Newsletter Archive

Kosovo women who were raped by Serbian forces during the 1990s conflict will begin receiving long-awaited monthly financial compensation from their government for their suffering. An estimated 20,000 women were raped by Serbian forces during the war but none of the perpetrators have been brought to justice. The issue was shrouded in silence for almost two decades; most of the women kept silent out of fear of being marginalized, stigmatized and shunned. VOA speaks with one rape victim who welcomes the compensation even though it won’t erase the pain.

What role will Britain carve out for itself on the world stage once it exits the European Union? Facing competition from massive economies like the United States, China and the EU, analysts say Britain could struggle to retain influence. A former UK foreign minister once said that Britain punches above its weight on the world stage, but there are signs Britain’s clout is waning.

The big show. Entrepreneurs are flocking to Las Vegas for the Giant Consumer Electronics Show. A lot of work goes into preparing to attend the industry trade show. Just ask a San Francisco startup that spends $12,000 to attend CES. Once there, the biggest challenge is to get noticed at the ‘Super Bowl’ of conferences.

Eritrea has shut down nearly 450 private businesses for up to 8 months — punishment for hoarding cash and ‘failing to do business through checks and other banking systems,’ according to authorities in the Red Sea nation. Supporters of the government crackdown  say its needed to fight inflation and stabilize the currency, but critics argue that the Eritrean government wants a state-owned economy, which could lead to failure.

The number of refugees and migrants arriving in Italy is down, but it doesn’t feel that way in Ventimiglia, a picturesque town in the Italian Riviera that’s become a launching point for migrants hoping to cross into France and begin new lives. VOA speaks to the migrants, some of whom live in cold, grim conditions beneath an overpass, as they wait for their chance to make it into France — even if it costs them their lives.

VIDEO: Each year, Korean students take a national exam that determines not only which college each student will attend but also their future career path. The national college entrance exam is so critical to the students’ futures, that everyone in Korea makes accommodations for the test takers. Business open late to ease congestion and the airline industry adjusts flight times so that the students won’t be bothered by airplane noise during full test mode.