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In many ways, Qatar has benefited from its neighbors’ blockade, Qatar’s Arab neighbors should embrace Al Jazeera, Iran’s #MeToo moment begins, To turn plastic pollution awareness into change, we must act, Every one of us should refuse what we ca

“When the blockade was imposed on Qatar on June 5, 2017, few expected it to last as long as it has,” writes Sultan Barakat. “One year on, what started as an expression of frustration with, and attempt to change, Qatar’s independent foreign policy, has, in fact, deepened the political divisions and, if anything, made it more difficult to envisage a return to Gulf unity.

Readers write: Understanding thinking in Taiwan, both sides of the issue, women pursuing professions

The April 16 Focus story, “Beijing’s bid to win over young Taiwanese,” gave a very comprehensive account of what is going on in Taiwan, providing the background needed to best understand the thinking of its people. Recommended: Could you pass a US citizenship test? Many residents feel they absolutely need guns for protection – protection from wild animals in addition to lawless people.

Amid legal attack on key health-law provision, uncertainty and uproar

Robin Dake recalls a time when health insurance was financially out of reach for her and her two daughters ​– with the prospect of premiums of about $900 a month.

Inspector general on Comey: dissecting an error in judgment

Eleven days before the 2016 presidential election, FBI Director James Comey sent a three-paragraph letter to members of Congress announcing that the FBI was reopening its investigation into Hillary Clinton’s use of a private email server.  

Paul Manafort goes to jail: Three questions

US District Judge Amy Berman Jackson said she had “struggled” with the decision to imprison Manafort. Close observers of Manafort’s legal struggle have seen signs that his pre-trial status might include a cell. Manafort also seemed aggressive in pushing the edges of his freedoms.

As Colombians head to polls, peace is still a work in progress

Outside a camp for former members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), Wilfran Martinez runs a couple of organic farms, bursting with emerald green banana trees. Recently his farm, which is a transitional program for demobilized FARC members, signed a contract to sell its tomatoes, peppers, and other crops to 22 local schools. “We wouldn't be surprised if the next government breaks some of the promises that have been made to us,” Martinez says.

Trudeau in Europe? Leftist governments find footing in Spain and Portugal

Spain has seen its fair share of headlines recently, but they have almost always fed the narrative of “fragile southern Europe.”

Clues of peace in Afghanistan

After decades of conflict and costly foreign intervention, Afghanistan has a new chance for peace. Both the government and the Taliban have declared unilateral cease-fires to mark the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. Crucial to any prospects for peace will be a dialogue between the militant Islamic Taliban and the elected president, Ashraf Ghani, and his team about issues of governance and power sharing.

A model of peace to help end Yemen’s war

Wars often can end faster when a vision of peace is clear. On Wednesday, a 21,000-strong force led by a coalition of Arab nations entered the strategic port city of Hudaydah to oust the Iran-backed Houthi rebels that started the war and to force them to the negotiating table. The battle is significant enough that the United Nations Security Council met twice this week, in large part to ensure the flow of aid to millions and also to plan for Yemen being at peace.

Turkey elections: why Erdoğan and his party are suddenly vulnerable

Caner Güneş, with short black beard, nationalistic tattoos, and blue jeans, is a member of the youth wing of Turkey’s main opposition party. Recommended: Think you know Turkey? Not every district in Turkey has seen such a dramatic change of heart.