As ballot day approaches for Israelis, observers and commentators around the world perk up their ears, make their predictions, and voice their opinions. Some of these opinions, however, tend to be louder than others. Staunchly opposed to Israeli nationalist policy, the international “hacktivist” group Anonymous has carried out its now-annual take-down-Israel cyber operation, which they … Read more
When the Israeli public goes to the polls on March 17, the legacy of one man will sit firmly at the forefront of their mind, regardless of their voting preference: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Mr. Netanyahu has sought to demonstrate his importance as the defender of the nation, speaking to the U.S. Congress on March 3rd … Read more
International issues of security and terrorism have traditionally represented Israel in the world headlines. However, voters in the upcoming parliamentary elections face questions other than just those of Palestinian settlements and the ongoing threat of Iran. They are looking at wildly volatile prices and an economy that has arguably become more inequitable under Netanyahu’s stewardship, … Read more
Israel’s constant existential vulnerability, as Prime Minister Netanyahu never tires of saying, is unique among nations. Apart from the United States, Israel has few, if any, close allies, and most of the nations surrounding it have vowed its destruction. Just 1000 miles away lies Iran, which has not only has sworn to destroy Israel, but … Read more
Last week, the Harvard Undergraduate Council brought the issue of feminism to the forefront of public discourse through the launch of their campaign Side by Side. The feminist ideal seems simple: it is a movement fighting for gender equality. Its moral code seems as indisputable as the golden rule, and yet people see the feminist movement … Read more
Three North Korean defectors addressed Harvard students at the Fong Auditorium last Tuesday, sharing their personal stories of acclimatizing to life outside their birth country. The trio, now North Korean human rights activists, also shed light on their efforts to ameliorate human rights violations in the country. The event was facilitated by Harvard Human Rights in North Korea (HRiNK) and Woorihana, … Read more
In the halls of my suburban Massachusetts high school, any mention of Advanced Placement U.S. History (lovingly referred to as “APUSH”) drew collective groans. Its workload was recognized as the heaviest in the school, and there was a whole lunch table dedicated to frantic studying for its daily quizzes. The students who took the class … Read more
Editor’s Note: Several weeks ago the HPR received a series of letters from one of our former staff writers, who currently works as a journalist in Washington, D.C. She has recently been following a prominent politician and has transcribed the following narrative without him knowing. Apparently, he began to watch House of Cards, and subsequently … Read more
Yemen, situated at the southernmost end of the Arabia peninsula, has a long history of derailing the goals of global powers. When discussing the Egyptian military’s long term attempt to influence Yemeni politics during the North Yemen Civil War in the 1960s, historian and former Israeli Ambassador to the United States Michael Oren wrote that … Read more
California’s two candidates for state superintendent this past November didn’t agree on much when it came to education. Tom Torlakson, a former teacher, wanted to make school funding more equitable and support teachers. Marshall Tuck, a former charter school executive, wanted to increase the number of charter schools and tie teacher evaluations to test scores. … Read more