Conflict

5 years after George Floyd, did the global reckoning spark any real change?

Conflict & Justice

It’s been five years since George Floyd died under the knee of a police officer in Minneapolis — an event that sparked a wave of protests and a global reckoning with racism, policing and systemic inequality. Half a decade later, has anything truly changed?

Photos: Syrian photographer documents loss and rebirth in the country following the fall of Assad  

Christians in historic town in Syria reflect on new moment in the country

Sacred Nation

‘I can do what I can to save people’: This chief rabbi stayed in Ukraine to help people and honor his son who died in battle  

Vietnam celebrates 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon

Conflict & Justice

In Cambodia, artists carve out space for quiet resistance

Arts, Culture & Media

Dissent, in the form of activism or journalism, is stifled in Cambodia. But artists there are finding subtle ways to tackle controversial topics from environmental devastation to rapid urbanization. 

In unanimous court decision, South Korea’s president is ousted 

Global Politics

A large crowd of protesters erupted in cheers when the announcement came from South Korea’s Constitutional Court. All eight of the judges on the court agreed that Yoon Suk Yeol had “violated the basic principles of a democratic state” and would be removed from office immediately. The country remains deeply divided politically. South Koreans will now vote for a new president in 60 days.

Japan moves to shut down the Unification Church 

Japan in Focus

A court in Tokyo has ordered the once-powerful Unification Church in Japan to be dissolved. The case against the religious group goes back to the 2022 assassination of Japan’s former prime minister, Shinzo Abe. The church is accused of violating the human rights of its followers, by demanding that they hand over their material wealth to the group. But church leaders deny any wrongdoing and say they will appeal the decision.

Europe looks for alternative to Starlink

DW

Elon Musk recently seemed to threaten to shut down Ukraine’s use of his Starlink satellite communications system. Musk quickly issued a statement saying he would “never” do this but, given the uncertainty surrounding US policy toward Ukraine since President Donald Trump took office, Europe is examining its options and believes it has an alternative.

In wartime Ukraine, Jews embrace their Ukrainian-Jewish identity

Sacred Nation

Last week, Jewish communities worldwide celebrated Purim, a joyous holiday that includes dressing up in costume, giving charity, and exchanging gifts. In Ukraine, this was the third Purim Jews have celebrated since Russia’s full-scale invasion. With each year, the Jewish community feels more pride in their Ukrainian identity.