May 26
This Sunday, May 29 is the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers. Never heard of it? It’s the day that recognizes and celebrates all those who have taken part in UN peacekeeping operations led by the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO). Never heard of that? Well, it’s a department of the United Nations that is …
May 26
When I was in my early teen years, I excitedly got behind the wheel of my mother’s car and slowly cruised down my driveway, up the street, and around my neighborhood for the very first time. I practiced and practiced day in and day out, regularly being praised and encouraged by friends and family alike. …
Apr 22
Today, April 22nd, is celebrated as Earth Day. The idea is to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth’s natural environment and was first celebrated on April 22, 1970. The idea for Earth Day is credited to Gaylord Nelson, a former U.S. Senator, after he witnessed some of the side effects of the 1969 massive …
Apr 22
“Hi I am Sal Khan. I am the founder and faculty of the Khan Academy and we are trying to educate the world.” These were the first words I heard Salmaan Khan speak when I watched my first video on the Khan Academy. I was instantly impressed. A single article would never be able to …
Apr 01
Responsibility to Protect (R2P) is a relatively new concept in political theory. Basically, it is the idea that governments everywhere have a responsibility to uphold and protect the human rights of their citizens. And, if a state is unwilling or unable to do so, it is the duty of the international community to step in …
Mar 22
On March 17th, the United Nations Security Council voted to establish a no-fly zone over Libya, which allows for all measures short of foreign occupation. This is an addition to Libya being referred to the International Criminal Court (ICC), which I wrote about in my blog on March 3rd, and which itself was unprecedented in …
Mar 08
A week before the Egyptian revolution began last month, Asmaa Mahfouz, an Egyptian activist, released a vlog that quickly went viral and is widely credited with sparking the protests that eventually ended the thirty-year reign of dictator Hosni Mubarak. In the vlog, Mahfouz challenged any men who did not think women should be protesting to …
Mar 08
Celebrating International Women’s Day Today, March 8, 2011, marks International Women’s Day (IWD). IWD is rooted in the centuries-old struggle of giving women in society an equal footing with men. It is not only a time for men, women and children to reflect on progress and changes made worldwide but it is also a time …
Mar 03
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, chances are you’ve heard something about the ongoing situation in Libya. The violence there has escalated since the protests began on the 15th of February, and the international community has finally decided to get involved. On the 26th, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) passed a resolution calling …
Mar 01
Ever since the US House of Representatives became a Republican majority two months ago, the House, along with many state legislatures, have been churning out legislation targeted at limiting women’s rights, redefining victims of sexual assault and placing the lives of fetuses above their mother’s. There are currently three initiatives against abortion at the Federal …
