During April and May, Green Left Weekly's Moscow correspondent, Renfrey Clarke, will be conducting a speaking tour of Australia. Since the first issue of the paper, Renfrey has provided a unique view of the tumultuous political and social changes that have taken place in Russia.
There is seldom an issue of the paper that does not carry an article by Renfrey. His informative analysis of political developments within Russia is followed keenly by readers of Green Left Weekly and “Russia-watchers” the world over.
While much of the establishment press has praised the Russian government for the “reforms” it has carried out -- or focused its attention exclusively on the idiosyncratic manoeuvres and state of health of “Tsar Boris” -- Renfrey and contributors such as Boris Kagarlitsky have given Green Left Weekly readers a real taste of the impact of the neo-liberal austerity measures.
Also profiled by Renfrey in his articles is the resistance by worker, environmental, youth, women's and health organisations to the so-called “benefits” of rampant privatisation and the profit-driven system. Opposition activists have been harassed by the authorities and in some cases imprisoned. This is information that you are very unlikely to see in the media owned and controlled by those who incessantly proclaim the virtues of capitalism.
The speaking tour by Renfrey is an opportunity not to be missed. He is also one of the many international guests attending the Asia Pacific Solidarity Conference being held in Sydney during the Easter weekend.
Another opportunity not to be missed is the introductory subscription offer to Green Left Weekly. For as little as $10 (or a dollar per issue) you can start receiving Australia's best alternative newspaper direct to your home. With a subscription to Green Left Weekly, you are assured of being kept informed of the news and events that the rest of the media choose to ignore. Green Left Weekly -- it's your paper.
