Christmas

Christmas Was Never ‘Pure’ Even Before Culture Wars

An "anti-woke" Christmas party tries to reclaim tradition, yet the holiday itself has always been a quiet collage of borrowed customs, foreign gods and local habits.

Protests in Syria Over the Burning of a Christmas Tree

Protests erupted across Syria after a Christmas tree was burned in Suqaylabiyah, raising doubts about the ability of the Islamist-led Hayat Tahrir al-Sham to protect minorities as they transition from a Islamist group to the halls of power in post-Assad Syria.

Christmas in all Forms: Traditions & Trials

Christmas celebrations in the MENA region showcase a blend of joy and adversity, with some countries embracing the holiday with multicultural flair, while others, like Gaza and Bethlehem, face the challenges of conflict, highlighting the resilience of communities amidst difficult circumstances.

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French AI Surveillance: Composing for Algorithms or Audiences?

Musicians begin adjusting melodies and samples to satisfy code rather than listeners with French AI rules in effect.

Gaddafi Assassination Opens a Road for Haftar in Libya

Gunmen in Zintan ended a name that haunted the country for fifteen years and opened a road for the current strongmen to settle the scores they hold today.

From the Plains to Mainland Europe: Botswana’s Elephant Ultimatum

Botswana’s threat to send more than one elephant to Germany questions who truly pays the price for protecting Africa’s wildlife.

Secession After Annexation: U.S. Alberta Oil Bid

Alberta separatists met U.S. officials, sought $500B backing, sparking sovereignty fears as Washington eyes the province’s oil.

Gulf AI Ambitions Drive Demand For Renewables

As the Gulf trades oil wealth for artificial intelligence, a hidden thirst for power creates an opening for Europe's truly massive renewable energy surplus.