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Freedom Next Time: Resisting the Empire
World–renowned journalist John Pilger looks at five nations (Palestine, Diego Garcia, Afghanistan, Iraq, and South Africa) that have undergone long and painful struggles for freedom, yet are still waiting for its realization.
384 pages, Paperback
First published June 5, 2006
58 people are currently reading
1250 people want to read
About the author
John Pilger
34 books364 followersJohn Richard Pilger was an Australian journalist and documentary maker. He had twice won Britain's Journalist of the Year Award, and his documentaries have received academy awards in Britain and the US. Based in London, he is known for his polemical campaigning style: "Secretive power loathes journalists who do their job, who push back screens, peer behind façades, lift rocks. Opprobrium from on high is their badge of honour."
Pilger had received human rights and journalism awards, as well as honorary doctorates. He was also a visiting professor at Cornell University in New York.
Pilger had received human rights and journalism awards, as well as honorary doctorates. He was also a visiting professor at Cornell University in New York.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
July 8, 2013
What you need to know about humans is that they are dicks. And if you give them any power their dickness prevails over everything else.
John Pilger wrote this book in 2006. It’s about different governments (US, UK, South African, Israeli) being total, complete assholes. If you look up each and every story from this volume to see what new happened between 2006 and now you will only learn about further miseries and acts of oppression. Except for Afghanistan - you won’t find much about Afghanistan because everybody just got really tired of Afghanistan and their shit so they moved on and they are now busy thinking up new, ingenious ways they can fuck up a country even more and even quicker.
I wanted Pilger to stop. Or at least give me some one, tiny positive story, some heart-warming, uplifting, chicken soup for the soul. But no, not Pilger. He is not going to dig up some one sappy story to make you feel better about the world you live in, about your government and what it does in your name.
Do you know what happens when US government needs a British Island for a military base? The UK government goes and takes all the people who have lived there for 200 years, picks them up and dumps them in the slums of Mauritius. Just like that. And they kill all their dogs first because the Americans would like their island ‘sanitized’. Then UK government refuses to let these people go back to their island. It’s now a military base. The UK government says, we would love you to go back there, sadly the island is inhabitable, so we can’t let you do that. Because we care. The Americans in their military base manage on the island just fine, despite its ‘uninhabitability’. Actually the very reason they wanted it was because it’s so amazing. Even tsunamis don’t touch it.
The Chagossians took UK to court, and won. But what’s that to the UK government, it can always get the Queen to strike any sentence, so that’s what they did. Ha ha, take that Chagossians. And here is a better idea, let’s create a National Park on the island to preserve all those important species of birds or something. And let’s have all the lefties sign petitions to create that natural reserve, ha ha, that will be funny. Stupid lefties. See, where your love for the planet got you? Now , with your signature we made sure Chagossians will never return. Of course, the Americans and their bombers can stay, they don’t disturb the birds, or was it fish?
And this was just the first chapter. The first mellow chapter. That was a warm-up. Get yourself ready for Israel, India, Afghanistan and South Africa. You will want to throw up by the end of it.
I have notes, highlights, quotes and comments. I could take you through the whole book. But I won’t. Because maybe then you won’t read it. And you absolutely must read it.
I don’t how John Pilger does it. How can he just go on, research a book after book like that, go and talk to all these people, hear their stories, then try to confront those at the top about it, listen to their smug come-backs, their arrogance. How does he not lose the will to live?
I know this review is not the eloquent and measured report you have learnt to expect from me (ha, ha), but seriously, this book, seriously… years of anger management therapy down the drain.
John Pilger wrote this book in 2006. It’s about different governments (US, UK, South African, Israeli) being total, complete assholes. If you look up each and every story from this volume to see what new happened between 2006 and now you will only learn about further miseries and acts of oppression. Except for Afghanistan - you won’t find much about Afghanistan because everybody just got really tired of Afghanistan and their shit so they moved on and they are now busy thinking up new, ingenious ways they can fuck up a country even more and even quicker.
I wanted Pilger to stop. Or at least give me some one, tiny positive story, some heart-warming, uplifting, chicken soup for the soul. But no, not Pilger. He is not going to dig up some one sappy story to make you feel better about the world you live in, about your government and what it does in your name.
Do you know what happens when US government needs a British Island for a military base? The UK government goes and takes all the people who have lived there for 200 years, picks them up and dumps them in the slums of Mauritius. Just like that. And they kill all their dogs first because the Americans would like their island ‘sanitized’. Then UK government refuses to let these people go back to their island. It’s now a military base. The UK government says, we would love you to go back there, sadly the island is inhabitable, so we can’t let you do that. Because we care. The Americans in their military base manage on the island just fine, despite its ‘uninhabitability’. Actually the very reason they wanted it was because it’s so amazing. Even tsunamis don’t touch it.
The Chagossians took UK to court, and won. But what’s that to the UK government, it can always get the Queen to strike any sentence, so that’s what they did. Ha ha, take that Chagossians. And here is a better idea, let’s create a National Park on the island to preserve all those important species of birds or something. And let’s have all the lefties sign petitions to create that natural reserve, ha ha, that will be funny. Stupid lefties. See, where your love for the planet got you? Now , with your signature we made sure Chagossians will never return. Of course, the Americans and their bombers can stay, they don’t disturb the birds, or was it fish?
And this was just the first chapter. The first mellow chapter. That was a warm-up. Get yourself ready for Israel, India, Afghanistan and South Africa. You will want to throw up by the end of it.
I have notes, highlights, quotes and comments. I could take you through the whole book. But I won’t. Because maybe then you won’t read it. And you absolutely must read it.
I don’t how John Pilger does it. How can he just go on, research a book after book like that, go and talk to all these people, hear their stories, then try to confront those at the top about it, listen to their smug come-backs, their arrogance. How does he not lose the will to live?
I know this review is not the eloquent and measured report you have learnt to expect from me (ha, ha), but seriously, this book, seriously… years of anger management therapy down the drain.
May 5, 2008
Trained as a historian, I am skeptical about the evidence of a "Golden Age" when the Fourth Estate "spoke truth to power" and made the lives of our leaders uncomfortable. There's always been enormous pressure to maintain the status quo but I'll admit that we're at a particularly low nadir when the media obsesses about Miley Cyrus' naked back and the absence of flag pins on pols' suits, all the while ignoring the crimes of the most incompetent administration in the last century and the easily predictable, disastrous results of 30 years of neoliberal economics (just two among a host of problems confronting the Republic).
