When Israeli President Isaac Herzog addresses a joint session of the U.S. Congress on Wednesday, there will be some notable absences. At least five progressive U.S. lawmakers, including Reps. Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Jamaal Bowman, and Cori Bush, confirmed that they will be skipping Herzog’s speech in protest of Israel’s policies toward Palestinians … Continue reading The Shifting Dynamics of American Public Opinion on Israel-Palestine

It is 11 a.m. on a weekday in late June in Amsterdam's De Wallen district, and the aftermath of a vibrant night still lingers. The streets are being cleaned, a testament to the wild revelry that took place just hours before. Cigarette packs, spliff butts, and empty cannabis baggies dot the narrow alleyways, while sewage … Continue reading The Controversy Over Amsterdam’s Red Light District and the Quest for a Livable City

As Israel commemorates its 75th anniversary, the diplomatic landscape is marred by considerable tension and controversy. This year, rather than welcoming Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the United States is set to receive Israeli President Isaac Herzog. The absence of the Prime Minister highlights the underlying strain in the U.S.-Israel relationship, characterized by the Biden administration's … Continue reading An Ominous Cloud Hangs Over Israel’s 75th Anniversary Celebration

As the world grapples with the effects of climate change, southern Europe finds itself in the midst of a second heatwave within a span of two weeks. With Greece, Spain, and Switzerland battling wildfires, authorities are urging residents and tourists to take precautions and stay indoors during the hottest hours. This blog post delves into … Continue reading Rising Temperatures and Searing Heatwaves Plague Southern Europe

The decision by Australia to withdraw from hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games due to skyrocketing costs has sparked a wider discussion on the relevance of these global sporting events. Premier Daniel Andrews of Victoria cited the excessive financial burden, emphasizing the need to allocate resources to essential services like hospitals and schools. This move has … Continue reading A Closer Look at the Commonwealth Games and The Rising Costs and Relevance of Global Sporting Events

The patent on the groundbreaking tuberculosis drug, bedaquiline, has recently expired, raising concerns about access to this life-saving medication. However, a transformative collaboration between pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson and nonprofit organization Global Drug Facility promises to revolutionize the availability and affordability of bedaquiline, potentially benefiting millions worldwide. Tuberculosis remains the deadliest infectious disease globally, … Continue reading Expired Patent on Tuberculosis Drug Opens New Doors for Global Access

The sudden disappearance of China's Foreign Minister, Qin Gang, has sparked growing concerns about the limited access to information and shrinking transparency in the world's second-largest economy. Qin's absence, which has stretched over three weeks, has raised eyebrows considering his recent rapid rise in elite Chinese politics. Qin Gang, known as a rising star in … Continue reading The Mysterious Disappearance of China’s Foreign Minister Raises Concerns Over Transparency

Israel has been witnessing a surge in nationwide demonstrations against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's proposed judicial overhaul. Thousands of protesters from various walks of life, including military reservists, have taken to the streets in Tel Aviv and other cities, voicing their concerns about the potential consequences of this controversial legislation being pushed through parliament. As … Continue reading Israeli Protesters Rally Against PM Netanyahu’s Planned Judicial Overhaul

Last week, US Members of Congress faced two contrasting votes concerning U.S. involvement in the war in Ukraine, highlighting a peculiar aspect of war politics. While questioning the humane conduct of war appears permissible, actively working towards ending war itself remains politically contentious. The first vote centered on a tepid proposal introduced by Representative Warren … Continue reading The Politics of the Ukraine War for the US Congress

Iran's "morality police" has resurfaced, resuming its efforts to enforce strict hijab rules in the country after a temporary halt sparked by mass protests last year. The death of Mahsa Amini, who was in police custody for allegedly wearing an "improper" hijab, ignited widespread outrage and defiance among Iranian women. However, with the morality police … Continue reading The Return of Iran’s Morality Police