Global Journal Vol I Issue I Spring 2016

GLOBAL JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS PUBLICATION

VOL 1 ISSUE 1 SPRING 2016

1

About Global Journal Insight into our vision

Global Journal is a Northeastern University International

Affairs student-run publication, covering international news, events on campus, study abroad, as well as domestic and

international co-ops. Founded in 2014 by Madlen Gubernick, Elizabeth Zona, and Yasmeen Alhaj, the student group aims

to bring the international community together through experiential narratives.

Because being a Northeastern student inevitably implies international interest and awareness, Global Journal

encourages students of all disciplines to participate in the student group. Global Journal is comprised not only of in-

ternational affairs students, but journalism, political science, business, health education and art students as well.

We believe that as Northeastern students, we are all global citizens with vast international experience: Global Journal

gives students the platform to share those experiences with

the rest of the community. We hope to inspire students of all

disciplines to partake in building international bridges to help promote our global experiences.

2

Table of Contents

AMERICAS

Costa Rica: A Beautiful Accident The Arms Trade Treaty: Controlling Arms

8

Border Security: According to Alan Bersin Speed Dating: Career Forum Style Inequality Reflection: Mexico, India and the U.S The U.S and CUBA: A Dialogue Perspective

ASIA

Mr. China Visits Northeastern

20

The Co-Op That’s Getting Rid of Landmines Turkish Elections

AFRICA

Being Taught the Value of Education in Zambia

30

Change Starts with One: The Story of Modzi Education in Zambia: Why My Co-Op Matters Leymah Gbowee Visits NEU

EUROPE

Ireland Votes for Gay Marriage

42

Understanding Islam in London An American Living in Paris During the Terrorist Attacks Dublin to Belfast: A Tale of Two Cities Paris Talks with Professor Garcia Saravejo: The War, The People, The Dialogue

MIDDLE EAST

Roya Hakakian Explains the Iranian Jewish Community

60

What is a Zionist? A Talk with William F.S Miles Learning About the Iran Deal

3

Meet the Team Members of the board

Madlen Gubernick

Founder, President, and Editor in Chief

International Affairs Major, Journalism & Global Social Entrepreneurship Minors From: Brooklyn, New York

Yasmeen Alhaj

Co-Founder and Managing Editor

International Affairs Major with a Middle East Concentration, Sociology Minor

Visited: Spain, Ireland, France, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Italy, Costa Rica, Mexico, Dominican Republic

Visited: Hong Kong, France, Vietnam, Ireland, Turkey, Germany, South Africa, Oman, Austria, Egypt

From: Dhahran, Saudi Arabia

Elizabeth Zona

Co-Founder, Treasurer and President

Visited: Italy, Denmark, France Netherlands, Germany, Ireland

of Marketing

Business Administration Major, dual concentration in Marketing & MIS From: Maplewood, New Jersey

Sarah Zaatar

Vice President of Marketing

Business Administration Major, dual concentration in Entrepreneurship & Marketing

Visited: Canada, Finland, Ireland, Italy, France, Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, United Kingdom, Romania, Thailand, Morocco, Qatar, Oman

From: Dubai, UAE

Devol Tull

Web Design Chair

International Affairs Major, Law and Public Policy & Political Science Minors From: Eddington, Maine

4

Visited: Czech Republic, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, Switzerland, Canada, Bahamas, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, United Kingdom

Olivia Pickard

Social Media Chair

International Business Major, International

Visited: Italy, Zambia, United Arab Emirates, Germany, Barbados

Affairs and Human Services Minors From: Boston, Massachusetts

Audrey Pence Editor

International Affairs Major, Arabic Minor From: Arlington, Virginia

Jeremy Love-Epp Editor

Environmental Studies and International Affairs Majors, International Security

Visited: Jordan, Bosnia, Serbia, Turkey, United Kingdom, Ireland, Norway, France, Greece, Israel, China, Mexico, Hungary

Visited: Costa Rica, Ireland, United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Greece, Canada, Mexico

Studies Minor

From: Raytown, Missouri

Olivia Arnold Editor

Journalism Major, Political Science Minor

Visited: Zambia, United Arab Emirates, Italy, England, France, Mexico

From: Marlboro, New Jersey

Lydia Ioannidou Print Design Chair

Graphic Design Major

From: Athens, Greece

Visited: Spain, Ireland, United Kingdom, Scotland, Italy, Cuba, Turkey, Bulgaria, Israel, Syria, Puerto Rico, Romania, Malta, Azerbaijan

5

Staff Writers

Contributing Writers

Alexander Carlin

Anna Butler

Alexander Jones

Elaine Bertolini

Alexandra Kuenning

Kelly Kasulis

Allen Merringolo

Kelsey Zimmerer

Amy Hood

Pedro Falcon

Audrey Pence

Shelbe VanWinkle

Caroline Boschetto Christian Jepsen

Photographers

Colleen Luibrand

Claire Kalsbeek

Daniella Emami

Joe Thomas

Devin Windelspecht

Lydia Ioannidou

Devon Tull

William Byran

Hridayam Agarwal

Yasmeen Alhaj

Jeremy Love-Epp

Zafirah Zein

Kathleen Brody Kathleen Brown Kristen Montana Kuei-Feng Tung Mary Chen Olivia Arnold Pavit Arora Rachel Abastillas Ruth Neuhauser Sydne Mass

6

Letter from the Founders

Northeastern University is a global campus.

As our world becomes more globalized, issues

globe, Northeastern is respected as being an in-

are affecting each and every one of us in differ-

With students not only in Boston, but across the ternational institution. Thanks to Northeastern’s

various study abroad programs and co-op opportunities, students graduate as global citizens.

Now, as third years at this university, the three of us are proud to announce the launch of Global

Journal: Northeastern’s International Affairs Publication.

The nature of Northeastern University’s diverse campus and worldwide opportunities has

supported us in creating this publication. With

more than half of Northeastern students going abroad at some time during their five years at

the university, and almost one hundred percent

spending at least one semester on co-op, there was immense potential for a student group such

such as climate change, terrorism and poverty ent ways. We believe that because of this, it is

important to encourage our generation to expand our perspectives.

This publication strives not only to bring the

international community to Boston through the eyes of our fellow scholars, but also to illuminate

that Northeastern University’s students are not constrained within Boston’s borders, because our campus has no borders.

We are overwhelmingly excited to present to

you the first edition of Global Journal, and look

forward to many more in the future! Thanks to all that have supported and encouraged the development of this project.

as Global Journal to be created.

Sincerely,

Madlen, Yasmeen, & Elizabeth

7

The Americas, including North and South America, are a culmination of various foods, languages, fashions and music. Northeastern students are given the opportunity to attend various events on campus that inform them about what exactly is happening not only in North America, but in the Americas as a whole.

8

Photo by Yasmeen Alhaj

9

The Global Journal | Americas

Costa Rica: A Beautiful Accident Story by Allen Meringolo, Dialogue of Civilizations

I ended up in Costa Rica for Summer two almost

tantly, fieldwork. We covered a range of topics in-

entirely by accident. In late January, I decided

cluding: community sustainability initiatives, carbon

I wanted to go to Sao Paulo, Brazil for the Emerg-

accounting, agribusiness development, solid waste

ing Market program. I wrote an application essay,

management, and wastewater treatment.

highlighting my goal of being “a global leader” in

In addition to the coursework, we lived with a

the business world, whatever that actually means,

Costa Rican family where we truly immersed our-

and I filed all necessary paperwork. Then in mid-

selves in the culture. Through various activities that

March, I received an email saying the study abroad

would be on any tourist’s itinerary, such as zip lining,

office had “to cancel this Summer two’s Emerging

whitewater rafting, horseback riding, going to the

Markets program due to low enrollment.” Although I

beach, and spending a night in the nation’s capital,

was frustrated by this news, the study abroad office

San Jose, our home stay experience allowed us to

assured me they could easily switch my application

experience it all. Half of our time was spent trav-

and place me in another program. I was left with a

eling around the country for these tourist activities

few choices at various European Universities and

and our coursework, and the other half was spent

a sustainability program in Costa Rica at a place

at the Earth University campus. During our time on

called “Earth University.”

campus, Kent McLoud, the Earth University faculty

Although I had no prior coursework or applicable

representative for our program, organized four lan-

experience in sustainability or agribusiness, I rel-

guage exchange activities over dinner. In these ac-

ished the opportunity to jump headfirst into a new

tivities, the other Northeastern students and I were

topic and step out of my comfort zone. Although the

paired with his first-year English language students.

idea of stepping out of your comfort zone in the con-

The idea was that we would have the opportunity

text of university study abroad programs is cliché,

to practice a little Spanish and the Earth students

my time in Costa Rica truly helped me grow aca-

would conversely speak a little English to us. After

demically, professionally, and personally. The pro-

a little initial nervousness and timidity on both sides,

gram was organized as a series of three to four day

we gradually began to develop some rapport with

crash courses in different topics that Earth Univer-

the other students and enjoyed a few hilarious mo-

sity professors specialized in. These crash courses

ments of glorious miscommunication.

consisted of a combination of lectures, group dis-

One such moment occurred when one of the Earth

cussions, student presentations, and, most impor-

University students asked me in English, “How is

10

The Global Journal | Americas

Photo by Yasmeen Alhaj

your Spanish?” As was the norm of the exercise,

the students “My vocabulary is good but my grand-

I tried to respond in Spanish, “Mi vocabulario es

mother is very terrible.”

buen pero,” I told him, “My vocabulary is good but”

It was moments like these, outside of the formal

then I wanted to continue “My grammar is terrible.”

program, that made Costa Rica so enjoyable.

But I could not come up with the word for grammar

As I look back on my time in Costa Rica, I will proba-

at the time. So I hurriedly asked one of the bilingual

bly forget most of the material we covered in the for-

Earth students down the table, “What is the word

mal program, such as the technique for measuring

for grammar?” He says, “Abuela.” So armed with

the C02 in a natural carbon sink. Yet the moments

this new word, I excitedly continue, “Mi abuela es

outside the formal program are the ones that I will

muy terrible.” As I say this, all the Earth students

never forget. I look back on the day that I was told

just start cracking up. I could not understand why.

the original program I wanted would be canceled,

As anyone with an elementary level of Spanish

more grateful than ever that I ended up in Costa

knows – abuela means grandma; the bilingual stu-

Rica instead.

dent thought I asked how to say grandma. So I told

11

The Global Journal | Americas

The Arms Trade Treaty: Controlling Arms Story by Christian Jepsen, On Campus

On February 2nd, Northeastern University host-

tional quality of life. In one study, Control Arms

tariat of the organization Control Arms. Control

economy $18 billion every year, more than the

ed the Anna Macdonald, the Director and Secre-

Arms was founded in 2003 with the goal of establishing an international treaty regulating the sale

of arms. Although she maintained an optimism, she did not disguise the difficulties that came with

its passage or its current weaknesses. As early

as 2001, in the wake of the Balkan wars and the Rwandan Genocide, NGOs began to talk about the need for regulation of international weapons

sales among states. From its humble beginnings in 2003, the organization Control Arms has been

by far the most strident voice for the treaty. It started by focusing on regions of the world, and

asking one country from each continent to support the creation of a global arms trade treaty in

the UN. At the end of 2003, 50 countries supported such a plan from each continent, and the plan

had gotten the attention of the UN. By 2013, the Arms Trade Treaty’s text was finalized, and had entered into force with 130 signatories.

Several factors were key in turning opposition

around: First, Control Arms launched one of the largest social media campaigns in history in sup-

port of the ATT, reaching people from nearly all the world’s countries and encouraging them to

contact their governments in support of the treaty. Second, Control Arms created clear, empirical

proof that the unregulated arms trade was having

an impact on the global economy and interna-

12

estimated that internal violence costs Africa’s total international aid that the continent receives

every year. Finally, Control Arms sought public figures to assist it in the campaign for a Global

Arms Treaty; actors such as Helen Mirren and Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf brought

key attention to the issue, and were often persuasive among key UN delegations.

