The far from democratic state is still recovering from the 1994 genocide, where as many as one million Tutsis and moderate Hutus were murdered. A photo essay by reporter Debra Black.

On a recent road-trip through Palestine, our correspondent had the opportunity to observe the intricate social nuances emanating from this region’s version of Arabic food — and to indulge, not only in the exquisite cuisine, but in stimulating conversation with locals on the social meanings of Palestinian food.

Thousands of unofficial Santas flooded Williamsburg, Brooklyn in early December for New York City’s annual SantaCon. The Bedford L subway stop overflowed with stumbling, red-clad participants as they made their way to the Manhattan stop as part of the day-long convention.

Three haunting photos from a rainy day in Hong Kong. By Laura Fitch, The Review’s Senior Editor for China.