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What We're Reading | July 27, 2012

Cuban dissident Oswaldo Paya died last Sunday after his car hit a tree in a single-vehicle incident. While the Cuban government is labeling his...

Cuban dissident Oswaldo Paya died last Sunday after his car hit a tree in a single-vehicle incident. While the Cuban government is labeling his death as an accident, reports have quickly spread that the car was pushed off the road by another vehicle. Dissidents who were arrested for shouting “Freedom!” during Paya’s funeral have now been released.  In the wake of this tragedy, some see signs that the current model in Cuba is gradually changing. The proof was in the pudding this week, as researchers from the United States and Uganda revealed study results showing that early HIV treatment has widespread economic benefits, including higher rates of school enrollment for the children of infected parents. The study represents the first meaningful research into “how socio-economic indicators differ among persons at various stages of HIV infection, and how rapidly people lose their ability to work.” Chris Smith authored an editorial in the Washington Times this week on the escalating violence against women in Egypt, warning that the “new Egypt could be more dangerous than the old,” a concern that continues to be echoed by many. Smith references a report by George Washington University professor that focused on the abduction of Egyptian Christian women released last week. The opening ceremonies in London will be the focus of worldwide attention, and the Arab women who are participating for the first time continue to make headlines and share their inspiring stories.