As an Arab-Canadian, I'm still searching for home
Our mother tongue is what connects us to a lost unity and a future one.
It has been five years since I came to Canada and became a citizen. Within these five years, my Arabic became exclusively the language of the household. Occasionally, I spoke the language with fellow Arabs, but English dominated.
I rarely wrote in Arabic and no longer gave it much thought. I was too busy trying to refine my English writing skills into a bullet form, sharp enough to hit the desired aim. And the aim was simple: to be part of a place.
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The Armenian diaspora is using its influence to impact Armenia's foreign relations
While Armenia has a modest population of just under 3 million people, ethnic Armenians spread across the globe total as many as 8 million. The contemporary history and culture of Armenia is in many ways as much about this diaspora community as it is about those still living in the country.
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Back to school in Aleppo's basements
Students in Aleppo will be changing classrooms this year, but the move certainly can’t be called an upgrade.
According to a statement issued by the directorate of education in the city’s liberated areas, classes will no longer be held in existing schools. Students will instead attend classes in basements and other “secure areas” that have been equipped with “security features” meant to protect the children.
