Social issues

“Epstein countries” and “Mullah state”

Why the world labels us “Epstein countries”

by Robert Seidel*

(8 May 2026) Should we regard it as pure propaganda when the “West of values” is denounced as “Epstein countries” in other parts of the world? – Of course it is propaganda. – Just as it is propaganda to refer to Iran as a “Mullah State”. Whilst a form of theocracy does indeed prevail in Iran, the informed reader finds it difficult to make sense of the term “Epstein countries”. Why “Epstein countries”? What do we have to do with Epstein? In the countries of the Middle East and the South, they evidently see things differently.

Sanctions kill silently – and miss their mark

On the credibility of neutrality

by Prof. em. Dr. Wolf Linder*

(8 May 2026) Economic sanctions are among the most controversial aspects of the Neutrality Initiative. The false claim continues to circulate that the initiative prohibits all sanctions and deprives Swiss foreign policy of an important instrument.

Switzerland – Cambodia

Milestones of Kantha Bopha Hospitals – yesterday and today

by “Foundation of Children’s Hospitals Kantha Bopha”*

(24 April 2026)The history of the Kantha Bopha hospitals is an impressive chapter in humanitarian aid. In 1992, Swiss paediatricians Beat Richner (1947–2018) and his colleague Peter Studer (1947–2020) rebuilt the hospital in Phnom Penh at the request of the king, which had been reduced to rubble after the war. In 1999, the Jayavarman VII Hospital opened its doors in the north of the country. Today, we care for around 3,000 children every day at both locations, with five hospitals and a maternity clinic, and provide over 2,700 jobs for local people.

“You are important to us, that’s fact!”

Drug prevention with heart and mind

von Dr. med. Sabine Vuilleumier-Koch*

(17 April 2026) “Endlesslife addiction prevention helps to prevent addiction at an early stage and to promote physical, mental and social well-being.” With these words, the association “Endlesslife” from St. Gallen describes what some 120 students at a cantonal school were able to experience at the end of March. Thomas Feurer, founder of the “Endlesslife” organisation (see box), and his team managed to hold the youth’s attention for a whole morning – four hours in total – and motivate them to actively participate.

Social media, young girls and the surveillance state

by Anne Burger*

(10 April 2026) Protecting minors and online anonymity are false contradictions. It is possible both to protect children from social media and to uphold freedom of expression. Both are important.

Solidarity in the village – are we losing something valuable?

by Stephan Laube, local councillor in Felben-Wellhausen (TG)

(27 March 2026) Many of us still remember it: in the village, help was taken for granted. Anyone coming home late from work knew their children could have a meal at a neighbour’s. People would lend each other ladders, tools or cars, without a receipt and without discussion. If someone fell ill or there was a death in the family, a handful of people would turn up at the door – with some soup, time and a listening ear.