International News, Analyses & Opinions
The Dangers of the “Middle East” - How the term “Middle East” contributes to a dangerous mindset
Opinion analysis by Nour AlMortada, Featured Writer
The term “Middle East” itself has no scientific nor intellectual basis: not in history, nor in geography, and certainly not in ethnicity, race, or language. And so, where did it originally stem from? Well, the answer is colonialism. The countries enshrined within the context of this term are some of the richest in the world and their history is proof of this. However, neo-colonialism, which emulates itself through humanitarian interventions or wars of interest, “the war on terror” being a prime example, continues to setback the region. The continuous use of this term contributes to the neo-colonial narrative, leading to issues such as the crumbling of centuries-old civilizations.
The New Rush for Africa: Superpowers are vying for influence in Africa once more
Opinion analysis by Johnny Achkar, Staff Writer
When 19th-century European colonizers split up the continent and took Africans' land, the first big rise of foreign interest in Africa was known as the "scramble." The second was during the Cold War, when the East and West competed for newly independent African governments' loyalty. The third surge, which is currently underway, is gentler.