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The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has arrested Gonzalo Lira, a US-Chilean national living in Kharkov, on suspicion of pro-Russian sympathies. This is the second time Lira has been taken into custody by the SBU. Lira, a writer and filmmaker who moved to Kharkov several years ago and is married to a Ukrainian, was previously detained in April 2022 but was released after a week, with no charges pressed.

Books in the Finnish bookstore in Helsinki. LEHTIKUVA

Starters

Aviador Publishing and author Hannu Luntiala have launched a writing competition open to everyone on the theme "Culture Meets Culture." The competition, which started in February, is still ongoing and will accept submissions until June 15th.

Everyone who lives in Finland has their own experience of encountering two different cultures, whether it's when they moved to Finland or within Finland.

Afghan burqa-clad women beg for alms in the middle of a street during rainfall on the outskirts of Kabul on March 30, 2023. LEHTIKUVA / AFP

Starters

The UN has said it is ready to withdraw from Afghanistan in May if it cannot convince the Taliban to permit local women to work for the organization, the head of the UN  Development Program said, Afghanistan-based Khaama Press reported.

The UN is negotiating with the Taliban in hopes that it will make exceptions to a decree prohibiting local women from working for the organization.

A quiet grocery store in the city of Khost. Afghanistan’s economic collapse and the impact of international sanctions has cascaded a range of major challenges for local businesses, which stand empty amidst people’s inability to purchase goods. Photo: Ingebjørg Kårstad/Norwegian Refugee Council

Starters

Over-compliance and misconceptions about the scope of international sanctions have led to severe obstacles for the Afghan business community, including for businesses that import and export food and other essential goods, finds a new report commissioned by the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC).

The report, based on in-depth interviews with Afghan businesspeople and other private sector stakeholders, calls on the international community to improve awareness about sanctions and reduce over-compliance.

Photo: UNIS Vienna/Lilia Jiménez-Ertl

Starters

Nowrooz is the most important holiday in Persian culture, and it marks the beginning of the new year. This ancient holiday has been celebrated for over 3,000 years and is deeply rooted in Persian history and tradition. Nowrooz is celebrated on the spring equinox, which falls on March 20th or 21st, depending on the year. In 2023, Nowrooz falls on March 20th, and Persians around the world are preparing to welcome the new year with open arms.

Twenty years after the US-led invasion of Iraq toppled Saddam Hussein, the oil-rich country remains deeply scarred by the conflict and, while closer to the United States, far from the liberal democracy Washington had envisioned. LEHTIKUVA / AFP

Starters

On the 20th anniversary of the Iraq War, it is essential to reflect on the 20 lies that led to one of the most disastrous foreign policy decisions in American history. In 2013, author and journalist Glenn Greenwald compiled a list of the "20 lies about the Iraq War," which remains just as relevant today.

The first lie on the list was that Saddam Hussein was responsible for the 9/11 attacks.

ARIS MESSINIS AFP via Getty Images

Starters

Seven years ago, the European Union and Turkey signed a refugee deal where Turkey agreed to prevent asylum seekers from entering Europe, and in return, the EU promised to pay Turkey billions of euros. The Netherlands, which held the presidency of the EU Council at the time of the agreement, is responsible for the subsequent human rights violations that occurred in Greek refugee camps, according to Amnesty International, Dutch peace organization PAX, Defence for Children, and the Dutch aid organization Boat Refugee Foundation.

The International Criminal Court on March 17, 2023 announced it had issued an arrest warrant against Russian President Vladimir Putin for the "unlawful deportation" of Ukrainian children. ICC prosecutor Karim Khan launched an investigation into alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Ukraine just days after Russia's invasion. LEHTIKUVA / AFP

Column

"Well, I think it's justified," US president Joe Biden said of news that the International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Russian president Vladimir Putin and "children's rights commissioner" Maria Alekseyevna Lvova-Belova over their actions in Ukraine. "[The ICC's jurisdiction is] not recognized internationally by us, either. But I think it makes a very strong point."

A French riot policeman throws a tear gas round during clashes on the sidelines of demonstrations as part of a nationwide day of strikes and protests called by unions over the proposed pensions overhaul, in Paris on March 11, 2023. LEHTIKUVA / AFP

Starters

Amnesty International and Omega Research Foundation have released a report titled "My Eye Exploded," which highlights the misuse of less lethal weapons by law enforcement agencies during peaceful protests. The report, which is based on research conducted over the past five years in 30 different countries, reveals that the use of less lethal weapons, such as rubber bullets, has become more frequent and widespread, resulting in permanent injuries and deaths.

More News

IOM is working to ensure health care for the Rohingya refugees with 45 health facilities in Rohingya camps – where more than 100,000 beneficiaries get medical consultations every month on average. Photo: IOM

A woman getting drinkable water in Basateen, Yemen. Photo: © European Union/ECHO

Afghan burqa-clad women walk along a street in Fayzabad district of Badakhshan province on February 5, 2023. LEHTIKUVA / AFP

A woman getting drinkable water in Basateen, Yemen. Photo: © European Union/ECHO

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Statement by Erin Hutchinson, the Norwegian Refugee Council’s Yemen Country Director, on the outcome of the international pledging conference for Yemen:

“The international community today showed it has abandoned Yemen at this crucial crossroads, with a mere quarter of the amount needed to support the millions of Yemenis who require urgent assistance. This is woefully inadequate and gives the signal that some humans are less valuable than others.

“The fact that over two-thirds of Yemen's population requires humanitarian assistance is a staggering figure, and it is unacceptable that so many people are left struggling to access basic necessities like food, water, and shelter.

“The consequences of this disgraceful shortfall in aid will undoubtedly be dire for the people of Yemen, who will continue to suffer and face tremendous hardship as a result. As the situation in Yemen worsens, it is imperative that donors step up and provide the necessary support to help those in need. Any delay in aid could result in even greater loss and suffering for the people of Yemen.”

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WorldCon 75, Scott Lynch; photo by Jana Blomqvist

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Based on an interview by Alisa Nirman on 3.10.2016

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