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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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Green

A Naturalist's Defense Of The Modern Zoo

Zoos are often associated with animal cruelty, or at the very least a general animal unhappiness. But on everything from research to education to biodiversity, there is a case to be made for the modern zoo.

Photograph of a brown monkey holding onto a wired fence

A brown monkey hangs off of mesh wire

Marina Chocobar/Pexels
Fran Sánchez Becerril

-OpEd-

MADRID — Zoos — or at least something resembling the traditional idea of a zoo — date back to ancient Mesopotamia. It was around 3,500 BC when Babylonian kings housed wild animals such as lions and birds of prey in beautiful structures known as the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.

Ancient China also played a significant role in the history of zoos when the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) created several parks which hosted an assortment of animals.

In Europe, it wouldn't be until 1664 when Louis XIV inaugurated the royal menagerie at Versailles. All these spaces shared the mission of showcasing the wealth and power of the ruler, or simply served as decorations. Furthermore, none of them were open to the general public; only a few fortunate individuals, usually the upper classes, had access.

The first modern zoo, conceived for educational purposes in Vienna, opened in 1765. Over time, the educational mission has become more prominent, as the exhibition of exotic animals has been complemented with scientific studies, conservation and the protection of threatened species.

For decades, zoos have been places of leisure, wonder, and discovery for both the young and the old. Despite their past success, in recent years, society's view of zoos has been changing due to increased awareness of animal welfare, shifting sensibilities and the possibility of learning about wild animals through screens. So, many people wonder: What is the purpose of a zoo in the 21st century?

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