TESSA MULLER WRITES — Afghanistan’s economy is hugely dependent on the illicit poppy trade. This was true throughout the 20-year war with the US, and it continues to be true in the aftermath of U.S. troop withdrawal. One hundred days after the official withdrawal date, the Taliban now controls the…
Full Article MIDDLE EAST: THE ILLICIT POPPY TRADE IN AFGHANISTAN
AIDAN SMITH-FAGAN WRITES — After 20 years of war, the Biden administration finally ended the US presence in Afghanistan. And by the end of this year, the US role in Iraq – the second of the America’s 9/11 wars- will be reduced as well. Last July, President Biden announced that…
Full Article UNITED STATES: AS AMERICA ENDS COMBAT OPERATIONS IN IRAQ, WILL BIDEN MOVE TO A FULL MIDDLE EAST WITHDRAWAL?
FRANCESCO FIMIANI WRITES — I’m deeply honored to have had the opportunity to interview Father George Bet-Rasho of St Mary Assyrian Church of the East in Tarzana, CA. Father George gave me a tour of the Church grounds and he explained each biblical reference painted on the walls of the…
Full Article INTERVIEW: HISTORY IN ALL JUSTICE MUST SAVE THE ASSYRIANS
FRANCESCO FIMIANI WRITES — Recently, the Africa and Middle East Regional Forum on Conflict Prevention and the Protection of Human Rights of Minorities concluded its 2021 meeting. Hosted on a virtual platform by The Gambia, the goal of the two-day meeting was to provide “regional insights” to feed into the…
Full Article MIDDLE EAST: CAN CULTURAL DIVERSITY BE PROTECTED IN THE CRADLE OF HUMAN CIVILIZATION?
FRANCESCO FIMIANI WRITES — Climate change continues to prove its catastrophic force. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), every year since 2014 has experienced record breaking heat, with 2020 the second hottest year on record and the 44th consecutive year during which global land and ocean temperatures were…
Full Article MIDDLE EAST: CAN THE PLIGHT OF BEDOUINS TURN UP THE HEAT ON CLIMATE CHANGE?
NAWAF Al-SABAH WRITES — Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah, the Emir of Kuwait, died September 29. Why should the world, not just Kuwaitis, care? The Sheikh left behind him a force for peace and stability as well as improved relationships with allies across the globe. For example, he helped…
Full Article MIDDLE EAST: WHY WE NEED A SHEIKH SABAH
SARA ALTUWAIJRI WRITES – As both an American and Saudi Citizen, I have experienced first-hand how Americans view the outside world. The Western media tends to focus on the negative side when talking about Asia and the Middle East while overlooking positive aspects. For example, there is a common belief that…
Full Article MEDIA: THE WEST VS THE REST
SARA ALTUWAIJRI WRITES – Afghans are under attack in Iran. The war in Afghanistan left many without a home. Having no choice but to flee their country, they sought asylum in Iran, where about 2.5 million, documented and undocumented, live today. They have not found a new home. On May 1st,…
Full Article IRAN: BRUTALITY AGAINST AFGHANS
ROSE RTEIMEH WRITES – In this time of an international public health crisis, with the emergence of COVID-19, it’s all too easy to feel hopeless while quarantined, but medical professionals don’t have that option. The major problems now faced by healthcare systems and professionals are similar to those of war-torn…
Full Article SYRIA: MANAGING AN UNDERGROUND HOSPITAL AMIDST THIS CHAOS
LUCA FRANCINI WRITES — On the 26th of October, Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi was killed by US forces and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces in northwest Syria. This was a massive win for democracy and freedom across the globe. Islamic extremism has caused widespread despair over the past 20 years, as groups like Al-Qaeda…
Full Article MIDDLE EAST: WILL ISIS AND ITS FEARED ALLIES JUST DRONE ON AND ON?
TIA CARR WRITES —For the past three years, US Middle Eastern policy has been unprecedentedly volatile. With ISIS leader Baghdadi now dead following a US military operation, the world, and especially the American public, is left confused — particularly considering America’s history of relatively low-involvement in the Syrian conflict. Clearly,…
Full Article Middle East: SERIOUS WORRIES ABOUT US POLICY GONE SERIOUSLY ASTRAY
NAWAF AL SABAH WRITES– Islam, soon to become the most followed religion worldwide, currently second to Christianity, garners some of the most devout followers. Muslims are committed to daily prayers (salat) on schedule. In Saudi Arabia, for instance, Muslims are mandated to close businesses during prayer time. Unfortunately, this practice…
Full Article SAUDI ARABIA: How Closing Doors during Prayers is Costing Saudi Arabia
SARAH AL MUWAD WRITES– The world’s first operational robot policeman does not need a visa, insurance coverage or hours of training, and is ready to interact with residents and millions of tourists. This body of bolts and nuts, standing at 170 centimetres tall and weighing 100 kilograms, can determine a…
Full Article Dubai: A Global Tech Leader
FAISAL BIN ESSA WRITES — Turning her misfortune into fortune is what Rawan Bin Hussain does. The 22 year-old social media influencer, popular in the Middle East, recently caught pop media attention by catching her boyfriend cheating on video. When Hussain posted the incriminating videos on several of her…
Full Article KUWAIT: TRAIL-BLAZING SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCER CLAIMS VIDEO CAPTURE OF ‘CHEATER’
NAWAF Al-SABAH WRITES– Rahaf Al-Qunun captured international attention at the beginning of the year as she sought to escape her allegedly abusive family. Rahaf, who is Arabian, barricaded herself in a Bangkok airport hotel room to prevent Thai authorities from deporting her. She had been detained at the Bangkok airport…
Full Article SAUDI ARABIA: The Unending Labyrinth of Male Guardianship
MUHAMAD ALOTHMAN WRITES– Kuwait and China signed a Memorandum of Understanding in November of 2018, in Beijing. This non- binding agreement gives Kuwait the opportunity to expand and even become a leading global financial hub in the Gulf. Oil prices, Kuwait’s main source of income, have been declining over the…
Full Article Kuwait: Dreams of ‘Silk City’