Newsfeed
For a change, good news from Arabia
Good news from the Gulf: the United Arab Emirates is striving to close the knowledge gap with the West and restore Arab learning to its past glory.
Letter from Italy: Reminders of a dark history
Few tourists enjoying Italy’s summer season realize the country has survived a dark history of violence that shook its foundations not so long ago.
Brexit: Worrying apathy among young
The odds of Britain staying in the EU have strengthened. But there is worrying apathy among younger people, who could make the difference.
U.S.-Vietnam ties warm as China asserts itself
Four decades after the end of a failed U.S. war in Vietnam, President Obama has halted an arms embargo that was one of the conflict’s last remnants.
The West shares blame for Putin
Vladimir Putin is a product of Russian society and power-hungry friends. But the West has helped make him what he is by its treatment of Russia.
No end to information war in Ukraine
An information battle between Ukraine and Russia has brought out the worst in their media machines. It’s time for a Ukraine with an independent media.
Society’s image of beauty
“Society sets high expectations for beauty. We need to realize we are all beautiful in our own form.” – Photographer Alexandra Hawley
Why Ukraine Matters
The conflict in Ukraine has propelled U.S.-Russian relations to their lowest point since the Cold War and soured Russia’s ties with Europe.
Lessons from the retaking of Palmyra
The recapture of Palmyra does not guarantee Assad’s survival, but it does offer important lessons in how to defeat the Islamic State.
Is Brexit a threat to peace in Northern Ireland?
The prospect of Britain quitting the European Union has raised concerns of a return to sectarian violence in British-ruled Northern Ireland.
Will Taiwan’s new chief bid for independence?
For the first time, Taiwan has a pro-independence president and parliament. But will they throw caution to the winds?
U.S. “flyover country” sends election signal
The U.S. heartland — “flyover country” — is sending surprising signals about the presidential election and disenchanted voters.
Wealth and poverty share a British town
Despite its rich history and glamorous look, Bournemouth is a British town where poverty and wealth co-exist, cheek by jowl.
Lawsuit against U.S. torture advances
A lawsuit against torture advances as a U.S. judge rules that two government contractors can be sued for brutal interrogation tactics used in Washington’s “war against terror.”
Climate change and terrorism
Climate change has contributed to the Syrian conflict and human trafficking. It’s time to acknowledge its link to terrorism.
Taiwan: Living in limbo
Taiwan lives in mainland China’s shadow. Its citizens are content for now to live in diplomatic limbo. Any change in sentiment would have global repercussions.
Syrian conflict: Students Speak Out
Students from three continents discussed the causes and effects of Syria’s civil war — and the outlook for peace — during a global round table organized by News-Decoder.
China’s trash dilemma
Mountains of garbage encircling Beijing tell the story of a country whose infrastructure has not kept pace with its growing economy or population.
Saudi Arabia eyes a future without oil
Saudi Arabia, the world’s biggest oil exporter, is reshaping its economy in a world of low petroleum prices amid an unprecedented generational change.
World of senseless violence, selfless good
Will I become used to the senseless violence, the hatred and the terror I see in the world?
Behind bars and vote? Britain split
Should prisoners be allowed to vote? Britain may be out of step with the rest of Europe, but it still balks at allowing those behind bars to cast a ballot.
Faces of Syria’s refugees
Suddenly, the numbers I had read about had names, faces and stories. Once again, I understood that no one, including Syria’s refugees, runs voluntarily away from home.
Jordan expands — and disturbs
Jordan’s capital is expanding and growing. But at what price for nature and our sense of beauty?
Young Americans sour on capitalism
Young Americans are falling out of love with capitalism, according to a new poll that shows many have little faith in politics.
Wanting to leave but nowhere to go
An American student visits the Middle East’s biggest refugee camp for Syrians in Jordan and discovers a restless and generous people.
Debt, healthcare costs drive youth to Bernie
Worries over student loan debt and healthcare costs are driving millennials to call for change — and to back Bernie Sanders for the U.S. presidency.
