csmonitor--2020-12-18--The real deal: Nonfiction books our readers loved in 2020

Regarding the Dec. 9 , 2019 Monitor Weekly article , “ Best nonfiction books of the year , ” it ’ s difficult to understand how you left off a few books that are both great and important , including “ Last Witnesses : An Oral History of the Children of World War II ” by Svetlana Alexievich ( a heartbreaking book ) ; “ Silver , Sword , and Stone ” by Marie Arana ( a painful meditation on Latin American history ) ; “ Mind Fixers : Psychiatry ’ s Troubled Search for the Biology of Mental Illness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thoughtful , provocative , and well-informed book on psychiatry of the past decade ) ; “ The Meritocracy Trap ” by Daniel Markovits ; and Robert Caro ’ s wonderful memoir , “ Working.
” How in the name of global warming could you leave “ The Uninhabitable Earth ” by David Wallace-Wells , the scariest , most cogently argued book on climate change by far , off your list ?
I have long admired Marie Arana , whose 2019 book , “ Silver , Sword , and Stone : Three Crucibles in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recommended by historian David McCullough .
Arana is a writer-at-large for The Washington Post and was appointed literary director of the Library of Congress in 2019 .
“ Building a Better World in Your Backyard Instead of Being Angry at Bad Guys ” by Paul Wheaton and Shawn Klassen-Koop offers everyday solutions to environmental degradation that range from mildly to extremely effective .
Sure , it would require some basic changes in our daily routines .
But exploring and implementing such “ new ” ideas is energizing compared with the guilt and hopelessness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ environmental crises .
“ Eruption ” by Steve Olson is an interesting and informative book about the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens in Washington state .
The author discusses the history and science of this event , the economic effects at the local , state , and national levels , and tells the stories of those who died and those who survived .
I just finished “ American Nations : A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures of North America ” by Colin Woodard .
It ’ s a 400-year look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our continent , the migration of those cultural groups , and the resulting political and social outlooks that continue to affect our lives .
For one thing , it reinforces the axiom that the personal is political .
Well worth reading for anyone who aspires to run for office or help make decisions in our shared national life .
I was given “ Wilding : The Return of Nature to a British Farm ” by Isabella Tree , and finished the book in eight days .
Intensive farming of its 3,500 acres was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2000 the land was handed back to nature .
She explains how it was done – with the challenges as well as the successes – until there were nightingales and turtledoves nesting there .
I found it fascinating .
I practically teethed on Zane Grey , starting with “ Betty Zane , ” so I wanted to read “ Zane Grey ’ s Wild West : A Study of 31 Novels ” by Victor Carl Friesen as soon as I came across it .
I enjoyed reading about each of the novels and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a lot of history here , including clashes with Native American tribes , building railroads , and the gold rush .
It was a fascinating book with beautiful descriptions of the landscape and nature – and comparisons with Thoreau , Wordsworth , and others .
I really enjoyed Jörn Leonard ’ s “ Pandora ’ s Box , ” a lengthy history of World War I .
It is more fair-minded , well-informed , and insightful than any book on the Great War in recent decades .
I just finished reading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two Daily Beast reporters , Lachlan Markay and Asawin Suebsaeng .
While admittedly critical of President Donald Trump , it provides a stark and frank look into the people that make up this administration .
It also shows how difficult it is , in practice , to actually “ drain the swamp ” of the federal government , even when that is a primary goal of the president and his staff .
I ’ m reading “ Braiding Sweetgrass ” by Robin Wall Kimmerer for the second time , and I already have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Kimmerer is an indigenous American , a botanist , and a poet .
Her reverence for this planet and all living beings is provocative , heartwarming , and inspiring .
This is a beautiful book .
I will be giving it out as gifts until all my friends have it .
It is gratifying to see that “ The Color of the Law : A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America ” by historian Richard Rothstein is selling well three years after its publication .
I was impressed with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state , and federal laws making segregation possible for so long .
Now it ’ s time to “ let justice roll down like waters ” for all .
I happened upon the book in which I ’ m currently engrossed , “ The Library Book ” by Susan Orlean , on RBdigital , through my local public library .
The history genre has never been a great draw for me .
Historical fiction is different , because it pulls me along in a way that straight-up history seldom does .
This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to give this book a chance was the blurb by The Christian Science Monitor , describing the book as “ captivating ” and “ delightful.
” And so it is .
Roberto Calasso ’ s “ The Celestial Hunter ” deals with the mythology of hunting and sacrifice among ancient humans .
Calasso may well be the most knowledgeable and insightful scholar in the world on comparative religion and mythology , and he ’ s one of the few original thinkers alive on a wide range of subjects .
His book “ Ardor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ books published on a religious subject ( i.e.
, the Vedas ) in recent decades .
Anyone interested in the origins of religion , mythology , and sacrifice in ancient societies will want to pick up Calasso ’ s book .
I just finished Walter Isaacson ’ s “ The Innovators : How a Group of Hackers , Geniuses , and Geeks Created the Digital Revolution.
” I enjoyed it very much .
I quite often read a couple of books at the same time .
Why ?
I don ’ t know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Genetic Engineering and the Future of Humanity ” by Jamie Metzl , I have to take time to read something else for a while and then return .
Presently I am reading Richard Dawkins ’ “ The Magic of Reality ” and Neil R. Lightfoot ’ s “ How We Got the Bible.
” The latter is more for use in a Sunday school class as a teaching tool .
I have two books to recommend .
In “ Special Agent , ” Candice DeLong describes tailing terrorists , going undercover against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Unabomber .
It ’ s a dramatic true story of an extraordinary woman and her FBI career .
“ In Harm ’ s Way ” tells of the torpedoing and sinking of the battle cruiser USS Indianapolis on July 30 , 1945 .
Nearly 900 men were cast into shark-infested waters .
Doug Stanton weaves a tale of courage , sacrifice , and survival .
“ Race and Culture : A World View ” by Thomas Sowell could hardly be a more timely read in view of the current reexamination of attitudes about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subtitle “ A World View ” is key to how Sowell dispels some of the myths that have often guided public policy and popular perceptions on the subject .
I was amazed at the breadth of scholarship and depth of analysis this book offers .
I just finished “ Waiting for an Echo : The Madness of American Incarceration ” by Christine Montross , M.D .
Wow !
A psychiatrist who works with acutely mentally ill people and performs competency evaluations for the courts , she shows graphically how we not only imprison @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make their illness worse , often adding years to what should have been a minor sentence .
She shows real people and how prison ruins lives .
Late in the book she describes a visit to a maximum security facility in Norway , where 30 years ago the country had the same problems as the United States .
Norway undertook a radical paradigm shift of its prison system , and now focuses entirely on preparing convicts to return to society .
What would it take for the U.S. to undertake such reforms ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a regular feature in the Weekly magazine .
Tell us what you 're reading at books @ csmonitor.com .

