On the 10th anniversary of the Iraq War, I called a man who lost his son in Baghdad for a story I was writing for CNN. Anniversaries of tragedies, he told me, were for people who did not suffer. What he meant is that every day is an anniversary for those who have lost loved ones. Not a day went by, he told me, that … Continue reading Of anniversaries and the stories that really matter
You told me I was less than you. Enemy of the people. You robbed my sun, dimmed my stars, took away my moon. Left me adrift; I knew not how to sail to the future. You told me I was less than you. Brown skin shimmering in the light, dark eyes searching. I read a poem: Try to praise the mutilated world. I stood on … Continue reading Enemy of the people
I haven’t written in a while. I’ve been busy. In the months since my last post, I quit my job at CNN, moved to Gainesville, Florida, and began teaching writing and reporting classes at the University of Florida. Life changing, for sure. Now that I am a bit more settled, I plan to resume this blog once again. Hopefully, it will get a shiny, new … Continue reading Hiatus over. I’m back with a heartbreaking story from Florida
For many weeks, we’ve been saturated with news of the Royal Wedding. This time, there’s a higher interest in some of my circles because Meghan Markle is an American commoner and more importantly, a woman of color. Saturday, millions will tune in to watch the spectacle. CNN and other major media outlets have devoted a whole lot of energy and resources to covering this story. … Continue reading As you watch the royal wedding…
Amid all the political noise of today, I want to stop and think of all my soldier friends I met in Iraq and back here at home in all the years I covered the military. Today is Veterans Day, a time for pause and reflection about the courage and sacrifice of our men and women who served in uniform. I am afraid that they will … Continue reading Stop the politics today — and remember
Almost every day, I receive an email from the International Organization for Migration containing the latest update on migration issues around the world. Many of you may not know that more than 60 million people are on the move, either as refugees fleeing horrendous situations in their homelands or economic migrants seeking a way out of a life of poverty. Today, the IOM update included … Continue reading Migration crisis: People keep dying
We all lose people we love, people who are integral to us. We cannot escape loss. I will never know what it must feel like to lose a child but I know the sorrow of a mother or father’s death. Today, my father-in-law, Edward Duffy, died. His wife, Jean, and his seven children are in that unenviable position today of realizing they will never see … Continue reading Ed Duffy. Unforgettable.
I first began speaking with K.S. Narendran right after the disappearance of MH Flight 370 in March 2014. His wife, Chandrika, was on that doomed jet. We spoke by phone, Skype an email — conversations that resulted in several stories on CNN. I finally had the chance to meet him yesterday in Bangalore. I felt honored he made time for me. I felt some apprehension about the … Continue reading Dear Naren
Today we mark a day of solemnity, remembering all those who fought for our country. I salute you on Veterans Day, especially those of you I came to know well in Iraq. I think of you often, not just on days reserved to honor you. Today is also a day of joy. It’s the festival of lights. Happy Diwali, everyone! Hindus and Jains mark the … Continue reading Diwali, Lakshmi and good winning over evil
I spoke with my friend Jean Mariot Cleophat by phone today. It has been five years since I first met him. He was my guide for much of my reporting journey through Haiti after the massive 2010 earthquake that left Haitians is utter despair. They called in “La catastrophe.” Reporters from around the world rushed to Haiti then, hungry to tell the story of the … Continue reading We said we would not forget Haiti
