No doubt it’s torture, says U.S. journalist after trying waterboarding

“Christopher Hitchens, a Washington-based journalist known for his support of the Iraq war and the U.S. war on terror, has subjected himself to waterboarding.”

I have often thought about what it would take to convince someone that waterboarding was torture. My idea was to make a video where babies were subject to waterboarding. Of course, some photoshopping would have to be involved.

Then there’s trying it yourself. I didn’t think that anyone would actually try this. Well-known right-wing author and journalist, Christopher Hitchens did. He’s an ardent defender of the war on terror and the Bush administration. After less than 10 seconds on the table, Hitchens now is convinced that waterboarding is torture. Kudos to Hitchens for being brave enough to try it and brave enough to change his mind. His story will appear in the August issue of Vanity Fair.

Sworn to virginity and living as men in Albania – International Herald Tribune

Sworn to virginity and living as men in Albania – International Herald Tribune

Under the Kanun code of conduct, women can become sworn virgins who take on men’s roles in society. They are literally trading their sexuality for social power. It’s amazing that this cultural arrangement exists and how effective it is– every one treats sworn virgins as if they were men, even other women are shy with them.