So it is a bittersweet revelation to read John Pilger. Sweet to find that we still have people capable of uncovering the myriad sins committed by our leaders in our name; bitter to read of those sins and how they continue to torment the innocent unrequited (and unlikely ever to be atoned for).
Pilger covers five areas in this book: Diego Garcia, Palestine, India, South Africa and Afghanistan. As Pilger writes in the Introduction: "This book is about empire, its facades and the enduring struggle of people for their freedom. It offers an antidote to authorized versions of contemporary history that censor by omission and impose double standards. It is, I hope, a contribution to what Vandana Shiva calls `an insurrection of subjugated knowledge.'"
The strength of the book lies in how Pilger captures the view of people affected by (in thses cases) American foreign policy (if you can call shilling [whoring?] for corporatist elites a foreign policy) and the contemptuous disdain of our leaders, so enamored with the trappings of power.
It's not all depressing; people continue to struggle against state violence, oppression and iniquity, and sometimes they make progress.
So it is a bittersweet revelation to read John Pilger. Sweet to find that we still have people capable of uncovering the myriad sins committed by our leaders in our name; bitter to read of those sins and how they continue to torment the innocent unrequited (and unlikely ever to be atoned for).
Pilger covers five areas in this book: Diego Garcia, Palestine, India, South Africa and Afghanistan. As Pilger writes in the Introduction: "This book is about empire, its facades and the enduring struggle of people for their freedom. It offers an antidote to authorized versions of contemporary history that censor by omission and impose double standards. It is, I hope, a contribution to what Vandana Shiva calls `an insurrection of subjugated knowledge.'"
The strength of the book lies in how Pilger captures the view of people affected by (in thses cases) American foreign policy (if you can call shilling [whoring?] for corporatist elites a foreign policy) and the contemptuous disdain of our leaders, so enamored with the trappings of power.
It's not all depressing; people continue to struggle against state violence, oppression and iniquity, and sometimes they make progress.
May 19, 2014
I won't go into too much detail about what is featured in this book, but rest assured, if you are familiar with Pilger's work, this is a solid entry in his work, the chapter in Palestine especially heartbreaking.
If you're not familiar with Pilger's work but are aware of Noam Chomsky, Naomi Klein or the like, you really owe it to yourself to indulge yourself in some of Mr Pilger's works.
If you're not familiar with Pilger's work but are aware of Noam Chomsky, Naomi Klein or the like, you really owe it to yourself to indulge yourself in some of Mr Pilger's works.
April 26, 2011
Freedom Next Time is one of those books that any dissident - of the systems that be - must read. The book is packed with compelling interviews; well researched facts; and horrifying truths. MUST READ.
December 16, 2015
Amazingamazingamazing
March 11, 2024
Author and auteur John Pilger spotlights five areas in which the rise of globalization has led to dire circumstances. The opening focuses on the Chagos archipelago, which for generations has been the home to a native population that enjoyed an idyllic lifestyle. The second part revolves around Palestine. The third is a brief foray into India. The fourth is an exploration of post-Apartheid South Africa. The fifth is on Afghanistan. While, each of these areas is different from each other, they all share the stain of being pawns in the often disastrous “game” that is global politics. Whether through hostile takeover or in most cases complicit local leaders, these five areas have had the misfortune of finding themselves in the crosshairs of avaricious adversaries.
Pilger spends his first 41 pages depicting the plight of an indigenous people who have been forcibly removed from the island of Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. These misfortunate folks went from inhabiting an Eden in which their families peacefully coexisted into living in squalor in a foreign land. Unfamiliar with the customs and language of the place they were forced to immigrate to (the Seychelles), their bonds have been destroyed. Forced to live on the government’s teat, they are despised by the locals who see them as wastes. Many became so dejected and aggrieved that they essentially perished either through suicide or just a lack of will to survive. Offered a “relocation” fee of a pittance of their worth, typically around 1000 pounds, these people were kicked out for the simple reason that their island was ideally situated for an American military base. Brokered by the British who proclaimed the land uninhabited, the deal was finalized with the haste of a landlord giving its occupants 48 hours to vacate the premises.
The next place Pilger highlights is the occupied territories of Palestine. It is evident in both the duration (100 pages) and the contacts he has made here, that his heart is with the Palestinian people. Surely, 20 years or so after he spent extensive time here, things have improved? Oh shit, they have not. While, the names have changed the struggle has not. Pilger spends a good amount of time showing the juxtaposition between the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip who struggle for survival versus the Israeli settlers who have pushed further and further into disputed territory. While, the Palestinians are met with derision from authorities given little access to arable land and in some cases forced into refugee camps the settlers have created enclaves abutted with citrus trees and barbed wire fences meant to keep those unwanted i.e. Palestinians from their new settlements. Given the slimmest provocation, Israeli soldiers detain Palestinian citizens. While, the atrocities take place local leadership and abroad do little but rattle sabers, increasing fear mongering on every side. Internationally, Israel is propped up the US and her allies, while the Arab world talks of supporting Palestinians, but turns their back on them time and time again, being stingy with funds and asylum. Even though it is brief, Pilger does allow for some sunshine to come through, when he interviews Israelis and Palestinians who have taken a stance for peace. The most enduring of which are those who have lost loved ones on both sides from violence, namely suicide bombings. While, the situation was grim and appears to be even grimmer today, it is nice to know that even those who have been intimately afflicted by the carnage can work together in the name of peace.
A whole 14 pages is devoted to India, which makes me question what the point of even having them included was. This section is essentially an overview on the effects of globalization in India. Instead of being a boon to the people, it has only created a larger gap between the haves and have-nots. While, a small percentage of Indians have reaped the benefits the vast majority have not. Even this minority have not found extreme wealth, but an existence that is just above subsistence. The promises of Indian politicians who with assurances from the World Bank and IMF to raise the tide of the Indian population have largely gone unfulfilled, as of 2002 more than a third of the population was stuck in absolute poverty, not having enough to secure safe water, food and sanitation.
