The Plight of Syria’s Christians: A Rising Tide of Persecution Islamic Extremism and the Targeting of Minority Groups In recent weeks, Syria has witnessed a devastating surge in violence against its Christian minority, as Islamic extremists, emboldened by the fall of the Assad regime, have intensified their attacks. Humanitarian groups and monitors report that these extremists, primarily aligned with the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) faction, have not only targeted Alawite Shia Muslims but also turned their sights on Christian communities. The HTS, a group with ties to Al Qaeda, has escalated its campaign of terror, leaving trails of destruction and…
Author: Kaitlyn Brown
Sadegh Zibakalam: A Fearless Voice in Iran’s Political Landscape Sadegh Zibakalam, a 76-year-old retired professor of political science, is once again facing legal troubles in Iran. Despite his advanced age and health issues, Zibakalam has been targeted by the Iranian authorities for his outspoken views, which have made him a prominent figure in the country’s political landscape. Currently on medical furlough after serving an 18-month prison sentence for criticizing the regime, Zibakalam is now under investigation again, raising fears that he may be returned to prison. A Sociological Observation Sparks Controversy The latest charges against Zibakalam stem from a speech…
The Limits of Presidential Power: Key Court Rulings on Executive Authority The role of the U.S. president has long been a subject of constitutional debate, particularly regarding the extent of executive authority. In recent years, court rulings have shed light on the boundaries of presidential power, emphasizing the importance of checks and balances within the U.S. constitutional framework. These rulings have addressed critical issues such as the president’s ability to fire appointees, the administration’s handling of birthright citizenship, the freezing of federal funding, and other efforts to reshape the federal government. Courts have consistently reinforced the idea that the president…
Deolira Glicéria Pedro da Silva: The 120-Year-Old Pursuing a Guinness World Record Deolira Glicéria Pedro da Silva, a vibrant and healthy elderly woman from Brazil, celebrated a remarkable milestone on March 10, 2024, when she turned 120 years old. This achievement has brought her into the spotlight as a potential record holder for the title of the world’s oldest living person. Currently, the Guinness World Records recognizes 116-year-old Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas as the oldest person alive, but Deolira’s birth certificate, which dates back to 1905, suggests she could take the title if her application is approved. Her family…
Colombia Urges UN to Reconsider Coca Leaf Classification On Monday, Colombia’s Foreign Minister, Laura Sarabia, made a passionate plea to the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) to remove coca leaves from its list of harmful substances. Speaking at the CND’s 68th session in Vienna, Austria, Sarabia argued that coca leaves, the primary ingredient in cocaine, have significant industrial potential and should not be categorized alongside dangerous drugs. She emphasized that removing coca leaves from the prohibited list could pave the way for their use in manufacturing fertilizers and beverages, while also undermining the drug trade by redirecting the…
The Transformation of Elon Musk’s Public Image Elon Musk, once celebrated for his entrepreneurial ventures and environmental advocacy, has recently become a divisive figure due to his foray into partisan politics. This shift has led to a decline in his popularity, as he moves away from his former apolitical stance. His past involvements, such as hosting "Saturday Night Live" and attending the Met Gala, showcased a more neutral public persona, which garnered him widespread acclaim, including a fellowship in the prestigious Royal Society. The Royal Society’s Fellowship Controversy The Royal Society, a venerable institution rooted in the Enlightenment, admitted Elon…
The Struggle of Identity and Belonging in Mo The Netflix dramedy Mo delves into the complex lives of a Palestinian refugee family living in Houston, Texas, and the ways in which national labels and identity shape their everyday struggles. At the center of the story is Mohammed "Mo" Najjar, played by Mohammed Amer, a man caught in a perilous legal limbo as an undocumented immigrant. Mo’s lack of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency makes his existence precarious, as he navigates the challenges of finding stable employment and securing a sense of security. His situation is further complicated by the fact…
"Brother Brontë": A Wilderness of Words and Worlds A Book that Refuses to Be Contained "Brother Brontë," the latest offering from Fernando A. Flores, is less of a novel and more of an experience—a sprawling, kaleidoscopic feast that defies easy categorization. It is a book that overflows with ideas, imagery, and invention, a literary equivalent of that mythical sub sandwich "with literally everything on it." Open its pages, and you are thrust into a world that is as fantastical as it is unpredictable. Flores writes with a abandon that is both exhilarating and exhausting, throwing everything into the mix: tangential…
Exploring Love, Change, and Connection: A Journey Through Lucy Dacus’s Latest Work Embracing the Unknown: The Central Theme of "Forever Is a Feeling" Lucy Dacus’s fourth solo album, Forever Is a Feeling, set to release on March 28, is a profound exploration of the vulnerabilities and joys that accompany falling deeply in love. This album captures the essence of love in its purest form, reflecting on the fears and uncertainties that come with surrendering to another person. Dacus’s music invites listeners to reflect on the transformative power of love, reminding us that it is both a leap of faith and…
Ryan Seacrest’s Favorite Snack Takes the Spotlight American Idol host Ryan Seacrest has inadvertently caused a surge in demand for a specific snack from Costco, thanks to a recent social media post. The TV star was spotted enjoying a bag of Jackson’s Avocado Oil Sweet Potato Chips with Sea Salt while relaxing at home with his dog, Georgia. The image, shared on his Instagram account, quickly caught the attention of fans, who were eager to get their hands on the same snack. The post, captioned, "Georgia’s in charge of the remote, I’m in charge of the snacks. Who else is…