Regarding the Dec. 9, 2019 Monitor Weekly article, “Best nonfiction books of the year,” it’s difficult to understand how you left off a few books that are both great and important, including “Last Witnesses: An Oral History of the Children of World War II” by Svetlana Alexievich (a heartbreaking book); “Silver, Sword, and Stone” by Marie Arana (a painful meditation on Latin American history); “Mind Fixers: Psychiatry’s Troubled Search for the Biology of Mental Illness” by Anne Harrington (the most thoughtful, provocative, and well-informed book on psychiatry of the past decade); “The Meritocracy Trap” by Daniel Markovits; and Robert Caro’s wonderful memoir, “Working.” How in the name of global warming could you leave “The Uninhabitable Earth” by David Wallace-Wells, the scariest, most cogently argued book on climate change by far, off your list?
Dee Wilson
Tacoma, Washington
I have long admired Marie Arana, whose 2019 book, “Silver, Sword, and Stone: Three Crucibles in the Latin American Story,” was recommended by historian David McCullough. Arana is a writer-at-large for The Washington Post and was appointed literary director of the Library of Congress in 2019.
Why We Wrote This Monitor reviewers make lots of book recommendations during the year. Now, our community of readers returns the favor.
Martha Barkley
Charleston, South Carolina
“Building a Better World in Your Backyard Instead of Being Angry at Bad Guys” by Paul Wheaton and Shawn Klassen-Koop offers everyday solutions to environmental degradation that range from mildly to extremely effective. Sure, it would require some basic changes in our daily routines. But exploring and implementing such “new” ideas is energizing compared with the guilt and hopelessness we often feel in the face of environmental crises.
Jerry McIntire
Boston
“Eruption” by Steve Olson is an interesting and informative book about the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens in Washington state. The author discusses the history and science of this event, the economic effects at the local, state, and national levels, and tells the stories of those who died and those who survived.
William Curtis
Olympia, Washington
I just finished “American Nations: A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures of North America” by Colin Woodard. It’s a 400-year look at the nations and cultures that shaped our continent, the migration of those cultural groups, and the resulting political and social outlooks that continue to affect our lives. For one thing, it reinforces the axiom that the personal is political. Well worth reading for anyone who aspires to run for office or help make decisions in our shared national life.
Nancy Taylor Robson
Galena, Maryland
I was given “Wilding: The Return of Nature to a British Farm” by Isabella Tree, and finished the book in eight days. Intensive farming of its 3,500 acres was driving the family bankrupt, so in 2000 the land was handed back to nature. She explains how it was done – with the challenges as well as the successes – until there were nightingales and turtledoves nesting there. I found it fascinating.
Merry Ann Peterson
Seattle
I practically teethed on Zane Grey, starting with “Betty Zane,” so I wanted to read “Zane Grey’s Wild West: A Study of 31 Novels” by Victor Carl Friesen as soon as I came across it. I enjoyed reading about each of the novels and remembering favorite characters and stories. There’s a lot of history here, including clashes with Native American tribes, building railroads, and the gold rush. It was a fascinating book with beautiful descriptions of the landscape and nature – and comparisons with Thoreau, Wordsworth, and others.
Joy V. Smith
Lakeland, Florida
I really enjoyed Jörn Leonard’s “Pandora’s Box,” a lengthy history of World War I. It is more fair-minded, well-informed, and insightful than any book on the Great War in recent decades.
Dee Wilson
Tacoma, Washington
I just finished reading “Sinking in the Swamp” by two Daily Beast reporters, Lachlan Markay and Asawin Suebsaeng. While admittedly critical of President Donald Trump, it provides a stark and frank look into the people that make up this administration. It also shows how difficult it is, in practice, to actually “drain the swamp” of the federal government, even when that is a primary goal of the president and his staff.
Rick Soule
Surprise, Arizona
I’m reading “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer for the second time, and I already have plans to read it a third time. Kimmerer is an indigenous American, a botanist, and a poet. Her reverence for this planet and all living beings is provocative, heartwarming, and inspiring. This is a beautiful book. I will be giving it out as gifts until all my friends have it.
Jane Everham
Fort Collins, Colorado
It is gratifying to see that “The Color of the Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America” by historian Richard Rothstein is selling well three years after its publication. I was impressed with the knowledge he shared about our local, state, and federal laws making segregation possible for so long. Now it’s time to “let justice roll down like waters” for all.
Martha F. Barkley
Belgrade Lakes, Maine
I happened upon the book in which I’m currently engrossed, “The Library Book” by Susan Orlean, on RBdigital, through my local public library. The history genre has never been a great draw for me. Historical fiction is different, because it pulls me along in a way that straight-up history seldom does. This is an exception. One reason I decided to give this book a chance was the blurb by The Christian Science Monitor, describing the book as “captivating” and “delightful.” And so it is.
Marsha Lynn Thomas
Spokane, Washington
Roberto Calasso’s “The Celestial Hunter” deals with the mythology of hunting and sacrifice among ancient humans. Calasso may well be the most knowledgeable and insightful scholar in the world on comparative religion and mythology, and he’s one of the few original thinkers alive on a wide range of subjects. His book “Ardor” is one of the few outstanding books published on a religious subject (i.e., the Vedas) in recent decades. Anyone interested in the origins of religion, mythology, and sacrifice in ancient societies will want to pick up Calasso’s book.
Dee Wilson
Tacoma, Washington
I just finished Walter Isaacson’s “The Innovators: How a Group of Hackers, Geniuses, and Geeks Created the Digital Revolution.” I enjoyed it very much. I quite often read a couple of books at the same time. Why? I don’t know. With books like “Hacking Darwin: Genetic Engineering and the Future of Humanity” by Jamie Metzl, I have to take time to read something else for a while and then return. Presently I am reading Richard Dawkins’ “The Magic of Reality” and Neil R. Lightfoot’s “How We Got the Bible.” The latter is more for use in a Sunday school class as a teaching tool.
Gene Needham
Poolville, Texas
I have two books to recommend. In “Special Agent,” Candice DeLong describes tailing terrorists, going undercover against the mafia, and helping capture the Unabomber. It’s a dramatic true story of an extraordinary woman and her FBI career. “In Harm’s Way” tells of the torpedoing and sinking of the battle cruiser USS Indianapolis on July 30, 1945. Nearly 900 men were cast into shark-infested waters. Doug Stanton weaves a tale of courage, sacrifice, and survival.
William Curtis
Olympia, Washington
“Race and Culture: A World View” by Thomas Sowell could hardly be a more timely read in view of the current reexamination of attitudes about race in the United States. The subtitle “A World View” is key to how Sowell dispels some of the myths that have often guided public policy and popular perceptions on the subject. I was amazed at the breadth of scholarship and depth of analysis this book offers.
Jennifer Quinn
Gate City, Virginia
I just finished “Waiting for an Echo: The Madness of American Incarceration” by Christine Montross, M.D. Wow! A psychiatrist who works with acutely mentally ill people and performs competency evaluations for the courts, she shows graphically how we not only imprison mentally ill people disproportionately, but we make their illness worse, often adding years to what should have been a minor sentence. She shows real people and how prison ruins lives. Late in the book she describes a visit to a maximum security facility in Norway, where 30 years ago the country had the same problems as the United States. Norway undertook a radical paradigm shift of its prison system, and now focuses entirely on preparing convicts to return to society. What would it take for the U.S. to undertake such reforms?
Melissa LeVine
Lexington, Kentucky
Editor's note: Reader recommendations are a regular feature in the Weekly magazine. Tell us what you're reading at books@csmonitor.com.


csmonitor--2020-12-18--Telescope sales and stargazers are both looking up these days

“ Right now , we ’ re all separated .
We don ’ t get to see our families right now .
We don ’ t get to see our friends .
We don ’ t get to see other people .
But all over the world , everyone sees the same stars , ” she says .
“ And so we have that shared experience by going outside to look up … and that is something that can connect us.
” You don ’ t need a telescope to explore the cosmos , Dr. Schmoll says .
“ You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Telescope retailers aren ’ t the only ones who ’ ve seen a rise in interest .
The monthly sky calendar put out by the planetarium at Michigan State University has seen a notable uptick in subscribers , says planetarium director Shannon Schmoll .
Next Monday ’ s Saturn-Jupiter conjunction has generated excitement , but telescope sales have been through the roof all year .
Mr. Bieler says his company is still filling backorders from the summer .
Celestial events like eclipses or comets typically trigger a surge in interest , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michael Bieler , president of telescope retailer Astronomics in Norman , Oklahoma .
While many people have turned to Netflix to escape the darkness of living in a pandemic , others have found solace in a different kind of darkness : the night sky .
Marianne Denton was looking forward to seeing the rock band Tool in concert this summer with her husband and adult son .
But then the pandemic hit , and the show was canceled .
So Ms. Denton turned her attention to a different stage : the night sky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms. Denton bought her first telescope so that she could explore the cosmos from her backyard in Reno , Nevada .
“ It gives me a chance to explore when I can ’ t go anywhere , ” Ms. Denton says .
Ms. Denton isn ’ t alone .
Telescope retailers typically see an uptick during celestial events like eclipses or comets .
Indeed , a rare event next week , when Jupiter and Saturn align in what some are calling a “ Christmas star ” because of the timing , is generating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appear in the sky on Monday evening , which happens to be the same day as the winter solstice .
But this year , sales have gone through the roof , no cosmic alignment needed .
“ There ’ s no single day event that ’ s going to lift the entire industry as much as something like what we ’ re experiencing now where people have the time , they have the reason , ” says Dustin Gibson , CEO of Oceanside Photo & Telescope in Carlsbad , California .
In the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says , this is the largest influx of amateur astronomy customers ever .
Many more people have been gazing at the night sky during the pandemic , often seeking to fill voids left in their lives .
With travel restrictions , theaters closed , parties banned , and concerts canceled , amateur astronomy offers a tantalizing replacement .
“ If I hadn ’ t gotten that ticket refund , ” Ms. Denton says , “ I would ’ ve gone to that concert and I wouldn ’ t have purchased a telescope.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , says Mr. Gibson .
People can do it alone in their backyard .
But it also offers ways to connect with others virtually , as people post their astrophotography on social media and share celestial experiences at a time when they can ’ t be physically together .
Furthermore , the night sky itself can be a unifying view , says Shannon Schmoll , director of the Abrams Planetarium at Michigan State University .
“ Right now , we ’ re all separated .
We don ’ t get to see our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t get to see our friends .
We don ’ t get to see other people .
But all over the world , everyone sees the same stars , ” she says .
“ And so we have that shared experience by going outside to look up … and that is something that can connect us.
” Some amateur astronomers , like Mike Kieran in Palo Alto , California , have also found ways to share stargazing with a few friends in a socially distanced manner , setting up telescopes six or more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It rekindles one ’ s sense of wonderment , ” Mr. Kieran says .
“ When you look at the night sky , you appreciate the depth and the distances and the scale and the unbelievable beauty.
” The pandemic has been almost too good for telescope makers .
“ We ’ ve been sold out of telescopes really since the middle of summer , ” says Michael Bieler , president of Astronomics in Norman , Oklahoma .
Since his father founded the company in 1979 , Mr. Bieler says this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – and the industry wasn ’ t prepared .
“ It caught every manufacturer flat footed because they don ’ t have inventory , ” he says .
And as a result , some orders placed over the summer are just now being filled .
While many telescope orders this year have come from people exploring the hobby for the first time , Mr. Bieler says some of the boom has also come from what he calls “ zombie astronomers.
” These are people who bought or were gifted telescopes long ago but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decades .
During the pandemic , they ’ ve sought to resurrect the hobby .
Mr. Bieler estimates about 10 % of phone calls this year have come from such customers looking for replacement parts or user manuals .
Tom Frazier in Vienna , Virginia , is one of those amateur astronomers who dusted off his old telescope .
“ I figured , well , if I can ’ t go anywhere , I ’ ll just go visit the planets , ” he says .
Mr. Frazier had purchased the telescope 15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a year when it was particularly prominent .
But since then , the telescope and tripod had been collecting dust in his garage .
“ It was like a reeducation .
What I had managed to learn , I had forgotten , ” he says .
“ There was a long time when I wasn ’ t using the telescope , but I ’ m still glad I bought it.
” Retailers aren ’ t the only ones who ’ ve noted a rise in amateur astronomy during the pandemic .
The Abrams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a sky calendar for stargazers to know what to look for each month .
Not only has there been a notable uptick in subscribers , says planetarium director Dr. Schmoll , but many people who let their subscription lapse a decade or two ago have also renewed it this year .
“ We can ’ t do a lot right now , ” Dr. Schmoll says .
“ But people , I think , are also getting tired of screens and looking for a screen-free way of engaging.
” The cosmos is accessible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need a telescope , says Dr. Schmoll .
“ You can just go outside and look up.
” With the naked eye , she says , you can watch the moon change phases .
You can see planets .
You can see meteor showers .
“ You can go outside and see this surprise comet that we had this summer , ” she says , referring to the comet NEOWISE .
“ That was fantastic .
That was a really nice bright point this year , pun intended.
” Another unique opportunity for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Jupiter and Saturn currently appear in our night sky at the same time .
And , in the twilight on Monday night , they will be passing so close to each other ’ s path that they might appear as one object , which is being called a “ Christmas star.
” Although the two planets ’ paths converge every 20 years in our sky , they rarely pass so closely to each other and typically aren ’ t visible from Earth when they do .
Saturn and Jupiter haven ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Earth in centuries .
This celestial event is also particularly compelling for Earthlings , says Dr. Schmoll , because , as long as there are no clouds , you can see it from anywhere in the world – including in some places where light pollution blots out the stars .
“ We can all go outside and see Jupiter and Saturn converging , all over the world , ” Dr. Schmoll says .
Stargazing can also offer a much-needed escape from reality at a time when Americans ’ mental health is growing precarious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adults has tripled and alcohol consumption has risen 262 % , according to two studies in September in the Journal of the American Medical Association .
“ When it ’ s dark outside and you ’ re with a telescope and you ’ re looking at a nebula or a planet , that ’ s all you ’ re thinking about , ” Mr. Bieler says .
“ It becomes like meditation .
... You are stuck in the moment and not worried about anything else outside of you .
”

