Newsletter Archive

As a Sikh, Bronze Star recipient Major Kamal Kalsi wears a turban and beard. Back in 2009, it took 50 congressional signatures and 15,000 petitioners for Kalsi to obtain a religious accommodation that allowed him to observe the articles of his faith while serving in the U.S. military. But times are changing. This month, the U.S. Army announced a new policy that makes it easier for Sikhs, Muslims and other Americans to serve without having to choose between their faith and their country.

Greece refugee camps are jammed with desperate residents trapped in poor conditions and facing uncertain futures. VOA goes to a camp in Lesvos, where people are stranded for months on end — thanks in part to the EU-Turkey deal that involves potential deportation back to Turkey. ‘It’s like a prison here,’ one resident told VOA, ‘and we need our voices heard.’

Iraqi forces are preparing for a ‘reinvigorated push’ against Islamic State in Mosul. IS fighters have put up a stubborn resistance, while also expanding attacks elsewhere in Iraq. Iraqi leaders say they doubt their forces will oust IS fighters from the terror group’s last major urban Iraqi stronghold before Easter.

Getting chummy: Russia and the Philippines are considering joint naval exercises. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has said he wants to be less dependent on former colonizer the United States and have deeper relations with China, Japan and Russia. Joint naval exercises are a way to advance Manila’s shift toward a multi-country foreign policy, while helping to bulk up its military.They’re also a way for both Russia and the Philippines to stand up to the United States.

QUICK TAKE VIDEO: Coptic Christians celebrated Christmas this past weekend under the shadow of violence. Coptic families in Egypt went to mass, sometimes under the watchful eyes of police and volunteers. VOA takes a look at how Coptic Christians marked the holiday in Cairo.