Arts & Culture

After 30 years of turmoil, the Kashmiri people are no better off. In fact, many would say things are worse – and that the dream of becoming an independent state is drifting off to sleep.

The situation in Iraq is dire given the rise in religious and ethnic violence. The journey out of Iraq for those who are desperate and willing to give up everything they own in order to lead a “normal” life is equally dangerous. But sometimes, along with assimilation in a host country, there is yet another loss.

China’s youth are having an impact on the direction of their country. Entrepreneurial start-ups aligned with young people in other countries, a hunger for Korean entertainment and fashions, use of ‘weibo’- the Chinese version of Twitter -to share ideas and sometimes grievances, are just some the indications that in economically robust cities like Shenzhen, China appears to be opening up to the world.

Giving has many rewards especially when the gift offers opportunities and lasting results. This is what an increasing number of university students in China are learning as they volunteer their time and skills to help empower those who would otherwise be held back in poverty.

Family photos speak to us – conjuring up a wide spectrum of feelings. In some cases, they can expose raw psychological wounds with scars so deep they will never heal with time. Making peace with the past is tough. But choosing how to live our lives despite the heart-ships and the hardships is what forever changes our future.

In China many grassroots organizations are taking issues into their own hands, spreading awareness through the arts.

When renowned artist Ai Weiwei was arrested at the Beijing International Airport on April 2 many people in China believed that government was up to its old tricks. But this reporter believes that government may be in for some unexpected reactions from an increasingly aware public.

Pakistan’s leadership in the world hinges on an investment in its youth.

Legislators consider punishment as a means to boost test scores.

Brazillian actress Morena Baccarin writes, America may be the land of possibilities but she’ll never forget their roots.