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Africa’s colonial history explains present challenges
When former colonizers claim their due, they get repaid. But when Africans do the same, they’re told to forget about the past and look to the future.
For peace in Afghanistan, we need all at the table
After years of conflict, Afghanistan yearns for peace. The best forum would bring the government and Taliban together in a grand assembly.
Decoder: Making sense of the India-Pakistan flare-up
A decades-long conflict over Kashmir escalated rapidly last week. Here’s why fights between India and Pakistan matter to the world.
News-Decoder quiz: Decoder Challenge
Are you worthy of being a foreign minister? Ambassador? Policy maker? Or more simply — have you been paying attention? Test your knowledge with our latest quiz — the Decoder...
China’s influence on Africa is growing. Where does it lead?
Africa has entered a new era of relations with China. Our cultural and economic landscape is shifting. Do Africans benefit from these changes?
The lesser evil: An Afghan youth on the Taliban peace talks
Afghanistan is in peace talks. Governance by the government would be bad, governance by the Taliban worse. Afghans must resist fundamentalism.
Decoder: What is Taiwan? An island? A country?
Taiwan is an economic powerhouse caught between China and the United States, facing an uncertain future: Independence, subjugation or status quo?
Populists run into trouble as Italy drifts
Populists are riding high in Italy’s uneasy governing coalition and challenging Europe’s status quo. Meanwhile, Italy suffers from inertia and policy drift.
Shedding light on the dark side of teen dating: dating violence
The U.S. is raising awareness about teen dating violence, which is often hidden from parents and a risk factor for future problems.
Saudi Arabia splurges on entertainment. To what end?
The kingdom is spending billions on its entertainment industry, hosting the likes of Mariah Carey, Cristiano Ronaldo and golf pros. What’s in it for Saudis?
Decoder Spotlight: Daisy Lawrence of The Thacher School
Daisy Lawrence of The Thacher School in California wins this month’s “Decoder in the Spotlight” award for her strong reporting and leadership.
Why eating local is a controversial way to fight climate change
Eating local seems a great way to fight climate change. So why have politicians stopped pushing the issue? And why have corporations taken it up?
Decoder: How Iran’s revolution led to an Islamic theocracy
Revolutions lead in uncertain directions. Today, the effects of Iran’s revolution are still being felt on geopolitics, women’s rights and global conflict.
Watch: Experts tell us how to make farming sustainable
We spoke to experts who told us how farming and individuals need to change to protect the environment and food security. Here’s our video.
I may disagree with you. But I defend your right to protest
A standoff in Washington involving high school students, a Native American and Hebrew Israelites offers many lessons — not all of them gloomy.
It isn’t easy migrating to America. Three refugees’ stories
The plight of these “Lost Boys” didn’t stop after they escaped danger. They’re U.S. citizens today but wrestle with what it means to succeed in America.
The Iranian Revolution remembered, 40 years on
Four decades ago, News-Decoder correspondent John Rogers witnessed one of the defining moments of the 20th century – the Iranian Revolution.
Decoder: How the Paradox of Plenty impoverished Venezuela
Venezuela’s collapse predates Maduro and Chavez. Venezuela is afflicted by the “paradox of plenty” — oil abundance has impoverished the nation.
Decoder: Making sense of Brexit and the Irish backstop
Theresa May is racing to negotiate a Brexit accord that the UK Parliament can support. Our decoder explains why the deal hinges on the Irish backstop.
China’s population is falling. That may not be good
Instead of having too many babies, China is now having too few. A declining population is increasingly referred to in apocalyptic terms.
Listen: Horses use tons of water. My school is on top of it
In drought-plagued California, my environmentally-conscious school is reducing the millions of gallons of water its 120 horses use each year.
Rugby a rare source of unity as Brexit sows division
Ireland’s rugby team has a history of persevering through conflict. As Brexit reopens old wounds, rugby unites players and fans across borders.
What’s the Brexit “backstop”? And why does it matter?
It’s a term taken from cricket and baseball. Now, a “backstop” holds the key to Britain’s messy exit from the European Union.
Corruption is hurting democracy and human rights
Corruption fuels a vicious cycle. It undermines democracy and human rights, and weak institutions cannot control corruption.
