On Jan. 28, President Trump proposed his plan for resolving Israeli-Palestininan conflict. He called it the “Deal of the Century.” According to The New York Times, the plan would give control of Jerusalem to Israel as its capital “and not require it to uproot any of the settlements in the West Bank that have provoked Palestinian outrage and alienated much of the world.”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announce plan to step back from British royalty
he Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, announced their plan to seek more independence from the British crown on Wednesday, Jan. 8. This change is immensely controversial, as the couple is making a historic attempt at becoming partially self-exiled royal leaders for the first time in the empire’s history, according to the BBC.
Annual “China Night” show brings culture, food and dance to campus through Chinese Cultural Association
Abroad Perspectives: Astha Kiran KC ’21 returns from England
BY CASEY ROEPKE ’21
Photo courtesy of Astha Kiran Kc ’21
Astha Kiran Kc ’21 spent her fall semester abroad in London, England.
Astha Kiran KC ’21 just returned from a semester abroad in London. As an economics major, she studied at the University College London — a public research university — and took liberal arts courses focusing in economics.
What was the most memorable moment of your experience?
At the end of term, I took part in the sustainable fashion show as a model and walked for creative student designers and prominent sustainable fashion brands in London.
What was the hardest thing to adjust to?
The weather! I thought New England was bad and then I went to England — it was honestly really bad. I got about 15 days of sunshine in the three months that I was there.
Was there anything that happened that surprised or struck you as unexpected?
How friendly and approachable the people were. Most of the people at my university were always ready to help and it was quick to make friends.
What was your favorite new food that you tried?
I followed a travel blog’s advice and went to this super cute chocolate-themed cafe. I tried their hot chocolate, and it was probably the best chocolate-related food I’ve ever tried.
What advice do you have for someone who wants to study abroad?
It’s going to be hard at first and you are going to miss Mount Holyoke, but you will create your own happiness as you explore new places, meet new people and discover your own favorite places abroad.
Any other stories or experiences that you want to share?
While I was in London, I went to Edinburgh and it was surreal to see how magical the city was! I took a Harry Potter tour with a local guide and visited the grave that inspired the names of many, many Harry Potter characters.
Bushfires in Australia devastate 46 million acres
International tensions heighten after US authorizes military killing of Iranian top official
Students take to the streets in Pakistan to fight for student unions and better education facilities
Pakistani students, activists and supporters of the Student Action Committee (SAC) took to the streets of Lahore and other cities in Pakistan on Friday, Nov. 29 as part of the Student Solidarity March. The demonstrators’ list of demands called for the restoration of student unions and the improvement of educational facilities.
Iraqi Prime Minister resigns after facing mass citizen protests
Following months of citizen protest, Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi announced his plans for resignation on Friday, Nov. 29. Protesters — made up largely of the country’s young and poor — have criticized the country’s political party system and failing infrastructure. These demands came just months after the initiation of a new Iraqi government in May which followed the eradication of ISIS in the region.
UMass hosts "Criminalizing Dissent" resistance panel
Asian Student Association celebrates 20 years of VariAsians
Bolivia’s president resigns after anti-corruption protests
France proposes new immigration sanctions
Controversial Pakistani art exhibit is forced to close
An installation by Pakistani artist Adeela Suleman, “The Killing Fields of Karachi,” was put on display in a park outside Frere Hall as a part of Karachi’s Biennale art show on Oct. 27. According to The New York Times, “the exhibit comprised of 444 concrete tombstones that symbolized the alleged extra-judicial killings by an ex-policeman.” Shortly after its opening, the city’s authorities immediately closed it down due to its controversial nature.
Germany’s Far Right advances in political control of government
Sophie Soloway ’23 writes about the political stronghold of far-right parties in Germany after a regional election. The country’s socialist party, Die Linke, won, and the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD), came in second place. Angela Merkel’s Christian Democratic Party (CDU) placed third.
French students explore US, Mount Holyoke
A personal perspective on same-sex marriage, abortion in Northern Ireland
Four months into my semester and amidst major political turbulence over the ever-looming Brexit deadline, journalist Lyra McKee was killed by paramilitary gunfire in the city of Derry. McKee, a young, gay, female reporter, wrote extensively about the country’s restrictive laws regarding abortion and same-sex marriage. Citizens on either side of the conflict erupted into debate, eventually culminating in the British Parliament’s July decision to legalize both same-sex marriage and abortion.
