Indonesia, the largest Muslim country in the world, pursues a model of democracy with particular attention to the values of tolerance and pluralism, summarized in the motto “unity in diversity”, inherent in the philosophy of “Pancasila”, the five principles that are basis of the Constitution: faith in one God; a just and civil society; a united nation; democracy guided by wisdom; social justice for all citizens
The U.S. Botanic Garden in Washington, one of the world’s top plant conservatories, is marking its 200th anniversary this year. It was established by the U.S. Congress in 1820, making it one of the oldest botanic gardens in North America
Cambodian Rock Band, a play by Lauren Yee, tells the story of a Khmer Rouge survivor who returned to Cambodia for the first time in 30 years. The play that officially starts this week at the Signature Theater in New York City received high praise during previews
Less than 24 hours after the United States signed a landmark deal with the Taliban to pave the way for peace in Afghanistan, its implementation has already hit the first speedbump. VOA’s Ayesha Tanzeem is in Doha following up on the developments. Here’s her report
The Russian government is facing a mounting trash crisis as dozens of Russian towns are increasingly angry over shipments of garbage from Moscow and other urban centers to surrounding landfills. With the Kremlin facing growing public pressure over the issue, the government has introduced a novel idea: recycling
Kazakh security forces detained dozens of people on March 1 in the wake of an activist’s death in custody. Some were detained while speaking to journalists. Others ended up in police vans after standing in public places without actually protesting. Kazakhstan’s opposition called for protests after activist Dulat Aghadil died within hours of his detention on February 24
Roughly 20 million people in Pakistan’s most populous city, Karachi, face water shortages on a regular basis. That is a key issue addressed by a Houston-based team at the Future City National Finals in Washington. Students on the team attend the Al-Hadi School of Accelerative Learning in the Houston area and most have relatives from Karachi
South Korea has experienced a massive spike in confirmed coronavirus infections over the past week. One of the reasons the numbers have jumped so quickly: South Korea is making it very easy for people to get coronavirus tests. As of Friday, the country had tested about 80,000 people. Many are getting tested at specially created drive-thru clinics
Limbe FESTAC is an annual arts and culture event organized by the Limbe City council to showcase the richness of the Cameroonian culture and to entice the Limbe inhabitants. It has always been an avenue for the population to showcase their talents and abilities to the entire world
There are currently 25 Christians in prison for blasphemy in Pakistan, 6 of whom sentenced to death. All victims who, according to the lawyer, “are safer inside a prison rather than outside, where they would be exposed to the revenge of Islamic radicals who would like to execute those who are branded as blasphemers even before the trial that ascertains the responsibility”, explains the lawyer