The far right could shake up Europe’s parliament
Europe faces a moment of truth in May. Voters will choose a new parliament, and far-right parties and populists could make big gains.
Terrorism is spreading around the world. Can it be halted?
Fewer people are being killed by terrorism. But more countries are being hit, and more and more people consider violence against civilians justifiable.
Democracy is in crisis. Time to fight back.
Threatened by populists and “fake news,” democracy is in crisis. But it remains better than alternatives — and a holy grail for states ditching dictators.
Two young hires to add firepower to News-Decoder
A funding drive and a major donation have enabled News-Decoder to hire two new employees to help the not-for-profit extend its global reach.
Trump to the world: When America “wins,” you lose
Donald Trump has thumbed his nose at norms governing U.S. behavior towards the world. He inhabits a Hobbesian space of all-against-all.
In 40 years, I’ve seen China come so far. And yet …
China has exploded to superpower status since I lived there 40 years ago. On a recent visit, the progress was unmistakable. But so were shortcomings.
Hong Kong students: unhappy over-achievers
Hong Kong has a strong educational system. But its students are unhappy over the burden of work, and more and more are taking their own lives.
Leveraging technology to keep Indian women safe
Indian women are turning to smartphone apps to protect against sexual violence. But is technology the answer — or will it end up being a scapegoat?
Fighting climate change, photo by photo
Rocco Danese wants to fight climate change, and he loves photography. He combines those passions in these glimpses of New York’s skyline.
Journalists: Solitary stretcher-bearers or guiding lights?
Journalists practice a dangerous craft and now are accused of peddling fake news. With the world facing annihilation, is it worth plying that trade?
Climate change has come to my school in California
My school and California are suffering high temperatures and low rainfall. I hope my photos help the fight against climate change.
France’s “gilets jaunes” send shivers through Europe
France’s “gilets jaunes” movement has forced President Macron to offer concessions. And the yellow vests are sending shock waves across Europe.
Pigs for cows? How Africa gets climate aid wrong
There’s no shortage of good will to help Africans cope with the effects of global warming. But climate aid is often misdirected — or never reaches target.
French debacle lays bare pros and cons of carbon tax
There’s agreement greenhouse gases must be cut. But France has had to scrap a key tactic — a carbon tax — in its fight against climate change.
Livelihood and Scarcity: Water in East Africa
Extreme weather due to climate change is wreaking havoc on East Africans who depend on the soil, rivers and lakes to survive.
Decoder Spotlight: Clio Morrison of Friends Seminary
Clio Morrison of Friends Seminary in the U.S. wins this month’s “Decoder in the Spotlight” award for her leadership and reporting for News-Decoder.
Listen: China steps forward as U.S. steps back
China is spreading its wings with its One Belt One Road initiative as an inward-looking U.S. turns the screws on trade. Will globalization be a victim?
Negotiators hunt band-aid for Yemen’s agony
Yemen is the poorest Arab nation, caught in the world’s worst humanitarian disaster. But can UN-brokered talks in Sweden stave off mass starvation?
It’s not all bad news on the income front
Income inequality is spurring populist movements. But income growth has curbed poverty in many areas, and wealth can hold the key to equality.
Yellow vest protests rattle France — and Europe
A surprise uprising of “yellow vests” in France has forced authorities to backtrack on a climate change policy, sparked riots and rattled the government.
Climate change: What’s happening on the ground?
Schools and local authorities are adopting a mix of strategies to fight climate change, students from three News-Decoder partner schools report.
Listen: Standing up for gay rights in Israel
Israel is the most gay-friendly nation in the Middle East. But it’s not perfect. Listen to two activists discuss their work to uphold gay rights in Israel.
Vulnerable New York hunkers down for future storms
One of the most exposed port cities in the world, New York is still recovering from a 2012 hurricane and taking steps to prepare for big, future storms.
Listen: Who are the victims of the Venezuelan crisis?
Venezuelan citizens scrounge for food and medicine while prices soar. Where is the formerly prosperous oil exporter, now in crisis, headed?
Climate emergency mired in economic & political upheavals
Climate change is wreaking havoc. But skeptics remain, while economic and political instability make it hard for political leaders to take tough decisions.
New York turns urban jungle against global warming
From plants on roofs to huge ice tanks, New York is devising creative solutions to cut emissions from its main greenhouse gas culprit — buildings.