Well, maybe South Africa will provide a more positive example of globalization. They have thrown off the yoke of apartheid and appear to be in a more prosperous place, creating a class of wealthy Black leaders. Oh, crap it appears that most of these leaders have sold out the majority of the population, creating a system that while no longer stratified along racial lines is equally stultifying for those not on top of the economic pyramid. While, many of the principles of the African National Congress, the political party led by Nelson Mandela, were revolutionary, they were soon compromised to kowtow to organizations which promised economic growth and prosperity. The sad irony for many of the inhabitants of South Africa was that they were much more prosperous under apartheid than in the presiding governments. Essentially, they exchanged their economic freedom for political freedom. Well, at least those that committed atrocities during the apartheid era were persecuted, right? Not exactly. The much touted Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa brought to light many of the human rights violations which took place during apartheid, but was limited in power as those that came forward were given amnesty. To make matters worse, many of those responsible for some of the grossest miscarriages of justice maintained prominent roles in the private sector. Generals who ordered killings were sought after to head private security firms, scientists who experimented on patients worked in laboratories and all sorts of despicable people faced little to no repercussions. Even someone who is exulted as Nelson Mandela did not escape the scorn and ire of John Pilger. During a sit down interview, he made sure to ask about some of the many post-apartheid issues, namely the intertwining of globalization with politics and the reversal from building an equitable economy.
The fifth and last visit is to Afghanistan. Situated in the middle of the most acclaimed overland trade route, “The Silk Road”, Afghanistan has long been sought after by conquerors. Seemingly in a continuous state of war, it is known as “where empires go to die.” At this point, the role of the United States as a benefactor for the mujahideen is well known. The irony of arming and funding many of the most extreme of the religious fighters during an early time, to be used against them is a lesson that the United States has not appeared to have learned from. As destructive and intolerant as the Taliban are/were in Afghanistan, Pilger focuses much of his attention on the various warlords that the United States cultivates to form alliances, most of them quite tenuous. Far from being enlightened these factions engaged in many of the same barbaric practices as the Taliban. To further exacerbate the situation, while the Taliban outlawed much of the opium production, the factions relied on the crop to bring in much of their wealth. Even the progress in religious tolerance, especially in regards to females was largely a misnomer, being allowed only in heavily populated areas in major cities like Kabul. So, by combining with the various warlords, the United States somehow made an awful situation even less tenable, destroying the repressive security which the Taliban provided for chaos. Sadly, that seems to be the cycle in Afghanistan, an endless string of foreign conquerors attempting to pacify the country and a barrage of local repressive regimes subjugating their own people.
Full of insight and heavily researched, John Pilger does not leave many stones unturned. While, it is clear he has his own biases and prerogatives (who doesn’t), his heart always appears to be with the local people who have been exploited. Sobering and even at times funny, mainly when he interviews/interrogates leaders in positions of power, he does not pull any punches. As a man who has covered many of the world’s most brutal savageries, he has seen much of the worst of humanity, but still retains a sliver of hope. While, I cannot say I enjoyed much of this work, it definitely further opened up my eyes.
Pilger spends his first 41 pages depicting the plight of an indigenous people who have been forcibly removed from the island of Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. These misfortunate folks went from inhabiting an Eden in which their families peacefully coexisted into living in squalor in a foreign land. Unfamiliar with the customs and language of the place they were forced to immigrate to (the Seychelles), their bonds have been destroyed. Forced to live on the government’s teat, they are despised by the locals who see them as wastes. Many became so dejected and aggrieved that they essentially perished either through suicide or just a lack of will to survive. Offered a “relocation” fee of a pittance of their worth, typically around 1000 pounds, these people were kicked out for the simple reason that their island was ideally situated for an American military base. Brokered by the British who proclaimed the land uninhabited, the deal was finalized with the haste of a landlord giving its occupants 48 hours to vacate the premises.
The next place Pilger highlights is the occupied territories of Palestine. It is evident in both the duration (100 pages) and the contacts he has made here, that his heart is with the Palestinian people. Surely, 20 years or so after he spent extensive time here, things have improved? Oh shit, they have not. While, the names have changed the struggle has not. Pilger spends a good amount of time showing the juxtaposition between the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip who struggle for survival versus the Israeli settlers who have pushed further and further into disputed territory. While, the Palestinians are met with derision from authorities given little access to arable land and in some cases forced into refugee camps the settlers have created enclaves abutted with citrus trees and barbed wire fences meant to keep those unwanted i.e. Palestinians from their new settlements. Given the slimmest provocation, Israeli soldiers detain Palestinian citizens. While, the atrocities take place local leadership and abroad do little but rattle sabers, increasing fear mongering on every side. Internationally, Israel is propped up the US and her allies, while the Arab world talks of supporting Palestinians, but turns their back on them time and time again, being stingy with funds and asylum. Even though it is brief, Pilger does allow for some sunshine to come through, when he interviews Israelis and Palestinians who have taken a stance for peace. The most enduring of which are those who have lost loved ones on both sides from violence, namely suicide bombings. While, the situation was grim and appears to be even grimmer today, it is nice to know that even those who have been intimately afflicted by the carnage can work together in the name of peace.
A whole 14 pages is devoted to India, which makes me question what the point of even having them included was. This section is essentially an overview on the effects of globalization in India. Instead of being a boon to the people, it has only created a larger gap between the haves and have-nots. While, a small percentage of Indians have reaped the benefits the vast majority have not. Even this minority have not found extreme wealth, but an existence that is just above subsistence. The promises of Indian politicians who with assurances from the World Bank and IMF to raise the tide of the Indian population have largely gone unfulfilled, as of 2002 more than a third of the population was stuck in absolute poverty, not having enough to secure safe water, food and sanitation.
Well, maybe South Africa will provide a more positive example of globalization. They have thrown off the yoke of apartheid and appear to be in a more prosperous place, creating a class of wealthy Black leaders. Oh, crap it appears that most of these leaders have sold out the majority of the population, creating a system that while no longer stratified along racial lines is equally stultifying for those not on top of the economic pyramid. While, many of the principles of the African National Congress, the political party led by Nelson Mandela, were revolutionary, they were soon compromised to kowtow to organizations which promised economic growth and prosperity. The sad irony for many of the inhabitants of South Africa was that they were much more prosperous under apartheid than in the presiding governments. Essentially, they exchanged their economic freedom for political freedom. Well, at least those that committed atrocities during the apartheid era were persecuted, right? Not exactly. The much touted Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa brought to light many of the human rights violations which took place during apartheid, but was limited in power as those that came forward were given amnesty. To make matters worse, many of those responsible for some of the grossest miscarriages of justice maintained prominent roles in the private sector. Generals who ordered killings were sought after to head private security firms, scientists who experimented on patients worked in laboratories and all sorts of despicable people faced little to no repercussions. Even someone who is exulted as Nelson Mandela did not escape the scorn and ire of John Pilger. During a sit down interview, he made sure to ask about some of the many post-apartheid issues, namely the intertwining of globalization with politics and the reversal from building an equitable economy.
