Stories about English from September, 2016
Polish Lawmakers Move Forward With a New Abortion Ban That Critics Say Will Be ‘Hell for Women’
Poland's “Black Protest” movement picks up steam, after lawmakers vote to proceed with legislation that will criminalize abortions in nearly all circumstances, threatening women and doctors with prison.
9 Things to Love About Afghanistan
Some of the world's best bread, melons and pomegranates, plus a diverse people for whom hospitality is second nature. What could possibly go wrong?
Sudanese Authorities Use ‘Pornography’ as Evidence in Criminal Trial of Human Rights Advocates
Sudanese authorities are using what they deem as "pornographic" and "immoral" evidence in a trial of ten civil society activists, six of whom are facing capital punishment charges.
Yemen's ‘Forgotten War’ Intensifies After Saudi-Led Air Strike in Al Hudaydah
Earlier this week, Saudi-led airstrikes struck Yemen's key port city of Al Hudaydah, killing at least 30 people.
How an ‘American Spy’ May Have Exposed Russian Election Fraud
Depending on how you interpret the numbers, it’s possible that a journalist from Reuters managed to reveal what real elections in Russia last Sunday would have looked like.
Drone Video Exposes Illegal Burning of Land on Palm Oil Plantations in Indonesia
A drone video has captured the extent of land clearing in western Indonesia, which has caused a cloud of haze to descend in the region and in nearby countries.
A Specially Designed Keyboard Allows Yorùbá and Igbo Speakers to Type Their Languages
"With this keyboard, we are addressing technical barriers to the use of Yorùbá and Igbo online."
Poles Dress in Black to Protest Legislation That Would Mean a Near Total Ban on Abortions
Thousands of Poles share photos of themselves dressed in black to protest against legislation that would criminalize almost all kinds of abortion and toughen the country's already severe anti-abortion laws.
The Russian Political Prisoner's Cookbook
You lose a lot when you're locked up in prison, but one thing you gain is time to hone your talents. Russian political prisoners are certainly familiar with this experience.
The Office on Missing Persons in Sri Lanka: A New Chapter or Another Empty Promise?
Thousands of people have disappeared in Sri Lanka since the 1980s stemming from conflict in the country, and their loved ones still don't know what happened.
What Central Asian Leaders Can Learn from Ban Ki-moon’s Last Speech as UN Secretary General
"My message is clear: serve your people. Don't subvert democracy. Don't pilfer your country’s resources. Don't imprison and torture your critics."
A Toxic Mix of Illegal Logging and Corruption Is Devastating Europe’s Last Primeval Forests
The documentary film “Clear Cut Crime” shows the toxic effects of collusion between illegal logging and politicians in Romania and Ukraine.
Hong Kong's ‘Pro-Beijing’ Camp Is Imploding From Within in the Media
Some critics believe the shocking move from Sing Pao Daily, which is otherwise known to be pro-Beijing, shows fissures within Hong Kong's pro-Beijing camp.
Expelled by Assad's Forces, Daraya Residents Receive a Hero's Welcome in Rebel-Held Syria
"You’re from Daraya, sir. You have everything. You’re our teachers."
Life in Russia After Porn
A week after Russian censors banned two of the most popular pornography websites around, ordinary Web users are firing back with an online flashmob that mixes satire and protest.
One Australian Nurse's Stirring Response to the Refugee Crisis
"I have learnt that not everyone is as caring; that the term ‘refugee’ is a dirty label that strips people of their identity."
Makeshift ‘Curfew Schools’ Help Kashmiri Students Continue Their Studies Despite Conflict
“Since the schools are shut, I’ve joined this centre to study so that I am prepared for my exams,” says one student.
Could an Ousted Crime Show Host Be a Symptom of a Bigger Problem in Trinidad & Tobago?
"Ian Alleyne represents a collection of unfortunate truths about Trinidad and Tobago; we don’t trust our justice system, [...] but have all-too-much faith in those who pander to us."
The UAE Has Avoided an ‘Arab Spring’ by Systematically Repressing Critical Speech
Wary of an Arab-Spring like uprising within its borders, the UAE government launched an unprecedented crackdown on critics and activists.
Are There Prospects for Peace and Stability in South Sudan?
"It is time for both #SouthSudan president Salva Kiir and former VP Riek Machar who have ruined their country to both step down"
Nursery Rhymes Like the Incy Wincy Spider, Animated and Translated Into the Yoruba Language
A Nigerian mother living in the diaspora is creating online videos of Yoruba-language nursery rhymes for all children to maintain their Yoruba roots.