G7 supports Ukraine
The G7 summit concluded yesterday in Japan with the leaders of the world’s major economies welcoming President Volodymyr Zelensky as an honored guest and reaffirming their support. them for Ukraine. But Russia declares victory in Bakhmutalthough Ukraine says they still keep a few blocks of the ruined city.
Although Moscow is blowing the trumpet “Mission Accomplished” moment Ukraine still sees an opportunity to gain the initiative from the outskirts of the city if Russian forces no longer advance inside the city center.
Russia’s capture of Bakhmut would be a powerful symbolic success. But controlling it will not necessarily help Russia achieve its larger stated goal of conquering the eastern Donbas region. In fact, some analysts argue that Russia’s ability to thwart a broader counterattack could be compromised if it continues to send reinforcements to defend Bakhmut.
Compare: Zelensky admits there are only a few Bakhmut left. He said he saw the echo of Ukraine’s pain in images of the 1945 devastation in Hiroshimawhere the summit takes place.
Other updates from G7:
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F-16: President biden reverse course, agreed to let the Ukrainians be trained on American-made jets. He told his allies that he was ready to approve the transfer of jets to Ukraine by other countries.
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China: The G7 countries said they would focus on “reduce risk, not separate“from Beijing.
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Japan: Critics say the US ambassador to Tokyo, Rahm Emanuel, is push too hard for gay rights.
A looming political war in Thailand
Recent Pita Limjaroenrat Thailand’s dizzying political base by leading his progressive Move Forward Party to a critical victory in last week’s election. He seems poised to be the next prime minister – unless the army stops him.
Pita needs 376 votes from the 500-member House of Representatives to pass the military-appointed Senate. So far, he has only 314.
Several senators have said they would not support a candidate like Pita, who threatens the status quo. Now, Thais are waiting to see if their choice will be allowed to lead or if he will be blocked, an outcome that could plunge the country into political chaos.
Pita’s Policy: He has promised to remove the military’s grip on Thai politics and Amendment to the law criminalizing criticism of the monarchy. He is urging back to democracy after nine years of military rule preceded by a coup d’etat. He also wants to take a strong foreign policy stance.
One complaint: The election commission said Pita did not disclose that he owned shares of a now-defunct media company that he inherited from his father. Pita said he reported the stock.
Some have cooperated with the West for many years. They are lawyers, human rights advocates or members of the Afghan government. During their journey to America, nearly all of them were robbed or blackmailed, while some were kidnapped or imprisoned.
“I helped these Americans,” a former Afghanistan Air Force intelligence officer said from a detention center in Texas, at times near tears. “I don’t understand why they don’t help me.”
A dangerous journey: Since the beginning of 2022, about 3,600 Afghans have crossed the perilous Darién Gap, connecting North and South America, according to data from Panama.
Report: My colleagues traveled with a group of 54 Afghans through the Darién Gap.
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FOCUS ON AFRICA
African architecture on top
The Architecture Biennale opened Saturday in Venice exploring how cultures from Africa can shape the buildings of the future.
For the first time, the exhibition will have African-American curator, Lesley Lokkoand more than half of the 89 Biennale participants are from Africa or the African diaspora.
The works by Sechaba Maape, inspired by South Africa’s First Nations and their connection to nature, is on display at that country’s national pavilion. Globally, architecture has begun to trend biological simulation, where the built environment simulates the natural environment. African design has always done this through pattern and form, says Maape. He said the response in Venice and on social media has been huge.
Maape told Lynsey Chutel, our Briefings writer in Johannesburg: “Architecture should be something that instead of separating us from our home, the Earth, will help us feel more sociable, more connected.
PLAY, WATCH, EAT
What to cook?
ONE Rob Royswaps rye for Scotch, is a classic manhattan take on gunnery.
What to see
IN “white building,” a richly observed coming-of-age story from Cambodia, a story of an apartment complex that reflects the country’s troubled recent history.
What do you hear?
Listen to new tracks by Bad Bunny, Sparks, Anohni and others in weekly playlist.
Where to go
spend 36 hours in Buenos Aires.
