A Plane Crashed in the Desert. Thirty-Five Years Later, It Would Help Take Down Nicolas Sarkozy
The families of the victims of a 1989 bombing never imagined they would see the name of the Libyan intelligence chief who was convicted for it resurface decades later — not as a fugitive brought to trial, but as a bargaining chip in the political rise of a French presidential hopeful.
Beijing’s Military Parade May Not Be the Show of Unity That It Seems
Last month’s military parade in Beijing brought the leaders of Russia, China and North Korea together in a show of unity. But the history of such meetings reminds us of the hidden dynamics beneath the diplomatic veneer.
Coffins, Champagne and Status in Lagos Nightclubs
Nigeria’s nightclubs have turned into theaters of wealth, with coffin parades, sparklers and hype men’s chants. But away from the champagne shows, raves are bringing back the old spirit of nightlife.
The Undimmed Passion of Damascus’ Pigeon Fanciers
Above Damascus, pigeons flying in tight formation trace arcs in the sky that crisscross and collide. It is a choreography as old and enchanting as the city itself. But as the country recovers from years of war, the centuries-old tradition of pigeon fanciers could be on its final flight.
The Return of Syrian Horse Racing
A symbol of prestige and a tool of power, Syrian horse racing long served the interests of the Assad regime, marked by corruption and spectacle. Then the war swept everything away, leaving horses starving, forgotten and sometimes abandoned. Today, a few enthusiasts are trying to save what they can.