Newsletter Archive

How did a Ukrainian folk song about springtime end up becoming an enduring part of the American Christmas tradition? Every year at this time, you can hear the tune on the radio or in television commercials. There are rock, jazz or metal versions. Let’s explore what it is about this particular song that hits all the right notes for Americans.

A Kenyan woman tells VOA three government soldiers raped her after telling her she was ‘government property.’ The attack came amid protests in her Nairobi neighborhood after the results of the presidential election were announced in August. A human rights group has documented 71 cases of rape during that period of political unrest. But the true number might be higher because,  fearing reprisal and further victimization, other victims refuse to speak out.

A controversial yet influential TV anchor in Pakistan is banned from making TV, print or social media appearances in the country. Islamabad’s High Court temporarily barred Aamir Liaquat Hussain, saying the public personality has engaged in inciting hatred and violence. However, even some of Hussain’s harshest critics want to see him back on TV.

From the travel ban to DACA to scaling back refugee admissions, there were big changes in US immigration policy this year. Looking to fulfill a campaign promise to get tough on illegal immigration, President Trump pushed a number of new policies. Scroll through the past year in immigration and then look ahead with us as the Trump administration indicates it will make a big push for immigration reform in 2018.

President Trump’s corporate tax cut is attracting the attention of internationally minded Chinese companies. The tax cut makes the US an attractive destination for Chinese companies facing high taxes and other restrictions at home. But Beijing isn’t just sitting back to see what happens; an official says China is planning some initiatives to help minimize the fallout.