However, the ATT’s advocates have several

key goals to accomplish, according to MacDonald: The ATT has gone into effect already, but

Control Arms is trying to encourage more states

(particularly in Africa) to ratify it. Ultimately, Control Arms is trying have 30 ATT members in Africa by October of 2016. In addition, Control Arms is assisting in monitoring the implementation of the ATT in its state parties, and publicizing violations whenever possible. Finally, Control Arms

is trying to expand the treaty so that sales to human rights violators are suspended by its terms.

In this regard, the treaty is only just beginning to

be enforced, and has in fact had noteworthy setbacks. For example, the UK, US and several oth-

ers have recently been found to be in breach of the ATT after selling Saudi Arabia cluster bombs

used against civilians in Yemen. Although the ATT has grown significantly, it still has significant work ahead of it.

The Global Journal | Americas

Border Security: According to Alan Bersin Story by Jeremy Love-Epp, On Campus

Alan Bersin, who serves as Assistant Secretary

not upon arrival as is consistent with a histori-

ficer for the U.S. Department of Homeland Secu-

departure. Specifically, Bersin advocated a poli-

for International Affairs and Chief Diplomatic Of-

rity (DHS) Office of Policy, gave a presentation at

the Department of Political Science as part of the Northeastern University Department of Political Science’s series “Controversial Issues in Securi-

ty Studies,”. Colloquially termed the “border czar”

while serving as the special representative for border affairs in the Obama administration, Bersin provided a very notable, credible voice in the realm of border security and policy.

Secretary Bersin’s perspective on the current challenges to border security was surprising-

ly multifaceted. Bersin first traced the origins of

modern political borders to the 1648 Treaty of Westphalia in 1648. Cognizant of the difficulty of adapting a border system that originates with a

medieval European treaty, Bersin talked at length about the need to modernize the lines of defense.

In particular, the idea of a strong border as the first line of defense is inaccurate in the modern

world. Particularly with regard to air-travel, not dealing with a threat until it reaches the border

is a failure on the part of the security apparatus.

This led to a concept that he described as an “in-

herent trans-nationality” to border protection. Using Northwest Airlines Flight 253 (the “underwear

bomber” incident) as a case study, Secretary

Bersin highlighted the need for a security frame-

cal view of borders, but before their international cy of international cooperation that would allow

for an international assessment of threats in real

time. As the Chief Diplomatic Officer of the De-

partment of Homeland Security, he was quick to highlight the need for international cooperation to

deal with the complexity of modern security issues. International terrorism provided the basis

for the majority of the discussion, but allusions

were made to other complex, modern issues of security such as cyber security.

Bersin closed out his discussion of border policy by noting the drastic divide between the policies being advocated by himself and the policies

that were prominent in media headlines from the second Republican presidential debate. While

the entirety of the Secretary’s presentation was focused on the adaption of the idea of borders

and border security policy to the fast-paced, modern world, the ideas being advocated by prominent presidential candidates are very much a hearkening back to antiquated conceptions of

borders and how states interact. Assistant Secretary Bersin neglected to continue the politically

charged discussion of partisan policy ideas, allowing the audience to infer the implications of the current political reality for themselves.

work that allowed for suspects to be detained

13

The Global Journal | Americas

Speed Dating: Career Forum Style Story by Vonnie Tull, On Campus

On November 4th, Northeastern’s Raytheon

Officer Test – like learning a foreign language –

inviting 16 professionals who represented com-

so I don’t end up in a role I don’t like just for the

Amphitheater hosted a Global Career Forum – panies from around the world, as well as over one hundred motivated and ambitious Northeast-

ern students eager to learn about what it means to have a global career.

The Global Career Forum was nicknamed by

one of its moderators “an information interview in

a speed dating format”, and that’s exactly what it was. Students would join one of the visiting pro-

fessionals at a round table (usually joined by 5-10 other students) and had the chance to spend

twenty minutes talking to them, asking them questions, and getting a feel for what a career in a certain field would be like. The careers repre-

sented varied greatly, from a diplomat of the state

department to a financial analyst for P&G to an

international Security Analyst all the way home here at the Northeastern Police Department.

I sat down first with Jon Danilowicz, Diplomat

In Residence (State Department). There were about ten other students with me at the table. This

was the first round, so there was some awkward silences before the conversation really got going,

but once we broke the ice, I had an extremely enlightening discussion about what it is to be a

Foreign Service Officer as well as options and

advice for a career in the State Department. The

piece of advice that stuck with me the most from him was to not be influenced by what might give

me the best test scores on the Foreign Service

14

but, rather, to do something I actually want to do sake of furthering my career.

Next, I talked to the Vice President of Global Operations at LDM Global, a litigation technolo-

gy company. This was less traditionally a “Global Career;” the company started out in England and branched out to the United States so, while the company is global, it isn’t exactly global in terms

of what an international affairs student might be looking at. It was an interesting conversation nonetheless, and I got to learn about another person’s experiences working abroad, which is something important to consider.

My last conversation was with Bob Stains,

Jr., Senior Vice President for Training at Public Conversations, which is a non-profit organization

dedicated to promoting constructive conversa-

tions and relationships among those who have differing values, world views, and positions relat-

ed to divisive public issues. The company started out in the U.S. and went abroad mostly by ne-

cessity. Bob talked about how important it was to acknowledge cultural ticks that can make or

break communication, things as small as pointing your feet at someone. This is another lesson that

is invaluable to anyone on the search for a global career.

I walked away from these discussions with a different idea of what a Global Career is and what my future could look like.

The Global Journal | Americas

Inequality Reflection: Mexico, India and the U.S. Story by Pedro Falcon, Dialogue of Civilizations

Photo by Lydia Ioannidou

“We reserve the right of admission”, I read on

friends eating there, expecting them to make me

the fast food chain on a night in Kolkata. I didn’t

the more I realized I was a privileged teenager

the door of McDonalds as I excitedly walked into really pay attention to the sign, I was craving food

and French fries — nothing in the world mattered to me. As I ordered the food and complained

about how long it was taking to be ready I slowly realized what I had just done by entering the

establishment. Have I contributed to discrimina-

tion and segregation in India? I asked myself as I walked into the upper floor to eat my burger. Is it unethical to finance establishments that diminish the value of people based on their socioeco-

nomic status? Eventually, the food lost its flavor.

I decided to share my concerns with some of my

feel better, but the more I talked to them about it, in India.

Although I believe that inequality itself is a

shame and I despise it, I don’t believe that the eradication of it is possible and feasible in the

capitalistic world we live in. In fact, I often say,

“I hate capitalism,” to my friends and family because I am aware of the problems that this system creates: in order for one to succeed, another

must fail. This is problematic because many times capitalism prioritizes money, personal interests

and success over human relationships, rights and even the environment. I realize this sounds

15

The Global Journal | Americas

like a generalized statement, and it might be, but

people have. Many die on their journey to illegally

events in which big multi-billion companies, like

it only to find themselves in a society in which

it does not make any less true the well-known Nike, violate human rights when they are found

to use child labor in developing countries to manufacture sportswear, or when business empires

like Lehman Brothers started in the slave trade.

On a similar note, I believe that gender, race and –logically- socioeconomic inequality are linked

to emotions of greed and selfishness that come from capitalism and that are predominantly found in cis-gendered, straight, white old males.

I don’t intend to write an essay against capitalism; in fact, I believe the foundations of capitalism

are good. What I’m arguing is that this system is the cause of many inequalities and the problem

is that in countries that are highly capitalistic, so-

cial mobility is close to non-existent. I see this happen in Mexico, a highly unequal country with

a GINI coefficient of .481; the low-class people are at a disadvantage because public education

lacks of resources and quality; on top of that, the living conditions are unsanitary and unsafe. Un-

fortunately, their options to move up the ladder are limited; without proper education and with companies only looking for students graduating

from private schools, these people are forced to live below the poverty line if they choose not to join the organized crime – a pattern now seen in many of the teenagers that drop out of school.

Migrating to the U.S is the dream many of these

16

cross the border, while others successfully make they are discriminated and oppressed by xeno-

phobic Americans. Although I acknowledge that I

am not in the same disadvantage as most of the Hispanics are in the U.S, I have been a victim of discriminatory comments – I have even been

asked if I’m “on a visa” in America. It is obvious how America, like many xenophobic Americans

want, reserves the right of admission to Hispanic people, especially Mexicans.

Knowing this infuriates me. I have come to re-

alize that, for the most part, everything in a person’s life depends on when and where they were

born. Had I been born in a low socioeconomic family in Mexico, I might have had to migrate to

the U.S illegally to work and send money to my family. Similarly, had I been born in the slums of

India, I would not have access to clean water, air conditioning, and probably the possibility of ed-

ucation in a prestigious private university in the U.S. People don’t choose were they come from

and the circumstances in which they are born, but fortunately they can choose where to go and try to move up the ladder – or at least they can try.

So when I think of all the Mexicans moving to the U.S looking for opportunities, and I remem-

ber that many companies, apartment complexes, people and the country itself “reserve the right

The Global Journal | Americas

Photo by Lydia Ioannidou

of admission� and thus degrade the humanity of

Mexico and India are denied the opportunity of

ty and socioeconomic status, I realize that greed

mane conditions like the slums makes me lose

these people because of their ethnicity, nationali-

is the reason why people prefer to oppress and therefore create inequality in order to maintain

their position of power and supremacy. Imagin-

ing the humiliation of being denied the admission

in an establishment or a country terrifies me. To

moving up the ladder and they are left in inhu-

hope in humanity. Fortunately these problems are finally being addressed, and that is the first step to facilitate social mobility in an economic status.

think that the vast majority of the population in

17

The Global Journal | Americas

The US and CUBA: A Dialogue Perspective Story by Tim Ballasteros, Dialogue of Civilizations

1961 is the year the United States cut off all

of the next year. After a two week stand off with

del Castro came to power in an overthrow of

with the removal of the Cuban missiles in exchange

diplomatic ties with Cuba. Two years earlier, Fi-

former Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista. With his Communist ideology, Castro nationalized

American-dominated industries such as mining and sugar, hiking import taxes on American

goods. Washington responded with a full economic embargo with the island country under

President John F. Kennedy. A stringent travel restriction came with the embargo.

In January 1961, following the embargo, Washington cut all diplomatic ties with Cuba.

Covert operations to overthrow this agent of the Red Menace had begun, and in April, Kennedy gave the go-ahead for the Bay of Pigs.

This invasion of Havana was to be a combined

air and land strike; the air strike that planned

to wipe out Castro’s air bases failed, but the ground troops – CIA-trained Cubans who fled once Castro came to power – were already

in motion. Informed of the brigades impeding invasion, Castro’s forces easily defended Havana. Out of the fourteen hundred troops, 114

were killed and over 1,100 were taken prisoner.

These prisoners were later exchanged for $53 million in baby food and medicine.

Mistrust in the United States due to the Bay of Pigs led to a secret Cuban-Soviet deal for a

Soviet missile base off Cuba, located strategically 90 miles from the American coast. Plans

of this base were not discovered until October

18

the American navy, the Cuban Missile Crisis ended

for Washington’s promise not to invade Cuba, as well as remove nuclear missiles from Turkey.

The economic embargo on Cuba remained, be-

ing strengthened in 1992 (Cuban Democracy Act) and again in 1996 (Helms-Burton Act); the latter act declared that the embargo was not to be lifted until

“free and fair elections for a new government” were held, excluding the Castro’s.

Since 1996, minor changes have been made to the embargo, such as permitting medical supplies

and select agricultural products to be exported to

Cuba. Estimates from the Cuban government claim a loss of over USD$1.1 trillion from the embargo.

In 2008, Castro handed over the presidential reins to his brother, Raúl Castro. Early on in his time as

president, the new Castro showed support of normalization with Cuba’s northern neighbor.

The following year, the newly inaugurated Presi-

dent of the United States, Barack Obama, also stated similar views. After Kennedy, Fidel Castro and eight American presidents maintained the status quo between the United States and Cuba, but in

these two years, new leadership breathed life into the potential normalization of relations.

