Stories from 2 September 2015
The Plight of a Syrian Refugee Planning His Escape to Europe Brings Out Xenophobia on Twitter
"In Germany I want 2get treatment. Was in regime prison 3 days. Nusra jail 70 days. FSA 7 days. IS 2 days," says a Syrian refugee.
Buy a Pen, Save a Life: A Syrian Father Inspires a Fundraising Cause
The #BuyPens campaign is a collaborative effort to help a Syrian refugee father, recently photographed selling a handful of pens in Beirut, Lebanon.
Integrity Crisis Brews as Nigeria's President Buhari Disowns Election Promises
"Buhari now says that campaign commitments made by his party were not made by him... For a President elected on a platform of integrity, this is duplicitous. It is unacceptable."
As Colombians Are Deported En Masse, Venezuelans Speak Out Against the Government
On social media, people spoke out against authorities' actions with hashtags such as #ParceVenezuelaTeQuiere (Venezuela loves you, friend) and #ChamoColombiaTeQuiere (Colombia loves you, dude).
Will a Visit From Taiwan's Former Vice President Lend Weight to China's Revisionist WWII History?
Lien Chan will attend a military parade in China commemorating victory over the Japanese, even though the mainland is downplaying his own party's central role in World War II.
Hundreds of Austrians and Germans Turn Out to Welcome Refugees Arriving From Hungary
Refugees travelling through Austria to Germany were greeted with applause at train stations by Austrians and Germans bearing not only good will, but food, water sanitary products and toys.
Russian Rock Legend Boris Grebenshikov Crowdfunds New Record
Boris Grebenshikov, often called the "Grandfather of Russian rock," has appealed to his fans online to crowdfund his new album, which looks set to be fully funded, despite the critics.
Are Term Limits and Mandatory Political Changeover Really in the Interest of African Nations?
In countries with few leading figures capable of securing the role of head of state, constitutionally mandated political changeover can be a real constraint on the political process.
Can Iranian TV Seduce Viewers in the Land of Telenovelas?
In an age when television offers intense melodramas produced domestically and abroad, can Iranian soap operas—packed with family values and little makeup—win a foreign audience?