Frantic boat people on a Greek shore
Boat people fleeing war, oppression and poverty wash up on a Greek island after braving a dangerous sea crossing from Turkey. John Cottrell reports from Lesvos.
Terror attacks and the rise of nationalism
Terrorist attacks in Paris and Brussels have fanned fear and hatred. That’s what the terrorists want. We must not give in.
Hiroshima buildings preserve A-bomb legacy
As Hiroshima survivors age and die, the city’s desire to preserve architectural memories of the atomic bomb grows stronger.
Castonzo, Turinksy win News-Decoder contest
Danielle Castonzo of Indiana University and Ivy Turinsky of School Year Abroad France have won News-Decoder’s writing contest.
Eight ways to build a global community
Here are some simple steps to help us build News-Decoder’s global community. They’re for free!
Watch out for anti-Islam language
Beware misconceptions about Islam that can mar Western accounts of society and politics in Muslim-majority nations, an expert tells News-Decoder.
Why I signed the anti-Trump letter
James Clad joined more than 120 Republican foreign policy experts in denouncing Donald Trump. Here’s why it was such an extraordinary rebuke.
Here comes Emma Bapt, our new intern
Get ready to hear from Emma Bapt, News-Decoder’s intern. The university student has listed topics we should examine and proposed new initiatives.
Crossing the Atlantic for Bernie Sanders
Flore and Clément left their native France to campaign for Bernie Sanders. Their account offers a glimpse of why the Vermont senator is attracting strong support among young voters.
Genocide conviction puts focus on global justice
The conviction of former Bosnian leader Radovan Karadžić for genocide has brought into sharp focus fledgling international efforts to prosecute crimes against humanity.
Watch out Americans. Cricket is coming.
It’s quintessentially English. But Americans are about to see a jazzed-up version of cricket, and TV companies are rubbing their hands.
Fighting erupts between ex-Soviet states in Caucasus
A frozen conflict between two former Soviet states, Azerbaijan and Armenia, flared up unexpectedly last week in the Caucasus. The potential for a major clash remains high.
A rising China is not a threat to the world
China is not necessarily a threat to the rest of the world and has done more to reduce poverty within its borders than any country in history.
Veteran journalist named News-Decoder editor
Veteran journalist Robert Holloway, formerly with Agence France-Presse, has joined News-Decoder as editor, bringing vast experience and a worldly perspective to our not-for-profit venture.
Hope in an age of mounting fear
Are you depressed by doomsday forecasts that see our planet and species hurtling irreversibly towards disaster? A French documentary film offers hope in an age of fear.
Uganda’s corruption comes home to roost
For decades, corruption has prevented basic services from reaching some of the world’s poorest people in Uganda. Now, grassroots efforts have sprouted up to fight graft and boost accountability.
Meet News-Decoder’s student ambassadors
They are in the vanguard of the next generation of leaders around the world. Meet News-Decoder’s student ambassadors.
88—A Good Number for a Virtuoso Pianist
One of the world’s greatest concert pianists, Byron Janis, celebrates his 88th birthday today. His son recalls growing up with his father.
The UN’s sex problem keeps getting worse
The United Nations is meant to promote peace and security. But allegations of sexual abuses in its system beg the question of whether the organization is up to the task.
Low oil prices: Good news & bad news
Oil prices have plunged, and there’s no sign of a lasting rebound. That’s great news for many consumers but disastrous for oil-producing nations, many of them in emerging markets.
Time to reflect, again
Extremist attacks like today’s in Brussels are cause for concern, but they force us to reflect on how to protect our values. And how to co-exist with fellow humans, also scared.
Saudi-led war wreaks havoc in Yemen
A year-old Saudi-led war against rebels in Yemen has backfired, empowering al Qaeda and Islamic State. Yemen’s people are paying the price, and the world mostly looks away.
Syria: We need to restore human rights
Five years after the start of Syria’s civil war, basic human rights are in tatters. The international community needs to secure respect for global norms that have been honored in the breach.
Millennials: Facing an uncertain future
Young adults around the world face an alarming set of challenges: debt, joblessness, globalization and rising house prices.