With over five decades of using extreme isolation

to starve out the Communist regime, Obama’s administration began pursuing new policies to reopen

relationships with Cuba. In his first year in office, Obama allowed unlimited flow of money back to

The Global Journal | Americas

Photo by Lydia Ioannidou

Cuba from Cuban-Americans. Additionally, the

ing that this would do little to help human rights

educational travel.

ferent opinion, with a majority of Americans sup-

travel ban was lightened to allow for religious and On 17 December 2014, Obama and Castro announced the plan to thaw relations between

the two countries, after almost two years of secret talks brokered by Pope Francis. A prisoner

swap was followed shortly thereafter. The United States also gave further ease on remittance, travel, and banking restrictions.

Cuba was removed from the United States’ list

of state sponsors of terrorism on 29 May 2015, a list Cuba was placed on since 1982. On July

20th, Cuban and American embassies, in both Havana and Washington, were reopened. Both embassies had been closed in 1961 and were

operating as Special Interest Sections within the Swiss embassies. Largely independent, the

special interest sections were seen as de facto

embassies, and were separate from their Swiss hosts in all but protocol. While the reopening

was a celebratory occasion, neither Havana nor Washington appointed ambassadors.

The embargo remains in place, as the lifting

of it is in congressional hands. Lifting of the

Helms-Burton Act is unlikely, as members of both parties are critical of removing the embargo, stat-

in Cuba. Polls from the last few years show a difporting the restoration of relationships (63%) and the lifting of the embargo (66%).

The international community mirrors the American public’s views, with near-unilateral support

of lifting the embargo. In October 2015, Cuba introduced a resolution to the United Nations

General Assembly condemning the embargo; the resolution was passed 191-2, with the United

States and its ally Israel being the only two voting against the document. While the Obama admin-

istration is working towards lifting the embargo,

the resolution was not favorable to the United States nor did it reflect the recent progress made between the two countries.

The future looks bright for Cuban-American

relations, with significant thawing of the tensions

between the nations. Both leaders are making steps toward full normalization of relations;

though there is much to celebrate there is still a

long way to go to achieve this goal. The lifting of the embargo still remains a contentious sub-

ject, though significant progress is being made towards its lifting.

19

As the largest continent in the world, Asia is comprised of a vast range of cultures and deep-rooted history.

Northeastern students have studied in Asia, home to some of the oldest civilizations and religions, through various Dialogue of Civilization programs, co-op opportunities, and much more.

20

Photo by Joe Thomas

21

The Global Journal | Asia

Mr. China Visits Northeastern Story by Kristen Montana, On Campus

Jack Perkowski is Mr. China. He is well-known as a successful American businessman and

one of the pioneers of foreigners investing over $500 million in China. Perkowski is the founder

of ASIMCO Technologies, one of the largest producers of automotive components in China, with more than $500,000 worth of sales.

“ He simply imparted wisdom to those willing to learn.”

On Monday November 9, 2015 the Emerging

Markets Club in Northeastern’s D’amore McKim School of Business invited him to talk about

One of the other most fascinating pieces of

interested in his history. He received an under-

speak Chinese, despite 20 years experience

MBA from Harvard Business School. Despite his

to conduct business without this skill as it is

colloquialness that put the audience at ease. He

ly recommends to those interested in interna-

Perkowski commented that China changes re-

He points out that learning Chinese would be a

edge to the general public. The key to success

What is more surprising is how he could survive

to some extent. The ability to differentiate be-

of the language. He argued that so many of the

sustainable one is of paramount importance. He

that sphere either.

though he acknowledges that he did substantial

stage of his journey was he cited issues with

important factor as well. When he began working

nese managers interested in what he had to

vehicles. Currently China is exporting around 24

more personal, trusted bond if he could speak to

staggering increase.

a translator in between them? It seems appro-

his experiences and to give advice for students

Perkowski’s career is the fact that he does not

graduate degree from Yale University and an

with China. He divulges that he was be able

prestigious background, he spoke with a certain

easy to hire quality translators, which he high-

simply imparted wisdom to those willing to learn.

tional business who lack a second language.

markably fast. This seems to be common knowl-

good skill to have, but it is in no way a necessity.

lies within being able to predict these changes

in China in his personal life without knowledge

tween a short-lived fling in one industry and a

Chinese speak English that it is not needed in

chose the work in the automotive industry and al-

However, when asked what the most difficult

research in finding this industry, luck played an

complete trust between his company and Chi-

in the 1990s, China was only exporting 500,000

offer. Would he have been able to formulate a

million, which, according to Perkowski, is a

them in their native language instead of having

22

The Global Journal | Asia

Photo by Yasmeen Alhaj

priate to draw the conclusion that it would have

migrating to cities so the industry must become

Regretting to speak the language wasn’t Per-

because there is a sharp need for ways to clean

done much to aid in his monumental success.

kowski’s only challenged. He identified challeng-

es between Chinese and U.S. relations to be an-

other thematic issue in his journey. He stressed that at this time it was virtually unheard of for an American to be so brash as to try his hand at

an entirely foreign market. Perhaps this was due

to the ethnocentrism of both nations, Perkowski acknowledged.

In regard to the future of China, Perkowski

more productive, and environmental technology pollution.

The lecture exceeded many of the student’s

expectations, as Perkowski was overtly personable. The humorous and poignant lecture point-

ed out that Perkowski’s great success is due to calculated risk, a theme that Perkowski has

followed throughout much of his professional life that has led him to the place he is at today.

identifies a few major industries that he predicts

will take off. He mentions anything relating to the consumer market because of the sheer population size, agriculture because people are quickly

23

The Global Journal | Asia

The Co-Op That’s Getting Rid of Landmines Story by Kuei-Feng Tung, Co-Op

Cambodia is a country in Southeast Asia that

of Cambodia is incomplete. On closer inspection

land. The climate there is divided into two sea-

holes dotting the walls. Cambodia has not always

shares borders with Vietnam, Laos, and Thai-

sons: rain, humidity, winds, and sun from November to March, and an even more dramatic incline

from April to October. Regardless of the season, tourists and locals alike would agree, it is almost

always too hot. The country was a culturally religious center long ago, attracting Buddhist and

Hindu pilgrims to its prasaats (“temples”). Many of those magnificent temples still stand today.

Angkor Wat, for example, is considered a world wonder. Its agriculture is one of the most influential in the world. Along with three other countries, Cambodia provides most of the world’s supply of

rice. The Kampot peppercorn, a spice marked at $15 per kilo (about seven times more valuable

than silver), is grown exclusively in Kampot,

Cambodia, a section of lash flatland surround-

ed by mountains. Kampot pepper purchases are accompanied by a Protected Geographical Indi-

cator – the same certification that validate the authenticity of regional produce like champagne.

Because of the accessibility of the local spices,

I can safely say that I’ve never had better curry,

stew, amok, or salted fish. Off the coasts are islands like Kohrong with relaxing bungalows, music, and parties. With welcoming people, interesting history, and exquisite spices and cooking, it’s a genuinely wonderful place to not only visit, but to live as a student on co-op.

As much as I wish it was the case, that picture

24

of the temple stone carvings, there are bullet

been peaceful and once suffered from civil war, carpet bombing, and Khmer Rouge, the communist led genocide. Some of its citizens remember

those days and have tattoos on their chests that are said to increase their likelihood of dodging

bullets. Other legacies of those times include

killing fields and concentration camps – both of which now serve as popular tourist attractions –

and armed explosives – landmines, bombs, missiles, and grenades, buried beneath the ground.

My co-op aimed to prevent casualties caused by

live explosives that were left behind from wars thirty years ago.

Every day an average individual wakes up,

brushes his teeth, goes to work, and comes home for leisure, food, and sleep. Generally speaking, the same process occurs day in and out for someone in Cambodia. However, there

is a caveat to this sameness. At a moment’s notice, an unfortunate soul could lose a couple of limbs in the blink of an eye, because a landmine

was stepped on. Livestock wander off the beaten path to graze and next, bang, the herd is one head short. Landmines and other live explosives

(UXO) were used extensively to deny territory to enemies. Today they can be found all over Cambodia – scattered in the jungles, next to an ele-

mentary school, behind a village hospital, or possibly along the dusty roadside people cycle down

The Global Journal | Asia

Photo by Kuei Teng Fung

to get to work every day. Since these explosives

Each UXO disposed of during my time at Land-

or disassembled, they remain as a threat today.

an estimated 150 years, Cambodia will be free of

remain armed until they’re triggered, destroyed, At the Landmine Relief Fund, I went with the organization’s EOD teams and potential donors

to showcase the process through which experts sweep and dispose of landmines. I videotaped

and photographed this process to help raise awareness of the dangers these landmines still

mine Relief Fund, saved a Cambodian life. In landmines: a statistic I can proudly stand by, after my time on co-op in Cambodia. Regardless of

how daunting that sounds, every mine counts. As the Landmine Relief Fund’s slogan goes, “One mine, One life.”

present. Also, I rotated around the organization doing many things from translating exhibitions, curating museums, fundraising, grant writing,

managing subscriptions and our newsletter, and briefly teaching Chinese at a school for children affected by landmines.

25

The Global Journal | Asia

Turkish Elections Story by Audrey Pence, Co-Op

“Hah-day-pey”, I overheard in the midst of an

President Erdoğan entered the realm of politics

er. We were out getting opinions on the street

to 1998, when he was banned from office and

interview being conducted by my Turkish coworkabout the Armenian Genocide for a piece for

CNN, but we couldn’t help but wrap up the con-

versation with a twist to the upcoming June 7th elections, a topic that kept both of us enthralled.

I knew the conversation had turned to the elections with the mention of the HDP party, the Peoples’ Democratic Party, the final stand between Erdoğan and his vision for a “New Turkey”.

The first half of 2015, I spent working with a freelance journalism team in Istanbul, Turkey, and

so much of what I learned centered around how

societies respond to a government they feel is heading in a direction they fear. The coworker

aforementioned spent much of our time telling me about different resistance groups, the occupation of Gezi Park in 2013 and her own hopes for

the upcoming elections and for Turkey’s future.

As the U.S. geared up for presidential primaries with its own set of characters and plot twists,

I found myself scouring the local Turkish news-

papers, both government-run and opposition-run,

to follow the twists and turns leading up to the Turkish parliamentary elections, trying to decipher what the real story was. The story didn’t lack

in characters either. Not least of which was perhaps the lead character, President Recip Tayip Erdoğan. He is to some, a protagonist, to others

the antagonist, but to all a strategic and fascinating leader.

26

as mayor of Istanbul, where he served from 1994 sentenced to 10 months of prison for reciting a religiously discriminatory poem. He reentered the political realm in 2001, creating the Justice and

Development Party, AKP. The party won almost two-thirds majority of parliamentary seats a year

later under his leadership. With the power of his party, his ban from office was annulled, and he

took the role of Prime Minister in March 2003.

His growing power was one contributing reason

for the Gezi Park protests of 2013. In 2014, Erdoğan won in the presidential elections, and

Ahmet Davutoglu took over as the prime minister.

Some have called into question how much power

Davutoglu actually holds. Within the past year, Erdoğan has made clear his ambition to revise

the Constitution to put in place a presidential sys-

tem in Turkey. However, many question wheth-

er the system he’s been advocating for is what most would think of as presidential. HDP leader Selahattin Demirtas called the system a “consti-

tutional dictatorship.” Akif Hamzacebi, a senior member of the main opposition Republican Peo-

ple’s Party (CHP), said in a news conference in Ankara, “The president intends to run the country

through presidential decrees. This does not exist in any presidential system... Erdoğan wants a special kind of presidency for himself. This is called a dictatorship.”

The Global Journal | Asia

For those unfamiliar with Erdoğan or the pow-

I spoke with. Some talked about learning other

comes from an improv performance. They reen-

their country was no longer a place in which they

er he holds in Turkey, one of the best anecdotes

acted the day of one of the audience members.

He had been buying a shawarma sandwich, when the vendor asked him, learning that he was

American, what he thought of Obama. He replied a simple, unmemorable response to which the vendor followed with a question of what he

thought of Erdoğan. The improv troupe acted

this scene out with every member of the troop leaning in to hear his response and the audience

burst out in laughter. Because the audience members understood and had felt the power Erdoğan

holds. Some would quiet their friends on the subway when they went into a loud discussion on his role; there was a palpable sort of tension in the air. President Erdoğan holds a special power in Turkey. One that, if expanded, could lead to an

entirely new Turkey. As Erdoğan himself said to a

crowd of supporters in January, “You will lay the foundation of the New Turkey.”

