Author

Sara Issaoun

Sara Issaoun is in her third and final year at McGill, studying physics with a minor in economics. She is originally from Algeria, but has lived abroad, in Canada and in the Netherlands, for most of her life. She is very interested in European politics and women’s rights in general.

Algerian Family Code: Progress for Women or Disguised Loopholes?

Sara Issaoun Mar 16, 2015

On Thursday, March 5th 2015, the National People’s Assembly (APN) of Algeria passed legislation towards protecting women against all forms of violence. Surprisingly, this was one of the most contested and controversial debates at the…
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Gulf States: Sportsmanship for Sale

Sara Issaoun Feb 16, 2015

With the recently concluded 2015 Men's Handball World Championship in Qatar came a sigh of relief as France grabbed the winning match against the host, and technically only 4/17th Qatari, squad. Surrounded by a cloud of controversy, a…
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The Pope Francis Phenomenon

Sara Issaoun Dec 8, 2014

Argentinian Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis, bore many firsts for the Vatican: he is the first elected pope while the previous pope (Benedict XVI, by resignation) remains alive; first pope of the Americas; first Jesuit pope; and…
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Racism or Tradition: The Annual Dutch Struggle with Zwarte Piet

Sara Issaoun Nov 12, 2014

The Netherlands is viewed throughout the world as one of the most liberal and tolerant countries of the modern era. However, what happens when a rise in immigration and increased popularity of xenophobic political parties throughout…
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French Scandals and Politics: The Return of A Bling Bling President

Sara Issaoun Oct 15, 2014

In 2007, Nicolas Sarkozy came as a breath of fresh air while the economy dawned an imminent recession. What exactly made him different from a heavily “Gaullist” Chirac-influenced political system, with the occasional far-right figures,…
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