revives

The U.S. Department of State has recently implemented new measures for student visa applicants, mandating a resumption of interviews alongside stricter requirements. Now, prospective foreign students must provide U.S. diplomats with access to their social media profiles as part of the visa vetting process. This decision raises significant questions about privacy and transparency. What constitutes a "hostile" social media post? Could a simple expression of dissent get a student barred from pursuing their academic dreams in…

The Complex Dance of Development and Human Rights: A Closer Look at Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act The World Bank made headlines in 2023 when it suspended funding to Uganda in response to the Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA) that the Ugandan parliament approved. The Bank, a global financial institution, articulated that this new law was antithetical to its core values, signaling a bold stance amid a rapidly shifting landscape of international ethics. The AHA has not only sparked outrage but also incited international…

Somali Cookbook Returns: Asha Guled’s Culinary Classic Updated for a New Generation In a world where culinary traditions are often overshadowed by fast-paced lifestyles and fleeting food trends, the revival of Asha Guled’s iconic Somali cookbook is a breath of fresh, spiced air. This cherished collection of recipes, filled with the rich aromas and bold flavors of Somali cuisine, finds its way back into our kitchens, updated and revitalized for today’s discerning palates. But what defines the essence of a…

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn (AX) — In a decisive shift in federal policy, U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that mandates commercial truck drivers demonstrate proficiency in English reading and speaking. This new regulation reverses an Obama-era initiative that had softened federal enforcement standards regarding language requirements for truck drivers. As a result, immigrant drivers, particularly a significant number of Somalis contributing to North America's trucking workforce, may find themselves…

Zimbabwe's Central Bank Resumes Gold Coin Issuance In a noteworthy development, Zimbabwe's central bank has made the decision to reinstate the issuance of gold coins, a program that had been temporarily halted for a period of ten months. This revival is not just a procedural footnote; it’s a strategic maneuver aimed at stabilizing the local currency, the Zimbabwean Gold (ZiG), which is currently grappling with significant challenges stemming from policy missteps. The financial landscape in Zimbabwe is particularly…

The U.S. Rekindles Its Commitment to Africa: The Tale of the Lobito Corridor It’s fascinating how different threads of global politics weave through Africa. One of the prominent examples of this dynamic is the Lobito Corridor rail project, a grand endeavor stretching across the heart of the continent. It’s not just a rail line connecting countries; it’s a symbol of renewed commitments, strategic collaborations, and a stark reminder of the geopolitical undercurrents shaping our world today. Consider the…

Preserving Heritage Through A Culinary Odyssey Toronto, Canada (AX) — Exploring the savory landscapes of Somali cuisine, Ifrah F. Ahmed stands as a remarkable beacon of cultural preservation and innovation, all while artfully bridging continents and traditions. A Journey Across Kitchens Born in Somalia and now traveling between New York and Seattle, Ahmed is on a mission to elevate Somali cuisine through culinary pop-ups and…

US President-elect Donald Trump, eyeing the clock, is pondering an extension for TikTok amid a looming ban deadline. In a surprising twilight twist, TikTok is back online in the United States. The wildly popular video-sharing app had briefly vanished like a magician's trick, thanks to a federal directive. Trump, with his characteristic flair, hinted at reversing the ban with a simple gesture of his presidential pen as soon as he crosses the White House threshold. On a fine Sunday morning, the partly cloudy news rolled out…

Nestled just beyond the bustling edges of Somalia's capital city, the Darus Salam Zoo provides locals with a rare opportunity to witness the wonders of the wild right in their backyard. "We began with a single croc, but now we've got over a century's worth of diverse critters," remarked Muhammad Abd Rahman, the zoo's custodian. "From majestic lions to cunning foxes, prickly porcupines to quick-footed hares—our zoo is a jungle in its own right, albeit sans leopards and cheetahs." Rahman, who nurtures many animals from birth,…

Law enforcement agencies across six European nations, along with Interpol, have initiated the reopening of investigations into the tragic cases of 46 women whose lives were abruptly taken or whose deaths remain shrouded in mystery. This effort aims to finally identify the remains of these individuals, according to statements from the international police organization. “Our mission is clear: we strive to provide closure to families and uphold justice for the victims,” declared Interpol Secretary General Jürgen Stock in an…