Sergei Guriev and Daniel Treisman wrote a powerful article, The New Dictators Rule by Velvet Fist, which highlights so well the way illiberal

leaders rule today. Mentioning Erdoğan, the au-

thors write, “The new autocrats use propaganda, censorship and other information-based tricks to

inflate their ratings and to convince citizens of

their superiority over available alternatives.” The threat to Turkey’s democracy in coming decades

is one that concerns members of Turkish youth

languages in case the time came where they felt could happily live. Founded in 1923, on demo-

cratic, secular ideals, the country continues to evolve. Many are pleased with the way the coun-

try has developed. Still, others fear a threat to its democratic foundation.

To revise the Constitution, Erdoğan would

need 330 votes out of the 550-seat parliament, the kind of super-majority he was campaigning

so intensely for. To avoid creating a coalition gov-

ernment, he would need at least 276 seats. In

Turkey, parties put forward a list of their candi-

dates. If the party wins the most votes in a district, it means a seat for one of their candidates.

However, each party must earn nationwide, over 10 percent of the votes to pass the threshold

to be elected as a party. Otherwise, candidates may run as independent, which many members

of HDP had previously done. If a set of candidates run as a party and the party does not pass

that threshold, none of the candidates may enter the parliament, and the votes cast for them fall

to whoever earned the next greatest number of votes in each district. HDP decided to take a risk

running as a party this year for the first time in

part because their charismatic leader, Selahattin Demirtas, had earned 9.76 percent of the votes in the August 2014 Presidential elections.

Pacing the streets and neighborhoods of Istan-

bul, it is not difficult to see what kind of neighbor-

27

The Global Journal | Asia

Photo by Zafirah Zein

hood you’re walking through. In election season,

eral, middle-class Turks who had started to wane

the party supported most by people in that neigh-

base started to grow. I could feel the excitement

Istanbullus hang banners from their buildings for

borhood. In conservative Fatih, AKP’s banners speckled the skies. However, walking through

parts of Istiklal Street, near historic Taksim Square, HDP’s symbolic image of a tree stood out against the strip of blue sky peaking through the buildings. Vans blasting speeches and patri-

otic songs drove through the streets, interrupting lazy Sunday afternoons in the name of the party they were advertising. One Sunday, on a cruise

up to the Black Sea, the blarings of an AKP boat even interrupted the peace on the water.

Erdoğan and AKP were once fully expected to win a majority handily with a fair chance of breaching the super-majority needed to change

the Constitution. However, a challenger arose in

the ethnically-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party

(HDP). Garnering support from minorities and lib-

28

in faith in the main opposition party CHP, HDP’s

when I spoke to young, politically active Turks.

They had found something to rally around again,

a reason to stand up for their own New Turkey, and a way to do so.

On June 7th, HDP won 13% of the votes which resulted in them gaining 80 seats, more than most

were expecting. Özge Sebzeci told me after the elections, “These elections were so important for the future of Turkey as people voted if they’re for or against Erdoğan’s absolute authority…it was

the last opportunity to say “no” to it and people decided that way.” Although the country is still in a sort of limbo and there is much to be seen,

these elections were a testament to the will of the

people and the still beating heart of democracy within Turkey, able to make change when change is demanded by the people.

The Global Journal | Asia

“ These elections were so important for the

future of Turkey as people voted if they’re for or against Erdoğan’s absolute authority…it was the last opportunity to say “no” to it and people decided that way. ”

Photo by Lydia Ioannidou

29

Home to Nelson Mandela, one of the most powerful players in revolutionary politics, Africa is one of the top destinations for Northeastern students. Northeastern students interested in international educational systems, as well as agriculture, politics, and international policy often find themselves studying in Africa as Dialogue of Civilization and co-op students.

30

Photo by Yasmeen Alhaj

31

The Global Journal | Africa

Being Taught the Value of Education in Zambia Story by Olivia Arnold, Dialogue of Civilizations

A good education is something many American

some jump rope and hand games. After a quick

tion. I went through the moaning and groaning of

and excitedly demanded, “School! School! We

children take for granted. I myself am no excephaving to wake up at the crack of dawn to drag myself to school, sit in a classroom all day and plow through calculus and physics.

I have always been aware of my privilege, especially in regards to educational opportunities.

Still, I never understood the magnitude of that

privilege until I began teaching English to Zambian girls through the nonprofit Vision of Hope.

On my first day at the facility, the girls, who

were about 10 to 13 years old, begged me and two fellow Northeastern students, to teach them how to read and write in English. They also expressed interest in learning about mathematics

and science. Immediately after we finished our day there, we took a bus to the local supermar-

ket and purchased a couple of whiteboards and books.

The next morning, with three young girls hud-

dled around me and jittering with eagerness, I began teaching them the first three letters of the alphabet. I had no prior experience teaching En-

glish at all, but I was willing to give it my best shot. I taught them what sounds the letters make and simple words that started with those letters.

After two straight hours of nonstop spelling and

writing drills, I had to be the one to tell the girls

that it was time for a break. The two other North-

eastern students with me were also teaching a couple of girls, and we all went outside to play

32

five minutes of fun, two of my girls ran up to me want to go back to school!”

I was exhausted beyond belief. I had never realized the complexities that go into explaining the

spellings of English words. But I wasn’t going to

give up on them. I mustered all my energy and

went back into the schoolroom. We spent another hour learning letters and words. By the end of it, the girls had shown significant progress and

amazed me with their intelligence and positive attitudes.

Before leaving, I ripped out a couple pages from an alphabet workbook that I bought at the

supermarket. Each page had a different letter on it that you could trace to practice writing. I hand-

ed one page to each girl and they beamed with pride.

When I walked in the next day, each girl tack-

led me with hugs and bursts of excitement as they showed me their completed homework. As

I praised them all, they continued to exude more excitement and confidence. Immediately, one of the girls told me, “We want to go to school.”

I began teaching the three girls the next three

letters of the alphabet. I tried to ensure that they were genuinely learning the material, not just

memorizing words in the short-term only to be unable to recognize them later. Again, we spent

hours on the material and the girls persisted through it, in spite of their mistakes and trip-ups

The Global Journal | Africa

Photo by Yasmeen Alhaj

over words. In the middle of teaching, one girl

they would need to know in order to be eligible to

me homework!” I couldn’t help but wonder if an

Sometimes, volunteer work can be difficult,

begged me, “Olivia, homework! I want you to give American student would say those words to his teacher.

By the third day, my girls were able to read some simple sentences. One girl read the sen-

tence, “The boy has a banana.” I was so proud that I had to hold back tears. Still, we had a long way to go.

By the time I left four weeks later, the girls were able to recognize most letters of the alphabet, read some simple sentences and spell their own

names. Their progress in just a matter of weeks

enroll in traditional primary schools.

especially if you are working against huge global

issues and outside forces that are not within your

control. I know that I will not be able to solve poverty in Zambia. It’s foolish and pretentious to believe otherwise. However, by teaching the three

girls some reading and writing in English, I felt like I was making a concrete, long-lasting impact.

Knowing that maybe, just maybe, my work would improve future opportunities for the girls, made my time in Zambia extremely rewarding.

was remarkable. These were valuable skills that

33

The Global Journal | Africa

Change Starts With One: The Story of Modzi Story by Anna Butler, Co-Op

Having been a student at Northeastern’s Bos-

unimaginable obstacles, children still desired to

majority of my studies were spent familiarizing

The reasons children lack education are com-

ton campus for a total of three semesters, the myself with the global challenges I sought to al-

leviate. I strove to create as many experiential opportunities as possible, and was fortunate to

spend most of my time as an NU student learning abroad. As a result, I was exposed to many diverse, incredible places full of extraordinary people. My zeal for learning has been inspired by this beautiful, broken world and the invaluable lessons it has taught me.

A passion for sustainable development and

child protection stems from my wide range of international fieldwork. In Haiti, I saw poverty cause a family’s first and only priority to be secur-

ing food. Indonesia showed me that a lack of in-

frastructure resulted in long walks to school, and when paired with the rainy season, mudslides forced parents to keep their children home. While

student teaching in a South African township school, a shootout between rival gangs across

the street forced us into lock down, and I experi-

enced the danger of prejudice and intolerance. I first truly understood the menace of social stigma when working to reintegrate physically disabled

Ghanaian children into society. And when I began working to rehabilitate children living on the

streets of Zambia, I observed the social ramifi-

cations of tumultuous economics and feeble politics. All of these experiences differed greatly

and yet, I continuously saw that despite facing

34

learn.

plex, and the challenges they each face are unique. Realizing the intricacy of social develop-

ment issues made me yearn to alleviate global

barriers to education, and ultimately led to my founding of modzi, an international NGO based in Zambia. A peaceful African nation plagued by

incessant poverty, Zambia contends against rampant child protection issues as almost half of the country’s population is below the age of fourteen.

Modzi, meaning one, recognizes that regardless

of circumstance, every single person has the

potential to create positive change. Through individualized mentorship programs rooted in local partnerships, my organization works directly with orphaned and abandoned children in Zambia.

By facilitating their access to quality education,

modzi empowers at-risk youth to cultivate their passions and to effect positive change in their communities. Through modzi, I continue to advocate for those who have been neglected and who

are struggling – not for lack of ability, but for lack of opportunity.

Though too often I have seen children robbed

of their right to an education, I have also seen firsthand what educational opportunity can bring

to the most marginalized populations. When modzi first began, I sat down with a student to tell

him that he was going to receive academic schol-

arship upon completion of Grade 7. After comput-

The Global Journal | Africa

Photo by Claire Kalsbeek

ing what I had said, the young boy grinned from

growth can be seen in learning to speak up

the room. Leaving me sitting there, slightly per-

as several modzi students learn to admit when

ear to ear, jumped to his feet, and bolted out of plexed, this boy soon returned with something in

his hands. He put a stump of a pencil to a tattered

piece of paper, and with genuine curiosity looked at me and asked, “So what do I have to do if I am

to make it to university?” Astonished, I began to understand what the prospect of pursing a secondary education meant to this child.

One thing I quickly learned through my work with

these “impoverished” kids, is that their motivation and dedication are unparalleled. They don’t need

to be told to work hard or to appreciate their ed-

ucation, because everyday they look around and see what life looks like without it. As every child’s

struggle differs, they each form their own defini-

tion of success. For one of my students, it’s been being elected a class officer at school due to ex-

cellent academic performance. For others, it was excelling on a school sports team, regardless of

the shoes worn on their feet. And still for some,

when something is wrong. I continue to watch they don’t understand something, and gain the

confidence to ask questions. Even more note-

worthy is when those same students become leaders, eager to share their newly acquired

knowledge with their peers. I praise my students on the unique progress they have made,

both academically and socially, and could not be more proud of their accomplishments.

In witnessing the disparity of global education,

I have also furthered my understanding of children’s inspirational resilience. Everyday, I am

exceptionally grateful for the education I received, and the opportunities made possible be-

cause of it. I am blessed to be living my dream and to be working for a cause I am so passion-

ate about. Our world and the remarkable people

in it have taught me to always be thankful, and that change truly can start with one.

35

The Global Journal | Africa

Education in Zambia: Why My Co-Op Matters Story by Shelbe Van Winkle, Co-Op

Out of all the countries I’ve traveled to, studied

four teachers that worked at the school were kind

be the one I returned to…that was until I got here.

but were limited by lack of supplies and curricu-

the marvelous wonder that is Victoria Falls, while

As more time in Zambia passed, I realized that

taste buds crawling back. No, over everything

a reoccurring theme. I began to understand that

motherly women who genuinely wanted to know

dents, but rather the systems that are in place.

ers that showed me shortcuts to my favorite plac-

ited by lack of funding and properly trained staff.

in, or even lived in, I never thought Zambia would

women, who genuinely wanted to help the kids,

It wasn’t the beautiful orange African sunsets, nor

lum.

the food was spectacular –that didn’t bring my

this situation was not only uncommon, but it was

else, what brought me back were the people; the

the flaws were not in the intelligence of the stu-

how my days were, the helpful taxi and bus driv-

Public schools provide what they can, but are lim-

es, and most importantly: the kids.

