Natasha Lennard
Why Are the Media So Impressed by the Quality of Islamic State Films?
The group's videos aren't 'slick' or 'sophisticated' — they're amateurish. To say otherwise gives their barbarism unwarranted praise.
The People's Climate March May Have Been Huge, But It Wasn't 'Historic'
A controlled march, however big, has only limited political force. Which is why it's important for people to remain in the streets even when it's not officially sanctioned.
Apple Has Ensured It Can't Hand Over iPhone Data to Law Enforcement
New encryption on Apple's just-released iOS 8 prevents the tech giant from accessing data on users' iPhones and iPads for the authorities.
Your Face, Voice, and Tattoos Are the FBI's Business Now
The FBI's huge biometrics database just reached "full operational capacity," but the outrage machine is burned out on surveillance.
The World Should Follow Belgium's Lead In Granting Prisoners the Right to Die
The assisted suicide of a convicted murderer and rapist raises questions about assisted suicide, mental illness, and the barbarism of death penalties.
Obama Has the Authority to Attack the Islamic State Because He Says So
It doesn't matter what legal framework the Obama administration uses for military actions, because it will just be a rubber stamp for war.
Internet Slowdown Day May Raise Awareness, But It's Still Just a Gimmick
The so-called internet slowdown was a worthy stunt, but let's not kid ourselves that this is a battle for a democratic cyberspace.
Yes to Scottish Independence — and to the End of British Neoliberalism
The coming referendum may not bring about an independent Scotland, but the fight reminds us that rejecting the political status quo is possible.
Deradicalization Programs Are the Wrong Response to the Islamic State
It is counterproductive to treat the anger within Islamist extremism as purely irrational without recognizing some of the grounds for it.
The Islamic State and the Cynicism of Nazi Analogies
Comparisons to Hitler and the Nazis are an American go-to pretext for war — and a tactic for putting an end to actual discourse.
Tragedy Can Be Tweeted, But Our Rage Should Transcend Social Media
A funeral, a shooting, and a beheading demonstrated both the power and limitations of social media when faced with pain and horror.
Justice for Mike Brown Can't Wait for Justice for His Killer Cop
Even if Officer Darren Wilson receives a hefty jail sentence, he should not be the scapegoat nor "bad apple" that lets cops off the hook.