Stories about Politics 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?
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.
Reformist Editor Arrested Ahead of Iranian President’s Trip to the United Nations
Sadra Mohaghegh, the social affairs editor of the reformist Shargh newspaper, is well known for his reports on environmental issues and informative social media postings.
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 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."
In Bulgaria, an Example of How Refugees Need Not Be a Problem, but a Solution
Refugees can help solve shortages of workers—if they're given the chance.
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.
The Role of Hashtags in a Country Searching for Peace
"The fact that the war in Colombia also takes place on social media is an undeniable truth," writes Renata Cabrales.
Lies, Damned Lies and the Health of Central Asian Presidents
The hype over Hillary Clinton's pneumonia was nothing. These guys spend their lives on the verge of death.
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"
Zimbabweans Can't Stop Giggling About a ‘Hideous’ Statue of Longtime President Mugabe
"Good thing Dominic #Benhura made this ugly statue of #Mugabe. Citizens will enjoy knocking it down when he falls."
The Bitter Aftertaste Left by Donald Trump's Visit to Mexico
US presidential candidate Donald Trump made a short visit to Mexico’s capital last month for a private meeting with President Enrique Peña claiming a high cost for the president.
That Time Russia Banned Online Porn (Again)
The two pornographic metropolises of the Internet, PornHub and YouPorn, were banned in Russia this week. ISPs are required to comply with the ban within 24 hours.
Parents’ Group in Greece Says No to Integrating Refugee Children in Schools
Members of a parents' group are protesting the Greek government's decision to integrate more than 15,000 children from refugee and migrant families into the national education system.
Mexican Protesters Have a Message for the President: ‘Resign Now’
With social discontent reaching a boiling point in Mexico, the country's social media users started sharing the hashtag #RenunciaAhora (Resign Now) to mobilize people for a massive march.