Fighting rages in Syria despite international efforts to impose a ceasefire and advance a peace plan. How remote are the prospects for peace in Syria? A hospital destroyed in northern Syria, 15 February 2016 (EPA/Sam Taylor/Médecins Sans Frontières handout) Fighting...
By Rashad Mammadov Once again, diplomatic efforts to find a peaceful solution to the Syrian conflict have stalled. Only two days after opening in Geneva, talks between the government, rebel forces and both sides’ international backers were suspended last week until...
Are Arab nations doing enough to help Middle Eastern refugees, especially from Syria? Should Europe be doing more? Syrian refugee Bissan Alabdullah, almost 3, near the Syrian border in Jordan, 20 January 2016(AP Photo/Muhammed Muheisen, File) Are Arab nations doing...
“The atmosphere blew me away.” Giuliana represented Denmark at the model United Nations and quickly learned the arts of diplomacy. Here I am (center) with the delegations of Slovenia, Seychelles and Senegal. (Photo by Pascal Monteville) “It’s 2048 or...
Diplomatic deference or crass kowtowing? Italy’s decision to cover up nude statues during a visit by Iran’s president provokes scorn, glee and irony. A covered statue at Rome’s Capitoline Museums, 25 January 2016 (EPA/Giuseppe Lami) Supreme diplomatic...
By Monika Pronczuk The tide of refugees fleeing to Europe from wars in the Middle East and elsewhere has sparked strong reactions, much of it hostile. But for some of us, it has been a life-changing, positive experience. It all started in October, when together with...
The execution of a Muslim cleric has inflamed an ancient sectarian rift dividing two Mideast powers — Saudi Arabia and Iran. An Iranian woman holds up a poster showing Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr, Tehran, 4 January 2016. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi) In the Muslim world, the...
After the refugees crossed the border, we offered them warm coffee, and their expressions changed completely. Monika Pronczuk is a Polish national who spent the end-of-year holidays greeting refugees near the border between Serbia and Macedonia. We are a group of...
For the past six months, News-Decoder has been working out of the offices of a terrific French not-for-profit called Aventure du Bout du Monde (ABM). For 28 years, ABM has been a valuable resource for globetrotters who seek out exotic destinations. Every year, ABM...
Should the U.S. intervene more aggressively in Syria? History tells us it could lead to mistakes. And blocking immigrants would betray U.S. values. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (L) and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry (R) flank UN Special Envoy for Syria...