Prisoners tortured during Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet’s bloody regime were brutalized in part by a pop soundtrack, new research reveals. Songs by pop legends George Harrison and Julio Iglesias were played at high volume during torture to enhance the psychological suffering of the prisoners, The Mirror reports. Torturers also played …
Dictatorships
Apology Tour: What Happens After Celebrities Entertain Despots
Actress-musician Jennifer Lopez is under fire after performing “Happy Birthday” for Turkmenistan’s President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, a noted human-rights violator. Fresh off winning nearly all of the vote in a sham 2012 …
The Art of War: Syria’s Artists Find Pain and Fame on the Front Lines
Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss projected onto a bullet-pocked wall in Damascus. Goya’s iconic execution squad from Third of May 1808 superimposed onto a bombed-out alley. Matisse’s nudes from The Dance skipping over rubble. When …
France’s Colonial Hangover: Apologizing Abroad, Ignoring Injustice at Home
French President François Hollande took strides to heal wounds between France and Algeria, but his recognition of “unjust” colonial history overlooks continued prejudice Algerian descendents still face in France.
France Recognizes Syria’s Opposition—Will the West Follow Suit?
French President François Hollande becomes the first Western leader to recognize the newly-formed coalition leadership of Syrian rebel forces, and ups pressure on other nations to follow his lead.
Why the Syrian Rebels May Be Guilty of War Crimes
A new Human Rights Watch report details abuses by the Free Syrian Army
As Syrian Conflict Rages, France Examines Potential Terrorism Risks
French security officials reveal to TIME evidence of aspiring militants leaving France for Syria to join Islamists battling the Assad regime — and warn the Middle Eastern country could join Afghanistan, Iraq and Yemen as a …
Must-Reads from Around the World
Israel’s quandary over the rising Iranian nuclear threat, Indian and Pakistani leaders meet and unusually critical commentaries in China’s state-run media.
Must-Reads from Around the World
In today’s offerings: the U.S. and China’s increasing military competition, Ai Weiwei’s protege and Palestinian politics intersect with regional realities.
Must-Reads from Around the World
Syria’s foreign minister speaks, this week’s controversial visits by the Egyptian president and Colombia’s leader confirms peace talks with leftist rebels.
Must-Reads from Around the World
In today’s required reading: another massacre in Syria, Japan plans to buy disputed South China Sea islands and communal violence rears its head again in Indonesia.
Must-Reads from Around the World
American ideals versus interests in Ethiopia, Apple and Foxconn told to do more on labor conditions in Chinese factories and François Hollande faces criticism over treatment of the Roma
Must-Reads from Around the World
Today’s required reading: reports on and from inside Syria, Burma’s slow march towards media freedom and Chinese scorn for U.S. military moves in Asia.