The Taliban’s recent 114-page manifesto codifies severe restrictions on Afghan women, including bans on education beyond sixth grade, most employment, public spaces, unaccompanied travel, and leaving home uncovered. The document formalizes existing prohibitions, further eroding women’s rights and dashing hopes for future reversals. Women like Musarat Faramarz feel they are returning to the oppressive conditions of the Taliban’s previous rule (1996-2001). Since regaining power in August 2021, the Taliban have systematically dismantled women’s rights, making Afghanistan the most restrictive country for women globally. Ava Sinclair 05/09/2024 12:00 am
After 25 years without polio, Gaza saw a case of partial paralysis in a baby due to the disease, following 10 months of war that devastated healthcare and sanitation. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for a humanitarian ceasefire for mass vaccinations. Israel agreed to three-day pauses, and WHO has vaccinated over 161,000 children so far. However, to declare Gaza polio-free, 90% of children under 10 must be vaccinated twice. Ongoing conflict complicates this effort, risking a broader outbreak that could affect the region. Polio, highly infectious and affecting mainly children under 5, can be prevented through vaccines. Penelope Kingsley 05/09/2024 12:00 am
Tuesday’s deaths in the English Channel haven’t deterred smuggling gangs from launching more overcrowded boats. A BBC team saw an inflatable craft near the French coast on Wednesday, which later picked up more passengers near Wimereux. French police arrived too late to stop it. Local authorities dismantled a migrant camp in Calais linked to the capsized boat. Most victims were Eritrean, fleeing military service. Despite the risks, migrants remain determined to reach the UK. French fishermen involved in Tuesday’s rescue returned to Boulogne. Noah Prescott 05/09/2024 12:00 am
Mongolia imports most of its petroleum and electricity from neighboring countries, making these supplies critical for its survival. Despite its neutrality policy, Mongolia signed an agreement with Russia on oil cooperation, strengthening their ties. Russia exported $1.43 billion of refined petroleum to Mongolia in 2022. Mongolia won’t arrest Putin during his visit, citing minimal international consequences. Ukraine condemned Mongolia for not fulfilling its ICC obligations, accusing it of allowing an accused criminal to evade justice. Ava Sinclair 04/09/2024 8:30 pm
The final report on the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire, which killed 72 people, blames multiple failures, including shoddy construction, poor management, and inadequate fire safety standards. Retired judge Martin Moore-Bick stated the deaths were avoidable and attributed the disaster to incompetence, dishonesty, and greed. The American company Arconic, which supplied the building’s cladding, was found to have concealed the dangers of its materials. Arconic denied selling unsafe products and claimed transparency in testing. The company acknowledged its role and has contributed to settlements and restorative justice funds. Penelope Kingsley 04/09/2024 8:30 pm
Elon Musk’s Starlink agreed to comply with a Brazilian supreme court order to block access to X (formerly Twitter), despite initially resisting and having its assets frozen. Justice Alexandre de Moraes issued the order due to X’s refusal to appoint a local legal representative. Musk criticized de Moraes, calling him a criminal. Starlink’s compliance follows threats of equipment seizure by the telecom regulator Anatel. Legal experts question the asset freeze, noting Starlink and X are separate entities. Starlink continues to pursue legal avenues against the order. Noah Prescott 04/09/2024 8:30 pm
Kevin O’Leary criticized Brazil’s ban on the platform X, warning President Lula about the risks of restricting technology that people want. O’Leary praised Elon Musk for his stance against Brazilian leadership amid the ban, which has caused public uproar. The ban is part of a broader conflict involving a Brazilian Supreme Court justice and Musk, including the freezing of Starlink’s financial accounts. Musk criticized Brazilian leadership for shutting down X, asserting his control over the platform and willingness to withdraw services if opposed. Noah Prescott 04/09/2024 5:00 pm
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba resigned amid a major government reshuffle, as Russian strikes killed seven in Lviv. President Zelenskyy seeks “new energy” in diplomacy, with the war nearing its 1,000th day. Ukraine faces a harsh winter with 70% of its power grid damaged by Russian attacks. A recent Ukrainian incursion into Russia’s Kursk region aimed to create a buffer zone. Russian President Putin remains determined to push deeper into eastern Ukraine, with ongoing assaults in Donetsk and long-range missile strikes. The Institute for the Study of War suggests Putin aims to outlast Western support for Ukraine. Penelope Kingsley 04/09/2024 5:00 pm
Lviv, Ukraine, largely spared from the war, faced a severe attack early Wednesday with Russian drones and Kinzhal missiles hitting over 50 buildings, including homes and schools. At least seven people, including three children, were killed, and dozens were wounded. The attack near NATO-member Poland led Warsaw to scramble fighter jets. Polish Foreign Minister Sikorski emphasized the duty to protect national airspace. Ukraine’s military warned of further attacks, following Russia’s retaliation for Ukraine’s incursion into Russia’s Kursk region. Ukrainian forces now control about 450 square miles of Russian territory. Penelope Kingsley 04/09/2024 5:00 pm
Russian missiles and drones struck Ukraine on Monday night, killing over 50 and injuring hundreds, primarily in Poltava. Two ballistic missiles hit the Poltava Military Communications Institute and a nearby hospital, causing significant casualties and trapping many under rubble. President Zelenskyy ordered an investigation and emphasized rescue efforts. First lady Olena Zelenska called it a “stunning tragedy.” The Ukrainian Defense Ministry noted the short warning time before the strikes. A three-day mourning period has been declared in Poltava. Ava Sinclair 04/09/2024 5:00 pm
