There's an African proverb that states: when two elephants fight, the ground suffers. Sadly, this ‘suffering’ is currently unfolding in the Gaza Strip as calls for investigations into war crimes could be expected. 

We cannot afford another humanitarian crisis with lasting implications. 

Hamas’  attack against Israel, which killed over a thousand innocent civilians, with hostages yet to be released is the worst in history. Likewise, subsequent counterattacks by Israel and an anticipated invasion have now left the entire world reeling. This almost four decades-long claim to the Holy Land by Israelis and Palestinians at the center of the war leaves people wondering when, how, or if this war will end anytime soon. 

What will it take for world leaders like President Biden - lending his support to Israel - to encourage more fruitful negotiations that will finally see an end to this almost century-long crisis? Surely, the loss of more innocent lives with a proposed invasion cannot be the answer, because so far war has not helped. 

It will not help. 

Biden’s presence in the region now links the United States to any further Israeli attacks on innocent civilians in the region. Can we afford that liability? Shouldn’t intensifying diplomatic talks on the ground be the extreme focus? 

According to UN News, “The United States on Wednesday vetoed a UN Security Council resolution that would have called for “humanitarian pauses” to deliver lifesaving aid to millions in Gaza. The failure by the Council to make its first public intervention on the Israel-Gaza crisis followed the rejection of a Russian-backed draft on Monday evening.”(UN News)

 The war is detrimental to all involved and efforts to support humanitarian aid, while working to put a stop to it must intensify immediately. We cannot afford to have more warring factions spread across the world, constantly requiring assistance and intervention from the U.S. War is better prevented.

In Connecticut, groups have gathered together to support either side.

 Palestinians are the world’s largest refugee group currently spread across the world. When put in perspective, 75 years of displacement with endless failed talks have created a vulnerable region - with children unable to enjoy stability which is their fundamental human right.

 Furthermore, at the root of this brutal vexation are human rights abuses that we can clearly say have now spilled over. 

Since the attack on Oct. 8th. more people have taken sides with Palestinians across the world, with resounding messages ringing across the world: “Free Palestine” and “Not in our name.”

According to the Washington Post, U.S. Capitol police arrested dozens of Jewish-American protestors who gathered yesterday in the rotunda of a building at the Capitol Hill, demanding Congress pass a cease-fire:

“The arrests occurred after demonstrators, including American Jews and allies worried about Palestinians in Gaza, rallied on the National Mall. Protesters held a banner with red writing that said “Our blood is the same color,” waved Palestinian flags, and raised posters that read “My grief is not your weapon,” “Never again for anyone,” and “Zionism is racism.” …“We are here to say, ‘Not in our name,’” Jay Saper said. “We are here as Jews — many descendants of survivors of genocide — to stop a genocide from unfolding in real-time.” - Washington Post

Again, we cannot allow another crisis to deteriorate further. More efforts are needed to find solutions to this.

An invasion of the Gaza area is potentially catastrophic to more vulnerable groups, which causes more people to reject the genocide happening in Gaza, as not being anti-Israel, but instead as simply being pro-humanity.

It is important that the United States, the United Nations, and other well-meaning countries and organizations come together to put an end to the situation in Gaza, as soon as possible.

Our Collective Duty in Afghanistan is one of attention and activism.

Two years ago, exactly women’s rights were challenged in Afghanistan yet again.

 Afghanistan, a country with a rich history and complex political landscape, is home to resilient and vibrant women who have faced numerous challenges throughout the years. Amidst ongoing conflicts and security concerns, Afghan women persist in their fight for gender equality, access to education, health care, and political representation. In this article, we shed light on the issues facing Afghan women today and explore the importance of empowering them to create a brighter future.

1. Limited Access to Education: Breaking Barriers for Learning

Access to education remains a significant challenge for Afghan women due to factors including cultural barriers, insecurity, and poverty. Though progress has been made over the past two decades, with more girls attending school, the situation remains fragile. Conservative traditions and extremist groups oppose girls' education, leading to devastating consequences such as attacks on schools and targeted violence against female students and teachers. To unlock the full potential of Afghan society, a comprehensive approach integrating community engagement and targeted investments in education infrastructure is vital.

2. Gender-Based Violence: Addressing a Grave Human Rights Concern

Gender-based violence persists as a deeply-rooted problem in Afghan society. Many women face domestic violence, forced early marriages, and honor killings. Despite various legal measures, including the Elimination of Violence Against Women (EVAW) law, enforcement and implementation remain challenging due to insufficient resources, cultural resistance, and weak institutions. Many women fear reporting instances of violence due to social stigma and a lack of trust in law enforcement. Working towards an effective response to gender-based violence must involve community engagement, awareness programs, and support services for survivors.

