Why We Shouldn't Rely on Patents to Encourage Medical Innovation
Paul Silva
January 23, 2012
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In an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal, Els Torreele of the Open Society Foundations argues against proposals to extend patents on pharmaceuticals, stating that such a move would solidify a broken innovation model that primarily serves the financial interest of the pharmaceutical industry at the expense of patients worldwide.

Case Watch: Greek Migrant Male Rape Counts as Torture
Simon Cox
January 23, 2012
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The European Court of Human Rights has concluded that the Greek courts failed to acknowlege the gravity of a brutal 2001 sexual assault on an undocumented migrant.

Reinventing Scientific Discovery: An Interview with Michael Nielsen
John Dupuis
January 23, 2012
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Connecting vast numbers of scientists and ordinary citizens, online tools make scientific problem-solving faster and more efficient. But for these collaborations to reach their full potential, the culture of science must become much more open.

Case Watch: European Court Rules on Prison for Life
Marion Isobel
January 19, 2012
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In two important rulings, the European Court of Human Rights has concluded that mandatory life jail sentences without the possibility of parole do not constitute a violation of the European Convention on Human Rights.

The "Forgotten" Muslims of Southeastern Europe
Kerem Oktem
January 18, 2012
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Any debate on Muslims in Europe needs to take into consideration the historical experience of Muslims in the Balkans and the challenges they continue to face.

Why Are World Leaders Turning Their Backs on Africa?
Stephen Lewis
January 17, 2012
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The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria has saved and prolonged millions of lives. Yet at this precise moment when the global community should be doing all it can to support the Fund, it is under the most serious assault it has endured in its ten-year history.

Advancing Education Reform with "Writers Bloc"
Kamila Shamsie and Hugh McLean
January 13, 2012
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A group of writers including Zadie Smith, Chimamanda Adiche, and Aleksander Hemon take a look at education systems in conflict-affected countries around the world.

How the EU Can Foster Change in Closed Societies
Jacqueline Hale
January 13, 2012
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The creation of a European Endowment for Democracy could provide vital support for activists trying to open up closed societies without the stifling restrictions normally connected to EU assistance.