“The atmosphere blew me away.” Giuliana represented Denmark at the model United Nations and quickly learned the arts of diplomacy. Here I am (center) with the delegations of Slovenia, Seychelles and Senegal. (Photo by Pascal Monteville) “It’s 2048 or...
Diplomatic deference or crass kowtowing? Italy’s decision to cover up nude statues during a visit by Iran’s president provokes scorn, glee and irony. A covered statue at Rome’s Capitoline Museums, 25 January 2016 (EPA/Giuseppe Lami) Supreme diplomatic...
By Monika Pronczuk The tide of refugees fleeing to Europe from wars in the Middle East and elsewhere has sparked strong reactions, much of it hostile. But for some of us, it has been a life-changing, positive experience. It all started in October, when together with...
The execution of a Muslim cleric has inflamed an ancient sectarian rift dividing two Mideast powers — Saudi Arabia and Iran. An Iranian woman holds up a poster showing Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr, Tehran, 4 January 2016. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi) In the Muslim world, the...
After the refugees crossed the border, we offered them warm coffee, and their expressions changed completely. Monika Pronczuk is a Polish national who spent the end-of-year holidays greeting refugees near the border between Serbia and Macedonia. We are a group of...
For the past six months, News-Decoder has been working out of the offices of a terrific French not-for-profit called Aventure du Bout du Monde (ABM). For 28 years, ABM has been a valuable resource for globetrotters who seek out exotic destinations. Every year, ABM...
Should the U.S. intervene more aggressively in Syria? History tells us it could lead to mistakes. And blocking immigrants would betray U.S. values. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (L) and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry (R) flank UN Special Envoy for Syria...
By Rashad Mammadov Saudi Arabia has announced it will lead a coalition of 34 Muslim countries with a single, proclaimed goal — to fight radical Islamism. The geography of the new alliance is impressive: it extends across three continents, from the Atlantic Ocean...
By Pauline Bock I’m what they call a “millennial.” I am also a journalist. So of course I read it on Twitter first. “Shootings in Paris.” I didn’t have any plans on Friday night. I had to get up early the next morning and was getting ready for bed when my news...
Can increased air strikes by a U.S.-led coalition and a few hundred special forces bring the Islamic State into submission in Syria and Iraq? Air strike by the U.S.-led coalition in Kobani, Syria, 20 October 2014.(AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis, File) Can a growing...