Issue: 2480-81

On 4 December the government published a White Paper outlining its preferred option for the continuation of Britain's nuclear weapons programme, committing the country to a new fleet of nuclear submarines and to a service life extension for the US

Working on the solid nonviolent principle that we should transform our enemies, PN brings you a slightly tongue-in-cheek column dedicated to getting to know our "enemies" better.

Tom Lehrer, the US scientist turned satirical singer-songwriter, gets “rediscovered” from time to time, delighting a new generation of admirers.

In November, former US army colonel and ex-diplomat Ann Wright visited the School of the Americas for the first time. Here she reflects on her experience.

The big shopping splurge of the year is upon us. Are we buying war and injustice for gifts and ourselves? It is time to consider the implications of our shopping habits.

Craig Barnett reflects on the need for the peace movement to develop its theory and practice, and the Quaker-funded workshops helping to supply the tools and space to do so.

White poppies

"The ignorant people of the past, the unfortunates of the future, and the disenfranchised people of developing nations, are all powerless to affect the out-come of our terrible gamble with the world's climate. There is nobody else. We - that's you and I - need to take action, and fast." Leo Murray, from direct action group Plane Stupid, explains why he joined the group that shut down an airport.

Rebecca Lush reflects on the rebirth of the anti-roads movement as the Labour government continues to backtrack on promises to cut carbon emissions and pushes ahead with a significant number of new roadbuilding schemes across the country.

Fifteen years on from the start of the modern environmental direct action movement, awareness about the state of our planet is higher than ever before. However, those who have grown up as a part of the movement tell a different story about corporate and government action and the pace of change.

On 3 November, the National Audit Office released its report on "Recruitment and Retention in the Armed Forces". While most of the mainstream media focused on the "Two-thirds of teenagers too fat to be soldiers" story, peace activists should read this report very critically. It gives us an idea of what lengths the armed forces will go to in the future to fill their ranks - and what we need to respond to. Andreas Speck reports.

A new nation-wide survey of the anti-war movement reveals the municipal character of locally based anti-war groups. Researcher Ian Taylor explains the report's findings.

Activists throughout France and Germany staged a series of actions over a two-week period in November, in protest at the transportation of 12 containers of highly radioactive nuclear waste across their borders.

Whilst the world turned its attention to Lebanon over the summer, the Israeli military were as busy as ever in Gaza; more than 400 Palestinians were killed, with 1000s injured; 150 buildings were completely destroyed, including homes - leaving many hundreds homeless - and essential infrastructure including a main power station, roads and bridges targeted. Individuals, groups and coalitions around the world have taken action in protest over the last month. Jenny Gaiawyn reports.

Campaigners in more than 50 cities across Europe have taken part in a month-long action protesting against the nuclear capacity of NATO member states.