Kashmir

In Western news accounts, Kashmir is invariably described as an important piece in a longstanding geopolitical puzzle. It is identified as the axis of relations between India and Pakistan, a “nuclear flashpoint” that could spark an unthinkable war in South Asia. While these characterizations are accurate, they overlook the intrinsic value of Kashmir as an entity in itself, as well as the human story of a long-ignored war that is slowly destroying one of the world’s most exquisite cultures.

Africa

Villagers fetch water from a polluted hole in the village of Dambas, 80 kilometers outside of Wajir, in northern Kenya May 10, 2006.

Africa

Villagers fetch water from a polluted hole in the village of Dambas, 80 kilometers outside of Wajir, in northern Kenya May 10, 2006. Many people are suffering from diarrhoea, cholera, malaria and are even more vulnerable to diseases because of their weakened state. The number of people who are at risk in the Horn of Africa is estimated to be around 15 million of which more than 8 million have been identified as being in need of urgent emergency assistance. Though the rains have come and turned the land green, the problems facing the pastoralists still persist after 3 years of drought that resulted in severe livelihood stress, food insecurity, livestock deaths and high rates of malnutrition. (Ami Vitale)