Kyrgyzstan: a tale of two journeys

Article Abstract:

Retracing Ella Maillart's 1932 trek through the mountains of Kyrgyzstan reveals the amount of change that has taken place there since the days of Communist rule under Stalin. The legacy of Stalin's actions can be seen in the cotton fields that should be used to grow rice and in the polluted industrial cities. The region is now open to visitors, and there is genuine hospitality offered to all. Since Maillart's journey the standard of living in the area has risen, with automobiles and imported goods appearing. Though the formal national economy is suffering, local sheep-herders are in no danger due to their use of sheep in transactions instead of the weak rouble.

History, Biography, Kyrgyzstan, Maillart, Ella

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A tale of two Chinas

Article Abstract:

The Republic of China, which inhabits the island of Taiwan, is attempting to establish a legitimate presence in world politics since the recognition of the Peoples Republic of China as the official government of China in the 1970s. Liberalization began with easing travel and trade restrictions with China in the 1980's and revamping the legislature to eliminate the China seats, held since 1949. The Taiwanese government's efforts to seek possible reunification with China has met resistance from the electorate who see their standard of living and political freedom as superior.

Taiwan, China, Economic aspects, Political activity, Chinese foreign relations, Chinese (Taiwan) foreign relations, Chinese reunification question, Nationalist Party of China (Taiwan)

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Great journeys of the world

Article Abstract:

Birds migrate mainly because of seasonal variations in their food supplies. The number of flying insects on which they feed dwindles during the cold months, so they have to travel to warmer areas were food is more plentiful. Migration patterns are affected not only by climate changes, but also by man-made changes to birds' habitats. The large-scale destruction of temperate forests in the northern hemisphere, for instance, has caused the population size and varieties of birds to decline dramatically.

Analysis, Animal migration, Birds, Bird migration

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