Stories about International Relations from December, 2013
Cuba Temporarily Reestablishes Consular Services in the United States
The Cuban Interest Section, the country's diplomatic mission in Washington, has temporarily reestablished its consular services until 17 February 2014. The decision comes after M&T Bank Corporation indicated they would...
Mandela: Friend of Timor Leste and Indonesian Batik Fashion Icon
Nelson Mandela played an important role in the independence struggle of Timor Leste; and he is recognized as the most popular endorser of batik, a traditional Indonesian shirt.
“Where the Sea Breathes”: A Letter from Puerto Rican Political Prisoner Oscar López Rivera
Oscar López Rivera has been imprisoned in the United States for 32 years. In this letter to his his granddaughter Karina he remembers the sea.
In Japan, Disaster and a Radio Show Put Refugees On the Agenda
For nearly 10 years Katsuya Soda has worked to bring the refugees issue to the attention of the complacent Japanese public. These days he has some extra help.
A Brief Unity of Purpose: Marching for Puerto Rican Prisoner Oscar López Rivera
Thousands gathered this past November to demand the release of unjustly held political prisoner, Oscar López Rivera. Ángel Carrión shares some thoughts from that day.
5 Energy Treasures in Africa You Haven't Heard About
Most African countries still suffer frequent power outages which inhibit economic growth. They are not, however, lacking in resources. This post outlines some of those least known in Africa.
Heavy Shootings between Seleka Soldiers and Bozize Loyalists in Bangui, CAR
On the morning of December 5 in Bangui, heavy weapon fires were heard in several districts of Bangui, the capital city of the Central African Republic. Eye witnesses and journalists...
“The Outside World Frightens Putin”: Russians Talk Ukraine
"Is there a Twitter plugin that can be used to cut out all the political commentators who, sitting in cozy Moscow cafes, discuss the fate of Ukraine?"
French Strategical Report to Counter China's Economic Influence in Africa
Top Francophone economists & diplomats (namely H El-Karoui from Morocco, T Thiam from Côte d'Ivoire, L Zinsou from Benin, J-M Severino and H Vedrine from France) submitted a joint report [fr] that outlines...
The President of the Central African Republic Isolated amidst Swirling Crisis
Maria Malagardi reports from the Central African Republic News Blog that President Michel Djotodia is increasingly isolated [fr] from his allies as the crisis deepens in his country and a French...
Why Ukraine's Revolution Won't Spread to Russia
East of the border, Russian bloggers continue to take a keen interest in the developing situation, although there is little consensus about what the protests entail for Russia's own opposition.
Jamaicans Boycott Trinidadian Products After Deportation Fiasco
Just over week ago, thirteen Jamaican citizens were refused entry to Trinidad and Tobago. The Trinidadian export sector may already be feeling the backlash as Jamaicans respond with a boycott.
BBC, Guardian, Play Cricket With Facts: The Real Tendulkar-Taliban Story
The Taliban say they did not give a warning against praising Indian cricketer Tendulkar and are upset that they have been misquoted so far and wide since November 28, 2013.
Open Letter to President Obama Calling for the Release of Oscar López Rivera Goes Viral
Sociologist, poet, and blogger Guillermo Rebollo-Gil wrote an open letter on his blog to U.S. President Barack Obama in which he calls for the release of Oscar López Rivera, one of the...