“Right now, we’re all separated. We don’t get to see our families right now. We don’t get to see our friends. We don’t get to see other people. But all over the world, everyone sees the same stars,” she says. “And so we have that shared experience by going outside to look up … and that is something that can connect us.”
You don’t need a telescope to explore the cosmos, Dr. Schmoll says. “You can just go outside and look up.”
Telescope retailers aren’t the only ones who’ve seen a rise in interest. The monthly sky calendar put out by the planetarium at Michigan State University has seen a notable uptick in subscribers, says planetarium director Shannon Schmoll.
Next Monday’s Saturn-Jupiter conjunction has generated excitement, but telescope sales have been through the roof all year. Mr. Bieler says his company is still filling backorders from the summer.
In a year when so many people’s lives have been upended, many have found comfort in the quiet and predictable movement of the stars and planets.
Celestial events like eclipses or comets typically trigger a surge in interest, but this year has been different, says Michael Bieler, president of telescope retailer Astronomics in Norman, Oklahoma.
While many people have turned to Netflix to escape the darkness of living in a pandemic, others have found solace in a different kind of darkness: the night sky.
Marianne Denton was looking forward to seeing the rock band Tool in concert this summer with her husband and adult son. But then the pandemic hit, and the show was canceled.
So Ms. Denton turned her attention to a different stage: the night sky. With the concert tickets refund, Ms. Denton bought her first telescope so that she could explore the cosmos from her backyard in Reno, Nevada.
“It gives me a chance to explore when I can’t go anywhere,” Ms. Denton says.
Why We Wrote This In a year when so many people’s lives have been upended, many have found comfort in the quiet and predictable movement of the stars and planets.
Ms. Denton isn’t alone. Telescope retailers typically see an uptick during celestial events like eclipses or comets. Indeed, a rare event next week, when Jupiter and Saturn align in what some are calling a “Christmas star” because of the timing, is generating stargazing excitement. It is predicted to appear in the sky on Monday evening, which happens to be the same day as the winter solstice.
But this year, sales have gone through the roof, no cosmic alignment needed.
“There’s no single day event that’s going to lift the entire industry as much as something like what we’re experiencing now where people have the time, they have the reason,” says Dustin Gibson, CEO of Oceanside Photo & Telescope in Carlsbad, California. In the company’s 74 years, he says, this is the largest influx of amateur astronomy customers ever.
Many more people have been gazing at the night sky during the pandemic, often seeking to fill voids left in their lives. With travel restrictions, theaters closed, parties banned, and concerts canceled, amateur astronomy offers a tantalizing replacement.
“If I hadn’t gotten that ticket refund,” Ms. Denton says, “I would’ve gone to that concert and I wouldn’t have purchased a telescope.”
Finding connection from afar
The pandemic makes astronomy a fitting hobby, says Mr. Gibson. People can do it alone in their backyard. But it also offers ways to connect with others virtually, as people post their astrophotography on social media and share celestial experiences at a time when they can’t be physically together.
Furthermore, the night sky itself can be a unifying view, says Shannon Schmoll, director of the Abrams Planetarium at Michigan State University.
“Right now, we’re all separated. We don’t get to see our families right now. We don’t get to see our friends. We don’t get to see other people. But all over the world, everyone sees the same stars,” she says. “And so we have that shared experience by going outside to look up … and that is something that can connect us.”
Some amateur astronomers, like Mike Kieran in Palo Alto, California, have also found ways to share stargazing with a few friends in a socially distanced manner, setting up telescopes six or more feet apart under the same sky.
Gerry Broome/AP View caption Hide caption Astrophotographer and amateur astronomer Johnny Horne gazes into the northern sky as he prepares to photograph comet NEOWISE at Grandfather Mountain in Linville, North Carolina, July 17, 2020.
“It rekindles one’s sense of wonderment,” Mr. Kieran says. “When you look at the night sky, you appreciate the depth and the distances and the scale and the unbelievable beauty.”
A cosmic boom
The pandemic has been almost too good for telescope makers.
“We’ve been sold out of telescopes really since the middle of summer,” says Michael Bieler, president of Astronomics in Norman, Oklahoma. Since his father founded the company in 1979, Mr. Bieler says this is the biggest boom they’ve seen – and the industry wasn’t prepared.
“It caught every manufacturer flat footed because they don’t have inventory,” he says. And as a result, some orders placed over the summer are just now being filled.
While many telescope orders this year have come from people exploring the hobby for the first time, Mr. Bieler says some of the boom has also come from what he calls “zombie astronomers.”
These are people who bought or were gifted telescopes long ago but haven’t used them in perhaps decades. During the pandemic, they’ve sought to resurrect the hobby. Mr. Bieler estimates about 10% of phone calls this year have come from such customers looking for replacement parts or user manuals.
Tom Frazier in Vienna, Virginia, is one of those amateur astronomers who dusted off his old telescope.
“I figured, well, if I can’t go anywhere, I’ll just go visit the planets,” he says.
Mr. Frazier had purchased the telescope 15 years ago to peer at Mars in a year when it was particularly prominent. But since then, the telescope and tripod had been collecting dust in his garage.
“It was like a reeducation. What I had managed to learn, I had forgotten,” he says. “There was a long time when I wasn’t using the telescope, but I’m still glad I bought it.”
Retailers aren’t the only ones who’ve noted a rise in amateur astronomy during the pandemic. The Abrams Planetarium at Michigan State University puts out a sky calendar for stargazers to know what to look for each month. Not only has there been a notable uptick in subscribers, says planetarium director Dr. Schmoll, but many people who let their subscription lapse a decade or two ago have also renewed it this year.
“We can’t do a lot right now,” Dr. Schmoll says. “But people, I think, are also getting tired of screens and looking for a screen-free way of engaging.”
No telescope needed
The cosmos is accessible to anyone – you don’t need a telescope, says Dr. Schmoll. “You can just go outside and look up.”
With the naked eye, she says, you can watch the moon change phases. You can see planets. You can see meteor showers. “You can go outside and see this surprise comet that we had this summer,” she says, referring to the comet NEOWISE. “That was fantastic. That was a really nice bright point this year, pun intended.”
Another unique opportunity for stargazing comes this weekend into next week. Jupiter and Saturn currently appear in our night sky at the same time. And, in the twilight on Monday night, they will be passing so close to each other’s path that they might appear as one object, which is being called a “Christmas star.” Although the two planets’ paths converge every 20 years in our sky, they rarely pass so closely to each other and typically aren’t visible from Earth when they do. Saturn and Jupiter haven’t appeared this close together and visible from Earth in centuries.
This celestial event is also particularly compelling for Earthlings, says Dr. Schmoll, because, as long as there are no clouds, you can see it from anywhere in the world – including in some places where light pollution blots out the stars.
“We can all go outside and see Jupiter and Saturn converging, all over the world,” Dr. Schmoll says.
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Stargazing can also offer a much-needed escape from reality at a time when Americans’ mental health is growing precarious. During the pandemic, depression among adults has tripled and alcohol consumption has risen 262%, according to two studies in September in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
“When it’s dark outside and you’re with a telescope and you’re looking at a nebula or a planet, that’s all you’re thinking about,” Mr. Bieler says. “It becomes like meditation. ... You are stuck in the moment and not worried about anything else outside of you.”


