COLOGNE, GERMANY: MASS ATTACKS FUEL XENOPHOBIA

COLOGNE, GERMANY: MASS ATTACKS FUEL XENOPHOBIA

In Cologne, Germany the year 2015 ended with an incident of mass sexual assaults, highlighting a need for greater international focus on formulating a working plan for the migrant crisis in Europe. Amidst the New Year’s Eve festivities, hundreds of men gathered in Cologne’s main train station; the congregation soon escalated into a chaotic frenzy in which several women were sexually assaulted. Ninety women came forth to report being attacked (Shubert). The horrific violation of women’s rights incited fear across Germany, and the public called for justice against the attackers. Additionally, the circumstance brought implications of Arab refugees threatening national security to the forefront of political discussion.

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No End in Sight for Dictatorship in Thailand

No End in Sight for Dictatorship in Thailand

On May 22, 2014, the Royal Thai Army successfully seized control of the Thai government, under the claim that that its actions would keep citizens safe and restore order to a country mired in chaos. This was the 10th time Thailand’s constitution was suspended since 1932 (“Thailand Military Seizes Power in Coup”). However, reports of human rights violations committed against non-violent demonstrators marching in protest of the new regime’s authoritarian rule, suggest that the military junta is acting out of its own self-interest rather than for the good of its citizens. The new government has proven its willingness to go to great lengths to retain its power.

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