We were doomed from the start. We had started our work day too early to eat breakfast… spent all morning outside in the cold… and as the hours passed the temperature dropped and the precipitation arrived. By lunch time we were cold, shivering, and starving. The standard advice is to never go grocery shopping on an empty stomach — but … Read More
Syria, on the Knife’s Edge
Syria was holding its breath. Islamist fighters had taken control – and no one knew if they intended to impose Taliban-style Islamic law. We went for a walk in the beautiful ancient center of Damascus. It was quiet. Merchants hadn’t opened their shops. Women had shut themselves away at home – waiting to see which way the wind was blowing. … Read More
The Economic Impact of War: An Empty Restaurant in Ramallah
The restaurant is gorgeous. Modern, impeccably designed and decorated, with attention paid to natural light, greenery, and conviviality… and yet, Darna Restaurant is nearly empty. Here in Ramallah, in the occupied West Bank, this local institution has pared back their midday staffing from 8 servers to just three, and a cavernous room full of long family-style seating… is an echo … Read More
Running and Gunning in Ukraine
With its skies and airports shut down since the February 2022 invasion, the only way to get in and around Ukraine is by car and by train. And the country is vast: getting to Kharkiv, for example, is the equivalent of flying to Boston and then driving to Chicago. If you did the drive straight from the Poland airport, it … Read More
Quick Snack: Hoho’s with Hamas
The United States and European Union have designated Hamas a terrorist organization; and its militant arm runs the Gaza Strip. But some may not realize the group has a political office operating in Doha, Qatar – established in 2012 as a means to open a channel of communication. Qatar also invited the Taliban to open its political office in 2013 … Read More