Dynamics of Socioeconomic Risk Factors for Neglected Tropical Diseases and Malaria in an Armed Conflict

Armed conflict and war and infectious diseases are globally among the leading causes of human suffering and premature death. Moreover, they are closely interlinked, as an adverse public health situation may spur violent conflict, and violent conflict may favor the spread of infectious diseases. The consequences of this vicious cycle are increasingly borne by civilians, often as a hidden and hence neglected burden. We analyzed household data that were collected before and after an armed conflict in a rural part of western Côte d'Ivoire, and investigated the dynamics of socioeconomic risk factors for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and malaria. We identified a worsening of the sanitation infrastructure, decreasing use of protective measures against mosquito bites, and increasing difficulties to reach public health care infrastructure. In contrast, household crowding, the availability of soap, and the accessibility of comparatively simple means of health care provision (e.g., traditional healers and community health workers) seemed to be more stable. Knowledge about such dynamics may help to increase crisis-proofness of critical infrastructure and public health systems, and hence mitigate human suffering due to armed conflict and war

Israel in the Land: Settlement, Exile, Return

At the end of the book of Exodus, God forbids Moses to enter the land promised to the Israelites. He is buried on the top of a mountain overlooking the land, and the Israelites are on the edge of their inheritance. In the book of Joshua, Moses’ second-in-command took the Israelites through the center of Canaan, dividing the country in half. In the book of Judges, the picture changes. Instead of a lightning-fast conquest, the Israelites must fit themselves into a complex society, not displacing the native peoples, but rather living alongside them. According to the book of Judges, the Israelites faced two challenges. First, they had to coexist with peoples who were wedded to the agricultural cycles of the land and worshipped the various Canaanite gods and goddesses. Second, the Israelites struggled against being dominated and even occupied by some of the city-states in their territory

New Frontiers: Some Suras: A biblical scholar reflects on the Qur\u27an

What does the Qur’an offer to a non-Muslim, Western audience?  As many in the United States have become more aware of the billion Muslims who share our planet, they wonder about this book.  After almost three decades teaching and researching the Hebrew Bible, Penchansky turns his attention to Islam’s sacred text.  Using methodology he developed to interpret the Bible, he examines four Qur’anic narratives which challenge the Western stereotypes about the Qur’an.  He finds compelling stories carefully nuanced and rhetorically powerful.  He suggests a way that those non-familiar with the Qu’ran can begin to understand and appreciate the text