Health & Medical

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.

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.

A need for organs that has superseded supply has given rise to a growing number of illegitimate “medical” organizations endangering the lives of the most vulnerable. This reporter responds with solutions.

Even with the presence of international forces, there’s insecurity and chaos in Afghanistan.

We can no longer afford to play a groundhog game with the climate, argues this Voices’ reporter. This summer’s weather-related disasters in Pakistan, China, and Russia have caused millions of deaths and dire suffering for the survivors.

A 20 year old Mexican woman is exchanged for a cow and that’s considered dowry. When she is beaten by her husband it’s considered “education” in her indigenous mountain village community. Her response must have global impact.

Mexico’s war on drugs has not been effective. In just the last three years, more than 15,000 people have died – often on Mexico’s streets in broad daylight. The government has tried to stop the violence by sending 4500 soldiers and federal police to Ciudad Juarez – the most violent zone. Yet Juarez remains a lawless city with the highest murder rate in the world.

Indigenous community of Mayas find imaginative and resourceful solutions to visitors’ plastic refuse.

The physical and psychological scars run deep and last a lifetime for far too many people in South Asia who have been brutally victimized by acid attacks. Julien Petit was in Cambodia and spoke with people who struggle to deal with the heinous crimes perpetrated against them and the monsters who committed them.

Erline Vendred feels lucky to be alive today. Having survived the earthquake that struck Haiti (Jan. 12) Vendredi said that the massive loss of life could have been prevented.