Stories about International Relations from May, 2015
What Does Japanese Prime Minister Abe's Ignorance of the Potsdam Declaration Actually Mean?
Has Prime Minister Abe really never read the Potsdam Declaration? Or is his professed ignorance a signal he rejects Japan's postwar pacifism?
Migrant Tragedies: ‘Behind the Statistics Are Individual Life Stories and Grieving Families’
"If Africa's youth comes to believe that its future lies elsewhere, it will be impossible to solve the issue of migration," says Souleymane Bachir Diagne.
No Extra Time for FIFA Caribbean Officials as US Justice Department Lays Indictments
There's a frenzy on Caribbean social media today, following the announcement that the US Department of Justice indicted 9 FIFA officials and 5 corporate executives for racketeering, conspiracy, and corruption.
A Guide to Resources on the Palestinian Nakba, Memory and Identity
Joey Ayoub digs into a list of resources to learn about the 1948 Palestinian exodus, also known as the Nakba, as well as memory and identity.
Dying in Secret: The Ethics of Investigating Russia's Ukraine Casualties
A new type of investigative journalism by bloggers is blurring the lines between armchair Internet sleuthing and hard-hitting investigative reporting to uncover information about Russia's role in the Ukraine conflict.
What Africa Day Means to Africans and Friends of Africa
Africa Day is the annual commemoration of the 1963 founding of the Organisation of African Unity, when the leaders of 30 independent African states signed a founding charter in Ethiopia.
Region-wide Presidential Term Limits for West Africa? Not So Fast.
West African leaders have dropped the idea of instituting a two-presidential-term limit across the region, thanks to the opposition of Gambia and Togo, the only member states without term limits.
Southeast Asia Migration Routes and Statistics
The International Organization for Migration has released a map showing the routes taken by boat refugees from Bangladesh and Myanmar when they sought shelter in several Southeast Asian countries. As of May 19, 2015, the IOM estimated that 4,000 refugees are still stranded in the sea while 3,200 have already...
What Should Singapore's Response to the Rohingya Refugee Crisis Be?
Singapore has remained aloof during the migrant crisis in Southeast Asia, saying that the island cannot accept refugees. But should the city-state do more?
Activist Ambassador Lawyer Journalist: What It’s Like to Be Hated Online in Russia Today
Earlier this week, Afisha magazine's Nina Nazarova published a collection of fascinating interviews with four public figures who have played major roles online and in the news in Russia.
Arab-American Journalist Detained by Israeli Security for ‘Flying While Muslim’
Palestinian-American journalist Noor Wazwaz shares her experience of "Flying While Muslim" into Tel Aviv, saying the humiliation will not deter her from returning again.
Morsi's Death Sentence: The International Community Is Anything but Silent
The international community speaks up against Morsi's verdict and the mass death sentences passed by an Egyptian court on May 16. Netizens stand in support for the ousted president.
The Profitable Patriotism of Vladimir Putin's Biker Bromance
Putin’s biker bromance admittedly isn’t radically new, but the prominence—both in Russia and abroad—of the "Night Wolves" motorcycle gang is exploding like never before.
The Poetical Is Political as Tajik Wordsmith Declares ‘Death to Afghanistan’
'I do believe, that whoever wishes death to Afghanistan, cannot have any love for Tajikistan.'
Rohingya Boat Refugees Rejected by Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia
"Action on #Rohingya is a real test of character for #ASEAN. Are we compassionate or heartless nations?"
Not Everyone in Nepal Is Happy with the Indian Media
Angered by the irresponsible reports in the Indian media, Nepalis online have started using the hashtag #GoHomeIndianMedia, which trended on Twitter for several days.
A Japanese Town Wants UNESCO Recognition for Kamikaze Memorabilia
Before the young pilots flew to their deaths in WWII, many left behind letters and other artifacts. The town of Chiran wants them given UNESCO's "Memory of the World" status.
Bolivia's Civil Service Wracked by a Series of Social Media Slip-Ups
Blunders made by Bolivian civil servants show how simple mistakes quickly escalate in social media.
Open Letter to President Obama From a Bahraini Human Rights Defender
AlMahafdah, a former political detainee in Bahrain, asks President Obama to "be the voice of the people of Bahrain" when he meets the crown prince of the kingdom on Wednesday.
Can Africa Really Maintain Its Own African Centers for Disease Control?
Anna K. Mwaba discusses the future of the newly established African Center for Disease Control: The establishment of such a center in Africa is not a particularly new idea; talks on the need for more effective means to combat epidemics on the continent were held in July 2013 at the...
The Humanitarian Crisis You Haven't Heard of in Burundi
Following Burundi President Nkurunziza's announcement of his candidacy for a third term (unconstitutional by Burundi's existing law), a massive humanitarian crisis has hit the country as at least 50,000 refugees have fled the country after scenes of violence were reported in several cities. The occurrence of violence were often posted...
