYS be BPM in the way they perform such roles.)

If I am ever late getting my Psychic Weather Report up any week, the default plan is to build up energy in the “Shield of Hope” on Sunday, send energy to West Asia / the Middle East on Monday, and then extend that to include Europe on Tuesday, the USA on Wednesday, East and South East Asia on Thursday and Africa on Friday.

Regular sources include the Daily Briefings of the United Nations, Human Rights Watch, the Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect, “War on the Rocks” (a very US-focused site which also has articles I have concerns about, but also a surprising number of gems),  the Early Warning Project blog, the Justice in Conflict blog, the Political Violence at a Glance blog, the Institute for War and Peace Reporting, the International Crisis Group, the Middle East Eye, The Hindu, the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, the BBC, Spiegel International, The Conversation, John Menadue’s blog, Wikipedia’s current events portal, Wendell Williams’ blog, George Monbiot’s website, the Campaign Against Arms Trade, the “Cure Violence” blog, the Inter Press Service Agency (IPS), the Lowy “Interpreter” blog (which occasionally has good links about what is happening in the Pacific), and others.

I apologise for publishing these posts twice, but Blogger keeps changing my formatting. I can either publish it and then correct the altered formatting and re-publish it, or save and close the post and correct it when I reopen it prior to publishing it, but that leaves an extra copy in my "drafts" folder which I then have to clean up ...

No signature block for these posts.