British artist Alex Hartley christened the newly independent nation of Nowhereisland.
Crowd-sourcing a Nation Into Existence
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Human Rights
Review: Bahrain, Shouting in the Dark
During the democratic uprisings that began in the Arab world in 2011, the entire world has focused on Tunisia, Egypt, Yemen, and now Syria. On February 16, Bahrainis participated in what the Qatar-based television station Al Jazeera has called a “secret revolution,” one that was “abandoned by Arabs, forsaken by West and forgotten by the world.” With no international reporters in Bahrain to capture the uprising, Al Jazeera documented, in trembling closeness, the courage demonstrated by the Bahraini protesters, and then the horrors and bloodshed that ensued once the ruler’s forces commenced their attack.
Syria: The End of the Beginning
The bombing that killed Syrian Defense Minister Daoud Rahja may have been the handiwork of defectors from President Assad’s inner circle.
North Korean Gulag Story Gains Traction — and Opposition — in Social Media
To be accused of a political crime in North Korea is a life sentence for not just the accused, but family members as well.
Beyond Libya’s Election
Libya’s transition to democracy will require far more than a peaceful and democratic election. The legitimacy of the elected government depends on its capacity to disarm local militants while ensuring all Libyans’ security, effectively distributing Libya’s petro-wealth and specifying Islam’s role in governance. The resolution of these polarizing and controversial issues — peacefully within the framework of democratic institutions or through continued violence and authoritarianism — will define the post-Gaddafi era in Libya.
A State’s WMD Are Just as Likely to Threaten It as Protect It
States that acquire WMD fail to fully anticipate the dangers of their enemies seizing them.
The Impotence of International Law
The empty invocation of international law does nothing but reinforce our own sense of impotence in the face of international lawlessness.
The New York Times Drones on About the Morality of Drones
Killing civilians is hardly drones’ only crime.
The Real Metric for Syria Is Russia’s Realpolitik
A more accurate bellwether of the tide turning in Syria will be if Russia decides it no longer needs President Assad.
The Magnitsky Act: Fueling Tension with Russia
The ac will impose visa bans and asset freezes on Russian human rights offenders.