Trump’s new travel ban is full of contradictions

The Baltimore Sun | June 11, 2025

On June 4, the Trump administration announced a travel ban targeting 19 countries. Seven of these countries — including Venezuela and Cuba — will be under a partial ban, while the other 12 countries — including Iran and Afghanistan — will be under a total travel ban. According to the presidential proclamation, a primary reason for this travel ban is the threat of terrorism.

While each of the countries included in this ban warrants scrutiny, particular attention should be paid to Afghanistan. Its inclusion on a list of countries that the administration says pose terrorist threats to the United States is a departure from how the administration has previously — and recently — positioned the Taliban. Three elements serve as a starting point for such scrutiny.

Keep calm

The Economist | September 12, 2020

This piece draws on J.T. MacCurdy’s Structure of Morale, which was a psychological examination of British resilience during the Blitz. It does so in an effort to provide solace amidst the then ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on mental health.