csmonitor--2020-12-18--Mexican reform reins in DEA partnership. Why now?

“ Mexico is renewing its message of nonintervention , ” says Analicia Ruiz of the University of Anáhuac Mexico .
After four years of the Trump administration , and all the unknowns around the incoming Biden administration , Mexico is using this as an opportunity to “ set out its terms ” upfront , she says .
The United States and Mexico have a long history of diplomatic tussles over sovereignty .
But the timing of this security reform is particularly high-stakes .
And the tensions have brought a resurgence of accusations against the U.S. of “ meddling.
” The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ despite U.S. prosecutors ’ move to drop the charges last month and return the general to Mexico , pointing to foreign policy considerations .
This week , the repercussions escalated , with Mexico ’ s legislature approving reforms that observers say could disrupt security cooperation .
Foreign agents on Mexican soil , such as Drug Enforcement Administration agents , would have their activities restricted , and be stripped of diplomatic immunity .
Mexico was blindsided in October , when U.S. agents arrested Mexico ’ s former top defense official in Los Angeles .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Over the past four years , Mexico ’ s relationship with the United States has faced any number of tests – from Donald Trump ’ s infamous statements about Mexican citizens on the 2016 campaign trail , to his hanging tariffs over Mexico ’ s head if it didn ’ t cooperate on immigration .
But none made diplomatic waves like the arrest of a former Mexican official in Los Angeles .
In October , U.S. agents arrested Gen. Salvador Cienfuegos , the previous Mexican administration ’ s top defense official , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during his years in office .
Mexico was blindsided , straining relations across the border .
And this week , the repercussions escalated .
New reforms to a security law were approved by the legislature on Tuesday , restricting foreign agents , such as Drug Enforcement Administration ( DEA ) agents , on Mexican soil , and stripping their diplomatic immunity .
Although it doesn ’ t directly target the U.S. , President Andrés Manuel López Obrador proposed the reform following General Cienfuegos ’ arrest , and it is expected to disrupt security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. and Mexico have a long history of diplomatic tussles over sovereignty , most iconically after the U.S. took upward of 500,000 square miles of Mexican territory following the Mexican-American War .
But the timing of this security reform – amid a presidential transition in the U.S. , following two years of what many have perceived as Mexico kowtowing to U.S. demands on migration , and at a time when violence in Mexico and drug-related deaths in the U.S. are at all-time highs – is particularly high-stakes .
And the tensions that emerged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a resurgence of accusations against the U.S. of “ meddling ” and ignoring Mexico ’ s sovereignty .
“ Mexico is renewing its message of nonintervention , ” says Analicia Ruiz , a professor of global studies at the University of Anáhuac Mexico .
That message , she says , is directed at President-elect Joe Biden ’ s incoming administration .
Despite Mr. Trump ’ s unvarnished approach to politics , “ at the base of it all , Trump didn ’ t really question the Mexican government , ” says Dr. Ruiz @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a new U.S. administration , Mexico is using this as an opportunity to “ set out its terms ” upfront , she says .
President Lopéz Obrador , often referred to by his initials , AMLO , was one of the last leaders in the world to congratulate Mr. Biden on his electoral victory .
In the brief letter sent this week , he noted the importance of nonintervention .
It ’ s not just U.S. political transitions dictating Mexico ’ s move to limit DEA agents in its territory .
The amended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s signature , would force foreign agents to share information with Mexican counterparts .
Any meeting with local officials would need to be approved by a federal government security committee and be attended by a foreign ministry official .
Government employees would have to submit reports if and when they ’ re contacted by a foreign agent , limiting the role of DEA informants , observers say .
“ This is backlash from the Cienfuegos case , ” says Alejandro Hope , a Mexican security analyst .
But the pressure to react @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the army .
“ I don ’ t think in any other previous administration the army had the political clout to force a confrontation with the U.S. that it has now , ” Mr. Hope says .
AMLO has chosen to work with the army on a long list of priorities , from the construction of Mexico City ’ s new airport , to overseeing the new National Guard , and soon delivering COVID-19 vaccines .
Mr. Hope says the army has a long memory , and the arrest of one of its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personal affront .
“ The relationship between the DEA and the army has always been tense.
” Many here were angered by the apparently unilateral investigation and arrest .
“ Security is the central theme of bilateral relations with the U.S. , and what happened with Cienfuegos , that it wasn ’ t carried out as a team , broke civility and trust , ” says Professor Ruiz .
U.S. prosecutors dropped the charges in November and returned him to Mexico , pointing to foreign policy considerations .
So far , he faces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doubt he ever will .
Observers say both countries will suffer from the reform .
“ It will translate into more violence in Mexico and translate into more drugs coming into the U.S .
The only winners in this whole scenario are the drug traffickers , ” says Mike Vigil , the DEA ’ s former chief of international operations .
He says the law will stifle cooperation and information sharing .
“ Who is going to take your call if they have to write a report every time they talk to you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ predicts things will simply become more secretive : DEA agents in Mexico “ will move undercover , basically , ” he says .
Their work will continue , but information sharing and joint efforts will dramatically diminish .
“ There used to be a saying in Mexico when orders came from the Spanish crown : ‘ Obey but do not follow , ’ ” he says .
“ That ’ s going to be the approach.
” And although some say they don ’ t blame Mexico for trying to keep better tabs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. tolerate foreign agents acting the way the DEA does in Mexico ?
– there are concerns over what this means for Mexico ’ s battle against corruption .
“ There ’ s endemic corruption in Mexico and within its security forces .
This will compromise agents , informants , operations , and investigations , ” says Mr. Vigil .
AMLO came into office two years ago pledging to strip the country of corrupt actors .
“ We ’ ll clean the government as if we ’ re sweeping a staircase , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rid the government of corruption from the top down .
In 2019 , Transparency International ranked Mexico 130th out of 180 countries in its Corruption Perceptions Index .
“ AMLO is angry at the US for arresting a corrupt Mexican general and exposing the corruption within the Mexican military , ” wrote analyst James Bosworth in a tweet this week .
“ AMLO doesn ’ t seem angry at the corruption within the military .
That ’ s a huge problem .
”

