In an effort to understand the consequences of the recent historic shift in diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba, it's useful to examine the complex web of laws, presidential decrees, and exceptions that have characterized the U.S. trade embargo against the island.

Compelling critiques on the #illridewithyou hashtag that trended on Twitter after the Sydney cafe siege have flooded the internet over the past few days. The tag began as an offer from Australians on public transportation to ride alongside and support Muslims, who (justifiably) feared backlash due to hostage-taker Man Haron Monis’ religious affiliation.

The release of the Senate Intelligence Committee's executive summary on the CIA's Detention and Interrogation program has been met with outrage across the media. The report's revelations of post-9/11 torture, deception, and its pages of redacted names, dates, and places are all equally distressing.