The Two Faces of the Taliban: A place where women’s hair salons are closed, but men’s hair salons are wide open
The Taliban, an Islamic extremist armed group, has ruled Afghanistan twice (1996-2001 and 2021-present). The Taliban’s first term in power in Afghanistan was marred by tyranny that suppressed all freedoms. The Taliban, who are entering their second term in power in 2021, say they are different from before, but the West’s gaze towards them is […]
“Abandon the ‘signifier’ of a democratic fighter and become an ‘idol’ of a practitioner”
By Lee Byung-cheol * SEOUL: Idol (牛墒) is the name of the Janggi-pyo type. While his older brother was staying at Taejongsa Temple in Busan for a while on probation, the monk Doseong, who was the head priest of the temple, shaved his head and became a monk. This is the name he received from […]
A look at Kim Ryang’s ‘Film Youth, Dong-ho’ and Lim Yu-ri’s ‘Echo’
By Jeon Chan-il * CANNES: “Film Youth, Dong-ho” is a well-made ‘creative documentary’ that penetrates the human side of former Busan Film Festival Chairman Kim Dong-ho. Twenty-six-year-old director Yuri Lim’s “Echo”, attracted attention for its rare director’s challenge and vision even though it failed to win an award. Although it is a bit late, let’s take […]
The Two Faces of the Taliban: “We will watch”. “How well will we lead Afghanistan?”
By Lee Shin-seok* KABUL: The Taliban, an Islamic extremist armed group, has ruled Afghanistan (hereinafter referred to as Afghanistan) twice (1996-2001 and 2021-present). The Taliban’s first term in power in Afghanistan was marred by tyranny that suppressed all freedoms. The Taliban, who are entering their second term in power in 2021, say they are different from […]
South Korea to resume blasting propaganda, K-pop music across DMZ border with North Korea
SEOUL: South Korea is ready to reactivate fixed and mobile propaganda loudspeakers near the border with North Korea as Seoul took steps to fully suspend a 2018 inter-Korean military pact. The loudspeakers used to blare criticism of North Korea’s Kim Jong-un regime’s human rights abuses, news and K-pop songs. The loudspeaker campaigns were part of […]
South Korea’s deeper partnership with NATO highlighted
JEJU, SOUTH KOREA: North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has highlighted the alliance’s commitment to deepen practical cooperation with South Korea and three other countries in the Indo-Pacific region. “The challenges we face are global, and they require a global response. For this reason, NATO is working ever more closely with partners […]
President Xi highlighjts significance of Arab-China relations
BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping has delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 10th ministerial conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum.The following is the full text of his speech: Your Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, Your Excellency President Abdul Fatah Al-Sisi, Your Excellency President Kais Saied, Your Highness President Mohamed Bin Zayed […]
China-Arab States Cooperation Forum: Taking shared growth to the next level?
MANAMA: The 10th ministerial meeting of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum will convene in the Chinese capital Beijing on May 30. Four Arab leaders, two from Asia and two from Africa will attend the forum in a clear indication of its growing significance. King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, President of the United […]
Uzbekistan’s Khiva: Crown Jewel of the Silk Road is the 2024 tourism capital of the Islamic world
KHIVA: The city of Khiva in Uzbekistan, an ancient city famous for its rich history and vibrant culture, will soon receive large numbers of visitors from all over the world, especially from the OIC Member States to participate in the Twelfth Session of the Islamic Conference of Tourism Ministers on May 31- June 2. The […]
Gyeongbokgung Palace: A sublime journey to 14th century Korea
By Dr Rohel Aijaz SEOUL: The month of May had just begun. The day was hotter than usual, yet I was excited for what lay ahead. It was my second day in Seoul and I had decided to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace. After having a Kimchi pancake for breakfast at a restaurant right next to our […]
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Trump, Kim, and the Three P’s of Summit Diplomacy: 