While primary school tuition is free, school costs

“ I always knew I’d come back to Zambia.”

–Sidney Tolo, Zambia Dialogue 2013 & 2015

such as books, uniforms, and school supplies

can quickly become a family’s biggest expense.

Once a student gets to secondary school, (grade

8), school tuition is no longer free, and it is commonly the point at which many children stop go-

ing to school. I have concluded that the education system in Zambia is not set up to help students

succeed, but rather weed out those who cannot fit the government mandated mold.

My service-learning site on my Dialogue, a

Unfortunately in Zambia, graduating high

school called Kondwa Centre. This school was

realized that the country needs more structures

compound, or slum, within Lusaka. There, chil-

right of education. It was clear there was a need

lunch. The two meals they received were often

happening in the near future was slim. So rather,

classes they were put in were not based on age,

side the walls of the government, non-profits and

have a child repeat a grade multiple times. The

youth, advocating for their right to an education.

Northeastern field study program, was a pre-

school is a rarity. While on dialogue, I quickly

for children living in an extremely impoverished

to help those struggling to access their human

dren came for breakfast, school, playtime, and

for a systemic change, but the likelihood of that

times the only food they ate during the day. The

the solutions that have sprouted came from out-

but rather on knowledge, and it was common to

NGOS. These organizations work with vulnerable

36

The Global Journal | Africa

“ Everyone got on the

bus to leave for the airport… and I stayed.”

–Anna Butler, Founder & President of Modzi

After leaving the Zambia dialogue, I stayed

in close contact with Anna Butler, Founder and

President of modzi, a non-profit that works with vulnerable youth to help them gain access to

quality education. Anna was a recent North-

eastern grad, and started the non-profit after

month than I could have ever learned about in

a classroom, and that is the true beauty of the co-op program. While non-profit work on paper

may seem straightforward and tactically planned,

on the ground it is a totally different story. Yes, one of the greater needs in Zambia is education,

but sending money to a kid with the note, “go to school” isn’t the solution, because the problem

isn’t solely a deficiency in funds. The problems

are routed deeper than just money: for one, in-

frastructure (daily power outages can close schools), and a general lack of schools, along with the child’s need for advocacy.

Schools don’t go looking for kids that aren’t

participating in the same Zambia Dialogue, just

in class. Public schools’ student bodies are not

about the kids in Zambia, and the barriers that

a school can, and will chase a child away from

two years before mine. The more I talked to her they had to face, the more I wanted to come back. It became more and more apparent to me why kids were repeating grades and failing out of school, and the need for organizations like modzi seemed obvious. These kids wanted to absorb

as much information as they could; their determi-

nation to learn and succeed was contagious, and the roadblocks they faced were heartbreaking.

Since beginning my co-op in Zambia, I’ve con-

tinued to see the problems that plague the edu-

cation system, noting that it isn’t lack of ability, but an absence of opportunity. modzi works di-

rectly with the youths affected by these problems, facilitating their access to not only school, but a quality education. I’ve seen more in this past

mandated by the pupils’ lodging location, and

class for having hair that is too long, shoes that aren’t polished, or a backpack that is tattered.

Some children easily walk five kilometers to

school everyday, because that is the only school that would accept them. I watched an extremely bright boy living at a center for vulnerable youth

(similar to an orphanage), who had marks far higher than many of the other kids in his situa-

tion, get turned away from a public school be-

cause he did not play sports. Although his marks were well above the minimum standard, the prin-

cipal wanted pupils that could boost the school’s

athletic status. I witnessed another child get flat

out denied acceptance to a school because he lived at a center. Social stigma is sadly another

37

The Global Journal | Africa

barrier that many have to face.

My co-op thus far has not only taught me about

front of them, sometimes missing a year or more

challenges that are hidden to the unknowing eye.

As these kids struggle to break the obstacles in of school, or being held back a grade, they can

fall behind academically. When they finally are

able to get back into regular schooling, many are so far behind they struggle to keep up with the

rest of their peers. A lot of my job as a co-op has

been helping the students in modzi catch up, par-

ticularly in English and math. They understand

algebra as a concept, but the basics, such as simple addition and subtraction, hold them back.

the importance of education, but the systemic

Worldwide, children are in need of quality education, as well as someone to advocate for them. I have first hand seen the difficulties that children are faced with, and been inspired by their deter-

mination. Education is not only a human right, but also a powerful tool that can change lives.

Being in Zambia has helped me understand the

glitches in the country’s education system, and see the positive impact organizations like modzi can have on a child. There are overwhelming

obstacles facing the youth here, but fortunately, there are people, like Anna, working to beat the system, and help however they can.

“ Zambia changed my life.”

Claire Kalsbeek, Zambia Dialogue 2015

38

The Global Journal | Africa

Leymah Gbowee Visits NEU Story by Sydne Mass, On Campus

One morning in 2003, Leymah Gbowee awoke

what her dream had told her to do, she consult-

her country’s history and her life. Liberia had

standards, I am not considered a good Chris-

from a dream that would change the course of been in the midst of its second civil war for four

years. The death toll would rise to 250 thousand people, with one million internally displaced indi-

viduals. Gbowee’s dream told her that to put an end to the violence ravaging her homeland, she must “bring a Muslim and a Christian together to pray for peace.”

On February 11, she came to Northeastern and spoke to a sold-out auditorium of students and faculty members about her experiences in activism and peace-building. Gbowee earned international recognition after winning the Nobel Peace

Prize in 2011, for [her] non-violent struggle for the

safety of women and for women’s rights to full participation in peace-building work, according to

the official website of the Nobel Prize. Gbowee, along with other women in Liberia, helped put an end to the war.

Having grown up in a community populated

by various ethnic groups, she recalled celebrating Christmas as well as Ramadan. “No one was

hungry, because we shared food,” she said, “we

were one. But then the war came.” Gbowee said she remembered feeling a sense of anger and

betrayal. In a place once so united, people began discriminating against their own neighbors. The

sense of equality that had existed suddenly shattered and left hatred in its place.

Confused as to how she would accomplish

ed a priest at the nearby church. “By Liberian

tian woman,” she said, but he assured her, “the dream bearer is always the dream carrier.” She

came together with a few of her friends and created Women of Liberia Mass Action for Peace.

This group not only contributed to ending the conflict, it transformed the way Liberian women were perceived within their community.

“We had to tear down the walls,” she said.

Women, whether Muslim or Christian, identified

themselves first and foremost as wives. In order to foster peace, they had to focus on rebuilding each woman’s confidence and creating a space for them to engage in conversation and realize

such similarities. The process they went through allowed women to reflect and establish opinions

for themselves. They grew tolerant again, as they once had been, and worked together to fix their country.

“The propaganda of fear has changed us from

people into objects of violence,” said Gbowee.

Drawing parallels from Liberia’s past and her

experiences, she spoke about the ever growing

lack of tolerance the world is facing today. With the ongoing presidential campaign in the Unit-

ed States, the hostile and fearful atmosphere is worsening. “Depending on how you are dressed,

nobody sees you,” said Gbowee, “but if someone drives by a house and shoots through the windows - will the bullet choose the Christian or the

39

The Global Journal | Africa

“ The sense of equality that had

existed suddenly shattered and left hatred in its place.”

Muslim? When a Christian mother loses a child,

leading and achieving change. She elaborated

As time went on and the group of women ac-

bring war are the ones who can bring peace.”

or a Muslim mother, is the cry different?”

cepted each other regardless of religious beliefs,

they began their activism campaigns. “We started activism, we started causing trouble,” Gbowee

said. The women came together to participate in a sex strike, aiming to push men towards engaging

more in the peacemaking process. The women

organized themselves to sit together everyday at the fish market in order to be seen, raise aware-

ness and start a conversation with shoppers as to what their mission was. Quickly, the group gained notoriety across the country, and Gbowee became a nationally known spokesperson.

“The world is looking for an example,” she said.

Gbowee attributes the success of her campaign

to the fact that people are in dire need for peace and that women are the ones most capable of

40

on this saying, “Do not think that the men that She set an example as to how the mobilization of

women changed the course of history. She emphasized the need for leadership around issues

of education, women’s rights, justice and human rights and spreading tolerance.

At the end of her speech, Gbowee directed

her attention to the audience. To promote under-

standing and tolerance, she advised conducting conversations and allowing a gradual process to take place. She said she loved her job and hoped

she could inspire “even just one person in the room.”

“You are special and you can be great, and

you will be great,” she said, “I hope that you re-

member a troublemaker for the rest of your life.

Amen.”

The Global Journal | Africa

Photo by Yasmeen Alhaj

41

The continent of Europe is the most commonly visited

by Northeastern students. Whether they are visiting the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the castles of Ireland or the beaches of Spain, Northeastern students often explore the history-rich European cities they hope to call home some day.

42

Photo by Yasmeen Alhaj

43

The Global Journal | Europe

Ireland Votes for Gay Marriage Story by Alexandra Kuenning, N.U.in

Photo by Yasmeen Alhaj

Ireland is generally thought of as a conser-

The Irish Constitution can only be amended

sexuality was only decriminalized in 1993 and

does not define marriage as between a man and

vative country in terms of social issues. Homocivil partnership legislation was enacted in 2010.

However, when the Fine Gael-Labour coalition

government took office in 2011, Deputy Prime Minister, or Tánaiste, Eamon Gilmore called gay marriage, “the civil rights issue of the genera-

tion.” Over the following years, the government

worked to resolve the issues surrounding samesex marriage.

44

by process of a national referendum. Though it a woman, there was uncertainty over whether the legal extensions of marriage rights could be challenged by the Irish Supreme Court. Therefore, a constitutional convention was established by

the government in 2013 who voted for the proposal and set a date for the referendum. Finally, in March 2015, the Dáil, Ireland’s Parliament, passed the Marriage Equality Bill leaving only the vote to ratify it.

The Global Journal | Europe

As is usual with national referendums, there

the United Kingdom where same-sex marriage is

The former was supported by all the political par-

Guinness hoped the province would take notice.

was both a Yes campaign and a No campaign.

ties in parliament and used celebrities to endorse their message. In addition, as Irish law prohibits

absentee voting, the Yes campaign encouraged

all eligible emigrants, meaning those who left the country in less than 18 months, to travel back home to vote. They were aided by companies including Uber, who offered two free taxi journeys to take Dubliners to polls and back.

On the other side, the No campaign was spear-

headed by Catholic civil society groups, though there was little input from the actual Catholic

Church. They focused on home life with their main argument consisting that all children deserve both a mother and a father.

On May 22, 2015, more than 60% of the population cast their vote. The following day, the results were announced with over 1 million voting

still prohibited, Deputy First Minister Martin McIn terms of effects, the vote has had no bearing on surrogacy or adoption rights. However, the

support of the younger population has drawn the attention of the Catholic Church.

Following this decision, the 2015 Pride Parade

in Dublin was the biggest ever. Every large company with a base in Dublin used the parade as

a way to advertise in addition to showing their

support. Street vendors all around the city sold

rainbow flags, hats, necklaces, and more. Stores

placed rainbows or messages of support in their windows. There were no signs of opposition that could be seen. Dublin kept this atmosphere of

celebration for the rest of the year, even past when the legislation passed by referendum officially came into effect in November, 2015.

yes and less than 800 thousand voting no. Out of the 43 parliamentary constituencies failed to pass the referendum.

Prime Minister, or Taoiseach, Enda Kenny said the outcome showed that Ireland was a “small country with a big message for equality” around

the world. Tánaiste Joan Burton said that “in Ireland we’re known as a nation of storytellers. And

today, the people have told quite some story. This

is a magical, moving moment.” On the other side of the border, in Northern Ireland, the only part of

45

The Global Journal | Europe

Understanding Islam in London Story by Kathleen Brody, N.U.in

After deciding to take part in the N.U.in pro-

the street, I heard foreign languages as often as

where I would spend my first semester of college.

try, I saw as many places offering Indian cuisine

gram, I eagerly began considering the options of

Of the five countries offered, England stood out to me from the beginning. Having already visited

London twice before, I thought I had a pretty good idea of what living in the English capital would be

like. After all, I had already seen Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the London Eye, so I basically had a handle on London, right? Wrong.