3. Political Empowerment: Inclusive Decision-Making Processes

Afghanistan has taken steps forward in promoting women's political representation and participation. Despite constitutionally mandated quotas for female representation in parliament, women face systemic barriers and discrimination when running for office. Ongoing peace negotiations present an opportunity to safeguard and strengthen women's involvement in political processes to ensure their inclusion and protect the hard-earned gains made over the past two decades.

4. Healthcare and Maternal Mortality: Securing Access to Life-Saving Services

Afghan women face significant challenges in accessing quality healthcare services. Maternal mortality rates remain alarming due to a lack of accessible and equitable healthcare infrastructure, limited awareness, cultural barriers, and poverty. Pregnant women often encounter difficulties accessing skilled birth attendants or essential healthcare during pregnancy, leading to preventable deaths. Improving healthcare infrastructure, increasing awareness, and removing financial barriers are critical steps towards preventing unnecessary maternal mortality.

Afghan women have demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of numerous challenges, fighting for their rights, and spearheading progress in various sectors. Achieving gender equality and addressing the issues women face in Afghanistan necessitates a multi-faceted approach. This includes empowering women through education, strengthening legal frameworks to combat gender-based violence, fostering political participation, and prioritizing access to healthcare. Only by actively engaging diverse stakeholders, including communities, government, civil society, and international partners, can Afghanistan pave the way for a more equitable and prosperous future, where Afghan women can thrive and contribute to society with their full potential.

Healing, moving on, re-building

Divorce and loss are among the most challenging experiences a person can face, often leaving emotional scars that run deep. The journey through these difficult times can be filled with pain, confusion, and a sense of emptiness. However, amidst the turmoil, there exists a powerful remedy: self-love. Embracing self-love can serve as a guiding light, helping individuals navigate the complex emotions and transitions that come with divorce and loss. In this article, we explore how cultivating self-love can be the antidote to healing and moving forward.

The Healing Power of Self-Love

When faced with divorce or loss, it's natural to experience a rollercoaster of emotions ranging from grief and anger to self-doubt and loneliness. Amidst this emotional turbulence, self-love stands as a beacon of hope, offering a path towards healing and renewal. Self-love encourages individuals to be kind and compassionate to themselves, just as they would be to a friend in need. By acknowledging and accepting their emotions, individuals can start the healing process and gradually rebuild their lives.

Embracing Imperfection

Self-love entails embracing one's imperfections and recognizing that they do not define one's worth. In the midst of divorce or loss, it's common to internalize negative feelings or blame oneself for the situation. However, practicing self-love involves letting go of self-judgment and understanding that everyone makes mistakes and faces challenges. It's a process of learning to forgive oneself and moving forward with self-compassion.

Reconnecting with Identity

Divorce and loss can often leave individuals feeling disconnected from their sense of self. In these times, practicing self-love involves a journey of rediscovery. By engaging in activities that bring joy, reconnecting with hobbies, and nurturing personal interests, individuals can rebuild a sense of identity that is separate from their past relationships or experiences. This process of self-exploration contributes to regaining confidence and a stronger sense of self.

Setting Healthy Boundaries

One of the cornerstones of self-love is the ability to set and maintain healthy boundaries. When navigating divorce or loss, it's important to establish boundaries that protect emotional well-being. This might involve limiting contact with individuals who contribute to negativity or creating space for self-reflection. By prioritizing emotional health and respecting personal boundaries, individuals can create a supportive environment for their healing journey.

Empowerment Through Self-Care

Self-care is a tangible expression of self-love, and it plays a crucial role in recovering from the aftermath of divorce or loss. Engaging in activities that nurture physical, emotional, and mental well-being can provide a sense of empowerment and control over one's life. Whether it's practicing mindfulness, engaging in regular exercise, or pursuing creative outlets, self-care reinforces the message that one's well-being matters.

Looking Forward with Self-Love

Divorce or loss often marks the end of a chapter, but it also signifies the opportunity for a new beginning. By cultivating self-love, individuals can approach the future with a sense of optimism and resilience. Acknowledging the lessons learned from past experiences and focusing on personal growth can pave the way for a brighter and more fulfilling future.

Conclusion

Divorce and loss are undoubtedly challenging life events, but they also offer a unique opportunity for profound personal growth and transformation. Self-love serves as the antidote to the emotional pain and confusion that accompany these experiences. Through self-compassion, embracing imperfections, reconnecting with one's identity, setting healthy boundaries, and practicing self-care, individuals can navigate the healing journey with strength and grace. By choosing self-love as the guiding principle, individuals can not only overcome the challenges of divorce and loss but also emerge from these experiences stronger, more resilient, and more capable of embracing a new chapter of their lives.

