Interdepartmental panel discusses current events, protests in Latin America
Several Latin American nations have experienced protests within recent months. Chile — the “first laboratory of neoliberal policy,” according to Pintetta — witnessed immense national solidarity movements sparked by the increased price of public transportation and centered around the country’s drastic wealth disparity.
Vietnamese Student Association holds annual “Vietnam Night”
Afghanistan re-elects incumbent president
After a five-month election dispute, Afghanistan’s election commission declared incumbent Ashraf Ghani the winner of the 2019 presidential elections on Feb. 18. Ghani won with 50.64 percent of the popular vote. Ghani’s main rival, Abdullah Abdullah, claimed that the results were unlawful. Abdullah declared himself the winner and announced that he plans to form his own parallel government.
Protestors fight against new Citizenship Act in India
Irish election results: Sinn Féin wins popular vote
Middle East teach-in discusses U.S. actions
On Monday, Feb. 17, a panel of Five College professors held a teach-in in Hooker Auditorium titled “The Middle East Crisis: How Did We Get Here? What’s Next?”, examining the impact of U.S. foreign policy on the Middle East. The catalyst of the event was the death of Iranian General Qasem Suleimani, who was killed by a U.S. airstrike in early January.
Government shuts down refugee receiving point Stage 2 Transit Camp in Greece
Receiving points for refugees in Greece are being shut down, galvanizing a call from human rights activists in Lesbos to keep the north shore open. Refugee Rescue, a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) team operating in the country’s North Shore, claimed in a statement that the closure will be devastating for both refugees and local communities.
“Parasite” becomes first non-English Best Picture winner
Ugandan climate activist removed from group photo, sparking global controversy
Final Brexit deal passes four years after 2016 referendum
Policy Brief: Trump’s New Israel-Pales-tine “Deal of the Century”
On Jan. 28, President Trump proposed his plan for resolving Israeli-Palestininan conflict. He called it the “Deal of the Century.” According to The New York Times, the plan would give control of Jerusalem to Israel as its capital “and not require it to uproot any of the settlements in the West Bank that have provoked Palestinian outrage and alienated much of the world.”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announce plan to step back from British royalty
he Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, announced their plan to seek more independence from the British crown on Wednesday, Jan. 8. This change is immensely controversial, as the couple is making a historic attempt at becoming partially self-exiled royal leaders for the first time in the empire’s history, according to the BBC.
Annual “China Night” show brings culture, food and dance to campus through Chinese Cultural Association
Abroad Perspectives: Astha Kiran KC ’21 returns from England
BY CASEY ROEPKE ’21
Photo courtesy of Astha Kiran Kc ’21
Astha Kiran Kc ’21 spent her fall semester abroad in London, England.
Astha Kiran KC ’21 just returned from a semester abroad in London. As an economics major, she studied at the University College London — a public research university — and took liberal arts courses focusing in economics.
What was the most memorable moment of your experience?
At the end of term, I took part in the sustainable fashion show as a model and walked for creative student designers and prominent sustainable fashion brands in London.
What was the hardest thing to adjust to?
The weather! I thought New England was bad and then I went to England — it was honestly really bad. I got about 15 days of sunshine in the three months that I was there.
Was there anything that happened that surprised or struck you as unexpected?
How friendly and approachable the people were. Most of the people at my university were always ready to help and it was quick to make friends.
What was your favorite new food that you tried?
I followed a travel blog’s advice and went to this super cute chocolate-themed cafe. I tried their hot chocolate, and it was probably the best chocolate-related food I’ve ever tried.
What advice do you have for someone who wants to study abroad?
It’s going to be hard at first and you are going to miss Mount Holyoke, but you will create your own happiness as you explore new places, meet new people and discover your own favorite places abroad.
Any other stories or experiences that you want to share?
While I was in London, I went to Edinburgh and it was surreal to see how magical the city was! I took a Harry Potter tour with a local guide and visited the grave that inspired the names of many, many Harry Potter characters.
Bushfires in Australia devastate 46 million acres
International tensions heighten after US authorizes military killing of Iranian top official
Students take to the streets in Pakistan to fight for student unions and better education facilities
Pakistani students, activists and supporters of the Student Action Committee (SAC) took to the streets of Lahore and other cities in Pakistan on Friday, Nov. 29 as part of the Student Solidarity March. The demonstrators’ list of demands called for the restoration of student unions and the improvement of educational facilities.
Iraqi Prime Minister resigns after facing mass citizen protests
Following months of citizen protest, Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi announced his plans for resignation on Friday, Nov. 29. Protesters — made up largely of the country’s young and poor — have criticized the country’s political party system and failing infrastructure. These demands came just months after the initiation of a new Iraqi government in May which followed the eradication of ISIS in the region.