Jun 16 Q&A: Kyrgyzstan’s Ethnic Violence By Larisa Epatko The Kyrgyzstan government and army attempted to stabilize the southern city of Osh on Wednesday, after fighting between Kyrgyz and Uzbeks over the past week left at least 189 people dead. Continue reading
Jun 15 ‘New Recruits’ Documents Young Entrepreneurs in the Field By Larisa Epatko The PBS documentary "The New Recruits" follows three young business students to India, Pakistan and Kenya as they try to apply the concept of social enterprise as an alternative to charity where the poor pay a nominal amount for services… Continue reading
Jun 14 Monday: Thousands Flee Kyrgyzstan; Mineral Wealth Found in Afghanistan Ethnik Uzbeks cross the border into Uzbekistan as they flee from the southern part of Kyrgyzstan. Photo by AFP/Getty Images. At least 124 people have been killed and some 100,000 minority Uzbeks are massing at the border after three… Continue reading
Jun 11 Thai Envoy on Unrest, Recovery and Censorship By Hari Sreenivasan The government of Thailand, recently in the news for political unrest and protests, has dispatched its president of the Thailand Trade Representative's Office, Kiat Sittheeamorn, as an envoy of the prime minister. He's on a mission to assure the world… Continue reading
Jun 11 South Africa, Sports and the World Stage To fully appreciate why South Africa is so excited about hosting the World Cup, you have to remember how recently the sports-crazy country was isolated on the international scene. One of the few things South Africans of all colors… Continue reading
Jun 11 Ethnic Clashes in Kyrgyzstan Kill Dozens By Larisa Epatko The government of Kyrgyzstan declared a state of emergency Friday in its second largest city Osh after ethnic fighting there killed at least 37 people and injured more than 500. Continue reading
Jun 10 Far-Right Party Surges in Dutch Parliament, While Voters Express Economic Concerns By Larisa Epatko Elections in the Netherlands on Wednesday showed significant growth in support for a far-right politician, who has taken a strong stance on immigration, and a pro-business party that backs cutting government spending, reflecting voters' concerns over the European economic downturn. Continue reading
Jun 09 U.N. Approves New Round of Sanctions Against Iran By Larisa Epatko The U.N. Security Council approved a new round of sanctions targeting Iran's nuclear program on Wednesday, sending an "unmistakable message" that Tehran must fulfill its obligations under the nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT), President Obama said after the vote. Continue reading
Jun 08 North Korea’s Kim Jong Il Rearranges Top Posts By Larisa Epatko The brother-in-law of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il was promoted to a top leadership role in the country, in a move viewed by some analysts as clearing the way for the succession of Kim's third son. Continue reading
Jun 08 South Africa’s Diverse Soccer Stadiums By Jason Kane The distinctive traits of South Africa's World Cup stadiums -- such as zebra-striped seats and a calabash pot shape -- are meant to represent their country's complex culture. But some have criticized the money spent amid more pressing needs at… Continue reading