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Geopolitics

Rohingya And The Risks Of Radicalization

NGO workers distribute food to Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh
Muslims in Bangladesh protesting last month against the persecution of Rohingya in Myanmar.
Sruthi Gottipati

-Analysis-

Looking at some of the world's intractable problems today, we often wish that governments had done things differently in the past. In the future, we may be looking back with similar regret at what's happening now with the Rohingya in Myanmar, whose plight could develop into a lasting problem for the Southeast Asian nation, and the world, if not properly addressed.

Rohingya Muslims have long been persecuted in Buddhist-majority Myanmar, forcing them to flee to neighboring nations. In recent months, survivors have accused security forces of killing, raping and burning homes — charges the government denies. Journalists and human rights organizations aren't allowed into northern Rakhine State, where the alleged atrocities are occurring. More than 65,000 Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh since last October. Myanmar's leader Aung San Suu Kyi, a Nobel peace prize winner, has faced criticism recently for not controlling security forces though the constitution does not allow her to directly control the military.

The crackdown began in October after a Rohingya insurgent group attacked three border posts in Rakhine State, killing nine police officers. The group, which calls itself Harakah al-Yaqin, is led by a committee of emigres based in Saudi Arabia and is locally commanded by Rohingya with international training, advocacy organization International Crisis Group (ICG) reported last month.

While acknowledging that the government must ensure security against such attacks and bring the perpetrators to justice, the ICG noted the imperative of addressing "the sense of hopelessness and despair underlying the anger of many Muslims."

If the government's heavy-handed response continues, the advocacy group warned, the cause of the Rohingya risks being hijacked by "transnational jihadists." It is an all-too familiar scenario that can only be averted if Myanmar makes some tough calls — otherwise we'll be talking about the benefit of hindsight all over again.

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Society

In Nicaragua, A Tour Of Nightlife Under Dictatorship

Nicaraguan publication Divergentes takes a night tour of entertainment spots popular with locals in Managua, the country's capital, to see how dictatorship and emigration have affected nightlife.

In Nicaragua, A Tour Of Nightlife Under Dictatorship

The party goes on...

Divergentes

MANAGUA — Owners of bars, restaurants and nightclubs in the Nicaraguan capital have noticed a drop in business, although some traditional “nichos” — smaller and more hidden spots — and new trendy spots are full. Here, it's still possible to dance and listen to music, as long as it is not political.

There are hardly any official statistics to confirm whether the level of consumption and nightlife has decreased. The only reliable way to check is to go and look for ourselves, and ask business owners what they are seeing.

This article is not intended as a criticism of those who set aside the hustle and bustle and unwind in a bar or restaurant. It is rather a look at what nightlife is like under a dictatorship.

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