Newsletter Archive

The suspected murder of a government worker at the hands of her husband is shining a light on domestic violence in Mali. Although it’s rarely reported or prosecuted, domestic violence is widespread in the West African country, where 60 percent of women without a formal education believe that a husband is entitled to beat his wife if she doesn’t obey him. However, there is hope the 27-year-old receptionist’s death will finally bring about real change.

Women made a lot of noise in 2017. From the women’s march last January, the largest in US history, to the anti-sexual harassment #MeToo movement that saw some prominent men lose their jobs, more Americans than ever seemed to be talking about women’s issues. But will this new awareness do anything to address underlying inequities, such as the wage gap?

Central American-based street gang MS-13 is concerned that its US-based members aren’t violent enough. The gang, known for its viciousness, has about 10,000 US members. Initiation requires committing murder. President Trump has made eradicating MS-13 a law enforcement priority for his administration. The FBI says mass arrests of MS-13 members over the past year have frustrated MS-13 leaders and they’re now sending younger, more violent members to the US to serve as gang enforcers.

Execution isn’t punishment enough for Islamic State fighters who made life miserable, according to several Iraqis VOA meets at a Mosul street market. They talk of the horrors they can never forget. About 10 kilometers away, thousands of suspected militants are being processed through the system and beyond that are lists with tens of thousands of names of suspected militants who are still at large. Yet at times there are no defendants in court. Judges say they’re trying their best to be orderly and fair despite the public outcry for revenge.

After a history of border disputes, Cambodia and Vietnam have set up a new market on the border that will open next year. The general goods market will allow people on both sides to trade goods more easily. Officials hope the market could be a model for the future.

VIDEO: Orthodox Christians in Moscow are submerging themselves in icy water to commemorate the feast of Epiphany, which celebrates the baptism of Jesus. Professional rescuers are on duty in case any of the participants need medical assistance. VOA didn’t take the plunge but we watched as others did.