Stories from November, 2017
Morocco's Deadly Stampede Tragedy Incites Anger and Criticism
"How many dramas still remind us that beyond the beautiful forums, highways, and malls, this is the Moroccan reality above all that?"
Identity Theft Risk Prompts Estonia to Block the Certificates of 760,000 ID Cards
On November 4, 2017 the Estonian authorities disabled the certificates of more than 760,000 national electronic ID cards due to a security vulnerability that could have compromised cards issued between October 16, 2014 and October 26, 2017, and possibly even earlier. More so than most other countries, Estonia relies on...
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How Chinese See the Fall of Their Country's Old Friend Robert Mugabe in Zimbabwe
"When people wake up, all 'greatness' will vanish, the dictator will be relegated to the dustbin of history."
Glimpses of Hope as Dominica Rebuilds After Hurricane Maria
"You will see the drastic difference in how the landscape changed after the storm [...] I’m planning future timelapse films, to hopefully showcase the return of our lush, green landscapes."
Japanese Students Practice Taking Cover for Missiles Passing Overhead. But What About a Direct Attack?
Students took part in a drill in preparation for a missile attack. But there are no hints about what to do in the aftermath.
As Critiques of UN Peacekeeping Missions Grow, Africa Seeks Peace on its own Terms
UN troops on the ground have kept many countries in conflict from falling into total disarray. Yet, Africa seeks strategies to secure peace and stability on its own terms.
Musicians Think There's #NoGreaterTime to Advocate for Change in Trinidad & Tobago
A new musical project delivers an inspirational message of unity to the people of Trinidad and Tobago, challenging them to collectively create "a more peaceful society".
In Kyrgyzstan, Sheep Sacrificed to Stem Car Crash Scourge
"We gave meat to everybody that passed, explaining that the food was from God."
In Macedonia and Serbia, Right-Wing Politicians Make Their Followers Swoon—Literally
Both Serbian President Vučić of Serbia and former Macedonian Prime Minister Gruevski have tried to spin incidents, in which attendees to their public appearances fainted, in their favor.
Another Muslim Man Is Murdered in India's Rajasthan by Cow Vigilantes
"The term Gau Rakshak has slipped into the country’s lexicon of politics and culture over the past two years, in step with increasing activism by self-styled protectors and vigilante groups."
Mezcal: The Rebirth of a Traditional Mexican Drink
After having been considered an underappreciated drink, mezcal is finally found in the most chic bars on the planet and bartenders are giving it the recognition it deserves.
Barbie Hijab Comment Highlights Why Some Russian Activists Don’t Support Presidential Hopeful Navalny
"Congratulations, Alexey! With one tweet you’ve written off all of your potential Muslim voters. You apparently don’t want to become president."
Jordanian Cartoonist Goes to Trial For Drawing Jesus
The cartoon commented on the Orthodox Church in Jerusalem, which sold church property to Israeli settler groups to pay off church debt.
Argentine Documentary ‘Education in Motion’ Spotlights Grassroots Learning in Latin America
"The people know very well that the school is here, conquered by the struggle, it is in struggle and lives in struggle."
“Cementazo” Scandal Tarnishes Costa Rican Presidential Election
The "cementazo", roughly translated as "huge cement blow", is a corruption case tarnishing the presidential election in one of the most institutionally stable countries in Latin America.
With a Little Help From Humans, the Caribbean's Birds Are Attempting a Post-Hurricane Comeback
Wildlife suffers from the effects of natural disasters too, and after the tough 2017 Atlantic hurricane season, conservationists across the Caribbean are helping bird populations to be resilient.
The Winner Is: Same Sex Marriage Equality in Australia
"First bloody vote result in years that made me feel like reasonable, kind, compassionate people are still the clear majority."
Many Taiwanese Say Taiwan Representation at China’s National Congress Was Simply Beijing Propaganda
"[The drama] is selling out Taiwan’s independence movement. When the pro-independence movement in Taiwan becomes stronger, Beijing will pay more and more to build up a united front in Taiwan."
When Citizens Rejected a Ban on WhatsApp and Telegram, Afghan Officials Backed Down
"The order must be immediately withdrawn, otherwise we put Ghani’s name in line with dictators like Putin, Bashar Assad, Kim Jong Un and many more."
Women Die in Childbirth in Rural India, Where Hospitals Lack Doctors
Doctors refuse job postings to a small village in a border district of West Bengal even as people suffer due to lack of medical services.