The role of our security services in the actions of 'Jihadi John' needs grown up discussion – we must not forget the lessons of Northern Ireland.
Last week the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg rejected a Polish appeal on CIA-prison cases involving the violation of numerous human rights' guarantees on behalf of two Guantanamo detainees. This was an important lesson.
A regime bereft of legitimacy, save for its promise to guarantee national security, turns citizens into active players in a new culture of surveillance and reporting.
Meet Bahar Kimyongür, a political activist arrested, detained, and released in three European countries on an unsubstantiated charge. His case shows citizens are disarmed when they are reduced to a name in a database.
Multinational companies–including two listed on the NASDAQ–have been quietly providing Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan with increasingly sophisticated surveillance technology to aid state repression.
Generalised suspicion is the ultimate destroyer of the social fabric: it thrives on betrayal, and fosters mutual distrust and demoralisation. And nowadays, it is impossible for anyone to be beyond suspicion.
The close links between American surveillance of Africa and military facilities in England are revealed by campaigners working for non-violent social change.
Turkey is known for attempts to control information contradicting official propaganda. However, a recent deal between the Turkish Government and a Swedish company running software to combat child porn could silence the digital opposition permanently.
