Issue

Governance

The balance of power between strong states was for decades the dominant issue in discussions of international security. But today, it is fragile states that are seen by many as posing potentially greater threats. Weak infrastructures, internal conflict, and lack of economic development provide fertile ground for trafficking, piracy, terrorism, nuclear proliferation, disease pandemics, regional tensions, and even genocide.

As a result, there is a growing movement in the international community to find comprehensive ways to promote stronger states, as well as more effective solutions to deal with those that are already on the brink of failure.

In Governance, you'll find reporting from around the world—from East Timor to Haiti, from Guinea Bissau to Afghanistan. The reporting demonstrates the dangers weak states pose—and also the international interventions that appear to be making a difference.

 

Governance

PTSD Goes Largely Untreated In Iraq's Kurdish Region

The U.S. military's attention to PTSD is well-documented but Kurdish fighters living with the same disorder haven't received nearly as much care. Arun Rath talks to journalist Jenna Krajeski.

South Sudan: No Place To Heal

South Sudan's hospitals have become targets for both sides in the brutal, ongoing civil war. How can you save lives when doctors and patients are living under the gun?

Civilian Casualties in Afghanistan 2007-2009

Mark Stanley, Pulitzer Center

Recently, the Pulitzer Center has highlighted reporting projects that focus on the human factor of the conflict in Afghanistan. An ongoing issue is so-called collateral damage, the unintended civilian casualties that result from military attacks and that have often inflamed local opposition.

Marco Vernaschi Wins Top Prize in PGB Award Contest

Marco Vernaschi has won "Picture of the Year" and 1st prize in "Picture Story of the Year" in the Photographers Giving Back (PGB) Photo Award contest. Vernaschi's winning picture shows the chair on which the President of Guinea-Bissau, João Bernardo, was executed just a few hours previously.

In Focus Question

Pulitzer Center Staff

This week, the Pulitzer Center is presenting five panels entitled "Afghanistan: The Human Factor" that will focus on the ramifications of human casualties in Afghanistan.

To coincide, the Pulitzer Center will spotlight important news and issues in the series In Focus: Afganistan. We would like to hear your feedback on these issues as much as possible.

For the following question, please respond in the comments section below. We will feature select comments in a post on this site.

Afghanistan: The Human Factor, 2/22-2/25

Moderated by Jon Sawyer, Executive Director, Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting

Panelists:

Vanessa Gezari's forthcoming book assesses the US military's Human Terrain program, which embeds social scientists and anthropologists with troops in Afghanistan. Her reporting has been featured on NPR and in The Washington Post Magazine.