It quickly became apparent to me that London was far more diverse than the white, Christian city I had it pegged for. When passing people on

Photo by Madlen Gubernick

46

I heard English. When looking for a restaurant to as pubs serving fish and chips. What surprised

me the most, however, was that I saw just as many mosques as I did churches.

The more I explored the city, the more I realized how strong the presence of Islam was

there. Going to boroughs like Tower Hamlets and streets like Edgware Road and Brick Lane for the

first time showed me just how wrong my previous understanding of London had been. Before ex-

ploring these areas, I never would have expected

The Global Journal | Europe

to see rows of stores with Arabic writing on their

very different, each were filled with peace

can see.

After Islamist extremists took citizens hostage

ing of the religion and culture I had seen around

shootings in Paris this past November, London

and the West”. While learning about the theology

speaking about the attacks, saying that London

countries provided me with a foundational under-

tion, and that the growing presence of Islam was

don as a class was what helped me to learn the

conversations my peers and I had in class and

My class and I were welcomed with open

visited.

ters around the city, where we spoke with local

less actions of those who manipulate and taint

of these places of worship. Our first visit was to

Muslims peace and joy,” said Fahim Mazhary, a

Kensington called the Ismaili Centre, not even

Centre.

and Imperial College. There, we learned about

traveled around Europe during the rest of my

the history of the building. On our tour of the cen-

excited to be surprised by each culture and to

meanings behind the smallest of details, from the

open my mind. In an increasingly globalized

of the tiles. Across the city in east London, we

tities transcend national boundaries more than

where I donned a headscarf for the first time and

ter in London. I never would have known before

gether. While these two places of worship were

about diversity and tolerance through a new un-

awnings and curry restaurants as far as the eye

and love.

I began to develop a much deeper understand-

and conducted suicide bombings and mass

London when I started taking a class called “Islam

was on high alert. I overheard people on the tube

of the religion and the politics of Middle Eastern

had changed negatively as a result of immigra-

standing of Islam, going out and exploring Lon-

a threat. My heart sank. I thought about the many

most about the religion.

in the mosques and community centers that we

arms at mosques and Islamic community cen-

“I should not have to apologize for the heart-

leaders about the religion and the importance

the same teachings of Islam that bring most

a new and beautiful community center in South

leader of the Al-Manaar Muslim Cultural Heritage

a block away from the Natural History Museum

I took what I learned in London with me as I

the small Shia Imami Ismaili branch of Islam and

time abroad. On my way to each new city, I was

ter, we stopped in each room to learn about the

meet people with stories that would only further

geometric patterns on the ceilings to the colors

world, where religious, ethnic, and racial iden-

visited the more modest Suleymaniye Mosque,

ever before, I’m so glad to have spent a semes-

sat quietly as I watched a group of men pray to-

living there that the city would teach me so much derstanding of Islam.

47

The Global Journal | Europe

An American Living in Paris During the Terrorist Attacks Story by Ruth Neuhauser, Co-Op

I was in Paris during the terrorist attacks.

On the train heading away from Charles De

laptop, you can’t really tell. Only one picture

girl around our age. With a glance around, I no-

From the pictures on my instagram and on my gives it away, and that’s because it’s a screen-

shot of when I marked myself ‘safe’ on Facebook. A note in my planner reads:

“Tried to go to Versailles, but it was closed.

Went to see Notre Dame, Ile de St Louie apart-

ment, sat in park. Went to Père Lachaise cemetery– saw Oscar Wilde’s grave marker”

Next to it are notes about my classes, emails I need to send, and homework I have yet to com-

plete over my break. A wavy line separates the

topics. At the top, a excited scribble that reads “Paris!” belies the gravity of the weekend. This

is simply a recounting of what it was like when I was there.

The harsh airport lights were making my eyes

hurt as I struggled to read the French signage.

After a delayed first flight and a boring layover, I was ready to be out of airports.

“The trains may not be running past this point.

There were-was a security threat.” I focused on the mildly accented voice. My friend Justine and

I were standing at the Info Desk at Charles De

Gaulle Airport, trying to figure out how to get to the other side of the city. This comment was the

first clue we had, but neither of us gave it much thought. I was primarily concerned with being

the navigator, and if the trains were delayed that was just another thing to worry about.

48

Gaulle, Justine and I sat across from a German ticed hunched shoulders and tired eyes. A French woman with light hair heard us chatting and moved closer to us.

“Are you English?” She addressed us directly,

and tells us there were scary attacks. Terrorist

attacks, she says. This was the first time Justine

and I had heard it put in these terms. After she moved away, the German girl looked up the news

on her phone. I leaned forward, trying to read the article on the little screen, but it was in German

so I was lost. Thankfully, the German girl trans-

lates the article for Justine and I as the train rolls up to a stop.

Our train was en route to pass right by le stade, where a stadium’s-worth of french people got on the train. The article had said this was one

of the locations of the attacks. I couldn’t tell how the French families were feeling, each face either

composed or focused on their children. No one was screaming, no one was crying, and children

still talked in shrill voices about children-y things.

But the train was filled with only low chatter, and

no one was chanting for their teams or discussing the game. Justine and I took our cues from the Parisians around us. I smiled at a young girl

who kept asking her dad some question. If they weren’t wailing in panic, neither would we.

I tried to relax in the relative calm of the train,

The Global Journal | Europe

which was still not moving, but outside the sta-

The following morning brings us to a suburb of

conductor made an announcement, and it was

hind Justine and her French friend Clem, who

tion blue police lights lit up the block. The train as indiscernible as every other train station an-

nouncement. All the French families started filing out of the train, so we figured we had been told

to get off. Justine and I lugged our bags out and

awkwardly stood on the platform, only to have

the announcer tell us to get back on. Once we were all back on the train, we were told to get

off it again, and then the train hurtled off, empty.

Justine and I stood on the platform, surrounded

by cigarette smoke and a couple of mecs (dudes) spitting over the railings, waiting for the next train to come.

When at last it did come, there were some more indecipherable

announcements

and

all

French people immigrated into the new train.

the

My phone vibrates, and I see I have a missed

called from my mom. But I don’t have many minutes in my international plan, so I can’t give her

the reassurance of hearing my voice. I make do

with a text to both parents saying “I am fine :)” in

a vain attempt to keep her from worrying about me. I do not think it worked particularly well, but

the train starts moving and I have to focus on where I am right then.

Justine and I arrive at our station far on the other

side of the city, out in the suburbs, at one a.m.

With sighs of relief, we reached the home at which we were staying and dropped into bed.

Paris, St Germain-en-Laye. I ambled along beshowed us around for the day. The suburb is cute

but humdrum and soon we decided to venture

into the city we had been instructed to avoid. The Champs-Élysées teemed with cars and people.

As we walked down the street, signs on many

of the businesses told us they were closed for the weekend. As we approached one of the city’s gardens, the road widened and the buildings re-

treated, making room for a holiday market to fit in. The twinkling lights lit it up and all the booths

were painted a crisp white. But when we came

closer, I saw that all the stalls were shuttered closed. We were still trying to find a part of Paris

that wasn’t lifeless when Clem’s father texted to

say we needed to return home. We went back out to the suburbs, and Paris was left behind to recuperate.

The next morning, Justine and I planned to go

out to Versailles, but it was closed for the day.

Instead, we returned to the city. We strode across the bridge over to Île Saint-Louis, a tourist-crowded Notre-Dame at our backs. I took her to see

the apartment I stayed in last time I visited Paris, and we posed in front of the building to take a picture. It was as gorgeous as always, the Seine

sparkling in the rare Paris sun. We could see a drowned bike lying on the riverbed. We chuckled

and pondered how someone got a bike— a rental

49

The Global Journal | Europe

Photo by Yasmeen Alhaj

one at that— into the river. The water looked so

of men in desert camouflage uniforms, carrying

in the river that I snapped a photo. It’s hard to

to some semblance of normality. The French

pretty, and the bike was so entirely out of place

reconcile the contentment of that place with the violence I know has happened.

Our next stop is Père Lachaise, which Justine

told me is the resting place of Oscar Wilde. It was gorgeous there, peaceful and old and overgrown. It seems appropriate for Wilde’s grave,

as it was easy to imagine authors sneaking in with their laptops and settling down amongst the

mossy headstones to write. As we’re playing in the leaves, a police car comes racing through the

cemetery, telling everyone it’s time to go. On the walk back to the train station, I see an abundance

50

large black guns. By Monday, the city returned must go back to work and back to school.

Justine and I had neither work nor school to attend, so we agreed that today we would visit

the Louvre. We checked to make sure it was

open, and headed out for the day. The classic giant glass pyramid stood out in the middle of

the courtyard, but it’s always there so it was mostly ignored. In front of the pyramid was an awkward bald spot. Where customarily there is a snaking line of visitors, there was only a taped

off area. A sign instructed us to return at 1pm, when the museum would open belatedly. When

The Global Journal | Europe

one o’clock ambled around, we joined the long

ly, and I was relieved that it was so different

pigeons scavenging. The scene was typical,

Paris looks from above as it always does. It

line filling the stanchion queue and watched the

other than the knowledge the museum opened

four hours late. And the many, many military vehicles driving past and the camo-clad personnel standing in the courtyard.

Back at home, the older brother in the family watched the news. It was all in French so I couldn’t really tell what is going on, and playing

with the youngest child was claiming most of my

attention. But I read Président Hollande’s name on the screen as he was about to make an an-

nouncement. He declared France will be ruthless and tough, even as it mourns the deaths the city had suffered.

By Tuesday, we were able to go about our tourist activities with only one minor inconvenience: the Eiffel Tower was closed. So instead

of climbing up it, Justine and I took pictures that look like we’re the size of the tower. We then

wandered around looking for a gift to give our hosts for taking us in, often thwarted by the va-

cant storefronts. We eventually made our way past the closed holiday market again, and go

from the train ride the first night.

reveals little of the horror it saw on the 13th,

but I know it must be a city fighting hard to feel whole, and deeply in need of some self-care.

The entire weekend was filled with contradic-

tions. There were lots of people out, but they were all told to go home early. Museums would

open and have lines stretching in front of them, but they’d open late. The metro would run on

time, but French soldiers would patrol the stations and ride in the trains, black guns in hand.

The family had a crêpe party where everyone

was happy and joking, but the next day plans

were hesitant because you could never tell what would be safe. It was inconsistent. It was

surreal. It was careless. It was the grief of an

entire country. I was there as a tourist, doing tourist things and complaining about homework.

But I knew that I had not suffered the full pain of the city. I got to take pictures and go to muse-

ums and make crêpes. The city had to rebuild, read just, and mourn.

to Angelina’s, a place famous for its decadent

hot chocolate. It starts to rain in the evening,

and we wade to the metro station, chilly on the outside but warmed by the hot chocolate.

In the early hours of the morning, we left our

hosts their present and made our way back to Charles De Gaulle. The train ride went smooth-

51

The Global Journal | Europe

Dublin to Belfast: A Tale of Two Cities Story by Colleen Luibrand, N.U.in

When I received my acceptance letter to North-

Excited for my next adventure and eager to de-

I was ecstatic. It started off with “congratula-

York, I sent in my deposit for N.U.in Ireland at

eastern University my senior year of highschool,

tions,” so naturally, I stopped reading there and rejoiced. After I had already informed my closest

friends and family members of my acceptance, I continued reading my letter and realized that I

was not headed to Boston in the fall; if I were to accept my spot at Northeastern, I would have to

first go abroad to either Ireland, England, Austra-

lia, or Greece for my first semester as part of the N.U.in program.

Photo by Yasmeen Alhaj

52

part from my small suburban town in upstate New University College Dublin. I boarded a plane with

over 100 other students who were just as naïve

as I was for what the next semester would entail.

As I prepared for my semester abroad in Dublin, many people from home insisted that the Irish people were some of the friendliest people they’d

ever encountered. This proved true when I first

arrived at the Dublin Airport and was struggling to grab my suitcase, a bag that contained four

The Global Journal | Europe

months worth of clothing, from the conveyor belt.