Hamden- Charles Gibson former ABC News anchor chose a good time to give his keynote lecture at Quinnipiac University in Hamden. The former host of Good Morning America and anchor of World News spoke at Quinnipiac University’s Burt Kahn Court, on Thursday, September 20 about the “(Im) Balance of Power in Washington: How things went off the rails and how they can be fixed.” His speech came at a time when most Americans were actively identifying themselves with either one of the two political parties in America, at about six weeks to the presidential elections on November 6.

“ Polarization pervades the congress,” Gibson said.

 He spoke to the audience about social and structural factors, which are responsible for deepening the division in Washington. According to him, Republicans have taken obstructionism to a new level and he went on to point out the comments of a few Republican politicians. He also said that the way to get elected in a heavily partisan area is to run more to the side of the party that the area favors. 

“Voter turnout in congressional primaries and even presidential primaries is historically low,” he said, “leaving extreme partisans as the ones most likely to vote.”

He blames networks for having different channels that disseminate only news that reinforce the views and positions of its viewers, leaving them to be even more partisan. He told audience members that these days, networks serve the interests of their members and do very little to represent the republic. He referred to the time when he covered the House of Representatives for ABC for seven years, as his happiest at the network.

 Gibson also blames the lack of socialization in Washington as being part of the reason parties are heavily polarized. According to him, it becomes harder to vilify an opponent from the other party in a debate when people spend time together or see themselves around town.

“ I think fixing this problem is far more important than who gets elected in seven weeks,” Gibson said, “ for whoever wins the White House in November is going to take the oath of office and face an uncooperative, bitterly partisan, and divisive Congress.”

In Gibson’s opinion, President Barack Obama will win the presidential ticket again because of the number of electoral votes he won in the last election, and because the polls, including the Quinnipiac polls, show a significant lead for President Obama, over his Republican opponent, Mitt Romney. 

“ The Republican party has done Romney no favors by forcing him so far to the right that he may not be able to scramble by November 6,” Gibson said.

 He made a joke about being inaccessible and away in Matapica, on election night should his predictions for who will win the presidential elections prove to be wrong.

“ You can try, but you won’t be able to reach me,” he said, while some members of the audience chuckled.

 Gibson gave audience members his thoughts about, “the elemental quality in a person’s make-up, that is necessary for them to lead a good and satisfactory life.”

He referred to a recent scandal at Harvard University, where 125 students were caught cheating because they wanted to pass exams.

“Harvard is investigating and Harvard is a most opaque institution,” he said. “ But if that number is anywhere near correct, it bespeaks to me a real cultural problem at that institution and maybe even in our society, in general.”

He tells the audience that if a person can get into Harvard, an Ivy League institution, which is a very prestigious college, then they don’t need to cheat to pass an exam. He says that the Harvard story makes him realize that many young students have developed a sense of moral relativism where no one is objectively right or wrong and that what is important is what works for each individual.

“ If we look to a college education as simply the road to a job or a series of jobs for which the college student is being trained then it seems to me that you have created that kind of moral relativism that produces what we are witnessing in Harvard,” he said as he explained the point of a college education to the audience.

 He further explained how getting a degree is good for being placed well in society, and being able to achieve more success with getting higher-paid jobs, but he told students he wants them to grow up to be rich, but above all, he wants them to matter.

“ College to me is as important four years as you will ever spend anywhere. It is a critical transition in a young person’s life. It’s a kind of halfway house to life. It’s a time for students away from the oversight of parents, and away from their home community, to find out who they are,” Gibson said.

His talk went on for about 40 minutes, and then Gibson took questions from members of the audience.

One member of the audience asked if he thought people cared about the integrity of the news to which Gibson answered, “Sure.” He said as a society we are gullible and the more a lie is told, the more people believe it.

Gibson concluded his lecture with a last question from a female audience member who asked if he feels that religion plays a role in elections and if he thinks it will play a significant role in future elections.

“We have separation of church and state in this country and that’s a very important thing, but you have to acknowledge that we are a country of deep beliefs and great faith,” he said. “ I don’t want people’s positions to be based on what their religion is, I want it to be based on science.”

Gibson’s early career in news began when he attended Princeton University and worked as the news director for a student-run radio station. Currently retired from ABC Gibson lives in New Jersey with his wife Arlene and his two daughters.  

~ W