United States at 250: Seven tests of the American experiment
Seven stories test America’s promises of freedom, opportunity and power as the United States marks its 250th year.

Seven stories test America’s promises of freedom, opportunity and power as the United States marks its 250th year.









The passports are part of broader plans to celebrate the milestone anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence.
Tuaregs have long fought for independence in northern Mali, and the FLA represents the latest of many rebellions.
Alberta separatists seek funding from the Trump administration after three reported meetings.
Although the United States defended Greenland during World War II, it never ruled the territory.
![Somaliland Navy members participate in a parade to celebrate the 33rd anniversary of their Independence in Hargeisa, Somaliland, May 18, 2024. [Tiksa Negeri/Reuters]](https://aljazeeranews-3fuh52rgrl.edgeone.app/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2026-01-06T161829Z_772251102_RC2US7AIG8TB_RTRMADP_3_ISRAEL-SOMALIA-SOMALILAND_cropped-1768400542.jpg?resize=730%2C410&quality=80)
Somalia’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs says “external elements” are responsible for separatist divisions.
![Greenlandic fishermen Joel Hansen pilots his fishing boat in Ilulissat, Greenland. [Al Jazeera]](https://aljazeeranews-3fuh52rgrl.edgeone.app/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/greenland_fisherman_joel_hansen-1768249117.jpg?resize=730%2C410&quality=80)
Inuit Greenlander Joel Hansen has many reasons to oppose a US takeover of his home.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has accused Israel of violating international law and of ‘illegal aggression’.
Algeria’s new law declares French colonial rule a crime, seeking accountability and reparations for the colonial past.

Yemen’s Southern Transitional Council says it’s taken control of the south, raising fears it will declare independence.
US special envoy Steve Witkoff will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, the Kremlin has confirmed.