“Mexico is renewing its message of nonintervention,” says Analicia Ruiz of the University of Anáhuac Mexico. After four years of the Trump administration, and all the unknowns around the incoming Biden administration, Mexico is using this as an opportunity to “set out its terms” upfront, she says.
The United States and Mexico have a long history of diplomatic tussles over sovereignty. But the timing of this security reform is particularly high-stakes. And the tensions have brought a resurgence of accusations against the U.S. of “meddling.”
Mexico was ruffled by a former official’s arrest on U.S. soil, sparking reforms to shore up its sovereignty. Will they come at the cost of cross-border cooperation?
The arrest strained relations across the border, despite U.S. prosecutors’ move to drop the charges last month and return the general to Mexico, pointing to foreign policy considerations. This week, the repercussions escalated, with Mexico’s legislature approving reforms that observers say could disrupt security cooperation. Foreign agents on Mexican soil, such as Drug Enforcement Administration agents, would have their activities restricted, and be stripped of diplomatic immunity.
Mexico was blindsided in October, when U.S. agents arrested Mexico’s former top defense official in Los Angeles. The charges? Assisting a drug cartel.
Over the past four years, Mexico’s relationship with the United States has faced any number of tests – from Donald Trump’s infamous statements about Mexican citizens on the 2016 campaign trail, to his hanging tariffs over Mexico’s head if it didn’t cooperate on immigration.
But none made diplomatic waves like the arrest of a former Mexican official in Los Angeles.
In October, U.S. agents arrested Gen. Salvador Cienfuegos, the previous Mexican administration’s top defense official, on charges of assisting a drug cartel during his years in office. Mexico was blindsided, straining relations across the border. And this week, the repercussions escalated.
Why We Wrote This Mexico was ruffled by a former official’s arrest on U.S. soil, sparking reforms to shore up its sovereignty. Will they come at the cost of cross-border cooperation?
New reforms to a security law were approved by the legislature on Tuesday, restricting foreign agents, such as Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents, on Mexican soil, and stripping their diplomatic immunity. Although it doesn’t directly target the U.S., President Andrés Manuel López Obrador proposed the reform following General Cienfuegos’ arrest, and it is expected to disrupt security cooperation between the two countries.
The U.S. and Mexico have a long history of diplomatic tussles over sovereignty, most iconically after the U.S. took upward of 500,000 square miles of Mexican territory following the Mexican-American War. But the timing of this security reform – amid a presidential transition in the U.S., following two years of what many have perceived as Mexico kowtowing to U.S. demands on migration, and at a time when violence in Mexico and drug-related deaths in the U.S. are at all-time highs – is particularly high-stakes. And the tensions that emerged from General Cienfuegos’ arrest have brought a resurgence of accusations against the U.S. of “meddling” and ignoring Mexico’s sovereignty.
“Mexico is renewing its message of nonintervention,” says Analicia Ruiz, a professor of global studies at the University of Anáhuac Mexico.
That message, she says, is directed at President-elect Joe Biden’s incoming administration. Despite Mr. Trump’s unvarnished approach to politics, “at the base of it all, Trump didn’t really question the Mexican government,” says Dr. Ruiz. But with all the unknowns around a new U.S. administration, Mexico is using this as an opportunity to “set out its terms” upfront, she says.
President Lopéz Obrador, often referred to by his initials, AMLO, was one of the last leaders in the world to congratulate Mr. Biden on his electoral victory. In the brief letter sent this week, he noted the importance of nonintervention.
Affront to the army
It’s not just U.S. political transitions dictating Mexico’s move to limit DEA agents in its territory.
The amended law, now awaiting President López Obrador’s signature, would force foreign agents to share information with Mexican counterparts. Any meeting with local officials would need to be approved by a federal government security committee and be attended by a foreign ministry official. Government employees would have to submit reports if and when they’re contacted by a foreign agent, limiting the role of DEA informants, observers say.
“This is backlash from the Cienfuegos case,” says Alejandro Hope, a Mexican security analyst. But the pressure to react, he says, is coming from the army.
“I don’t think in any other previous administration the army had the political clout to force a confrontation with the U.S. that it has now,” Mr. Hope says. AMLO has chosen to work with the army on a long list of priorities, from the construction of Mexico City’s new airport, to overseeing the new National Guard, and soon delivering COVID-19 vaccines.
Mr. Hope says the army has a long memory, and the arrest of one of its own, General Cienfuegos, was a personal affront. “The relationship between the DEA and the army has always been tense.”
Carolyn Kaster/AP/File View caption Hide caption From left, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis; Mexican Defense Secretary Salvador Cienfuegos; and Adm. Vidal Francisco Soberon Sanz, the Mexican secretary of the navy, stand for the U.S. national anthem at the Pentagon, May 22, 2017. General Cienfuegos was arrested in Los Angeles in October 2020, though the U.S. soon dropped the charges.
Many here were angered by the apparently unilateral investigation and arrest. “Security is the central theme of bilateral relations with the U.S., and what happened with Cienfuegos, that it wasn’t carried out as a team, broke civility and trust,” says Professor Ruiz. U.S. prosecutors dropped the charges in November and returned him to Mexico, pointing to foreign policy considerations. So far, he faces no charges here, and many critics doubt he ever will.
Cooperation, and corruption
Observers say both countries will suffer from the reform. “It will translate into more violence in Mexico and translate into more drugs coming into the U.S. The only winners in this whole scenario are the drug traffickers,” says Mike Vigil, the DEA’s former chief of international operations. He says the law will stifle cooperation and information sharing. “Who is going to take your call if they have to write a report every time they talk to you?” he asks.
Mr. Hope predicts things will simply become more secretive: DEA agents in Mexico “will move undercover, basically,” he says. Their work will continue, but information sharing and joint efforts will dramatically diminish. “There used to be a saying in Mexico when orders came from the Spanish crown: ‘Obey but do not follow,’” he says. “That’s going to be the approach.”
And although some say they don’t blame Mexico for trying to keep better tabs on foreign agents operating here – would the U.S. tolerate foreign agents acting the way the DEA does in Mexico? – there are concerns over what this means for Mexico’s battle against corruption.
“There’s endemic corruption in Mexico and within its security forces. This will compromise agents, informants, operations, and investigations,” says Mr. Vigil.
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empower and uplift daily. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads.
AMLO came into office two years ago pledging to strip the country of corrupt actors. “We’ll clean the government as if we’re sweeping a staircase,” he famously pledged, committing to rid the government of corruption from the top down. In 2019, Transparency International ranked Mexico 130th out of 180 countries in its Corruption Perceptions Index.
“AMLO is angry at the US for arresting a corrupt Mexican general and exposing the corruption within the Mexican military,” wrote analyst James Bosworth in a tweet this week. “AMLO doesn’t seem angry at the corruption within the military. That’s a huge problem.”


csmonitor--2020-12-18--From H.E.R. to Taylor Swift, women deliver the best songs of 2020

One thing that kept many people going in 2020 was music .
In spite of the pandemic , female artists in particular released some of their best work .
Their efforts reflect themes that may resonate more this year – compassion , confidence , and even heartbreak .
Here are six standout songs chosen for their creativity and dauntlessness .
The title track from Chloe x Halle ’ s sophomore album easily describes the R & B duo themselves : ethereal and rhythmic .
“ Ungodly Hour ” is a quiet yet incisive song in which lyrical gems like “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Holler at me ” easily fall on receptive ears .
The sisters , both in their 20s , are wise beyond their years and possess the vocal range to turn skeptics into believers .
The song reintroduces the world to artists who are working to bring light and love into considerably dim times .
The heartache queen surprised the world with the release of her studio album , “ Folklore , ” in July .
While a good deal of her discography surrounding relationships is whimsical – and even a tad self-deprecating – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and makes for a remarkable listen .
“ Exile , ” which features indie folk savant Bon Iver , is a brooding ballad about a devastating breakup .
The collaboration feels wholly natural and makes listeners wonder what took the pair this long to join forces .
As H.E.R .
continues to comfortably nestle herself in the R & B genre , the singer gets back to basics on the sultry single “ Damage.
” The artist pays homage to the greats who came before , sampling a Herb Alpert classic from 1987 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seems to be warning a potential lover of her willingness to walk away if she is not handled with care .
Upon further inspection of the lyrics , it becomes clear that she is reluctantly showing her softer side .
The risk pays off in the end , though .
“ Damage ” is easily one of her most gratifying tracks to date .
One of 2020 ’ s best moments was the release of Fiona Apple ’ s fifth album , “ Fetch the Bolt Cutters.
” Not only did it amass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ album to receive a perfect score from Pitchfork since Kanye West ’ s 2010 album “ My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy ” – but many critics declared it to be Apple ’ s very best work .
Its lead single , “ Shameika , ” embodies the unfettered artistry of the songwriter by basking in its experimental nature .
Theatrical wonderment can be heard in Apple ’ s cadence and intonation through the track , which remains one of her signature moves .
This dance anthem is an exciting peek into Rina Sawayama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – and women – reign supreme .
“ Comme Des Garçons ( Like the Boys ) ” is a pulsating romp that combines lighthearted boasts with hypnotic percussion .
The singer is simply alluring on a song in which she shamelessly proclaims her greatness .
Even though clubs feel like a distant memory , this particular tune is the audible equivalent of a dance party to end all dance parties .
( Some explicit language . )
Rico Nasty , one of hip-hop ’ s boldest personalities , made major waves in December @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ Nightmare Vacation.
” The 20-something emcee has become famous for how quickly she can oscillate between complete rage and surprising docility .
One of her sweeter moments on the record happens on “ iPhone ” where she masterfully blends bombastic instrumentation with cartoonish , synthesized vocals .
Catchiness infuses her braggadocio .
Candace McDuffie is the author of the recently published book “ 50 Rappers Who Changed the World .
”

