Violence, cruelty, and corruption run rampant in many authoritarian governments and play decisive roles in upholding their power. It is, therefore, much easier to overlook the subtler tactics responsible for these institutions’ impervious power. For better or worse, some of … Continue reading
Category: Middle East
Migrant Labourer Abuse and the FIFA World Cup in Qatar
As thrilling as the lure of the World Cup might be, it has now been disturbingly tainted by thousands of reports of labour abuses against migrant workers.
Internet Shutdowns Amidst Iranian Protests: So What?
Although the extreme force being used against Iranian citizens by police is in itself horrific, Iranian authorities have exacerbated these effects and further oppressed its population by hindering communications through restricting landlines, mobile usage, internet, and social media platforms.
The Axis of Evil: America’s Interference with “Rogue States”
As shown by the history of the Cold War, the threat of mutually assured destruction is the most effective way to deter the United States from forcing its influence upon a sovereign nation. If any other country were in their shoes, they would be foolish not to do the same. Not only is the United States utterly ill-suited to perform the role of world police, they are perhaps the most powerful rogue state to ever exist.
Dubai’s Artificial Islands : Cutting Edge Innovation or Ecological Disaster?
Dubai’s relationship to the environment is problematic as its avant-guardist ambitions clash with the persistence of a sustainable environment and, therefore, a sustainable future. Among other practices, the artificial islands off the coast of the city have grave environmental consequences, such as excessive use of natural resources, the slow decline of biodiversity, along with the extinction of wildlife and vegetation.
The Yemeni Genocide: Saudi Arabia’s Drone War
The Yemeni Civil War is an ongoing conflict that has produced enormous instability and destruction in Yemen. In particular, the Saudi Arabian-led aerial bombing campaign has resulted in immense devastation within the region, giving rise to numerous civilian casualties and … Continue reading
Tunisia Makes History with First Female Prime Minister in the Arab World
Given the task of forming the new government, Bouden’s cabinet includes twenty-five members including nine women aside from the Prime Minister, marking hope for a social change in women’s rights in Tunisia as well as for the Arab world.
Afghanistan: Where the Climate Crisis and Gender Inequality Intersect
Afghanistan is facing a major crisis as millions of Afghans risk running out of food before winter arrives. In August, the Taliban takeover exacerbated economic instability, causing an exponential increase in food prices and displacing 3.5 million Afghans.
Lebanon’s Seemingly Endless Search for Stability
Today, Lebanon is feeling the effects of a war it is fighting against no one, but itself. Its economy has plummeted and social unrest has been a key repercussion of everything that has gone on over the past two years. A sense of lawlessness has erupted and altercations between different ethnic groups have become increasingly prevalent for the first time in over 30 years, corresponding to the end of the last major internal crisis the nation of Lebanon has dealt with.
What’s Next for Afghanistan Refugees?
Afghan citizens and their families who provided help to Western allies are to become refugees in those nations through resettlement programs; others remain in hiding in the country under threat of death. But for those who fled, one question remains: what comes next for Afghan refugees?