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The Conversation

The Conversation is an independent, not-for-profit media outlet that works with academic experts in their fields to publish short, clear essays on hot topics.

Syria
Syria faces renewed Sectarian Violence as Government Fails to deliver Inclusivity

Syria faces renewed Sectarian Violence as Government Fails to deliver Inclusivity

The Conversation

By Katya Alkhateeb, University of Essex and Faten Ghosn, University of Essex (The Conversation) – A recent surge in violence against Syria’s Druze religious community has reportedly seen over 100 people killed since the start of May. This is a grim extension of sectarian targeting that began with the massacre of Alawite civilians in March. […]

Israel/ Palestine
Netanyahu’s Occupation Plan for Gaza means more Suffering for Palestinians and less Security for Israel

Netanyahu’s Occupation Plan for Gaza means more Suffering for Palestinians and less Security for Israel

The Conversation

By Julie M. Norman, UCL (The Conversation) – Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, declared on May 5 that his government intends to intensify military operations and indefinitely reoccupy Gaza. The announcement has dashed hopes for a permanent ceasefire and the release of the remaining hostages held by Hamas. The plan, which was unanimously approved by […]

fiction
Palestinian Literature: A Rich Literary Heritage from a Nation in Exile

Palestinian Literature: A Rich Literary Heritage from a Nation in Exile

The Conversation

By Heather Laird, University College Cork (The Conversation) – Palestinian literature is unique. It stands apart for its ability to capture a nation’s identity in exile – shaped not by borders, but by memory, resistance and longing. The settings of modern Palestinian literature include Israel, the occupied territories, countries more broadly in the Middle East, […]

Israel/ Palestine
Israeli plan to occupy all of Gaza could open the Door for Annexation of the West Bank

Israeli plan to occupy all of Gaza could open the Door for Annexation of the West Bank

The Conversation

By Leonie Fleischmann, City St George’s, University of London Israel’s security cabinet has announced a plan to “capture” the whole of the Gaza Strip. The prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said on May 5 the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) would remain in the territory indefinitely and take over the administration of humanitarian aid. What his government […]

Australia
Australia is the Renewables Nation after Labor’s Win

Australia is the Renewables Nation after Labor’s Win

The Conversation

By Wesley Morgan, UNSW Sydney and Ben Newell, UNSW Sydney An emphatic election victory for the incumbent Labor government means Australia’s rapid shift to renewable energy will continue. As Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen said on Saturday: In 2022, the Australian people voted to finally act on climate change. After three years of […]

Islam
Pope Francis encouraged Christian-Muslim Dialogue and helped break down Stereotypes

Pope Francis encouraged Christian-Muslim Dialogue and helped break down Stereotypes

The Conversation

By Craig Considine, Rice University (The Conversation) – Pope Francis’ pontificate marked a distinct shift in the Catholic Church’s engagement with the Muslim world. While his predecessors fostered dialogue and tolerance, Francis sought more active engagement with Muslims, particularly in the Middle East. Francis framed his efforts around the “culture of encounter,” which he explained […]

Climate Crisis
Climate Breakdown: Wildfire Smoke and Extreme Heat will make for a Hot, Smoky Future

Climate Breakdown: Wildfire Smoke and Extreme Heat will make for a Hot, Smoky Future

The Conversation

By Stephanie Cleland, Simon Fraser University (The Conversation) – In recent years, Canadians have been subjected to both severe wildfire smoke and extreme heat events, as evidenced by the record-breaking 2023 wildfire season and the 2021 heat dome. Western Canada in particular has a long history of wildfires and heat waves, and with climate change, […]

Bill of Rights
From the Chinese Exclusion Act to pro-Palestinian Activists: The Evolution of politically motivated Deportations

From the Chinese Exclusion Act to pro-Palestinian Activists: The Evolution of politically motivated Deportations

The Conversation

By Rick Baldoz, Brown University (The Conversation) – The recent deportation orders targeting foreign students in the U.S. have prompted a heated debate about the legality of these actions. The Trump administration made no secret that many individuals were facing removal because of their pro-Palestinian advocacy. In recent months, the State Department has revoked hundreds […]

Psychology
Gratitude comes with Benefits: Overcoming Negativity in Times of Stress

Gratitude comes with Benefits: Overcoming Negativity in Times of Stress

The Conversation

By Monica Y. Bartlett, Gonzaga University (The Conversation) – A lot has been written about gratitude over the past two decades and how we ought to be feeling it. There is advice for journaling and a plethora of purchasing options for gratitude notebooks and diaries. And research has consistently pointed to the health and relationship […]

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