A Kurdish boy with "Kobane" written on his forehead takes part in a celebration in the Syrian Kurdish city of Qamishli, after it was reported that Kurdish forces took control of the Syrian town of Kobani, January 27, 2015.
Seeing The News: Remember when Kobane was all over the news a few months ago? The smart money wasn't on the Kurds being able to stave off the ISIS siege of the northern Syrian town. But now it's celebrations, face painting and the sharing of delicious-looking treats after the Kurds pushed out ISIS militants.
Magnum's Emergency Fund
The Magnum Foundation Emergency Fund has announced its next round of grants, and it's a great list of photographers. Unlike other photography awards presented for work that's already published, the Magnum EF grants allow photographers to head out into the field for 21 days of new reporting. Take a look at the work of one grantee, Peter van Agtmael, to see the potential.
Child Grooms
Many people may be familiar with the problem of child brides around the world, but perhaps less so with child grooms. Marriage is prohibited by law in Nepal before age 18, but in a compelling story, the Los Angeles Times reports on arranged marriages in Nepalese communities where the practice remains common.
Civilian Deaths in Afghanistan
It seems as if the Taliban has read the history books: World powers have come and gone in Afghanistan, and now, with the latest drawdown by the US military, the patience game may win the day again. It's sad to see this graphic from the Council on Foreign Relations, showing a rising civilian death toll in the country.
Most followed in Africa
President Barack Obama is currently number three on Twitter's most-followed list. That's a rare feat for a politician; celebrities usually dominate the list. And it looks like our social media friends in Africa have a similar mindset about who to follow. (h/t Ethan Zuckerman)
Seeing The News is a periodic selection of arresting visual topics around the world. What have we missed? Let us know in the comments. Or tweet @sdavy with your tips.
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