Samuel Oakford
Here's What to Expect at the Big Drug Meeting This Week at the UN
Diplomats from around the world are gathering in New York for UNGASS, a special session of the UN General Assembly that will shape the future of global drug policy.
How Russia Became the New Global Leader in the War on Drugs
The Kremlin's new role as the most vocal proponent of the drug war has created a domestic HIV crisis, led to allegations of corruption, and slowed the pace of reform worldwide.
These US Senators Want to Halt the Sale of Bombs to Saudi Arabia
Senators Chris Murphy and Rand Paul said that in light of the civilian toll of the US-backed Saudi-led intervention in Yemen, the White House must ensure that American weapons are not being used in attacks on innocents.
Thirteen North Korean Restaurant Workers Have Defected to the South
A South Korean official said on Friday that the defectors couldn't meet the demands imposed by North Korean authorities on minimum amounts of their pay to be send back to Pyongyang.
The Syrian Regime Is Blocking Aid to Hundreds of Thousands in Dire Need, Despite Ceasefire
Syria humanitarian task force coordinator Jan Egeland said he was "disappointed and disheartened" at delays and outright denial of access for humanitarian convoys in the past week.
Saudi-led Coalition in Yemen Used 2,000-Pound American Bombs to Kill 97 Civilians
Saudi Arabia has purchased more than $100 billion in arms from the US since 2010, and Washington has approved orders to replenish Saudi stockpiles during the course of its air campaign in Yemen.
Puerto Rico's Desperation Grows Over Debt Crisis As US Congress Plans Intervention
Congressional legislators are expected to release new draft legislation dealing with Puerto Rico's fiscal crisis before the end of the week, as Washington scrambles to head off drastic steps by the island's government.
French Peacekeepers Allegedly Tied Up Girls and Forced Them Into Bestiality
The UN is investigating more than 90 cases of peacekeeper sexual abuse in the Central African Republic, including an incident in which a French military commander had four girls tied up and forced them to have sex with a dog.
Archaeologists Are Figuring Out How Badly the Islamic State Damaged Palmyra
Nearly a year ago, Islamic State militants drove government forces from Palmyra's ruins and then proceeded to release images and videos of fighters blowing up ancient structures.
The Islamic State Just Rocked Yemen with Suicide Car Bombs
Three separate blasts, at least two of them resulting from car bombs, struck military checkpoints in the port city of Aden, reportedly killing upwards of 20 people.
Medical Marijuana, Decriminalization, and Opium: 2016 Looks Big for Drugs in Mexico
Spurred into action by a supreme court ruling, Mexico could soon start legalizing medical marijuana, and raise the threshold for decriminalized consumer possession. It might even start considering licit domestic cultivation of cannabis and opium.
UN Announces 'Last Chance' Ceasefire in Yemen
Not all the parties fighting in Yemen are covered by the agreement, but the United Nations says it's the best chance to stop a war that threatens to completely destroy the country.