e-Journal Edition: January 2021

Dear Reader, This time, I want to tell you about two events, one you are likely to be familiar with and the other not so much. Just over ten years ago Mohamed Bouazizi, a street vendor in Tunisia, set himself on fire in protest of poor living conditions, corruption and lack of freedoms in his … Continued

Where is Georgia, exactly?

A personal essay on the difficulties and dangers of categorising countries to regions. “Where is Georgia, exactly?” This was a question I was asked many times before, during, and after my trip to Georgia in 2019. Invariably, the preceding exchange was this:  “Georgia? The US state?” “No, Georgia, the independent country.” And then: Where is … Continued

The Emirates Mars Mission: Hope for the New Knowledge-Economy

“Space is the gateway to science and science is the driver to future economy[i]“. These were the words of the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) Vice President and ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum just before the Hope orbital satellite launched in the morning of July 2020[ii] from Tanegashima Space Centre, Japan.[iii] Also … Continued

Mount Trebević – Embracing Sarajevo

Can Mount Trebević, a favourite picnic area of many citizens of Sarajevo and host of the 1984 Winter Olympic Games, overcome its dark past of being one of the key positions which held Sarajevo in an almost 4-year long siege (the longest blockade of a capital in modern history)?   Mount Trebević, always known for its … Continued

The Mythological and Cultural Traces of the Caucasian Folklore

Myths as part of the national identity of the Caucasian People National myths are part of the genetic code of every nation. The 19th century saw the rise of nationalism as many nations sought their national myths, finding connection with their glorious past through historical continuity. Even today, national myths play an important part in … Continued

“Too many cooks spoil the broth”

A Historical Evaluation of Algerian Food Identity. We often hear that too many cooks spoil the broth, but a national food identity in 2020 is exactly the consequence of centuries of cooks contributing to and collaborating in cuisines. Consider the examples of the curry as a national dish of Britain or the European dessert influences … Continued

A Difficult Road: Political Developments in Montenegro

Introduction The tiny nation of Montenegro underwent a drastic shift after the country’s eleventh parliamentary elections on 30th August 2020. The elections saw the end of a 30-year era in which the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) had held power, and the defeat of its increasingly-authoritarian President Milo Djukanović. Djukanović has been widely suspected of … Continued

A Line in the Sand: Jordan’s Water Crisis

You would not be able to tell unless you knew, of course. It does not matter where you are – in an air-conditioned hotel room; a pre-booked taxi or an Uber; a fancy restaurant hidden in lush greenery just off Al-Rainbow Street or in a falafel shop with plastic cutlery – but a bottle of … Continued

All writers' views in articles are their own and do not necessarily represent the opinion of the AsfarEurope team.

Published by AsfarEurope in London, UK - ISSN 2055-7957 (Online)