One thing that kept many people going in 2020 was music. In spite of the pandemic, female artists in particular released some of their best work. Their efforts reflect themes that may resonate more this year – compassion, confidence, and even heartbreak. Here are six standout songs chosen for their creativity and dauntlessness.
Chloe x Halle, “Ungodly Hour”
The title track from Chloe x Halle’s sophomore album easily describes the R&B duo themselves: ethereal and rhythmic. “Ungodly Hour” is a quiet yet incisive song in which lyrical gems like “When you decide you like yourself / Holler at me” easily fall on receptive ears. The sisters, both in their 20s, are wise beyond their years and possess the vocal range to turn skeptics into believers. The song reintroduces the world to artists who are working to bring light and love into considerably dim times.
Why We Wrote This Music often kept people going in 2020, and some of the best songs were from female artists. Their efforts reflect themes that may resonate more this year – compassion, confidence, and even heartbreak. Culture columnist Candace McDuffie offers six standout songs chosen for their creativity and dauntlessness.
Taylor Swift, “Exile,” featuring Bon Iver
The heartache queen surprised the world with the release of her studio album, “Folklore,” in July. While a good deal of her discography surrounding relationships is whimsical – and even a tad self-deprecating – this project excavates her most vulnerable emotions and makes for a remarkable listen. “Exile,” which features indie folk savant Bon Iver, is a brooding ballad about a devastating breakup. The collaboration feels wholly natural and makes listeners wonder what took the pair this long to join forces.
H.E.R., “Damage”
As H.E.R. continues to comfortably nestle herself in the R&B genre, the singer gets back to basics on the sultry single “Damage.” The artist pays homage to the greats who came before, sampling a Herb Alpert classic from 1987. On the surface, H.E.R. seems to be warning a potential lover of her willingness to walk away if she is not handled with care. Upon further inspection of the lyrics, it becomes clear that she is reluctantly showing her softer side. The risk pays off in the end, though. “Damage” is easily one of her most gratifying tracks to date.
Fiona Apple, “Shameika”
One of 2020’s best moments was the release of Fiona Apple’s fifth album, “Fetch the Bolt Cutters.” Not only did it amass universal acclaim – it was the first album to receive a perfect score from Pitchfork since Kanye West’s 2010 album “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” – but many critics declared it to be Apple’s very best work. Its lead single, “Shameika,” embodies the unfettered artistry of the songwriter by basking in its experimental nature. Theatrical wonderment can be heard in Apple’s cadence and intonation through the track, which remains one of her signature moves.
Brent N. Clarke/Invision/AP/File View caption Hide caption British Japanese singer-songwriter Rina Sawayama makes the list with her dance anthem “Comme Des Garçons (Like the Boys).”
Rina Sawayama, “Comme Des Garçons (Like the Boys)”
This dance anthem is an exciting peek into Rina Sawayama’s alternate universe, where confidence – and women – reign supreme. “Comme Des Garçons (Like the Boys)” is a pulsating romp that combines lighthearted boasts with hypnotic percussion. The singer is simply alluring on a song in which she shamelessly proclaims her greatness. Even though clubs feel like a distant memory, this particular tune is the audible equivalent of a dance party to end all dance parties. (Some explicit language.)
Rico Nasty, “iPhone”
Get stories that
empower and uplift daily. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads.
Rico Nasty, one of hip-hop’s boldest personalities, made major waves in December with the release of her debut album, “Nightmare Vacation.” The 20-something emcee has become famous for how quickly she can oscillate between complete rage and surprising docility. One of her sweeter moments on the record happens on “iPhone” where she masterfully blends bombastic instrumentation with cartoonish, synthesized vocals. Catchiness infuses her braggadocio.
Candace McDuffie is the author of the recently published book “50 Rappers Who Changed the World.”


csmonitor--2020-12-18--Changing tactics on terrorism

Changing tactics on terrorism

For as long as there have been groups that resort to violence to advance their political grievances , governments have faced a dilemma over how to respond .
Is terrorism an act of war , requiring a military response , or a crime better handled through courts and social reforms ?
Nowhere is that question more urgent than in Nigeria , where towns in the north are caught between splintered jihadi groups and the security forces trying to contain them .
The recently released Global Terrorism Index 2020 , an annual survey published by the Institute for Economics and Peace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ encouraging news that terrorism worldwide has decreased for a fifth consecutive year .
The largest drop occurred in Afghanistan , aided by coordinated international and local security efforts .
Nigeria recorded the second-largest decrease in deaths from acts of terrorism .
But there the picture is more complex .
While violence between Muslim herdsmen and Christian farmers has waned , fatal attacks against northern villages increased .
When President Muhammadu Buhari , a retired major general , was elected in 2015 , he promised to eradicate the scourge of violence in Nigeria .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a jihadi group that emerged in the northeast in 2009 bent on replacing Western education with Islam .
A year before Mr. Buhari took office , the group raided a predominantly Christian girls school in the town of Chibok and kidnapped 276 students .
Many were forced to marry ; some were sent on suicide missions .
More than 100 remain missing .
The conflict between jihadi groups and Nigerian and regional security forces has escalated under Mr. Buhari .
In 2018 , Boko Haram raided another girls school in Dapchi , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a worrying sign that the group ’ s influence is spreading , Boko Haram claimed responsibility for a raid last Friday on a boys school in the northwestern state of Katsina .
At least 344 students were abducted and marched into the forest .
By last night , the government had secured the release of most of the boys , but it is not known how .
Human Rights Watch estimates that Boko Haram and a splinter faction , Islamic State in West Africa Province , have killed nearly 500 civilians this year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Jere on Dec. 1 .
Human rights observers say that atrocities against civilians by Nigerian and regional security forces are a major cause of the jihadi abductions in the country ’ s north .
One program shows that the government is starting to understand this .
The military has begun a pilot program called Operation Safe Corridor that offers jihadis amnesty and a way to integrate back into society .
So far more than 160 Boko Haram fighters have laid down their arms .
However modest , it is a start toward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ You often hear this : that states have to fight terrorism with one hand tied behind their back –that essentially that ’ s the price of civilization , of being lawful .
That ’ s not it at all , ” argues Tom Parker , a British counterterrorism expert and former United Nations war crimes investigator .
“ What you ’ re really being taught by the law and by human rights standards – it ’ s more like being trained by a really good trainer .
You ’ re being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just lashing out , you ’ re being taught to control your punches.
” The purpose of terrorism is to provoke .
Nigeria may be learning that countering terrorism requires balancing the use of force with the power of restraint and compassion .

For as long as there have been groups that resort to violence to advance their political grievances, governments have faced a dilemma over how to respond. Is terrorism an act of war, requiring a military response, or a crime better handled through courts and social reforms?
Nowhere is that question more urgent than in Nigeria, where towns in the north are caught between splintered jihadi groups and the security forces trying to contain them.
The recently released Global Terrorism Index 2020, an annual survey published by the Institute for Economics and Peace, based in Sydney, reported the encouraging news that terrorism worldwide has decreased for a fifth consecutive year. The largest drop occurred in Afghanistan, aided by coordinated international and local security efforts.
Nigeria recorded the second-largest decrease in deaths from acts of terrorism. But there the picture is more complex. While violence between Muslim herdsmen and Christian farmers has waned, fatal attacks against northern villages increased.
When President Muhammadu Buhari, a retired major general, was elected in 2015, he promised to eradicate the scourge of violence in Nigeria. His most notable target was Boko Haram, a jihadi group that emerged in the northeast in 2009 bent on replacing Western education with Islam.
A year before Mr. Buhari took office, the group raided a predominantly Christian girls school in the town of Chibok and kidnapped 276 students. Many were forced to marry; some were sent on suicide missions. More than 100 remain missing.
The conflict between jihadi groups and Nigerian and regional security forces has escalated under Mr. Buhari. In 2018, Boko Haram raided another girls school in Dapchi, kidnapping more than 100 students.
In a worrying sign that the group’s influence is spreading, Boko Haram claimed responsibility for a raid last Friday on a boys school in the northwestern state of Katsina. At least 344 students were abducted and marched into the forest.
By last night, the government had secured the release of most of the boys, but it is not known how.
Human Rights Watch estimates that Boko Haram and a splinter faction, Islamic State in West Africa Province, have killed nearly 500 civilians this year, including 70 farmers in the town of Jere on Dec. 1.
Human rights observers say that atrocities against civilians by Nigerian and regional security forces are a major cause of the jihadi abductions in the country’s north.
One program shows that the government is starting to understand this. The military has begun a pilot program called Operation Safe Corridor that offers jihadis amnesty and a way to integrate back into society. So far more than 160 Boko Haram fighters have laid down their arms.
However modest, it is a start toward a more law-based approach to countering terrorism.
Get stories that
empower and uplift daily. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads.
“You often hear this: that states have to fight terrorism with one hand tied behind their back –that essentially that’s the price of civilization, of being lawful. That’s not it at all,” argues Tom Parker, a British counterterrorism expert and former United Nations war crimes investigator. “What you’re really being taught by the law and by human rights standards – it’s more like being trained by a really good trainer. You’re being taught to swing not wildly, not just lashing out, you’re being taught to control your punches.”
The purpose of terrorism is to provoke. Nigeria may be learning that countering terrorism requires balancing the use of force with the power of restraint and compassion.


csmonitor--2020-12-18--Berlin's biggest restaurant offers food, warmth to the unhoused