The fifth and last visit is to Afghanistan. Situated in the middle of the most acclaimed overland trade route, “The Silk Road”, Afghanistan has long been sought after by conquerors. Seemingly in a continuous state of war, it is known as “where empires go to die.” At this point, the role of the United States as a benefactor for the mujahideen is well known. The irony of arming and funding many of the most extreme of the religious fighters during an early time, to be used against them is a lesson that the United States has not appeared to have learned from. As destructive and intolerant as the Taliban are/were in Afghanistan, Pilger focuses much of his attention on the various warlords that the United States cultivates to form alliances, most of them quite tenuous. Far from being enlightened these factions engaged in many of the same barbaric practices as the Taliban. To further exacerbate the situation, while the Taliban outlawed much of the opium production, the factions relied on the crop to bring in much of their wealth. Even the progress in religious tolerance, especially in regards to females was largely a misnomer, being allowed only in heavily populated areas in major cities like Kabul. So, by combining with the various warlords, the United States somehow made an awful situation even less tenable, destroying the repressive security which the Taliban provided for chaos. Sadly, that seems to be the cycle in Afghanistan, an endless string of foreign conquerors attempting to pacify the country and a barrage of local repressive regimes subjugating their own people.
Full of insight and heavily researched, John Pilger does not leave many stones unturned. While, it is clear he has his own biases and prerogatives (who doesn’t), his heart always appears to be with the local people who have been exploited. Sobering and even at times funny, mainly when he interviews/interrogates leaders in positions of power, he does not pull any punches. As a man who has covered many of the world’s most brutal savageries, he has seen much of the worst of humanity, but still retains a sliver of hope. While, I cannot say I enjoyed much of this work, it definitely further opened up my eyes.
August 19, 2018
John Pilger is one of the bravest journalists in the world.
I am thankful for his amazing documentaries that ask people in power the questions they strive to evade.
In "Freedom Next Time" 5 documentaries are broken down in written form.
The first is about the Chagos Islands. The documentary is hard to watch (as are most of his films) and this written rendition including the dialogue of his interviews is impressive. The poor 2,000 or so Chagossians were effectively banished from their own little tropical island paradise by the British so they could hand the island over to the United States military.
The second, "The Last Taboo" is about John's first and second documentaries on Palestine, both named "Palestine Is Still the Issue." These inquests into the suffering of the people of Gaza and the Palestinian Occupied Territories is juxtaposed with the lavish lives lived sometimes just on the other side of the illegally build separation wall in the West Bank. Pilger shows the cruelty of the far-right super-nationalist Israeli state to the Palestinians. He also interviews both Israelis and Palestinians about their thoughts on suicide bombings by Palestinians, mostly Gazans, and human rights abuses and assaults on civilian populations by Israel's army.
The third demonstrates the damage of colonialism by the British on India. Pilger documents the marginal benefits experienced since Britain left India and how there are still many who are starving and dying of simple ailments such as diarrhea and common flus. He shows the two-faced nature of the actual Indian experience and the propaganda of a flourishing capitalist state by western advertisers.
The fourth is his documentation of the abuses of apartheid in South Africa and how a new class-based (which is tolerated) apartheid has replaced the old form of racial discrimination. Pilger shows the capitulation of the Mandela administration and his welcoming of foreign capital to run amuck amongst South Africa. The victims of this ridiculous discrimination policy were never made whole as many were forced to leave due to race-based laws and were not re-homed or compensated either poorly or not at all.
The fifth and final chapter is on the assault on Afghanistan and how 9/11 was used maliciously to occupy the strategically placed country. John explains how American companies have made their first priority in Afghanistan to be the acquisition of resources and the rebuilding of the country to be dead-last. John demonstrates how the careless funding of the Mujahadeen in and around Afghanistan by the United States has caused more problems for the world than if it were left alone. With several visits throughout the American-led assault on the country (with a GDP [19bil] the size of about half that of Vermont[31b]) Pilger shows how the American intervention has not brought democracy and 'women's rights' as promised.
Please watch John's documentaries on Vimeo and Youtube
I am thankful for his amazing documentaries that ask people in power the questions they strive to evade.
In "Freedom Next Time" 5 documentaries are broken down in written form.
The first is about the Chagos Islands. The documentary is hard to watch (as are most of his films) and this written rendition including the dialogue of his interviews is impressive. The poor 2,000 or so Chagossians were effectively banished from their own little tropical island paradise by the British so they could hand the island over to the United States military.
The second, "The Last Taboo" is about John's first and second documentaries on Palestine, both named "Palestine Is Still the Issue." These inquests into the suffering of the people of Gaza and the Palestinian Occupied Territories is juxtaposed with the lavish lives lived sometimes just on the other side of the illegally build separation wall in the West Bank. Pilger shows the cruelty of the far-right super-nationalist Israeli state to the Palestinians. He also interviews both Israelis and Palestinians about their thoughts on suicide bombings by Palestinians, mostly Gazans, and human rights abuses and assaults on civilian populations by Israel's army.
The third demonstrates the damage of colonialism by the British on India. Pilger documents the marginal benefits experienced since Britain left India and how there are still many who are starving and dying of simple ailments such as diarrhea and common flus. He shows the two-faced nature of the actual Indian experience and the propaganda of a flourishing capitalist state by western advertisers.
The fourth is his documentation of the abuses of apartheid in South Africa and how a new class-based (which is tolerated) apartheid has replaced the old form of racial discrimination. Pilger shows the capitulation of the Mandela administration and his welcoming of foreign capital to run amuck amongst South Africa. The victims of this ridiculous discrimination policy were never made whole as many were forced to leave due to race-based laws and were not re-homed or compensated either poorly or not at all.