An older Irish man, noticing my struggle, left his

own belongings with his family to help me with my mine. When I enthusiastically thanked him for

his assistance, he noticed my accent and welcomed me to the Emerald Isle, then proceeded

to converse in his Irish brogue the details of his vacation in “the States.” As a 17-year-old that

had just said goodbye to my family and was on my own for the first time in a completely foreign country, this man’s warm welcome was an enor-

mous comfort. Luckily for me, this would be the first of countless pleasant encounters with the Irish people.

In the first couple weeks, while I was still suf-

fering from a combination of homesickness, jet lag and culture shock, much of my time was spent memorable excursions was a weekend

trip in November to Northern Ireland. Belfast, a city 100 miles away from Dublin, could not have

been more different. Because Northern Ireland is a country of the United Kingdom, we had to

prepare our passports and convert our euros to pounds for the transborder journey. The short ride was equal in distance to the trip from Boston

to Hartford, Connecticut, but the vast differences between Belfast and Dublin in culture and political atmosphere were immediately apparent.

I was vaguely familiar with the conflict in Northern Ireland, but it was not until I experienced it up-

close that I could truly grasp the hostility deeply rooted in the region. Much of the political and cul-

tural conflict can be traced back to the strong di-

vision between Protestants and Catholics. When the Republic Ireland was established as a free

state from Great Britain in 1922, Protestants and Catholics had opposing views on what the fate

of Northern Ireland should be. Protestants wanted the country to remain united with the United Kingdom, and thus were known as unionists. The Catholics who identified as nationalists wanted to

unite the island of Ireland as one country and be independent from the British rule.

These contrasting views laid the framework for nearly a century of conflict between the Catholics

and Protestants in Northern Ireland that affected the identity of the citizens, with Catholics identify-

ing as Irish and Protestants identifying as British.

The conflict escalated in the 1960s, becoming a

period known as “The Troubles” that lasted un-

til the turn of the century. As the minority of the country, the Catholics were unsuccessful in paving the way for a united country, and thus the island remained divided as two distinct countries.

Upon arrival in Belfast, the historical lack of

unity was clear. We visited the peace walls that divided sections of the city, separating Protestant from Catholic neighborhoods. The walls were

covered in extensive murals, quotes and graffiti highlighting Belfast’s common forms of political expression through art. We were all able to leave

our own marks on the peace wall with a marker, representing our hope for a unified future for the country.

53

The Global Journal | Europe

As we made our way through Belfast, our tour guide recollected his own experiences as a child, walking to school and running into alley-

ways to avoid the exchange of gunfire between neighbors. The gloomy and grey weather inten-

sified the experience as we drove past graffiti-marked walls depicting messages such as “Give peace a chance” and “Don’t push away our culture.”

The weekend excursion to Belfast and the opportunity to catch a glimpse into the conflict that

has engrossed Northern Ireland for so many years was humbling. As the peace efforts continue, the country is working towards construct-

ing harmony. While much of the education sys-

tem of Northern Ireland is made up of Protestant

“ Excited for my next

adventure and eager to depart from my small suburban town in upstate New York, I sent in my deposit for N.U. in Ireland at University College Dublin.”

or Catholic schools, many are aspiring toward

atmosphere, including the vibrant nightlife and

Additionally, according to surveys conducted

blestone streets. Still, the opportunity to under-

more inclusive educational environments.

by Northern Ireland, intermarriages between the two religions are becoming more common for the younger generations.

After the excursion, we were all eager to

get back and to appreciate Dublin’s friendly

54

entertaining street performers lining the cobstand the historical struggle that defined much of Northern Ireland and its people was second-

to-none. Fortunately, the future is hopeful for peaceful coexistence between Protestants and Catholics in Northern Ireland.

The Global Journal | Europe

Paris Talks with Professor Garcia Story by Jeremy Love-Epp, On Campus

The Paris Agreement that came out of the 21st

international level. While the UNFCC has always

ber marks a hopeful step forward on the issue of

affecting the actions of the world’s superpowers.

Conference of the Parties (COP 21) last Decemclimate change, but should not be seen as the

final step of the journey. As part of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

(UNFCC), the Paris talks were the biggest en-

vironmental policy event since the last greatly anticipated COP, the Copenhagen talks of 2009.

Like Copenhagen, Paris did not seem as though

it would be a successful negotiation. The Paris

talks had to overcome the historical precedent of failed COPs, the core disagreements between the developed and the developing, and the fierce

opposition of key industry stakeholders in powerful states.

Domestically, the opposition to any legally binding agreement was incredibly overt in the United

States’ Congress. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-OK), chairman of the Environment and Public Works

Committee and climate change skeptic, said, “The President not only lacks support from his own country, but he has no way to follow through

on any of his promises.” Senator Inhofe also in-

troduced a resolution about the Paris talks that

stated “any protocol, amendment, extension, or other agreement…shall have no force or effect in

the United States… until [it] has been submitted to Senate for advice and consent.”

In addition to the internal struggles of the Unit-

ed States, COP 21 faced the monumental task of overcoming decades of inadequate action at the

had grand aims, it has historically fallen short of Those past failures are what has made COP 21 a historic achievement.

Professor Denise Garcia, the Sadeleer Research Faculty and associate professor in the Department of Political Science and the Interna-

tional Affairs program at Northeastern University, was the head of Northeastern’s delegation to the

Paris negotiations. Garcia believes two key fac-

tors were at the heart of COP 21’s success. First, in her own words, “long time acrimony existent between the developing and the developed coun-

tries, between China and the United States, gave way to unprecedented global cooperation in the

halls of the COP 21.” This unprecedented cooperation was precipitated by the bilateral agreement

between China and the United States the year prior. Second, “the art of French diplomacy paid dividends after COP 20” Specifically, the leaders of the Peruvian delegation and the French del-

egation, Laurent Fabius and the UNFCCC secretariat Cristiana Figueres, “travelled around the world visiting every capital to be sure that everyone was on the same page.”

The actual details of the Paris Agreement are cause for both celebration and concern.

Any agreement is a step forward. Additionally, many of the explicit goals of the agreement are promising. Countries have pledged to try to curb warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius and have net-ze-

55

The Global Journal | Europe

ro emissions by the second half of the current

  This move away from enforcement means the

coercion mechanism these goals could ultimately

States cannot block the agreement while also

century. However, without any enforcement or be meaningless. Paris is drafted in such a way that it is not technically binding, meaning that it lacks an established enforcement policy, but is

still meaningful. The Paris agreement lays out an accountability mechanism that would require

continual updating of targets and progress, with the aim of coercing noncompliant states through the mounting pressure of other actors.

Photo by Yasmeen Alhaj

56

national assemblies of countries like the United

erecting structures that should elicit the achieve-

ment of the lofty goals the agreement lays out.

Ultimately, the agreement is an encouraging first

step, but much work is still to be done if climate change is to be meaningfully affected.

Special thanks to Professor Garcia for finding the time to sit down with me face-to-face.

The Global Journal | Europe

Sarajevo: The War, The People, The Dialogue Story by Devin Windelspecht, Dialogue of Civilizations

Sarajevo, the heart of the Balkan country of

of orange against the Ottoman streets, the way

different ways. For some, it is unique as the

of the mosques that rise above the skyline, the

Bosnia and Herzegovina, is unique in so many

crossroads between two old and powerful empires- the Ottoman and the Austro-Hungarianwhose influence lasts to this day in architecture

of the city: some buildings grand, European, Western, others exotic, Turkish, Eastern. To others, it is unique as a garden of religion, the “Je-

rusalem of Europe”, one of the few places in the world where a Catholic Church, and Orthodox Cathedral, a Muslim Mosque and a Jewish Syna-

gogue- all ancient, all possessing their own place in the culture of the city- lie within a five minute’s

walk from one another. For others, it is unique for its significance in the wars of the 20th Century, being both the birthplace of one of the century’s first wars and the site of one of its last.

And still, for a fourth party, it is a city unique for something much, much simpler: its light. I have been to Antibes and Paris, where artists once

flocked to capture the late afternoon onto canvas. I have seen sun rise upon the coasts of Italy, and there is even something to be said about the

dark sunsets of Boston’s skies in winter, but none

compare to the Golden Hour in Sarajevo. There is something about the way dusk comes to this

city, nestled between the great green mountains of the Balkans, that brings a sense of history, a

touch of mystery, the sensation that comes only from leafing through dusty, long-forgotten books in the furthest corner of a library. It is the wash

the last rays of sunlight touch the tops minarets

hazy glow that seems to settle onto the cafes like a soft blanket as Bosniaks, Serbs, and Croats alike mingle and drink Bosnian coffee, watching together as the light leaves the day in a calm se-

renity that makes it seem that the War was a hundred years ago, not twenty.

The War. It is the shadow of that very word that lingers still onto this city, that lingers always back

in one’s mind as they walk down its streets come

day’s end. Here, bullet scars still dot the sides of buildings; there, a graveyard cascades down

the side of a hill, the simple dates on the smooth surface of the markers saying more than words ever could: ’92, ’93, ’94. Stop for a moment on

a bridge that spans the river between your hotel and your favorite café, and you’ll find a memori-

al to two young lovers shot down while trying to

escape the siege of the city. Take time to talk to some of the city’s older residents, those to whom

to the War still remains a distinct memory rather than distant history, and you’ll find a hint of the

sadness that seeps into every brick, that comes strongest when the golden light falls upon the

city: of friends torn apart by the lines of ethnicity or religion, of loved ones lost, of the sad reality

that this city, this country, has forever become associated with those secret, horrible words: Ethnic Cleansing. Genocide.

Too often do we, as students of Political Sci-

57

The Global Journal | Europe

ence and International Affairs, see conflict as

within the confines of a classroom. Of understand-

textbooks, lectures and group discussions,

thought, but as a horror that taints our history, that

a thing to be analyzed, to be teased over with

to debate and question but never to know in the way those who suffered it know. We sit in

classrooms in Boston, or Paris or London, and relegate the lives, and struggles, and sadness of an entire nation to mere case studies. We wonder aloud what school of thought best ex-

plains the outcome of a conflict that affected the

lives of millions without pausing, even for just a moment, to consider the humanity of the people who lie on the pages of our books as mere

numbers. There is a crime in that, a crime that perhaps lies at the heart of the cynicism that seems to define the world events that flicker across our newsfeeds.

  If there is anything to be said of Dialogue, it

is in its reflection of the nature of the word itself: the act of talking to those who lived a life a world

away from our own, who we too often only study

58

ing conflict not as an unfortunate aspect of political

divides peoples and destroys families, friendships and lives.  

Dialogue is more than just traveling to another

country and seeing another culture. It is allowing

oneself the dignity to see others as human beings,

to hear their stories and look into their eyes and see

the pain that lies there still. To witness a procession for the unidentified dead and watch as, silently,

hundreds gather in silent prayer and lift their hands to those who have departed. To walk the paths of

Srebrenica and take in what the word thousands truly means.

  It is, above all else, watching the light slowly fall onto the streets of Sarajevo, and realizing the weight and sadness that lies behind every sunset, every evening in which the orange, hazy blanket of

dusk settles onto the city in a way that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

The Global Journal | Europe

Photo by Devin Windelspecht,

59

The Middle East encompasses over twenty countries, each of which offer a range of culture and history.

Northeastern students, both from the Middle East

and the rest of the world, continually find themselves studying and exploring this fascinating region.

60

Photo by Yasmeen Alhaj

61

The Global Journal | Middle East

Roya Hakakian Explains the Iranian Jewish Community

By Devin Windelspecht, On Campus

It was nine in the morning, on what would have

“From that moment”, she says before a small

try of Iran not been in the midst of a revolution

Park, “I knew that everything had changed”. Un-

ni’s call to protest, thousands upon thousands of

lamps and cried out that one simple phrase over

and defying curfew, climbed to the rooftops of

Muslim- she was Jewish, part of a small com-

clare one simple phrase: God is Great. Allah-u

and more uncertain even as the Revolution be-

Iranian Revolution, it was a cry that demanded

trying to utter the same words as those around

12-year- old Roya Hakakian, it was perhaps one

but found that they stuck in her throat, refused to

been an ordinary December night had the coun-

crowd gathered in the top floor of Renaissance

against the then-ruling Shah. Driven by Khomei-

like the thousands who had extinguished their

Iranians extinguished the lights in their houses,

and over that fateful night, Hakakian was not

their homes and spilled out onto the street to de-

munity within Iran whose future seemed more

Akbar. For the people caught in the storm of the

came more and more powerful. Hakakian recalls

the abdication of Shah Mohammed Pahlavi. For

her- many of whom were her childhood friends-

of the most defining moments of her life.

come out.

