People & Culture
Reparations in Reverse: How France Made Haiti’s Former Slaves Pay for Their Own Freedom
Imagine winning your freedom from a brutal oppressor, only to be told you had to pay them for the privilege. That’s exactly what happened to Haiti, the first nation founded by formerly enslaved people who had overthrown a colonial power. This little-known historical injustice has haunted Haiti for nearly 200 years, leaving a legacy that […]
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Lebanon: A Nation on the Brink
The Echo of a Catastrophe On August 4, 2020, the world watched in horror as a massive explosion rocked the Port of Beirut, the capital city of Lebanon. The blast, caused by a large amount of ammonium nitrate stored at the port, resulted in at least 218 deaths, over 7,000 injuries, and an estimated $15 […]
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Where the New Year starts with the Moon – Celebrating Lunar New Year in Asia
The Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year, is an ancient celebration that has been passed down through generations, steeped in tradition, culture, and symbolism. It is a time of reunion, renewal, and hope, as families and communities come together to honor their ancestors and welcome the new year. This year, the […]
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Women in chains: The stolen brides of the Caucasus and Central Asia
“What would be better? If she married a man without money or education out of love?” Suleyka is dressed all in white. Her long lace dress is adorned with pearls and her elaborate wedding hairstyle is shrouded in a veil. We are in a small village in Chechnya. The table is richly laid, carpets hang […]
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The day that changed Ceuta – The border crossings that deepened the distance
Tension is a constant presence in the Spanish exclave of Ceuta. Located on the Moroccan Mediterranean coast in North Africa, Ceuta is closer to Morocco in many ways, but it still belongs to Europe. At least on paper. Being nestled between a dry and hilly landscape, Ceuta is home to a diverse population and Spanish […]
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