The fifth and final chapter is on the assault on Afghanistan and how 9/11 was used maliciously to occupy the strategically placed country. John explains how American companies have made their first priority in Afghanistan to be the acquisition of resources and the rebuilding of the country to be dead-last. John demonstrates how the careless funding of the Mujahadeen in and around Afghanistan by the United States has caused more problems for the world than if it were left alone. With several visits throughout the American-led assault on the country (with a GDP [19bil] the size of about half that of Vermont[31b]) Pilger shows how the American intervention has not brought democracy and 'women's rights' as promised.
Please watch John's documentaries on Vimeo and Youtube
June 30, 2023
There will always be an empire, and they will always do what empires do, subjugate other nations. It is the turn of the US to exercise imperial power, and this volume describes the attempts of a number of small nations to resist and finally to escape the hegemony.
Re-reading this book I felt again the anger and frustration at the blind exercise of power that results in the deaths of innocents and the destruction of cultures in the name of profit. When will it end?
Re-reading this book I felt again the anger and frustration at the blind exercise of power that results in the deaths of innocents and the destruction of cultures in the name of profit. When will it end?
August 24, 2012
Excellent novel- Sharp description that covers a variety of issues within short chapters. Gives you a glimpse into a world that the mainstream media would rather you ignored. Makes you want to discover these places on your own and help these people fight for the freedom that they deserve.
December 30, 2021
John Pilger takes the reader on a journey that he has walked and breathed himself. From the humanitarian crisis of South Africa and Palestine to the human rights abuses of the people of Diego Garcia to India, Pilger presents facts and figures he has uncovered as well as many interviews with the people directly affected. Believing that the public is not shown the complete story of history and the machinations that go on behind the scenes, Pilger presents a body of work and evidence to show the reader that the fairytale may not always be that which is shown on the late-night news or spreads of the daily newspaper.
Freedom Next Time puts in its crosshairs what may be seen as the untold story of the failings of western hegemonic rule. That beyond its own borders, the powers of the USA and to a lesser extent the UK, have corrupted and coerced governments in a number of nations to fall into perpetual war, poverty and denial of human rights for its inhabitants. The role of the USA in the middle east, the UK role in displacing people in Diego Garcia and in India. The sanctioning by these powers for so long the apartheid policies of South Africa as well as the USA’s rally to the war on terrorism and its subsequent effects on the stability and people of Afghanistan.
Pilger puts forward the question of our beliefs in a system that may not be what it has been coated as. Alluding to the industrial-military complex as a protagonist that has perpetuated war for its own gain. The corrupt politicians have happily made deals behind closed doors for their own status and financial benefits at the costs of peoples lives. The lack of balanced media coverage of these issues, which may also be a ‘boys club’ of silence and cheery picked news that sidesteps any real critical debate. Freedom Next Time opens us to the idea that we have to dig deeper into what may be blasted at TVs and really our phone and computer screens. That as much as we may want to believe what we are seeing, we should have the due diligence to ask if it’s the whole truth.
An eye-opening experience, I was happy to find much of Pilger’s arguments holding water. Though Pilger’s wants to show that there can be alternative angles to the news and history there is a fine line walked between the facts and Pilger’s own disdain for the USA and UK as well as mainstream media. In saying this I can wholeheartedly understand the bad taste much of this has left in his mouth, as Pilger has been on the ground and seen this with his own eyes for a number of years. He has seen first-hand the lies perpetuated to sell the masses the truth and the means incorporated to take away any voice of opposition to such activities. Be ready to read the inconvenient truth with Freedom Next Time, and understand cogs of history and global diplomacy are greased with the blood of many.
Freedom Next Time puts in its crosshairs what may be seen as the untold story of the failings of western hegemonic rule. That beyond its own borders, the powers of the USA and to a lesser extent the UK, have corrupted and coerced governments in a number of nations to fall into perpetual war, poverty and denial of human rights for its inhabitants. The role of the USA in the middle east, the UK role in displacing people in Diego Garcia and in India. The sanctioning by these powers for so long the apartheid policies of South Africa as well as the USA’s rally to the war on terrorism and its subsequent effects on the stability and people of Afghanistan.
Pilger puts forward the question of our beliefs in a system that may not be what it has been coated as. Alluding to the industrial-military complex as a protagonist that has perpetuated war for its own gain. The corrupt politicians have happily made deals behind closed doors for their own status and financial benefits at the costs of peoples lives. The lack of balanced media coverage of these issues, which may also be a ‘boys club’ of silence and cheery picked news that sidesteps any real critical debate. Freedom Next Time opens us to the idea that we have to dig deeper into what may be blasted at TVs and really our phone and computer screens. That as much as we may want to believe what we are seeing, we should have the due diligence to ask if it’s the whole truth.
An eye-opening experience, I was happy to find much of Pilger’s arguments holding water. Though Pilger’s wants to show that there can be alternative angles to the news and history there is a fine line walked between the facts and Pilger’s own disdain for the USA and UK as well as mainstream media. In saying this I can wholeheartedly understand the bad taste much of this has left in his mouth, as Pilger has been on the ground and seen this with his own eyes for a number of years. He has seen first-hand the lies perpetuated to sell the masses the truth and the means incorporated to take away any voice of opposition to such activities. Be ready to read the inconvenient truth with Freedom Next Time, and understand cogs of history and global diplomacy are greased with the blood of many.
April 2, 2022
This book gets to the very heart of the way injustice is perpetrated in the world. In the best traditions of investigative journalism, Pilger examines in depth a number of ongoing situations in the world involving exploitation and injustice. The first of these relates to the plight group of islanders evicted from their Chagos island home using blatant deceit and brute force and given so little compensation that they were consigned to a life of penury in Mauritius. Why? So the British could give their American allies an island paradise as a new military base. The fact that most of us have never even heard of the Chagos islanders demonstrates the complicity of the world media in selectively reporting the news we often naively assume to have at least a modicum of impartiality.
The true shock of the book comes with the following chapters, however, where we are systematically shown the perspectives of those who have suffered most in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the war in Afghanistan and since the end of the apartheid regime in South Africa. Did you think the average black South African has more opportunities to get ahead since the end of apartheid? or that the average Afghan woman is much better off since the ousting of the Taliban? I did - but completely erroneously as it turns out.
Pilger combines a concise summary of the facts with vivid snapshots of the situation on the ground in each location. He gives us excerpts from interviews with the victims that allow the reader to get a very personal perspective and juxtaposes these with excerpts from interviews with those responsible for the decisions that brought about the suffering. The combination is powerful and enlightening.
