Stories about War & Conflict from January, 2014
Everyday Ukrainian Life in 1942 Depicted Through Fifty Color Photos
As anti-government protests that started on November 21, 2013, burden Ukrainian life today, a vintage photo blog takes a look back on another harsh period of the country's history – through 52 amazing color photographs [photo] of everyday life in Ukraine in 1942. In 1942, like many other European countries,...
So Long to Russia's Only Independent TV Station?
The only opposition television station operating today in Russia is now threatened with losing access to cable broadcasting, after a scandalous poll about the WWII Siege of Leningrad.
Child Artists in Syria's Largest Refugee Camp ‘Zaatari’
Syria children at the Zaatari refugee camp, on the Syrian-Jordanian border, was showing off their artistic skills, writes Syria Untold.
Russian Conspiracy Theories about Maidan's First Blood
Given the lack of eyewitnesses, the murder of Serhiy Nigoyan, Maidan’s first shooting fatality, has naturally attracted lots of speculation about who was responsible.
Brazil's Evolving Relationship With Refugees
The number of refugees accepted into Brazil practically tripled from 2012 to 2013.
Things I Love About South Sudan
Twitter users share their love for South Sudan using the hashtag #ThingILoveaboutSouthSudan. South Sudan has been at war since December 16, 2013 after an attempted coup.
“Find and Support all the Mandelas in the Villages” for Reconciliation in the Central African Republic
Residents of Bangui were asked about the current escalation of violence in the Central African Republic. Here are some of their thoughts as collected by ATD Fourth World : It’s a question of dialogue, because there are two parties, the Seleka and the Anti-balaka. If there isn’t dialogue, it will...
VIDEO: Memories of the Violent Eviction of Brazil's Pinheirinho Community
The documentary Somos Todos (We Are All), now available online, gives a voice to the former residents of the Pinheirinho community who lost their homes in January 2012.
Minister Stabbed to Death by Mob as Violence Escalates in Central African Republic
Several sources report that a Muslim minister was attacked and killed with knives by mob in Bangui, Central African Republic (CAR) today (24/01). This recent twitter update by Peter Bouckaert, Emergency Director at Human Rights Watch confirms the identity of the minister: x-Patasse Min of Health welcomed and hosted Seleka when they...
What is Happening in South Sudan?
Rachel Hamada asks, “What is happening in South Sudan?”: Much blood has been spilt across South Sudan in the last weeks. But no ink has been spilt yet in Addis Ababa. Talks are still taking place amongst South Sudan’s proxy powerbrokers and officials, who have moved around the city as...
Goodbye Alexandros Petersen, Prodigious Guide to China in Central Asia
On January 17, a Taliban suicide bomb attack killed sixteen people at a Kabul restaurant. Among them was Alexandros Petersen, an enlightening commentator on Eurasian affairs and a riveting storyteller.
Rare Roma Holocaust Documentation Center to Open in Hungary
A Roma Holocaust center is planned to be opened in the southern Hungarian city of Pecs by the end of 2014. The documentation center is the joint effort of the local municipality of Pecs and the Hungarian Roma minority, and will also collaborate with the Pecs University in teaching students...
Gender-Based Violence Epidemic Hits Sex Workers in Honduras
Despite the fact that sex work is legal in Honduras, many groups and individuals view their actions as immoral. Those who murder sex workers believe they can literally treat these human beings as garbage to be disposed of. Such violence takes place against the broader backdrop of widespread gender- and sexuality-based violence...
Self Defense Against Drug Cartels or the Mexican Government in Michoacán?
In an effort to bring peace to the state of Michoacán, the government has sent the military to disarm citizen self-defense groups who have taken up arms against organized crime.
Despite Controversial Past, Indian PM Candidate Narendra Modi's Star on the Rise
Chief Minister of India's western state Gujarat Narendra Modi is a polemic figure for his hotly debated role in the deadly 2002 riots in the state between Hindus and Muslims.
Catherine Samba-Panza, Mayor of Bangui, Elected as Transitional President of Central African Republic
After Michel Djotodia stepped down as president [fr] two weeks ago, the Central African Republic (CAR) Parliament elected Catherine Samba-Panza [fr], former mayor of Bangui, as the transitional president in charge of stabilizing the country until the next elections. Samba-Panza was recognized for her crisis management of the city during the rebels pillaging...
President: Ugandan Soldiers Killed Fighting in South Sudan
Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni confirmed that Ugandan troops are fighting alongside South Sudan's President Salva Kiir's troops in the ongoing conflict between government and rebel forces there.
Peru and Chile Await The Hague's Decision on Maritime Border Dispute
On January 27, the International Court of Justice in The Hague will make public its judgment in respect of the maritime border dispute between Peru and Chile.
Blogger and Commando Argue Russian Terrorism
As the Sochi Olympics approach, some bloggers argue about who is behind terrorist attacks, most of which take place in the part of Russia closest to the games.
Enforced Disappearances in Sri Lanka: 2006-2013
Groundviews highlights a report (pdf), which aims to facilitate the criminalization of enforced disappearances in Sri Lanka during 2006-2013, recognize and uphold the rights of the victims families.
Remembering Congolese Leader Patrice Lumumba's Struggle Against Colonialism
Iconic freedom fighter Patrice Émery Lumumba was the first democratically elected prime minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He was executed 53 years ago.