Coronavirus 2020 and Spanish Flu in Albania a Century Ago

As we inevitably focus our minds on the coronavirus as its effects move around the world, it might be worthwhile reminding ourselves of the history of the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic in the Balkans. The Spanish Flu of 1918 killed almost three times the 18 million victims of World War One. Additional millions caught it

Grenell’s Push for a Quick Deal Damaged US Credibility in Kosovo and EU, Say German Experts

The United States’ diplomatic approach to Kosovo continues to draw criticism, as more international relations experts criticize the ousting of Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s government. Kurt Bassuener and Bodo Weber of the Berlin-based think-tank Democratization Policy Council outline, in a recent piece, how the US “precipitated the fall of a popular and promising reformist government”

Exit Debunks Some of the Wildest Coronavirus Myths and Conspiracy Theories

A harmful side effect of the Coronavirus pandemic is not just the virus, it is the fake news and conspiracy theories that accompany it. Social media is awash with copypastas and YouTube videos claiming that Coronavirus is caused by 5G, bats, Big Pharma, and that drinking silver water will cure it. These theories are just

A Weekend in the Stone City of Gjirokaster

Gjirokaster, otherwise known as the Stone City is the birthplace of some of Albania’s most nefarious, brilliant, and controversial minds. Writer, feminist, and democratic icon Musine Kokalari was born there, as was author Ismail Kadare, historian Eqerem Cabej, and women’s rights activist Urani Rumbo. It was also home to Albania’s communist dictator Enver Hoxha who

Expat to Expat: Insider Tips for Living in Albania

I have been an ex-pat for most of my adult life living, working, learning, and adapting to three different cultures that were not my own. Now I have settled in Albania, I feel more at home than I ever did in my own country and I feel like I am making the transition towards becoming

Comment: Edi Rama and Erion Veliaj Are Not Socialists

Edi Rama and Erion Veliaj are not Socialists, this is just a persona they have adopted to win over the favour of the international community and to encourage support from Western countries that genuinely subscribe to this political ideology. These ‘Socialists’ are not about democracy and equality and are instead paving the way for a

52 Albanian Women – Artes Ferruni

The fourth in a series of 52 interviews with Albanian women in the public sphere #52GraShqiptare. Artes Ferruni in an award-winning Albanian filmmaker, accomplished Latin dancer- a talent she nurtured from the tender age of eight years old, a vlogger, has had a successful career in marketing and has opened and run her own dance

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