If I were to criticize the book it would be to say firstly that the chapter in India does not have the depth of the other chapters and adds little to the book. Secondly, Pilger very occasionally commits the same sin of telling only part of the truth that he accuses other journalists of. For example, he relates that the US has intervened 72 times in the affairs of other nations, including the overthrow of democratically elected social democracies such as in Guatemala, Brazil, Iran and Chile. I doubt that some of those governments would really have qualified as having been democratically elected by the standards that Pilger himself would apply to democracy. To be fair, this is a rare occurrence in the book and does not in any way detract from the substance of what Pilger has to say.
The true shock of the book comes with the following chapters, however, where we are systematically shown the perspectives of those who have suffered most in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the war in Afghanistan and since the end of the apartheid regime in South Africa. Did you think the average black South African has more opportunities to get ahead since the end of apartheid? or that the average Afghan woman is much better off since the ousting of the Taliban? I did - but completely erroneously as it turns out.
Pilger combines a concise summary of the facts with vivid snapshots of the situation on the ground in each location. He gives us excerpts from interviews with the victims that allow the reader to get a very personal perspective and juxtaposes these with excerpts from interviews with those responsible for the decisions that brought about the suffering. The combination is powerful and enlightening.
If I were to criticize the book it would be to say firstly that the chapter in India does not have the depth of the other chapters and adds little to the book. Secondly, Pilger very occasionally commits the same sin of telling only part of the truth that he accuses other journalists of. For example, he relates that the US has intervened 72 times in the affairs of other nations, including the overthrow of democratically elected social democracies such as in Guatemala, Brazil, Iran and Chile. I doubt that some of those governments would really have qualified as having been democratically elected by the standards that Pilger himself would apply to democracy. To be fair, this is a rare occurrence in the book and does not in any way detract from the substance of what Pilger has to say.
February 6, 2017
John Pilger is a name seldom heard by an average news follower like myself so when his name was brought up by a colleague as someone with an exemplary reporting of troubled regions in the past few decades, I had to look him up. To my surprise, Mr. Pilger has reported extensively across the globe and has produced numerous documentaries. He is in the same league of pacifists as Robert Fisk, whom I greatly admire.
In this book, Pilger has taken example of 5 countries/states who have achieved (read: granted) their freedom (save one) but are still not independent. Colonialism, capitalism and neo-liberalism agendas are not letting these countries break free from their shackles. Each chapter goes into detail of how growth of their people is hindered because their governments are in cahoots with the capitalist agendas. There is a chapter each for Diego Garcia (I had to look up these islands in google maps to see where they lie so you can easily understand the number of people knowing their plight), India, Palestine, South Africa & Afghanistan. Since I consider myself well versed in Middle eastern history and affairs therefore personally I was more interested in DG & South Africa and why their freedom is still awaited per Pilger. It was interesting to read in detail about the Truth & Reconciliation Commission so commonly cited by politicians of my country whenever there is talk of looking forward and building the country. South Africans I know, from my single visit to SA, are very critical of their government on matters of infrastructure, growth, equality and land distribution. This book greatly increased my understanding as to why.
Many parts of this book are conversations/interviews and thus would serve better in a documentary than a book. Recommended for someone wanting a refresher on what is wrong with today's world and not just terrorism aspect of the problem. Overall 4 stars.
In this book, Pilger has taken example of 5 countries/states who have achieved (read: granted) their freedom (save one) but are still not independent. Colonialism, capitalism and neo-liberalism agendas are not letting these countries break free from their shackles. Each chapter goes into detail of how growth of their people is hindered because their governments are in cahoots with the capitalist agendas. There is a chapter each for Diego Garcia (I had to look up these islands in google maps to see where they lie so you can easily understand the number of people knowing their plight), India, Palestine, South Africa & Afghanistan. Since I consider myself well versed in Middle eastern history and affairs therefore personally I was more interested in DG & South Africa and why their freedom is still awaited per Pilger. It was interesting to read in detail about the Truth & Reconciliation Commission so commonly cited by politicians of my country whenever there is talk of looking forward and building the country. South Africans I know, from my single visit to SA, are very critical of their government on matters of infrastructure, growth, equality and land distribution. This book greatly increased my understanding as to why.
Many parts of this book are conversations/interviews and thus would serve better in a documentary than a book. Recommended for someone wanting a refresher on what is wrong with today's world and not just terrorism aspect of the problem. Overall 4 stars.
September 15, 2018
A great book because it was able to shake this reader so hard he had to put it down from time to time because he found it so disturbing. If you want to know about Palestine, Afghanistan, South Africa, even a place called the Chago Islands (which I, must admit, I had never heard of) and more familiar places such as India, then read this book. It was, essentially, mind blowing.
This person bought it mainly to read about Palestine and Afghanistan and to try to understand why people could some of the most inhuman, barbaric and disgusting things to each other and this book certainly achieved that. Be warned that some of the writing is NOT pleasant reading and it brought tears to this readers eyes; It made him feel sick to the bottom of stomach and found parts of it too disturbing to complete. It certainly explained why some of the young Israeli men act the way they do. This person had some personal experience dealing with them while he visited India a few years ago. So, he now understands to some degree more why they are so rude, brash, arrogant, aloof and lazy. When you're conscripted into the army and then ordered (with no reason given) to prevent pregnant Palestinian women from crossing a check point who then loose their babies, it has got to leave a scar on your conscious.
You will also find the themes of 'ethnic cleansing', 'military occupation', 'occupied territories' and 'civilian massacres' are prevalent throughout the book. Like I said, it's a book not for the faint hearted. Extensively researched, powerfully argued and unwaveringly told. 5 STARS.
This person bought it mainly to read about Palestine and Afghanistan and to try to understand why people could some of the most inhuman, barbaric and disgusting things to each other and this book certainly achieved that. Be warned that some of the writing is NOT pleasant reading and it brought tears to this readers eyes; It made him feel sick to the bottom of stomach and found parts of it too disturbing to complete. It certainly explained why some of the young Israeli men act the way they do. This person had some personal experience dealing with them while he visited India a few years ago. So, he now understands to some degree more why they are so rude, brash, arrogant, aloof and lazy. When you're conscripted into the army and then ordered (with no reason given) to prevent pregnant Palestinian women from crossing a check point who then loose their babies, it has got to leave a scar on your conscious.
