The Netherlands has a holiday blackface problem

Global Post

Debates over Black Pete are bringing up race and identity issues many Dutch people didn’t think they had.

Life in a former Pakistani Taliban stronghold

Global Post

A military operation in 2009 chased Pakistani Taliban and Al Qaeda militants from parts of the South Waziristan tribal region. Now the army, in collaboration with NGO’s and government agencies, is working to remedy years of official neglect. Locals have mixed feelings about the efforts.

Pakistan’s most famous dancing girl

Global Post

Sensual mujra dancers have existed for centuries in Pakistan, but recently they’re getting so popular that new cinema’s are build to cater for their growing audiences.

Extremists kill nine tourists and their guide in Pakistan

In the wee hours of this Sunday morning extremists killed nine tourists and one guide at first base camp of the Nanga Parbat in Pakistan’s Northern Areas. RIP

Since 9/11 the tourism business in this region has taken a hit. Few travelers still ventured out here. I was one of them five times between 2005 and 2011. The views are breathtaking, the food is amazing and the locals are very hospitable. There seemed to be no safety problems for foreigners. There were for local shias. Extremists killed many. RIP

My radio report from Fairy Meadows and Gilgit in 2008 (Dutch): Tourism Pakistan 2008

In 2010 I traveled to the Northern Areas with my family and made this radio report (English). It seemed perfectly safe for us then:

This radio report is nicer if you understand Dutch.

This is a view of Nanga Parbat from Fairy Meadows in 2008. It’s taken by me or my husband.

Turkey’s great divide

Global Post

Women on both sides of Turkey’s protests speak out.

How run for office in Pakistan – as a female

Global Post

One man said: A woman’s place is either in the home or in the grave.

Cyprus: Crisis for peace

Global Post

Turkish Cypriots hope the financial crisis prompts a peace agreement.

Pakistan’s career women

Global Post

While the Pakistani Taliban try to put women behind the walls of their home, exactly the opposite is happening.

Extremism, but also modernism on the rise in Pakistan

Dit is de Dag
Dutch current affairs discussion program (in Dutch)

I’m interviewed on my seven years as Pakistan correspondent.

Seven years as correspondent in Pakistan

Pauw en Witteman
Dutch current affairs discussion program (in Dutch)

I’m interviewed on my seven years as Pakistan correspondent.