Europe's newest nation-state, Kosovo, celebrates its tenth anniversary of independence today. The tiny, partially recognized country has enjoyed substantial gains and struggles over the past decade, with more challenges ahead. Kosovo's politics remain uncertain as the assassination of Oliver Ivanovic and possible war crimes investigations into members of government attest. The economy, while generally stable, remains weak: investment levels are low and youth, who make up the majority of the country's population, are unemployed at shockingly high levels.

A dispatch from a middle class neighbourhood in Tehran

In early December, I was in Morocco’s charming capital city, Rabat, which rests along the shores of the Bouregrer River and the Atlantic Ocean. I was here for a weeklong Migrant’scène Festival that celebrates the artistic contributions of migrants in Morocco. There’s a rich program on offer that includes musical performances such as by the Afro-Moroccan fusion band, the Minority Global, led by the Ghanaian-born popular singer Reuben Odoi Yemoh.