The coronavirus pandemic hasn ’ t made life on the streets of Berlin any easier for Kaspars Breidaks .
For three months , the Latvian man has faced homeless shelters operating at reduced capacity so that people can be kept at a safe distance from one another .
And with fewer Berliners going outdoors , it ’ s much harder to raise money by panhandling or collecting bottles to sell for recycling .
But on a chilly winter morning this week , Mr. Breidaks found himself with a free hot meal and a place to warm up , after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Hofbraeu Berlin – itself closed down due to coronavirus lockdown restrictions – shifted gears to help people facing homelessness .
“ Other homeless people at the train station told me about this place , ” Mr. Breidaks said , removing a furry black hat with long ear flaps as he sat on a bench in the warm , spacious beer hall near Berlin ’ s landmark Alexanderplatz square .
“ I came here for hot soup.
” It was a restaurant employee who volunteers at a shelter who proposed opening up the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the famous Munich establishment of the same name – to the homeless .
It was a clear win-win proposition , said Hofbraeu manager Bjoern Schwarz .
As well as helping out the unhoused during tough times the city-funded project also gives needed work to employees – and provides the restaurant with welcome income .
In cooperation with the city and two welfare organizations , the restaurant quickly developed a concept to take in up to 150 homeless people in two shifts every day until the end of the winter , and started serving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only a small number compared with the 3,000 restaurant guests , primarily tourists , who would pack the establishment during good times .
But the spacious halls have proved perfectly suited to bring in those facing homelessness and give them each plenty of space to avoid infections .
“ Normally , during Christmas time , we would have many groups here for Christmas parties and then we ’ d serve pork knuckles , half a duck , or goose ... but not at the moment , ” said Mr. Schwarz .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obviously that ’ s only a drop in the bucket.
” In addition to serving food and non-alcoholic drinks , and offering the warmth of indoors , the restaurant provides its bathrooms for people to wash up , and the GEBEWO and Berlin Kaeltehilfe relief groups have workers on hand to provide counseling and new clothes , if needed .
For its new clientele , the restaurant opened a second-floor , a wooden-decorated hall , and put up 40 long tables .
“ We ’ ll offer them something different from the regular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ porcelain plates , with different sides , we ’ ll try to offer Christmas-style dishes with lot of flavors , ” Mr. Schwarz said .
Mr. Breidaks came to Germany three months ago looking for work .
But he says a promised meat factory job never materialized and he ended up on the streets of Berlin begging for the money needed to replace a stolen passport and buy a bus ticket back home .
He ’ s one of an estimated 2,000 to 12,000 people who remain without shelter in this city of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were put up in community shelters , hostels , and apartments by social services , and private welfare groups .
“ The corona pandemic has seriously worsened the situation for homeless people , they live in very precarious conditions , ” said Elke Breitenbach , the Berlin state government ’ s senator for social issues , whose department supports the restaurant-turned-shelter financially .
“ They don ’ t have enough to eat and when it ’ s cold they must have places to warm up , ” Ms. Breitenbach added .
On Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Hofbraeu along with Mr. Breidaks were served either Thuringia-style bratwurst with mashed potatoes , sauerkraut and onion sauce , or a vegetarian stew with potatoes , zucchini , bell pepper , and carrots .
For dessert there was apple strudel with vanilla sauce .
For Mr. Breidaks , that was more than he had expected after spending a night with sub-zero temperatures huddled up next to the walls of a big department store on Alexanderplatz .
“ All I need is hot soup , ” he said .
“ And , God @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in January.
” This story was reported by The Associated Press .

The coronavirus pandemic hasn’t made life on the streets of Berlin any easier for Kaspars Breidaks.
For three months, the Latvian man has faced homeless shelters operating at reduced capacity so that people can be kept at a safe distance from one another. And with fewer Berliners going outdoors, it’s much harder to raise money by panhandling or collecting bottles to sell for recycling.
But on a chilly winter morning this week, Mr. Breidaks found himself with a free hot meal and a place to warm up, after the German capital’s biggest restaurant, the Hofbraeu Berlin – itself closed down due to coronavirus lockdown restrictions – shifted gears to help people facing homelessness.
“Other homeless people at the train station told me about this place,” Mr. Breidaks said, removing a furry black hat with long ear flaps as he sat on a bench in the warm, spacious beer hall near Berlin’s landmark Alexanderplatz square. “I came here for hot soup.”
It was a restaurant employee who volunteers at a shelter who proposed opening up the shuttered Bavarian-style beer hall – patterned after the famous Munich establishment of the same name – to the homeless.
It was a clear win-win proposition, said Hofbraeu manager Bjoern Schwarz. As well as helping out the unhoused during tough times the city-funded project also gives needed work to employees – and provides the restaurant with welcome income.
In cooperation with the city and two welfare organizations, the restaurant quickly developed a concept to take in up to 150 homeless people in two shifts every day until the end of the winter, and started serving meals on Tuesday.
It’s only a small number compared with the 3,000 restaurant guests, primarily tourists, who would pack the establishment during good times. But the spacious halls have proved perfectly suited to bring in those facing homelessness and give them each plenty of space to avoid infections.
“Normally, during Christmas time, we would have many groups here for Christmas parties and then we’d serve pork knuckles, half a duck, or goose ... but not at the moment,” said Mr. Schwarz. “We’re still doing delivery, but obviously that’s only a drop in the bucket.”
In addition to serving food and non-alcoholic drinks, and offering the warmth of indoors, the restaurant provides its bathrooms for people to wash up, and the GEBEWO and Berlin Kaeltehilfe relief groups have workers on hand to provide counseling and new clothes, if needed.
For its new clientele, the restaurant opened a second-floor, a wooden-decorated hall, and put up 40 long tables.
“We’ll offer them something different from the regular soup kitchen food – real dishes on porcelain plates, with different sides, we’ll try to offer Christmas-style dishes with lot of flavors,” Mr. Schwarz said.
Mr. Breidaks came to Germany three months ago looking for work. But he says a promised meat factory job never materialized and he ended up on the streets of Berlin begging for the money needed to replace a stolen passport and buy a bus ticket back home.
He’s one of an estimated 2,000 to 12,000 people who remain without shelter in this city of 3.6 million, even after another 34,000 were put up in community shelters, hostels, and apartments by social services, and private welfare groups.
“The corona pandemic has seriously worsened the situation for homeless people, they live in very precarious conditions,” said Elke Breitenbach, the Berlin state government’s senator for social issues, whose department supports the restaurant-turned-shelter financially.
“They don’t have enough to eat and when it’s cold they must have places to warm up,” Ms. Breitenbach added.
On Thursday, the first shivering group that entered the Hofbraeu along with Mr. Breidaks were served either Thuringia-style bratwurst with mashed potatoes, sauerkraut and onion sauce, or a vegetarian stew with potatoes, zucchini, bell pepper, and carrots. For dessert there was apple strudel with vanilla sauce.
For Mr. Breidaks, that was more than he had expected after spending a night with sub-zero temperatures huddled up next to the walls of a big department store on Alexanderplatz.
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“All I need is hot soup,” he said. “And, God willing, I will go back home in January.”
This story was reported by The Associated Press.


csmonitor--2020-12-18--As mountains give way to border wall, where does wildlife go?