You will also find the themes of 'ethnic cleansing', 'military occupation', 'occupied territories' and 'civilian massacres' are prevalent throughout the book. Like I said, it's a book not for the faint hearted. Extensively researched, powerfully argued and unwaveringly told. 5 STARS.
June 26, 2025
Freedom next time charts the deep inequalities within different nations - Israel, South Africa, and India are just some of the examples used in the book.
The chapters cover each nation in varying depth (Mumbai is covered in a few pages, whereas South Africa and Israel are across hundreds of pages) - which has been identified as a weakness, but I think the overall flow and content of the book make up for it.
Despite being written in 2006, much of Pilger’s points remain pertinent even today - you just have to turn on the news to be reminded of it.
The chapters cover each nation in varying depth (Mumbai is covered in a few pages, whereas South Africa and Israel are across hundreds of pages) - which has been identified as a weakness, but I think the overall flow and content of the book make up for it.
Despite being written in 2006, much of Pilger’s points remain pertinent even today - you just have to turn on the news to be reminded of it.
September 21, 2017
The dark story of the Chagos Islands removals, the Palestinian occupation, post-Apartheid South Africa and other sad aspects of 2oth century man, told by this veteran reporter whose work in bringing light to bear on many of the world's great crimes and tragedies is surely colossal. Sad but readable truths which have long been swept under various carpets by the elites and the world media that protects them...
November 15, 2024
Brilliant, fact based read
A wonderfully insightful series of articles. John Pilger gives a voice to the victims of terrorism. He solidly fact checks his supporting evidence to give it the correct context. It is telling that none of the powerful organisations he investigates try to disprove his findings.
A wonderfully insightful series of articles. John Pilger gives a voice to the victims of terrorism. He solidly fact checks his supporting evidence to give it the correct context. It is telling that none of the powerful organisations he investigates try to disprove his findings.
September 1, 2017
Only major problem is that, the author had already synthesized his opinion about the topics and made his research on facts only to justify it. Otherwise he gives a new light into topics mentioned. A must for any journalist.
April 20, 2018
Infuriating. Despite my desire to disprove and uncover flaws in Pilger's reporting, and hope our leaders aren't nearly as corrupt as they appear to be, I am consistently unable to do so. Another great book by this inspirational journalist. We need more John Pilger's.
November 14, 2022
An honest look at Five crucial areas of foreign policy. Juan Diego, Afghanistan, Palestine/Israel, South African apartheid and India. Stuff you would not know through only reading US mainstream media.
May 8, 2025
Even though this book is almost 20 years old now, it's quite apt even today.
The first chapter covers the Chagos islands which has been a hot topic of late, something I never knew about.
The corruption of the world is off the scale, the USA plays a huge part in that.
The first chapter covers the Chagos islands which has been a hot topic of late, something I never knew about.
The corruption of the world is off the scale, the USA plays a huge part in that.
October 24, 2016
As Chomsky said: a beacon of light in dark times. Though this book will show you how many supposed beacons of light in the modern world are actually places of darkness. Freedom Next Time. Indeed.
April 5, 2021
One of the most imporant books that every one should read
July 25, 2021
In depth and very readable exposé of modern imperialism, geo-political must read.
October 14, 2024
All I can say is I will revisit this book again - I wish John Pilgers books could become prescribed reading for history students.
March 9, 2016
Such a heartbreaking book.
Buku ini menyulut kemarahan dan kesedihan. Kemarahan pada dunia. Pada kenyataan dan kebenaran yang harus dihadapi sehari-hari. Marah pada diri sendiri yang tidak bisa melakukan apa-apa untuk memperjuangkan kebenaran itu. Marah karena kepengecutan diri sendiri.
Aku baru baca sampai pada bagian kedua. Bagian pertama tentang penduduk Diego Garcia yang diusir dari pulau tempat tinggalnya karena pulau itu dijadikan pangkalan laut Amerika Serikat di Samudra Hindia. John Pilger menceritakan tentang anak-anak dan perempuan-perempuan yang mati karena kesedihan yang begitu dalam. Jantungku agak sesak, dan nafasku lebih cepat dari biasanya. Tapi tetap kuteruskan membaca.
Bagian kedua tentang pendudukan Israel pada Palestina, yang sejak empat puluh tahun terakhir sejak kedatangan Pilger ke Palestina, keadaan tidak ada yang berubah. Dia bilang, tidak ada negara di dunia ini yg menikmati kekebalan hukum seperti Israel, yg bisa melakukan kejahatan apapun tanpa sanksi. The undisputed world champion violator of international war. Aku berhenti membaca di tengah tengan bagian kedua ini. Aku butuh menenangkan diri. Dan menuliskannya di sini.
Bagian ketiga, tentang kota-kota India yang mau meledak karena terlalu banyak orang, dan di terlalu banyak itu, sebagian besar miskin. Aku masih bersyukur aku tinggal di Indonesia.
Bagian keempat, kukira tentang Apartheid di Afrika Selatan. Ya memang tentang itu, tapi apartheid tidak selesai begitu Mandela dibebaskan lalu menjadi presiden demokratis pertama Afrika Selatan lalu melakukan rekonsiliasi antara kulit hitam dan kulit putih. Kukira sudah selesai sampai sana ceritanya. Tapi Pilger bercerita ternyata Apartheid masih berlangsung, setidaknya bukan apartheid antar ras, tapi sekarang antar kelas. Well, aku agak gak begitu paham karena konteksnya yang baru bagiku.
Bagian kelima menceritakan Afghanistan. Untungnya sebelum ini aku sudah membaca Titik Nol dan Selimut Debu - Agustinus Wibowo sebelumnya, jadi aku bisa paham konteks di bagian ini. Bahwa keruntuhan Taliban tidak serta merta membebaskan penduduknya dari kemiskinan.
Kesemua hal itulah yang menyatukan kelima negara-negara ini menjadi satu, Freedom Next Time. Bahasan mengenai kebebasan bisa dibicarakan lain kali.
Buku ini menyulut kemarahan dan kesedihan. Kemarahan pada dunia. Pada kenyataan dan kebenaran yang harus dihadapi sehari-hari. Marah pada diri sendiri yang tidak bisa melakukan apa-apa untuk memperjuangkan kebenaran itu. Marah karena kepengecutan diri sendiri.
