October 3rd and 4th, 1993 mark the dates of the Battle of Mogadishu also known as the Day of the Rangers. The battle was fought by forces of the United States supported by the United Nations Operation in Somalia II (UNOSOMII) and Somali militiamen loyal to Mohamed Farrah Aidid.

Sometimes referred to by diplomatic staff as “hell-level week,” the opening of the General Assembly (UNGA) each year is marked by the presence of presidents, prime ministers and even royalty delivering statements that touch on a range of topics and conducting behind-the-scenes bilateral meetings with one another. This year’s UNGA was no different.

Lynne Huffer and Falguni A. Sheth have critiqued the response to the European refugee crisis that would rely on simple humanitarian sentiment. As they observe, “The plight of the stateless is long-standing, one that will not be solved by a moment of compassion.” In prescribing a more practical and effective response, they draw on the famous analysis of the European refugee crisis of the mid-twentieth century, penned by Hannah Arendt.