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Check FAQAbout Maya
Maya Vidon-White is a print media and photojournalist based in Paris, France. Maya has been working as a journalist for over two decades. First settled in Jerusalem, she covered the Israeli-Palestinian conflict during the first intifada. Straying from daily trips to the Gaza strip, she flew to Somalia during the 1992 great famine. After a two-year stretch in Hong Kong for Agence France-Presse (AFP) in the lead up to the handover of the territory to China, she was sent to Jakarta where riots erupted in the aftermath of the 1997 economic crisis. From there she also witnessed the birth of a new country: East Timor. From her Paris-base, Maya continues to cover current news events both as a writer and a photographer and is a frequent contributor to USA Today, The Washington Times, al Jazeera English and UPI. Maya holds a masters of Neurobiology from the University of Paris, a masters from Columbia Journalism University Graduate School of Journalism and was awarded the John Knight Fellowship for Journalists at Stanford University.
Portfolio
French election: Closer look at top 5 presidential contenders
The article discusses the dynamics of the upcoming French presidential election, highlighting the decline of traditional parties and the rise of independent and fringe candidates. Tech consultant Rafik Ait-Oufella expresses dissatisfaction with the major parties, and polls indicate a tight race between Marine Le Pen of the National Front, independent centrist Emmanuel Macron, and far-left candidate Jean Luc Melenchon. The article notes the impact of economic globalization, immigration concerns, and mistrust of the establishment on voter sentiment, drawing parallels with Brexit and the election of Donald Trump. Macron's centrist movement 'En Marche' is presented as a pragmatic alternative, while Le Pen's and Melenchon's platforms are described as nationalist and populist. Political analyst Pierre Haski suggests Macron could win if he reaches the runoff, as French voters may resist electing Le Pen as president.
Parents agonize over their children's fate as Islamic State crumbles
The article discusses the distress of Belgian and French parents whose children have joined the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. Veronique Loute's son, Sammy Djedou, joined ISIS and was killed in a drone attack in Raqqa. Despite the Pentagon confirming Djedou's role in planning terror attacks in Paris and Brussels, Loute remembers him as a loving boy and cannot believe he would commit such acts. Psychologists and psychiatrists like Amelie Boukhobza and Patrick Amoyel explain the denial and guilt parents feel, and the reasons why European youths might become radicalized. The article also touches on the challenges of communication between parents and their radicalized children, especially as conflicts intensify in areas like Mosul.
Globe update: How an Afghan refugee’s path to freedom took another twist in France
Mikhail Akbary, an Afghan refugee, has faced numerous challenges on his journey to find a safe haven in Europe. Initially aiming for Germany, he ended up in France after being deported from Switzerland to Croatia. France recently accepted his asylum application, granting him a one-year residence permit. However, the upcoming French presidential election, with candidates Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen holding opposing views on immigration, could impact his stay. Akbary's story highlights the broader refugee crisis and the varying responses of European countries to asylum seekers.
Nice attack: ‘All I could do was cover the dead’
Toufik Laoubi, a French Muslim of Algerian descent, was celebrating Bastille Day in Nice when he witnessed the horrific attack that killed 84 people. He saw a truck deliberately swerving to hit people and narrowly escaped death. Initially in shock, Laoubi, who is trained in first aid, later tried to assist the victims. He covered the dead with sheets alongside hotel staff and sought psychological counseling the following day. Laoubi questioned the security measures in place, noting the absence of police when the truck breached the perimeter. He plans to return to his family in Chambery, reflecting on the traumatic experience and his wife's premonition about not taking their son to Nice.
Back to school: Students reflect on Paris attacks
The article discusses the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in Paris, particularly focusing on the XI arrondissement, where many young victims lived and where the Bataclan concert hall is located. Residents are dealing with a mix of fear and defiance, with some feeling targeted by ISIL due to the area's diversity and tolerance. The community is showing solidarity, with slogans like 'Not Even Scared' emerging, but there is also a sense of vulnerability. Schools are engaging in discussions about the attacks, and the Sorbonne University, which lost students, is mentioned as a place of mourning. The article also touches on the broader impact on Parisian life and the state of emergency declared by President Francois Hollande. The personal story of Kheireddine Sahbi, a victim from the Bataclan, is shared to illustrate the local impact of the tragedy.
Muslim residents of French city fear backlash
Muslim residents in Chartres, France, fear backlash after the Paris attacks, particularly since local Omar Ismail Mostefai was identified as one of the attackers. Mayor Jean-Pierre Gorges labeled the district as a terrorist haven, causing concern among the Muslim community. The community is distancing itself from the attackers, emphasizing that their faith does not condone violence. There is a fear of increased violence and discrimination against Muslims, similar to what occurred after the Charlie Hebdo attacks. Some Muslim groups are planning public relations campaigns to clarify their stance against terrorism, and Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo will join a demonstration to show solidarity with the values of the republic.
Muslim residents of French city fear backlash
In the aftermath of the Paris attacks, Muslim residents in Chartres, France, express fear of backlash and discrimination. The article highlights the tension between local authorities and Muslim communities, with some blaming local Muslims for radicalism while others point to external influences like Belgium. The narrative includes concerns about increased surveillance and discrimination against Muslims, as well as efforts by Muslim leaders to distance their faith from terrorism. The article also touches on the broader social and political implications, including potential exploitation by right-wing politicians.
Reports: One of terrorists identified in coordinated Paris attacks
French authorities have identified three terrorist teams responsible for the Paris attacks that resulted in 129 deaths and over 350 injuries. Ismael Omar Mostefai, a suicide bomber, was identified by French MP Jean-Pierre Gorges. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attacks, which began at the Stade de France and continued in several other locations, including the Bataclan concert hall where 89 people were killed. French President Francois Hollande declared the spree an act of war by the Islamic State and imposed a state of emergency. World leaders have reacted to the attacks, and Syrian President Bashar Assad suggested Western policies in the Middle East contributed to the spread of terrorism.
Authorities identify suspects in deadly attack on Charlie Hebdo
Authorities identified three suspects in the Charlie Hebdo attack that killed 12 people, including eight journalists and two police officers. The suspects, two brothers and an 18-year-old, were linked to al-Qaeda. The attack, condemned by French President Francois Hollande and U.S. President Barack Obama, sparked vigils across France and Europe, emphasizing solidarity and freedom of expression. The attack is seen as a significant act of terrorism, with implications for press freedom and societal values.
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