Performing Arts

blog

RAND's Got Talent

Two RAND singers, Allison Elder and Jennifer Prim, performed with the Angel City Chorale on America's Got Talent. The choir earned a standing ovation and a “golden buzzer” from the judges on its way to the semifinals.

commentary

Putting the Spring in the Arab Spring

Qatar has a salsa scene. Dubai hosted the big international Fujairah Latin Festival. The Oman Salsa Festival took place in March. Jordan and Cairo both have a salsa scene. What makes this so conversation-worthy is that it is indicative of a growing cultural openness in parts of the Middle East.

Shelly Culbertson @SC_Culbertson

commentary

In Iraq, a Different Kind of Drama Stages a Message of Reconciliation

While female suicide bombers in Iraq have been getting all the headlines, a very different cadre of women has emerged on the scene with the opposite goal of forging peace and paving over the sectarian differences. Above all, these activists want to take back the streets and neighborhoods of their country, write Edward O'Connell and Cheryl Benard.

Edward O'Connell, Cheryl Benard