Some of your Fellow Readers…
World News
- Israel attacks Syria’s Homs, wounds five soldiers: MinistryAir attacks on Homs are the third in recent days, including one that killed an officer in Iran's Revolutionary Guards.
- What does Trump’s indictment mean for American politics?Donald Trump is expected to become the first former or sitting US president to face criminal charges.
- Thousands protest in Israel despite judicial overhaul pauseDemonstrators take to the streets days after Israeli PM Netanyahu's decision to freeze the controversial proposal.
- Iran’s Raisi says hijab is the law as women face ‘yoghurt attack’Iranian president says hijab is the law after viral video shows man throwing yoghurt at uncovered women in Masshad.
- Ukraine decries ‘symbolic blow’ as Russia assumes UN presidencyThe Kremlin said it planned to 'exercise all its rights' in the role amid anger from Kyiv and allies.
- Sudan factions delay post-coup deal on civilian ruleSigning of political agreement to name a Sudanese civilian government has been delayed to April 6, official says.
- Eastern Europe must not lag behind on the green transitionDoing so could be costly and dangerous for its future development.
- Ukraine accuses Metropolitan Pavel of condoning Russia’s invasionDuring court hearing in Kyiv, Metropolitan Pavel rejected claim by Security Service that he glorified Russia's invasion.
- Pakistan army says 4 soldiers killed in attack near Iran borderIncident took place in Kech district in southwestern Balochistan province, which borders Iran.
- Israeli police kill Palestinian man near Al-Aqsa in JerusalemThe man killed on Saturday was 26-year-old Mohammad Khaled al-Osaibi from Houra.
- Death toll tops 20 as tornadoes tear through US Midwest and SouthSurvivors recount flying debris, destroyed buildings after storms and tornados hit at least eight states in the US.
Global Voices
- Zimbabwe’s information war on digital platforms threatens free expression"Digital technology has played a huge role in spreading propaganda and disinformation because these offer a huge platform, which appeals to a large number of people."
- Interview: Behind the scenes of Netflix/UNESCO's African Folktales ReimaginedGlobal Voices spoke with juror and mentor Femi Odugbemi about his role in this project, working with his mentee, and the significance of the project to Africa’s film industry.
- Police in Kyrgyzstan pressures exiled anti-war Russians to keep quietThe war in Ukraine presented Bishkek a challenging task of navigating Russia’s demands for explicit support of its invasion and the risks of falling under Western sanctions.
- Protecting conservation areas in Nepal from infrastructure developmentBalancing development and conservation has been a longstanding challenge for countries like Nepal. Poorly planned highways, power lines, or railways now threaten to undo Nepal's conservation success.
- Micronesia’s president accuses China of bribery and ‘political warfare’"What else do you call it when an elected official is given an envelope filled with money after a meal at the PRC Embassy or after an inauguration?"
- Could Britain finally be ready to seriously discuss reparative justice with the Caribbean?The ill effects of of slavery and colonialism still linger in a myriad of ways, including economics, systemic corruption, violence, public health, education, and issues of identity.
- Legacy of a Palestinian Educator: Honoring Saniya Nusseibeh's Journey as a Teacher on land daySaniyeh's story embodies Palestinian society's century-long struggle to educate and uplift girls, highlighting women's vital role in education. Her legacy is celebrated as a symbol of Palestinian women's resilience.
- Prospects for peace loom as much as prospects for another war in Nagorno-KarabakhThe Russian Ministry of Defense said the move was a breach and violation of the agreement signed between Armenia and Azerbaijan on November 9, 2020.
- Is exile the only solution for queer Mongolians?Mongolia, has a vibrant LGBTQ+ community. Yet for them, living an openly queer life can be so challenging that many consider exile as the only viable solution.
- Civil society organisations fight for the right of association in MozambiqueCivil society organisations in Mozambique have set up a protest movement called "In defence of the right to Freedom of Association in Mozambique."
- What is contributing to St. Lucia's spike in violent crime?Gang violence, allegedly linked to the drug trade, is rising in St. Lucia. Citizens remain vigilant after a series of homicides occurred mid-March in the town of Vieux Fort.
Bahá’í World News
- DRC: House of Worship embraces all As the two-day dedication ceremony concludes, the Bahá’í world’s first national House of Worship opens its doors to the public.
- DRC: First national House of Worship opens its doorsOver 2,000 people from across the Democratic Republic of Congo gathered in Kinshasa today for the dedication of the first national Bahá’í House of Worship in the world.
- DRC Temple: Anticipation builds on eve of dedicationAnticipation grows as visitors arrive at DRC temple site for Saturday’s dedication of first-ever national Bahá’í House of Worship.
- “A collaborative artistic effort”: Architect reflects on DRC temple project Architect Heinrich Wolff’s journey in designing the DRC temple emphasizes collaboration, unity, and inspiration from the Bahá’í principle of service to humanity.
- Bahai.org: New section on Bahá’í calendar added to siteNew Bahai.org section offers an overview of the Bahá’í calendar, significant dates, and a downloadable calendar with Bahá’í dates mapped on Gregorian ones.
- Maryland Bahá’í Chair: Marking 30 years of promoting dialogue and peaceThe 30th anniversary of the Bahá’í Chair at the University of Maryland provides an opportunity to reflect on long-standing efforts to foster a more harmonious world.
- Black History Month: House of Worship fosters onenessBahá’í temple in the United States hosts event during Black History Month promoting racial harmony and social cohesion.
- BIC New York: Women’s engagement in reimagining digital technologiesA new BIC statement explores the impact of digital technologies on women and the need for much greater inclusion of women in the processes of innovation.
- BIC Brussels: Policies alone not sufficient to address racial prejudiceThe Bahá’í International Community’s statement calls for a shift in how institutions view human capacity, suggesting grassroots participation in policymaking processes.
Notes from An Alien 