Newsletter Archive

Horror story: When Islamic State took over in Snuny, Iraq, young Yazidi women probably had it the worst. Thousands were kidnapped and sold into sexual slavery. Thousands more remain missing. Now, as the Iraqi Army pushes towards Mosul, one of the groups preparing to defend cities and towns against IS is a determined brigade of Yazidi women fighters.

‘You want to cook while the stove is hot.’ History shows that new presidents have the most political leverage at the beginning of their presidencies, especially if they belong to the same party that controls Congress. But with Hillary Clinton continuing to hold at-least a million-vote lead over Donald Trump in the nationwide popular vote, there are lingering questions about how much of a mandate the president-elect truly has.

If President-elect Donald Trump has his way, his son-in-law will have access to the nation’s deepest secrets. Trump wants top security clearance for Jared Kushner, a close adviser who is married to Ivanka Trump. Critics say the move screams of nepotism, potential conflict of interest, and possibly putting the country’s national security at risk. Here’s how clearances are granted – and to whom.

QUICK TAKE VIDEO: After intense fighting against Kurdish separatists, the Turkish government partially lifted an 8-month-long curfew in the southeastern town of Sirnak this week. Residents returned home to find most of the town reduced to rubble.

As far as refugee camps go, people had it pretty good at Kenya’s Dadaab camp. Refugees who fled conflict and drought in Somalia had access to health services, free shelter, food, clean water and education for their children at the camp. But Kenya recently decided to close Dadaab. In Somalia, VOA visits some repatriated refugees who are learning it isn’t always easy to go home again.

The Laos government is pressing ahead with a new dam on the Lower Mekong River, even though scientists and activists have warned of growing threats to regional food security. VOA reports from Laos, where the government says construction of the dam is key to the country’s long-term economic development. But critics worry about damaging a fragile river ecosystem that feeds 60 million people.

People who work to increase internet freedom face increased challenges as more governments try to limit access to online spaces. For members of vulnerable groups, the internet is the only place they feel they can talk about their issues and share their opinions. VOA speaks with activists who risk their own safety in Pakistan, Venezuela and Zimbabwe to fight to keep these critical online spaces from shrinking.