Raja Abdulrahim, a correspondent for The New York Times based in Jerusalem, shares her insights after traveling to northwestern Syria post-earthquake. She highlights the stark contrast in international aid, with Turkey receiving assistance while Syria feels abandoned. Abdulrahim discusses the compounded humanitarian crisis stemming from years of civil war and the earthquake's aftermath. Political tensions complicate aid delivery, revealing deep challenges for local communities desperately in need of support amidst ongoing devastation.
Post-non-monogamy reflects a transformative journey where individuals reassess their identities after moving away from active non-monogamous relationships.
The conversation emphasizes the necessity of addressing abuse in non-monogamous contexts while fostering inclusivity and support for evolving identities.
Deep dives
The Concept of Post-Non-Monogamy
The discussion delves into the phenomenon of post-non-monogamy, where individuals who have previously engaged in non-monogamous relationships reassess their identities and practices after transitions to different relationship statuses. Andrea Zanin shares her own experiences of moving away from active non-monogamy during the pandemic and acknowledges the complexities that arise when one's lifestyle choices shift. This reflection is not just personal; statistics indicate that a significant portion of the population has experienced non-monogamy at some point, which raises important questions about identity in relation to practice. Zanin emphasizes the importance of normalizing the experiences of those who are in a state of post-non-monogamy, as it is a valid and common pathway many navigate.
Non-Monogamy as Identity vs. Practice
A key theme in the conversation revolves around whether non-monogamy constitutes an identity or merely a practice. Zanin suggests that the answer may vary significantly from one person to another, pointing out that once someone has embraced non-monogamous practices, it often becomes an integral part of their worldview, even if their current situation has shifted. This aspect can lead to feelings of inadequacy among individuals who no longer align with active non-monogamous practices but still identify with the philosophy. The discussion encourages a more inclusive and flexible understanding of identity that allows for the evolution of personal circumstances without diminishing one's past experiences.
Navigating Life Changes and Non-Monogamy
The podcast emphasizes how life circumstances, such as chronic illness or major life challenges, can impact individuals' ability to engage in non-monogamous relationships. The conversation highlights the importance of recognizing that many people go through phases where they may not have the capacity or desire to seek multiple partners, leading to the need for new identities during those times. Zanin illustrates this point by discussing how societal expectations can lead to feelings of failure when one isn't actively pursuing non-monogamous relationships. The dialogue reinforces the idea that having a supportive identity during transitional phases can be empowering, allowing individuals to acknowledge their current state without judgment.
The Importance of Discussing Abuse in Non-Monogamous Contexts
Zanin discusses the critical need to address abuse within non-monogamous relationships, underlining that abuse is not unique to any relationship style but is a universal concern. The conversation touches upon how marginalized communities often emphasize defending their identities, which can sometimes lead to the minimization of serious issues like abuse. She stresses the importance of setting boundaries and recognizing the signs of abusive behaviors, advocating for open dialogues about these topics within non-monogamous contexts. By incorporating discussions about abuse, Zanin believes communities can better equip individuals with the tools needed to foster safe and healthy relationships.
When a 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit Syria and Turkey last week, it killed thousands and created a crisis within a crisis.
International aid began pouring into Turkey, but northwestern Syria, which was also hard-hit, received only a trickle. It was a bitter blow for Syrians, whose lives had already been uprooted by years of civil war, mass displacement and death.
Today, we hear from some Syrians and look at why it is so difficult for the world to help them.
Guest: Raja Abdulrahim, a correspondent in Jerusalem for The New York Times who traveled to northwestern Syria after the earthquake.
War, territorial divisions and acrimonious relations between President Bashar al-Assad and many Western nations have complicated aid efforts. Here’s what to know.
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
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