Human rights

For nearly two decades, women in Afghanistan have played an active part in social and political life by holding political office, working in professions and running businesses. Advances for women have extended from the country's elite in the cities all the way to the less-privileged communities in the provinces. However, Afghan women now fear their place in society will again be marginalized as the Islamist militant Taliban consolidate their power under a peace deal with the US. There are big questions about how the social landscape in Afghanistan will shift under Taliban influence, and what conditions will be forced upon women. Fawzia Koofi, a member of the Afghan government delegation negotiating with the Taliban, said it is difficult to determine how the Taliban have changed nearly 20 years after being removed from political power. Afghanistan, however, has turned into a different country. "When they [the Taliban] get to know the new Afghanistan and see the media, the … [Read more...] about Afghan women risk losing their rights in a new political setup

Family dynasty Since August 3, 1979, Equatorial Guinea has been ruled by President Teodoro Obiang Nguema. The 78-year-old leader, who is constitutionally allowed to rule by decree, became the second president after overthrowing his uncle, Macias Nguema. Despite more than a dozen attempts to topple him, President Obiang has clung to power for more than 40 years and earned the title of Africa's and the world's longest-serving president. Equatorial Guinea boasts the highest adult literacy rate in sub-Saharan Africa President Obiang's son, Teodoro Nguema, is the country's vice president. Another son, Gabriel Obiang Lima, is the minister for mines and hydrocarbons. While the country allowed a multi-party system in 1992, Obiang's Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea has won over 90% of votes at every election. The opposition has boycotted some of the polls. In the last election in 2016, he scored 93.7% of the vote, according to the electoral commission, his worst result so … [Read more...] about 5 surprising facts about Equatorial Guinea

Prince Harry and Meghan have given an explosive tell-all interview to Oprah Winfrey, opening up about racism concerns, suicidal thoughts and Royal Family rifts. The two-hour prime-time interview with the US chat host - where "no subject is off limits" - has given the couple their chance to tell their story and left many reeling from the unexpected revelations . As the Duke and Duchess of Sussex admit they walked away from life as senior royals because they felt "trapped", we look at the network of famous and influential figures they've got on speed dial now they've built a new life in the US. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris While the Royal Family remain staunchly apolitical, Prince Harry and Meghan's departure from "The Firm" has allowed them freedom to have a more friendly relationship with political movers and shakers. Advertisement Harry's past work on military issues bought him into close contact with the Bidens, … [Read more...] about Harry and Meghan: The celebrities and influential figures who make up their LA inner circle

A NEW Dutch law today bans face-covering clothing including the burka and niqab worn by Muslim women. The partial ban means people cannot cover their faces on public transportation, in government buildings and at health and education institutions. The Netherlands, long seen as a bastion of tolerance and religious freedom, is the latest European country to introduce such a ban, following the likes of France, Germany, Belgium, Austria and Denmark. Muslim rights groups have voiced opposition to the law formally called the "partial ban on face-covering clothing". And an Islamic political party in Rotterdam has said it will pay the €150 fines for anybody caught breaking it. There were no immediate reports this morning of anybody being fined under the new law, which was passed despite the fact that very few women in Holland wear a burka or niqab. In fact, estimates put the number at a few hundred in this nation of 17 million. 'PARTIAL BAN' Far-right lawmaker Geert … [Read more...] about Dutch burka ban comes into force banning ALL face-coverings on public transport, schools and public buildings

"It is a great pleasure for me to announce Samantha's coming space mission," said Josef Aschbacher, the new director general of the European Space Agency (ESA), as he opened a press conference on March 3. ESA astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti is scheduled to go back to the International Space Station (ISS) for her second stay in the spring of 2022, following her two colleagues Thomas Pesquet and Matthias Maurer, who will set off for the ISS in April and October 2021 respectively. Cristoforetti herself is delighted. "Not surprisingly, it was a feeling of extreme joy and gratefulness for this opportunity. As I've mentioned before, I had the amazing opportunity the past few years to grow as an astronaut. But we have this tendency of wanting to go back to space as soon as possible," she admitted. Freshly brewed ISSpresso For Cristoforetti, it will be a return to her "home away from home," as she likes to call the ISS. The Italian astronaut has indeed already spent a remarkable … [Read more...] about ISS: Astronaut Cristoforetti readies to return ‘home’