Stories about International Relations from July, 2013
Riau, Indonesia: ‘Ground Zero’ of Southeast Asia Haze
The deadly haze which swept Singapore and some parts of Malaysia this year was caused by the forest fires in Riau, Indonesia. Naturally, it attracted significant mainstream media attention but there was scant reporting on the situation of Riau citizens who have tremendously suffered and are still suffering from the impact of both the haze and forest fires.
State of Zimbabwe's Relations With West
Simukai Tinhu, a political analyst based in London, asks, “Are Zimbabwe's relations with the West warming as elections approach?”
Teen Activist Malala Yousafzai Impresses UN, Polarizes Pakistan
Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani activist who was shot by the Taliban on her way to school less than a year ago, celebrated her 16th birthday by delivering a powerful speech to world leaders at the United Nations headquarters in New York. A symbol for child education and women empowerment around the world, some in Malala's country Pakistan continue to spin conspiracy theories to malign her.
Tragedy Ignites Online Friendship Between Romanians and Montenegrins
In one of the most tragic road accidents ever seen in Montenegro, 18 Romanian nationals lost their lives and 29 were injured on June 23, 2013 when a Romanian bus full of tourists ran off a bridge into a ravine. News of the accident soon spread and, due to the generosity of the Montenegro people toward the victims and families, so did an outpouring of messages of gratitude, empathy, solidarity and adoration on social networks from both countries.
How Europe's Solution for Economic Crisis is Actually the Problem
Europe's current crisis is more than economic. Between the German government advocating a dangerous austerity policy and European authorities lacking any other suggestions, it is clear that the 2008 financial crisis is no longer solely responsible for the downward spiral of Europe.
France Sees Shades of its Revolutionary Past in Turkey's Revolt
The recent protests in Turkey seem to have generated questions about identity in France, with the French asking themselves variations of, "Do we share the same values?"
Why Can't Madagascar Settle on an Election Date?
Four years since a military takeover plunged the country into political crisis, Madagascar has pushed presidential elections back again and again. What's the hold up, and who's benefiting from the repeated delays?
Venezuela's President Offers Asylum to Edward Snowden
Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro offered political asylum to Edward Snowden, creating controversy within and outside of the country, in addition to intensifying tense relations with the United States of America.
‘E-Christians’ Reject New US Ambassador to Spain for Being Gay
James Costos, the new US ambassador to Spain, is openly gay. E-Christians, an ultra-catholic website of Catalan origin, has criticized the US for sending Costos to Spain, and they have even started a petition to urge the Spanish government to reject him.
What Should International Development Look Like After 2015?
The United Nations Millennium Development Goals are eight development objectives to be achieved by United Nations member states by 2015. But what happens after 2015?
The Disappearing Rivers Of Bangladesh
At the time of the birth of Bangladesh in 1971 the country had approximately 24000km rivers and tributaries. After four decades many rivers are dying mainly due to the unilateral water management and dams built by the upper riparian neighbor India. Wahidul Islam at Poltalk points to the problem and...
Higher Education's ‘Quality Problem’ in India
Supriyo Chaudhury at Sunday Posts argues that Indian higher education needs foreign investments, not just because of the money, but the imagination and creative proposition that will come with it.
Game Over for the US Airbase in Kyrgyzstan?
After over a decade of scandal, intrigue and significant contributions to the state coffers, the Kyrgyzstani people are preparing for the consummation of their love-hate relationship with the American military installation located on the outskirts of their capital, Bishkek.
Brazil Stockpiles Arsenal of Non-Lethal Weapons Ahead of World Cup
The Brazilian government has purchased thousands upon thousands of non-lethal weaponry, including tear gas and Taser guns, from arms firm Condor to use as part of its security strategy during the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics. Brazilian investigative journalism agency Pública reports.
Did Obama's African Tour Help or Hurt?
US President Barack Obama has finished his six-day tour of three African countries, Senegal, South Africa and Tanzania. During his visit, Obama announced a new initiative, “Power Africa”, to double access to electricity in Sub Saharan Africa. The global public opinion about the importance and impact of his tour is sharply divided.
How Edward Snowden Divides Russians
When Edward Snowden left Hong Kong for Moscow, it placed Russia at the center of what had primarily been an American story. For Russians, his prolonged stay in Sheremetyevo has turned the question of what should be done with him from academic to practical, as his fate now rests largely in Russia's hands.
Snowden Air Search: “Be Strong” Morales, Latin American Presidents Tweet
One of the most complicated diplomatic scenes of recent years occurred when the airplane of Bolivia's president, Evo Morales, had to make an emergency landing in Vienna, Austria due to the alleged air transit denial by several European countries under the suspicion that he was helping whistleblower Edward Snowden exit Russia. Latin American presidents reacted to the diplomatic incident on Twitter.
Brazilian Weapons Firm Exports Arms to Turkey and Arab Countries
Brazilian weapons firm Condor has a strong business interest in the Middle East, where its tear gas canisters have recently been used against protesters. Brazilian investigative journalism agency Pública reports.
Obama in Africa: Catching Up with China
President Obama is touring Africa from June 26 to July 3, 2013. He recently visited South Africa after visiting Senegal. After that, moving on to Tanzania. Many commentators believe this visit is a catch-up mission with the United States trying to respond to Chinese economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Russia's #1 Social Network Attacked Abroad
On June 26, 2013 VKontakte co-founder Nikolai Durov reported that Ukrainian authorities have seized the company's Ukrainian servers.
Tanzanians Review Highly Anticipated Obama Visit
Dar es Salaam is getting back to normal after two days in which the city found itself playing host to arguably the most powerful man on earth: President Barack Obama of the United States. The city's streets were inundated with posters of the man.
