Decoder: Why do diplomats matter?
Nations defend themselves with armed forces. But the military alone cannot solve today's crises. Diplomats and "soft power" are needed.
Decoder: Countries renew climate change fight
The next push to combat climate change comes next month in Spain, when more than 190 countries meet to tackle…
Decoder: Who are the Kurdish people?
The Kurds are the world’s largest nation without a state. Yet, when thrust onto the world agenda, questions over the…
Media literacy: Watch out. Shorthand labels can be a trap
Are the Houthis in Yemen "Iran-backed" or "Iran-aligned"? Are Hezbollah members "terrorists" or "liberators"? Labels can make a big difference.
Decoder: Confused about Puerto Rico? You’re not alone
The people of Puerto Rico are U.S. citizens but have no vote in Congress. The island is a U.S. territory,…
Decoder: Why central banks matter so much
Central banks are among the world's most powerful institutions, but often operate in the shadows. What do they do? And…
From Flopnik and shame to a man on the moon
It's been 50 years since the U.S. put a man on the moon. It's worth recalling how the U.S. lagged…
Decoder: Why abortion is more than a political debate
Abortion is wrapped up in politics in many nations including the U.S. But one in four pregnancies ends in abortion,…
Decoder: U.S.-Iran ties impaled on the past
Why are the U.S. and Iran at daggers drawn while Donald Trump has vowed to pull troops out of foreign…
Vaccines: Here’s the truth amid many myths
Some people think there is a global conspiracy to promote harmful vaccines. But doctors and health experts agree: Vaccines are…