Welcome to The Kettle!

Primarily, "The Kettle" publicizes and manages the "Three Cups of Tea Book Project." However, as described in our very first post (click here), we also hope to use "The Kettle" as a medium for individuals interested in social issues to become more aware of the lives of those less fortunate. Ideally, whatever we write or publish here will take that nascent concern and transform it into action. To inspire any action, small or large, in the genuine interest of doing better for the world is our ultimate goal.

Though heavily slanted towards Pakistan and Afghanistan presently, we do try to include news, opinions, and reference materials regarding diverse topics, including poverty, reconstruction, human rights, Africa, "Green" developments, Micro Finance, and other solutions and considerations for what are essentially man made problems in the world. In the universe of charitable options, we endorse and support multigenerational solutions and initiatives for multigenerational problems.

The education made possible by the Central Asia Institute is one such solution, but there are certainly others. We encourage the commitment of resources and people that goes beyond merely "patriarchal" handouts to the multitude of people in need. We agree that it is good to charitable, but charity that only treats the symptoms and not the root causes has proven to be insufficient. A consistent commitment to work with the local communities of people in need to provide and/or improve education, nutrition, access to capital, human rights, security, sustainable development/redevelopment, and environmental stewardship are what will lead to an enduring improvement in people's lives.

If you have any questions, general comments, and suggestions for improvements, please leave a comment on any of the posts below, and we'll follow up with you!

The Kettle's shared items

Monday, May 11, 2009

NY Times: U.S. Journalist to Be Freed Soon in Iran, Her Lawyer Says

Published: May 12, 2009
"The lawyer for an Iranian-American reporter who was jailed on spying charges said she will be released Monday after a court reduced the sentence."
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Happy Monday! Amazing what happens when you use diplomacy instead of aggression. This is a very positive sign, and may be an extended hand for which the U.S. has the opportunity to demonstrate that things have changed. It's unfortunate that she would need to leave Iran, but at least she is spared from a prison term. I hope this leads people to 1.) be more hopeful for the current administration and the U.S. and 2.) see Iran for the diverse, multifaceted nation that it is. It was never justified for the Bush administration to paint such a black and white picture of the world.


-- The Kettle Rumbles

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