The Red Sea Crisis in Yemen

For nine months, I had the invaluable opportunity to investigate the Yemeni civil conflict and humanitarian crisis in greater detail with the U.S. Agency for International Development — particularly within the lens of foreign diplomatic involvement on part of Iran and Saudi Arabia. Below is a summarized excerpt of those findings that I wished to…

Exposing the “Middle Man” in the Middle East

In 1953, Iran’s democratically-elected government led by Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh had been overthrown yet again to restore power to Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the last Shah of Iran. The final months of Mosaddegh’s government were nothing short of chaotic. Economic tensions flared as the British embargo tanked public approval and sparked political violence among dissenting…

Let Her Speak

USC just set an alarming precedent in academia.  On April 15, 2024, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Andrew Guzman announced that their class valedictorian, Asna Tabassum, will not be delivering a speech at this year’s upcoming commencement. The administration cites safety concerns stemming from ongoing political tensions amid months of atrocities and…

Except for Palestine

In the wake of violent settler colonialism in Palestine, international support has become evermore essential in protecting Palestinian families from further encroachment upon basic human rights. However, with polarized politics and religious zeal involved, a considerable number of people — even progressively-minded individuals — have attempted to make unifying remarks to acknowledge the atrocities while…

Islamophobia in France Amid COVID-19

During a raging pandemic, which has affected millions around the world, what actions should a responsive, sympathetic government take to mitigate the socioeconomic impacts of COVID-19? Mandate mask-wearing and social distancing policies? Certainly. Provide a semblance of universal basic income for fired or furloughed workers? Now we’re getting somewhere. Ostracize an entire religious community unrelated…