Aku baru baca sampai pada bagian kedua. Bagian pertama tentang penduduk Diego Garcia yang diusir dari pulau tempat tinggalnya karena pulau itu dijadikan pangkalan laut Amerika Serikat di Samudra Hindia. John Pilger menceritakan tentang anak-anak dan perempuan-perempuan yang mati karena kesedihan yang begitu dalam. Jantungku agak sesak, dan nafasku lebih cepat dari biasanya. Tapi tetap kuteruskan membaca.
Bagian kedua tentang pendudukan Israel pada Palestina, yang sejak empat puluh tahun terakhir sejak kedatangan Pilger ke Palestina, keadaan tidak ada yang berubah. Dia bilang, tidak ada negara di dunia ini yg menikmati kekebalan hukum seperti Israel, yg bisa melakukan kejahatan apapun tanpa sanksi. The undisputed world champion violator of international war. Aku berhenti membaca di tengah tengan bagian kedua ini. Aku butuh menenangkan diri. Dan menuliskannya di sini.
Bagian ketiga, tentang kota-kota India yang mau meledak karena terlalu banyak orang, dan di terlalu banyak itu, sebagian besar miskin. Aku masih bersyukur aku tinggal di Indonesia.
Bagian keempat, kukira tentang Apartheid di Afrika Selatan. Ya memang tentang itu, tapi apartheid tidak selesai begitu Mandela dibebaskan lalu menjadi presiden demokratis pertama Afrika Selatan lalu melakukan rekonsiliasi antara kulit hitam dan kulit putih. Kukira sudah selesai sampai sana ceritanya. Tapi Pilger bercerita ternyata Apartheid masih berlangsung, setidaknya bukan apartheid antar ras, tapi sekarang antar kelas. Well, aku agak gak begitu paham karena konteksnya yang baru bagiku.
Bagian kelima menceritakan Afghanistan. Untungnya sebelum ini aku sudah membaca Titik Nol dan Selimut Debu - Agustinus Wibowo sebelumnya, jadi aku bisa paham konteks di bagian ini. Bahwa keruntuhan Taliban tidak serta merta membebaskan penduduknya dari kemiskinan.
Kesemua hal itulah yang menyatukan kelima negara-negara ini menjadi satu, Freedom Next Time. Bahasan mengenai kebebasan bisa dibicarakan lain kali.
September 25, 2007
While I like Pilger's non-mainstream approach to international affairs, I found his analysis less groundbreaking than it had been made out to be (by public opinion, I suppose). I suppose it'd have been much more powerful had I read this in HS (assuming it had been released at that time)--but that hardly means it isn't important!
I do take issue with some of his characterizations of Afghan society/history, though, and I would have liked to have seen more on the question of 'gender apartheid' in post-2001 (ie, not post-Taliban...) Afghanistan.
Also, though I do appreciate that Pilger includes in his reporting interviews with ordinary people (and not just functionaries, whether more or less powerful), I found some of the questions he posed somewhat patronizing and reductionist.
Generally speaking, though, I would recommend this.
I do take issue with some of his characterizations of Afghan society/history, though, and I would have liked to have seen more on the question of 'gender apartheid' in post-2001 (ie, not post-Taliban...) Afghanistan.
Also, though I do appreciate that Pilger includes in his reporting interviews with ordinary people (and not just functionaries, whether more or less powerful), I found some of the questions he posed somewhat patronizing and reductionist.
Generally speaking, though, I would recommend this.
April 28, 2015
This book rips away any kind of faith you might have remaining in the functionality of our world. Ugliness seems to rule and rape anything of true value and purpose and replaces it with greed and violence. The author tries to encourage the reader to see the silver lining in it all by seeing how people have summoned courage to forgive and to fight back in peaceful ways. I see what he is saying, but the sorrowful events are so large and so bad, it is hard to see anything through the anger and frustration. Why does it have to be like this? That is the answer we need and the answer that never comes. A worthwhile read, but depressing ad hell.
November 30, 2024
An alternative to the authorised history that censors by omission, Strips away the comfort between the newsworthy and non newsworthy.
The evil of Saddam=Newsworthy
The failure of Mandela’s ANC=Non newsworthy
From the success of the Taliban in removing opium production, To the British government's fifty years torture of the British citizens of Diego Garcia, Twined with the always newsworthy citizens of the Falklands.
Stories from the dim flame of history. ‘Freedom next time’
The evil of Saddam=Newsworthy
The failure of Mandela’s ANC=Non newsworthy
From the success of the Taliban in removing opium production, To the British government's fifty years torture of the British citizens of Diego Garcia, Twined with the always newsworthy citizens of the Falklands.
Stories from the dim flame of history. ‘Freedom next time’
October 24, 2014
كتاب مفيد جدا و متنوع
انا كل معلوماتي عن دييغو غارسيا انه ممكن يكون لاعب لكرة القدم
الحرية في المرة القادمة
عنوان مناسب بشكل غريب
فهذا النظام الغريب (العالمي))
اسلوبه واحد في كل المناطق
هم يلوحون فقط بالحرية
و لكن حريتهم لعنة تحل عليك فتأسرك عمرك بأكمله
تظل تطاردك لعنتهم
و يظل اسمك في العلن حرا
و هم صانعو الحرية
و لكن عذرا الحرية في المرة القادمة
انا كل معلوماتي عن دييغو غارسيا انه ممكن يكون لاعب لكرة القدم
الحرية في المرة القادمة
عنوان مناسب بشكل غريب
فهذا النظام الغريب (العالمي))
اسلوبه واحد في كل المناطق
هم يلوحون فقط بالحرية
و لكن حريتهم لعنة تحل عليك فتأسرك عمرك بأكمله
تظل تطاردك لعنتهم
و يظل اسمك في العلن حرا
و هم صانعو الحرية
و لكن عذرا الحرية في المرة القادمة
February 4, 2017
A very important book, but oddly balanced. The section on India felt misplaced and shallow, whilst the section on South Africa could really be expanded into its own book.
Extremely dense though. A lot to absorb. It's taken me around 4 months to read, because you can only handle 30-40 pages at a time before the information stops going in.
Extremely dense though. A lot to absorb. It's taken me around 4 months to read, because you can only handle 30-40 pages at a time before the information stops going in.
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