Work crews ignite dynamite blasts in the remote and rugged southeast corner of Arizona , forever reshaping the landscape as they pulverize mountaintops in a rush to build more of President Donald Trump ’ s border wall before his term ends next month .
Each blast in Guadalupe Canyon releases puffs of dust as workers level land to make way for 30-foot-tall steel columns near the New Mexico line .
Heavy machines crawl over roads gouged into rocky slopes while one tap-tap-taps open holes for posts on the United States Bureau of Land Management property .
Mr. Trump has expedited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , mostly in wildlife refuges and Indigenous territory the government owns in Arizona and New Mexico , avoiding the legal fights over private land in busier crossing areas of Texas .
The work has caused environmental damage , preventing animals from moving freely and scarring unique mountain and desert landscapes that conservationists fear could be irreversible .
The administration says it ’ s protecting national security , citing that to waive environmental laws in its drive to fulfill a signature immigration policy .
Environmentalists hope President-elect Joe Biden will stop the work , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do quickly and may still leave pillars towering over sensitive borderlands .
The worst damage is along Arizona ’ s border , from century-old saguaro cactuses toppled in the western desert to shrinking ponds of endangered fish in eastern canyons .
Recent construction has sealed off what was the Southwest ’ s last major undammed river .
It ’ s more difficult for desert tortoises , the occasional ocelot , and the world ’ s tiniest owls to cross the boundary .
“ Interconnected landscapes that stretch across two countries are being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Randy Serraglio of the Center for Biological Diversity in Tucson .
In the San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge near Guadalupe Canyon , biologist Myles Traphagen said field cameras have captured 90 % less movement by animals like mountain lions , bobcats , and pig-like javelinas over the past three months .
“ This wall is the largest impediment to wildlife movement we ’ ve ever seen in this part of the world , ” said Mr. Traphagen of the nonprofit Wildlands Network .
“ It ’ s altering the evolutionary history of North @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wildlife Service in 1982 established the nearly 4-square-mile refuge to protect water resources and endangered native fish .
Diverse hummingbirds , bees , butterflies , and bats also live there .
Since contractors for U.S. Customs and Border Protection began building a new stretch of wall there in October , environmentalists estimate that millions of gallons of groundwater have been pumped to mix cement and spray down dusty dirt roads .
Solar power now pumps water into a shrinking pond underneath rustling cottonwood trees .
Bullfrogs croak and Yaqui topminnows wiggle through the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wells pulling ancient water from an aquifer .
A 3-mile barrier has sealed off a migratory corridor for wildlife between Mexico ’ s Sierra Madre and the Rocky Mountains to the north , threatening species like the endangered Chiricahua leopard frog and blue-gray aplomado falcon .
The Trump administration says it ’ s completed 430 miles of the $ 15 billion wall and promises to reach 450 miles by year ’ s end .
Biden transition officials say he stands by his campaign promise – “ not another foot ” of wall .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ would stop construction , but it could leave projects half-finished , force the government to pay to break contracts , and anger those who consider the wall essential to border security .
“ Building a wall will do little to deter criminals and cartels seeking to exploit our borders , ” Mr. Biden ’ s transition team has said .
It says Mr. Biden will focus on “ smart border enforcement efforts , like investments in improving screening infrastructure at our ports of entry , that will actually keep America safer.
” Environmentalists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Mr. Biden ’ s nominee to lead the Department of Homeland Security , which oversees Customs and Border Protection .
Until construction is stopped , “ every day , it will be another another mile of borderlands being trashed , ” Mr. Serraglio said .
Environmental law attorney Dinah Bear said Mr. Biden ’ s administration could terminate building contracts , which would allow companies to seek settlements .
What that would cost isn ’ t clear because the contracts aren ’ t public , but Ms. Bear said it would pale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and maintaining the wall .
Military funds reappropriated under a national emergency declared by Mr. Trump are now funding the work .
Ms. Bear , who worked at the White House ’ s Council on Environmental Quality under Republican and Democratic administrations , said she wants to see Congress set aside money to repair damage by removing the wall in critical areas , buying more habitat , and replanting slopes .
Ecologists say damage could be reversed in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument , where thousands of tree-like saguaros were bulldozed , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keeping floodgates open could help ease damage done by damming the San Pedro River , which runs north from just below the Mexican border through the central corridor of the Sierra Madre ’ s “ Sky Islands.
” These high mountains have ecosystems dramatically different from the desert below , with 300 bird species , including the yellow-billed cuckoo , nesting along what was the Southwest ’ s last major free-flowing river .
The white-nosed , racoon-like coati , and the yellow-striped Sonoran tiger salamander also live there .
In the nearby Coronado @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to document wildlife as crews prepare to start building .
Switchbacks have been slashed into mountainsides , but 30-foot posts aren ’ t yet up along the area where a Spanish expedition marched through around 1540 .
The government plans to install the towering pillars 4 inches apart where there are now vehicle barriers a couple of feet high with openings large enough to allow large cats and other animals to cross to mate and hunt .
Biologist Emily Burns of the nonprofit Sky Island Alliance said construction will hurt elf owls , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 5 inches tall .
The birds are too small to fly over the fence and likely wouldn ’ t know to squeeze through .
“ This kind of large-scale disruption can push a species to the brink , even if they aren ’ t threatened , ” said Louise Misztal , the nonprofit 's executive director .
This story was reported by The Associated Press .

Work crews ignite dynamite blasts in the remote and rugged southeast corner of Arizona, forever reshaping the landscape as they pulverize mountaintops in a rush to build more of President Donald Trump’s border wall before his term ends next month.
Each blast in Guadalupe Canyon releases puffs of dust as workers level land to make way for 30-foot-tall steel columns near the New Mexico line. Heavy machines crawl over roads gouged into rocky slopes while one tap-tap-taps open holes for posts on the United States Bureau of Land Management property.
Mr. Trump has expedited border wall construction in his last year, mostly in wildlife refuges and Indigenous territory the government owns in Arizona and New Mexico, avoiding the legal fights over private land in busier crossing areas of Texas. The work has caused environmental damage, preventing animals from moving freely and scarring unique mountain and desert landscapes that conservationists fear could be irreversible. The administration says it’s protecting national security, citing that to waive environmental laws in its drive to fulfill a signature immigration policy.
Environmentalists hope President-elect Joe Biden will stop the work, but that could be difficult and expensive to do quickly and may still leave pillars towering over sensitive borderlands.
The worst damage is along Arizona’s border, from century-old saguaro cactuses toppled in the western desert to shrinking ponds of endangered fish in eastern canyons. Recent construction has sealed off what was the Southwest’s last major undammed river. It’s more difficult for desert tortoises, the occasional ocelot, and the world’s tiniest owls to cross the boundary.
“Interconnected landscapes that stretch across two countries are being converted into industrial wastelands,” said Randy Serraglio of the Center for Biological Diversity in Tucson.
In the San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge near Guadalupe Canyon, biologist Myles Traphagen said field cameras have captured 90% less movement by animals like mountain lions, bobcats, and pig-like javelinas over the past three months.
“This wall is the largest impediment to wildlife movement we’ve ever seen in this part of the world,” said Mr. Traphagen of the nonprofit Wildlands Network. “It’s altering the evolutionary history of North America.”
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1982 established the nearly 4-square-mile refuge to protect water resources and endangered native fish. Diverse hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, and bats also live there.
Since contractors for U.S. Customs and Border Protection began building a new stretch of wall there in October, environmentalists estimate that millions of gallons of groundwater have been pumped to mix cement and spray down dusty dirt roads.
Solar power now pumps water into a shrinking pond underneath rustling cottonwood trees. Bullfrogs croak and Yaqui topminnows wiggle through the pool once fed solely by natural artesian wells pulling ancient water from an aquifer.
A 3-mile barrier has sealed off a migratory corridor for wildlife between Mexico’s Sierra Madre and the Rocky Mountains to the north, threatening species like the endangered Chiricahua leopard frog and blue-gray aplomado falcon.
The Trump administration says it’s completed 430 miles of the $15 billion wall and promises to reach 450 miles by year’s end.
Biden transition officials say he stands by his campaign promise – “not another foot” of wall. It’s unclear how Mr. Biden would stop construction, but it could leave projects half-finished, force the government to pay to break contracts, and anger those who consider the wall essential to border security.
“Building a wall will do little to deter criminals and cartels seeking to exploit our borders,” Mr. Biden’s transition team has said. It says Mr. Biden will focus on “smart border enforcement efforts, like investments in improving screening infrastructure at our ports of entry, that will actually keep America safer.”
Environmentalists hope for an ally in Alejandro Mayorkas, Mr. Biden’s nominee to lead the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees Customs and Border Protection.
Until construction is stopped, “every day, it will be another another mile of borderlands being trashed,” Mr. Serraglio said.
Environmental law attorney Dinah Bear said Mr. Biden’s administration could terminate building contracts, which would allow companies to seek settlements. What that would cost isn’t clear because the contracts aren’t public, but Ms. Bear said it would pale in comparison to the price of finishing and maintaining the wall. Military funds reappropriated under a national emergency declared by Mr. Trump are now funding the work.
Ms. Bear, who worked at the White House’s Council on Environmental Quality under Republican and Democratic administrations, said she wants to see Congress set aside money to repair damage by removing the wall in critical areas, buying more habitat, and replanting slopes.
Ecologists say damage could be reversed in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, where thousands of tree-like saguaros were bulldozed, with some reportedly replanted elsewhere.
They say keeping floodgates open could help ease damage done by damming the San Pedro River, which runs north from just below the Mexican border through the central corridor of the Sierra Madre’s “Sky Islands.”
These high mountains have ecosystems dramatically different from the desert below, with 300 bird species, including the yellow-billed cuckoo, nesting along what was the Southwest’s last major free-flowing river. The white-nosed, racoon-like coati, and the yellow-striped Sonoran tiger salamander also live there.
In the nearby Coronado National Monument, scientists are using cameras to document wildlife as crews prepare to start building.
Switchbacks have been slashed into mountainsides, but 30-foot posts aren’t yet up along the area where a Spanish expedition marched through around 1540.
The government plans to install the towering pillars 4 inches apart where there are now vehicle barriers a couple of feet high with openings large enough to allow large cats and other animals to cross to mate and hunt.
Biologist Emily Burns of the nonprofit Sky Island Alliance said construction will hurt elf owls, the world’s littlest at less than 5 inches tall. The birds are too small to fly over the fence and likely wouldn’t know to squeeze through.
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empower and uplift daily. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads.
“This kind of large-scale disruption can push a species to the brink, even if they aren’t threatened,” said Louise Misztal, the nonprofit's executive director.
This story was reported by The Associated Press.