G7 ends with support for Ukraine
The G7 summit ended yesterday in Japan with the leaders of the world’s major economies welcoming President Volodymyr Zelensky as a guest of honor and reaffirming their support for Ukraine. But Russia took the victory in Bakhmutalthough Ukraine says there are still some blocks of the ruined city.
Despite Moscow trumpeting a “Mission Accomplished” moment, Ukraine still sees an opening to take the initiative from the city’s outskirts if Russian forces no longer push forward inside the city’s center.
Russia’s capture of Bakhmut would be a mighty symbolic success. But controlling it would not necessarily help Russia toward its larger stated goal of capturing the eastern Donbas region. Indeed, some analysts say Russia’s ability to contain a broader counteroffensive could be compromised if it continues to send reinforcements to defend Bakhmut.
Comparison: Zelensky admitted that there was little left of Bakhmut. He said he saw echoes of Ukraine’s pain in images of the 1945 devastation in Hiroshimawhere the summit was held.
Other updates from the G7:
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F-16: President Biden reverse course, and agreed to allow Ukrainians to be trained on the American-made jets. He told allies that he is prepared to allow other countries to transfer the jets to Ukraine.
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China: The G7 countries said they would focus on “de-risking, not decoupling” from Beijing.
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Japanese: Critics say the US ambassador to Tokyo, Rahm Emanuel, is pushing too hard for gay rights.
A political battle looms in Thailand
Pita Limjaroenrat recently shocked Thailand’s political establishment by leading his progressive Move Forward Party to a landmark victory in last week’s election. He seems poised to be the next Prime Minister – unless the military blocks him.
Pita needs 376 votes from the 500-member House of Representatives to overcome the military-appointed Senate. So far he only has 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 loosen the military’s grip on Thai politics and revise a law that criminalizes criticism of the monarchy. He presses for a return to democracy after nine years of military rule preceded by a coup. He also wants to take a strong foreign policy stance.
A complaint: The Electoral Commission said Pita did not disclose that he owned shares in a now-defunct media company he inherited from his father. Pita said he reported the shares.
Some had cooperated with the West for years. They were lawyers, human rights advocates or members of the Afghan government. During their travels to the United States, almost all of them are robbed or blackmailed, while some are kidnapped or imprisoned.
“I helped these Americans,” a former Afghan Air Force intelligence officer said from a Texas detention center, at times close to 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 treacherous Darién Gap, which connects North and South America, according to data from Panama.
Reporting: My colleagues traveled with a group of 54 Afghans through the Darién Gap.
THE LATEST NEWS
Asia and the Pacific
Zibo, a once obscure city in China’s Shandong Province, is suddenly flooded with tourists. They came after hearing about its distinctive barbecue style on social media.
Lived Life: Martin Amis’ darkly comic novels changed British fiction. He died at 73.
SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICA
African architecture at the forefront
The The Architecture Biennale which opened Saturday in Venice explores how cultures from Africa can shape the buildings of the future.
For the first time, the exhibition will have a curator of African descent, Lesley Lokkoand more than half of the biennale’s 89 participants are from Africa or the African diaspora.
The work by Sechaba Maape, which is inspired by South Africa’s First Nations and their connection to nature, is displayed in the country’s national pavilion. Globally, architecture has started to trend towards biomimicry, where the built environment mimics the natural one. African design, says Maape, has always done this through pattern and form. The response in Venice and on social media has been overwhelming, he said.
“Architecture should be that which, instead of separating us from our home, the earth, should help us feel more mediated, more connected,” Maape told Lynsey Chutel, our Briefings writer in Johannesburg.
PLAY, WATCH, EAT
What to cook
A Rob Roywhich replaces the rye with Scotch, is a cozier version of a classic manhattan.
What should we look at?
In “White building,” a richly observed coming-of-age story from Cambodia, the story of an apartment complex reflects the country’s fraught recent history.
What to listen to
Hear new songs from Bad Bunny, Sparks, Anohni and more this spring weekly playlist.
Where to go
Spend 36 hours in Buenos Aires.
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