Stories about Feature from April, 2023
Thailand election debate: Parties share stand on royal defamation law
Representatives of 10 political parties shared their positions on the controversial law which has been actively enforced to silence criticism supposedly in order to protect the monarchy.
Sudan’s war of two generals: Latest updates
Saving foreign nationals is a top priority, while the citizens of Sudan are not the priority for anyone, especially not for Abdel Fattah Burhan, and Mohamed Hamdan Dalago.
Reggaetón, the Latin American ambassador to the world
Nowadays the region's cultural industries have a greater influence worldwide than any other expression on the continent. Why is this?
Uzbekistan adopts groundbreaking law to protect women and children from domestic and sexual violence
Domestic violence was neither a criminal nor an administrative offense. Women simply could not report domestic violence.
Pro-Beijing politicians urge Hong Kong to scrap the Gay Games 2023
Anticipating political pressures from the conservatives, Gay Games Hong Kong has adopted a depoliticised strategy by stressing the economic benefit of hosting the international event in Hong Kong.
Unveiling my grandfather's past: ‘Palestine 1936′ — A book review and personal odyssey of the Arab Revolt
Palestine 1936 is a compelling and important story that sheds light on a neglected chapter of history, given the ongoing unresolved dispute and frequent outbreaks of violence in the region.
‘We may go unnoticed, but people with invisible disabilities exist’
People with disorders like autism, depression, epilepsy, endometriosis, or diabetes all have something in common: an invisible disability.
Undertones: What do onions have to do with the Turkish elections?
President Recep Erdoğan is pitting “identity” versus “reality” in his campaign to stay in power
‘Jamaica Farewell': Harry Belafonte passes away and the Caribbean tries to find adequate words of tribute
"There are not enough words to say how GREAT this man is and the giant contribution he has made during his life in music, film, human rights, Black rights."
Why are oil workers protesting in Kazakhstan?
The workers are depicted as privileged, earning exponentially more than average citizens. The reasons for their dissatisfaction, however, are structural.
Reflections from the Iranian diaspora: Rage against the ‘Iran Lobby’ Part 2
Evidence has been uncovered that links the NIAC and its founder, Trista Parsi, with lobbying efforts for the Iranian regime, including internal emails, court rulings, and accusations from Iranian dissidents.
Ukrainian couples weigh sperm freezing as the war wages on
Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale war, the demand for sperm freezing has significantly increased as couples look to the future. For Ukrainian soldiers, the process is free.
At home, in a presidential palace, and a mosque: Where Central Asian presidents hosted iftar in 2023
Where they are held, who attends them, and what words are spoken at these events can help better understand Central Asia and its people.
End of Ramadan in Taipei shows role of Islam in Taiwan's diplomacy
Though it only makes up about one percent of the population, Taiwan's Muslim community represents an asset for greater visibility and engagement with the Middle East, where China dominates.
Underscoring the challenges of promoting digital rights in Southeast Asia
"…information disorders have been weaponized for political gain, while oppressive governments have tried to control the internet, particularly through social media, and crackdown on dissidents using digital surveillance as tactic."
Six films on Asia-Pacific communities addressing the climate crisis
These films feature stories of communities fighting against the adverse impact of climate change and inspiring hope in addressing the climate crisis through their efforts and solidarity.
‘Overseas Chinese writer is now a label’: Interview with youth author Xia Zhou
Overseas Sinophone writers tend to continue writing in Chinese no matter what, according to young Chinese author Xia Zhou who now lives in the US.
The reasons behind the myth of Cantonese as a more authentic Chinese language
Claims that local languages, including Sichuanese and Cantonese, only lost one vote to Mandarin to become China’s “national language” have kept popping up on the internet from time to time.
As Earth Day approaches, the Caribbean continues its struggle with a tidal wave of plastic, but remains hopeful
Despite the gloomy picture, it is fair to say that the Caribbean is fighting back against plastic, and is finding that in this effort, partnerships are effective.
Tunisia’s dependence on its Algerian brother: the reign of the counter-revolution axis
Both Algeria and Tunisia have experienced political transitions recently, but Tunisia's vulnerability stems from heavy reliance on Algeria's support amid power centralization and dissent suppression in both countries.
May 14 elections are an existential battle for many of Turkey's female voters
AKP's patriarchal politics have redesigned the family and education policies along religious lines, eroded legal and institutional advances, ending the once moderate attitude on gender equality.
