Newsletter Archive

What could go wrong? At this month’s Republican National Convention in Cleveland, protesters are banned from carrying explosives, large knives, umbrellas with metal tips, and even tennis balls. But they will be allowed to openly carry legally owned firearms.

In London, it looks like Brexit denial continues. Several experienced British litigators, along with the country’s leading public-interest law firm, are drafting a legal challenge to the Brexit referendum. They hope to force a parliamentary debate before the government triggers the automatic procedure for exiting the European Union. Brexit is also shaking up the Labor Party, which could threaten Labor’s very existence. And, although a number of Britons are experiencing voter’s remorse, some of their European neighbors appear to be envious. Does this mean Frexit or Nexit is next? 

Speaking of Brexit, is the vote to quit the European Union a ‘Berlin Wall’ moment for European youth? There might not be a literal wall, but if the UK leaves the EU, new logistical and economic barriers could be erected, creating divisions a united Europe was supposed to avoid.

It’s summer in the United States, but at the bottom of the world, at America’s South Pole station, it’s winter. That means the sun won’t shine there for months, which could be why the station’s ‘winter-overs’ — including VOA blogger Refael Klein — celebrate the solstice with a gourmet feast.

In Pakistan, critics are slamming a provincial government plan to give $3 million to a seminary school locals call the ‘University of Jihad’. The madrasa, located on the border with Afghanistan, is suspected of being sympathetic toward the Taliban who are fighting local and U.S.-led international forces in Afghanistan. In Pakistan, VOA got the scoop from legendary cricketer-turned politician Imran Khan, who heads the political party that allocated the madrasa money.

QUICK TAKE VIDEO: Thousands of Syrian men, woman and children are fleeing Aleppo to escape both airstrikes and the Islamic State terror group. VOA caught up with some of them in Northern Afrin.

In Lebanon, when Syrian refugees first began crossing the border to safety, many Lebanese people welcomed them. VOA visits Bekaa, where six years later, there are signs the refugees have worn out their welcome.