Stories from September, 2016
Fidencio Sanchez’s Inspiring Story Highlights the Best of Social Media—and the Plight of Latino Immigrants
"At a time when Donald Trump is calling Mexican immigrants drug dealers and rapists, the image of this hard-working Mexican immigrant has become a defiant symbol that challenges hateful stereotypes."
Vietnamese Land Activist Cấn Thị Thêu Has Braved Violence, Arrest and Prison
"I will live in a way that they will see that their brutality will never threaten our will to fight. We will hold on to our land until the end."
Jordanian Government Ignores Public Backlash, Signs Gas Deal With Israel
Despite significant opposition, Jordan signs controversial gas deal with Israel. Protests planned for this Friday could determine the agreement's future.
A Lavish Iranian TV Series Revises the History of the 1953 Coup for the Post-Nuclear Deal Age
Iran's 1953 coup d'état is widely depicted as a rupture in the modern history of Iran. It is also a Pandora’s box filled with contested narratives.
Trinidad & Tobago's Deadline for Passing US Tax Legislation Looms as Politicians ‘Play Games’
"In essence, every bank in the world will become non-paid informants of the IRS."
Uzbekistan's Late President Islam Karimov Leaves an Enduring and Terrifying Legacy
Unlike his regional counterparts he didn't build a cult of personality, but while in power Uzbekistan's Islam Karimov exercised an iron-fisted control over his citizens—and over narratives about the country.
Artist Draws Attention to the Plight of Child Laborers and Young Women in Myanmar
"Art becomes more important for the people to see and feel the reality, and motivate them to make changes in society."
‘No Embarrassment’ Photo Exhibition in Moscow Ends Early Under Pressure From Conservative Activists
Conservative activists pressured the Lumiere Brothers Center for Photography in Moscow to close Jock Sturges' photo exhibition, arguing that his work violated Russia's laws against child pornography.
Animations, TV Shows, and Personal Testimonies Help Colombians Understand the (Possible) End of Conflict
"Every time nations go through a peace process, humanity as a whole takes a step forward."
What Will Happen to Colombia's Youth in the Aftermath of War?
"I'm a direct victim of war and armed conflict. Yet if I have to give my hand to the murderers, I'm ready to do so because I believe in forgiveness."
Jordanian Authorities Impose Media Gag After Writer's Killing
Jordanian authorities have banned media coverage of the assassination of Nahed Hattar, a writer who was shot dead on September 25 by a gunman in the capital Amman.
This Soviet Cartoon Was Too Much for Romania’s Communist Censors
According to the documentary "Chuck Norris vs Communism," Romania's state censorship board actually banned scenes from an episode of the classic Soviet cartoon "Nu Pogodi."
Two Years and Still No Justice, but Mexico Has Not Forgotten Ayotzinapa's Students
"Mexican institutions' standard: 111 detained in the #Ayotzinapa case and no one knows for sure what actually happened. How stupid, right?"
Macedonian ‘Colorful Revolution’ Rallies to Defend Special Prosecutor’s Office
Activists of the “Colorful Revolution” movement have announced a new demonstration planned to take plan in front of the parliament building in Skopje in support of the Special Prosecutor's Office.
Chiles in Walnut Sauce: Mexican History in Each Bite
Hot peppers in walnut sauce is the signature dish in Central Eastern Mexico and one of the most popular meals in the national cuisine.
The Beginning Autumn Gives Japanese People a Great Excuse to Post to Social Media
It's that time of year when pictures of flowers, food, and cats are washing over Twitter in Japan.
Allegations of Rigged Ethnic Hungarian Voting in Croatia’s Latest Election
The number of people who registered to vote as ethnic Hungarians dramatically increased between Croatia's last two elections. Why?
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.
Need the Latest News on Flooding? In Jakarta, There's an App for That.
In a “living laboratory for disaster,” a social media app is helping Jakartans improve upon the government's response to frequent flooding.
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?