“ For 12-year- old

Roya Hakakian, it was perhaps one of the most defining moments of her life.”

Now, some 36 years after the Iranian Revolution ushered in a new era not only for Iran but also for the entire Middle East and, many would

say, the world, Hakakian remains still intrinsically

tied to the country of her ancestry, despite now living in New Haven. A poet in Farsi and a contributor to influential publications like The New

York Times, The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post, Hakakian is also the author of two novels: one, Journey from the Land of No, is a memoir that recounts her time living as a Jew

in Iran, the other,Assassins of the Turquoise Palace, a nonfiction account of the infamous Myko-

nos restaurant assassinations of 1992. Her talk at Northeastern University presented the oppor-

tunity to see Iran from a perspective rarely granted through today’s headlines of nuclear deals

and diplomatic tensions: that of Iranian’s ethnic

62

The Global Journal | Middle East

“

Regardless, Hakakian said that today, the Iranian Jewish community is on the verge of extinction.”

that is often expressed in history books. Rather, she saw him as a progressive, a leader moving

towards change in Iran- sometimes forcefully so, she admits, recalling tales of his soldiers strip-

ping the hijabs off women during the years before the Revolution. When challenged as to the

discrepancy between her perspective and that

and religious minorities, still very much Iranian

which American students are taught, Hakakian

anything but, as Hakakian explains, Shia Muslim

looked at in merely black and white terms, and

But Hakakian explained that it was not always

“what hampered them historically, and what they

ther as a member of the Iranian army, she ex-

Regardless, Hakakian said that today, the

allowed to go to school while it was raining, for

tinction, not because of overt persecution, but

posed filth that was feared to wash off him in a

comed from the Iranian state- most importantly

sat down with the young Iranian Jew and, telling

place that has lost its place as a pluralistic so-

proceeding to finish the glass the young boy had

community that is all-inclusive”.

is good enough for everyone”, he told the child.

“shabby state of the nation” that followed the

ing to her Grandfather as the December night

that followed the recent Iran Nuclear deal may

that is quickly being forgotten: a time when Iran

doesn’t see a future for herself in the place she

such as her family was shifting towards equality.

back,” she said, “because I, as a citizen, desire

yet living in a country that so often discourages

claimed that leaders such as the Shah cannot be

Men from feeling fully welcomed and accepted.

should be remembered with perspective as to

that way. Showing us a picture of her grandfa-

had to work with”.

plains that when he was a child he was often not

Iranian Jewish community is on the verge of ex-

fear of contaminating other Iranians from the sup-

because of a sense being separate and unwel-

rainstorm. Yet one day, a visiting superintendent

because of “a sense of futurelessness”. “I see a

him to first drink out of a glass of water, before

ciety,” Hakakian said, “as a model for a Muslim

just drank out of. “If it is good enough for me, it

Hakakian’s own family left in 1985 due to the

For Hakakian, this moment- as life chang-

Iraq-Iran War, but even as the lifting of sanctions

of 1979 was to her- shows an aspect of history

signal a new economic stage for the country, she

was “moving on”, where the status of minorities

once called home. “I assure you I wouldn’t go

Crucially, she gave a different perspective of the

more than just economic growth.”

Pahlavi Shah than that of an oppressive dictator

63

The Global Journal | Middle East

What is a Zionist?

A Talk with William F.S. Miles Story by Devin Windelspecht, On Campus

The term “Zionism” carries very different and

lesser-known parts of Israel, and found within

people. The Encyclopedia Britannica defines Zi-

the nation. During his fourth trip to Israel, Profes-

very significant meanings for different groups of

onism as a “Jewish nationalist movement that

has had as its goal the creation and support of a Jewish national state in Palestine.” While some people champion the creation of a Jewish national state in Palestine as a homecoming for

a historically oppressed group of people, others reject it over concerns for the oppression of Pal-

estinians and other non-Jewish peoples within a

Jewish state. The term Zionism is thus uplifting to some, evoking feelings of hope and belonging for those who have long remained estranged from

what they believe to be their ancestral homeland.

To others, it is loaded to with ideas of oppression and colonialism.

To address this discrepancy in opinion, William

F.S. Miles, a Northeastern University political science professor, opened his talk “Another Israel:

Four Months Among Non-’Zionist’ Zionists” to a few dozen students gathered in the top floor of Renaissance Park with a simple, yet weighted

question: “What is a Zionist?” Or, as he went on to elaborate, “What is a Non-Zionist?”

Professor Miles may be one of the few professors in the unique position to attempt to answer

this controversial question. Having ventured three

times to Israel– once to Jerusalem, another time to southern Israel and a third time to a “utopian-type socialist community” in the “deep south”

of the country– Professor Miles discovered the

64

these places revelations of the deeper nature of sor Miles travelled to the very northern part of the

country to investigate a small, unique village that sat right next to Israel’s border with Lebanon.

At first glance, aside from the occasional special border police officer guarding the northern

border, the northern town seemed like any oth-

er Israeli village: fast food chains, supermarkets, beauty parlors and small local schools. Yet upon closer examination, as Professor Miles explained

to the audience, there were little details about the town that stuck out. The signs read both in He-

brew and Arabic script, and Arabic was spoken

almost exclusively on the streets. However, few people in the village were Muslim, and fewer still

Jewish. Instead, the town was populated by a re-

ligious minority virtually unknown to the greater

world, and a mystery to many people in Israel as well: the Druze.

Before continuing, Professor Miles explained

what he believed a Non-Zionist is not. “I’m not

talking about the ultra-orthodox anti-Zionists,”

he said, referring to the minority Haredi Jewish community that rejects the notion of a Jewish

state. Rather, he referred to those living within Israel whose identity is not wrapped in the idea

of a Jewish state, yet they remain loyal to Israel as a sovereign nation– the Druze being one such people.

The Druze’s religion is notoriously secretive,

The Global Journal | Middle East

so much so that those who don’t follow the re-

ately in the Israeli army. They are also statistical-

holy books. Despite all of the religion’s secretive-

typically volunteer for combat battalions. Despite

ligion cannot even have access to the church’s ness and guardedness, its beliefs are remarkably open.

Describing the Druze religion as “radical mono-

theistic,” Professor Miles explained that the Druze believe that all religions that follow one god– from

Christianity to Judaism to Islam to the Baha’i

faith– must be respected, as they all lead to the same singular God. Professor Miles went on to say that the Druze religion is not based on worship, but on ethics.

“Their prayer is living ethically”, Professor Miles

said, adding that “being thankful, transparent, and helping others” was their way of connecting to God.

What makes the Druze most remarkable, particularly when it comes to Professor Miles’ orig-

inal question, is their attitudes toward the state

of Israel. Loyalty to their country is important to the Druze, and even though they do not share the

religion that is typically associated with Zionism,

their faith is nevertheless very much tied to Judaism. Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses, is considered the most important prophet to the Druze. According to Jewish belief, Moses married Jethro’s

daughter, and thus some Druze believe that all Jews are descendants of the Druze themselves.

ly most likely to suffer casualties, as the Druze

their devotion to their country, the Druze population is unknown by many Israelis. Those who

do know of the Druze have typically encountered them while serving in the armed forces– a sober-

ing reality that isn’t lost on the Druze, who often feel forgotten by Israel outside of their military service.

Professor Miles said he believes that it is peo-

ple like the Druze who represent the future of Israel. “The survival of the Jewish state of Israel de-

pends on de-facto Zionism,” he said, “and not on

ideological Zionism”. It relies, he said, on those who are willing to make the “personal sacrifices to

protect and defend what they see as the Jewish state.”

Judging by the military cemeteries that stand at the center of many villages, it is clear that the Druze exemplify this ideal. After his time with the

Druze, Professor Miles said that he saw Israel very differently. The question Miles opened with–

“What is a Zionist?”– seems now all the more

difficult to explain, yet all the more important to discuss. After all, whatever answer there is to be

found, may just carry with it the very future of the Israeli state.

It is because of this belief in loyalty that the Druze, who live in eighteen scattered communi-

ties mostly in northern Israel, serve disproportion-

65

The Global Journal | Middle East

Learning About the Iran Deal

By Allen Meringolo, On Campus

The co-op program gives Northeastern stu-

Sherman had to be cognizant of the interests of

quirements of life in the professional world. After

stakeholders went far beyond those present at

dents an appreciation of the challenges and recompleting two co-ops, I have come to understand the importance of communication and active listening skills. In hopes of improving these

interpersonal skills, I signed up for Ed Wertheim’s

Negotiations class this fall semester. The format

of most classes is an interactive role play negotiation and a subsequent reflection. In addition to

these mock negotiations, we watched an inter-

view with Wendy Sherman, the lead negotiator for the United States in the Iran nuclear negotiations. The interviewer was renowned New York

Times foreign policy journalist David Sanger.

Sherman’s candid and in-depth answers in the interview reveal many kernels of negotiation and

communication wisdom that anyone could benefit from.

Early in the interview, Sherman told Sanger that President Obama gave her very clear objec-

tives before the negotiation began: prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon, ensure Iran’s nuclear program was exclusively peaceful, and

prevent any pathways to a nuclear weapon. All subsequent actions in the negotiation were driv-

en by these objectives. From there, as she said, the “devil was in the details.” It was up to her and

others at the negotiating table to negotiate deal terms that accomplished these objectives.

Yet while trying to accomplish her objectives,

66

various stakeholders in a potential deal. These

the negotiation table. The US team had to discuss the deal terms with their partners in the

P5+1 (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and Germany). They had to coordinate with

other regional allies like Israel and Saudi Arabia.

Since the deal captured the attention of US citizens, they had to handle the US press. They had

co-op program gives “ The Northeastern students an appreciation of the challenges and requirements of life in the professional world.

”

The Global Journal | Middle East

to answer to a divided US Congress, who had

lieved that getting a deal done was better than no

man sarcastically remarks, “…and occasionally

the deal is not perfect and its implementation is

competing viewpoints on the negotiation. Sherwe negotiated with Iran.” While the deal was being hammered out at negotiation table, Sherman

was constantly doing a mental calculus of how the terms would affect and be perceived by these various stakeholders.

Sherman’s negotiation skills are shaped by her background as a social worker and as a clinician.

These experiences and training allowed her to

empathize with her Iranian counterparts, make them feel heard, and ultimately determine their underlying interests. Her empathy and communication skills were also key in selling the deal to

other stakeholders and responding to their concerns and criticisms.

In addition to these invaluable interpersonal skills, persistence and patience were also es-

sential. Sherman told Sanger that negotiations

with Iran had been going on for 11 years. Over the course of time, negotiations broke down

time and time again. But the two parties would

always come back to the table because each be-

deal at all. Sherman readily acknowledges that fraught with uncertainty and risk. Sherman and the Obama Administration believed that getting a

deal done was essential because it is a rock on which both parties can gradually build a relationship and re-establish trust.

Although she claims to have no formal training, Wendy Sherman could teach a negotiation class.

Her strategies in the Iran Nuclear Deal are useful for anyone looking to improve their negotiation and interpersonal skills. People are in negotia-

tions every day; it could be as trivial as trying to talk your way out of a speeding ticket or as significant as convincing executives in your company to make a strategic change. Regardless of a ne-

gotiation’s latitude, Wendy Sherman’s discussion of the Iran Nuclear Deal yields five simple but essential lessons: negotiate with clear objectives,

identify all stakeholders, empathize with coun-

terparts and stakeholders, be patient, and think long-term.

67

Join Us @ GlobalJournalNU

Special Thanks The N.U.in Program Global Experience Office The School of Journalism Student Government Association The International Affairs Program

Read More Stories www.globaljournalnu.com

68