Newsletter Archive

The billionaire new US ambassador to Russia presented his credentials to Russian President Vladimir Putin at a Kremlin ceremony this week. Former Utah governor Jon Huntsman, who previously served as US ambassador to China and Singapore, assumes the position after a period marked by a rapid deterioration of ties between the two countries. Huntsman is the first Russia ambassador of the Trump era and given his background and experience, his appointment could prove to be a diplomatic game changer.

Who’s watching you? Cameras are being installed inside taxis in Turkey’s largest city. VOA is in Istanbul where the changes will take place and where authorities say the cameras are being put in to provide security for both drivers and passengers. But with the ongoing crackdown over last year’s failed coup, some are afraid the new taxi cab surveillance is the latest government effort to monitor and control people.

The opposition is getting out of town in Cambodia and it’s not for a vacation. Almost half of the country’s opposition lawmakers have left the country or are in jail, including most of the leadership. The Cambodia National Rescue Party is in the midst of being broken up due to recent legislation that allows for the dissolution of a party found to undermine the security of the nation. The CNRP’s leader fled this week saying that it’s no longer possible to ‘save democracy’ from inside Cambodia.

England is sucking up corrupt money from across the world, according to anti-corruption activists who are organizing tours of properties allegedly bought with dishonest money. Their aim is to shine light on the hundreds of millions of dirty dollars funneled through London every year. VOA takes a ride to the so-called dark side of globalization on the ‘Kleptocracy Tour.’

Las Vegas college students are still processing Sunday night’s massacre on the Strip. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas, is just minutes from the casinos. The diverse student population there is trying to make sense of what happened and some wonder if the violence could have been avoided.

As one of only three women currently leading an African nation, President Ameenah Firdaus Gurib-Fakim of Mauritius belongs to a very exclusive club. Her background and skill set are also unique; Gurib-Fakim is a biodiversity scientist with a doctorate in organic chemistry as well as a former business owner. Speaking with VOA in Washington,  President Gurib-Fakim talks about translating her background and experience into a blueprint for political success.