All Europe
First Look"United in the name of Giulia," Italians march to end gender violenceTens of thousands have taken to the streets of Italy’s cities to mark International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. This comes as the country was gripped by the news of an Italian man extradited for the alleged murder of his girlfriend.
First LookCivilians reflect on Ukraine’s 2014 uprising in the midst of warTen years ago, Ukrainians protested President Viktor Yanukovychin’s decision to move the country away from the EU and toward Russia. The months-long standoff led to the ouster of Mr. Yanukovychin, and nine years later, an ongoing war with Russia.
The call of home: Why some Ukrainian refugees are risking a return nowThough millions of Ukrainians remain refugees abroad, an increasing number are returning home despite the war. But while being in their homeland brings some relief, it also poses new stress.
How Cleopatra got caught up in a culture warWhen it comes to ancient kingdoms and cultures, who has legitimate claim to use that history to define themselves today? And who, if anyone, are history’s gatekeepers?
First LookWhy is Finland closing crossing points along its Russia border?Finnish authorities say that Russia has started allowing undocumented travelers to access the border zone and enter crossing stations between the two countries. To curb this influx, four crossing points on its border will be closed Friday.
As world patience thins, Israel, Ukraine race against timeVolodymyr Zelenskyy and Benjamin Netanyahu are fighting against not only their enemies but also the clock, on which international patience is ticking.
First LookUK determined to send migrants to Rwanda, despite ‘unlawful’ rulingThe British government’s response to the growing number of migrants arriving from around the world was to give them a one-way ticket to Rwanda. Britain’s Supreme Court ruled the plan unlawful. The government vows to make changes and press on with the plan.
Protesters of Israel-Hamas war fear nuance is getting lostIsrael’s war against Hamas has unleashed a torrent of responses from Westerners, both positive and negative. Many are finding it a challenge to express their feelings without being co-opted by darker forces in society.
Recovery in Ukraine: When horses do the whisperingHippotherapy, using horses to help heal traumatized soldiers, is a new treatment in Ukraine, but the mental relaxation it offers is bringing relief.
First LookMarches against antisemitism draw 180,000 in FranceAmid a large increase in anti-Jewish acts since the onset of the Israel-Hamas war, at least 182,000 French citizens nationwide marched on the streets to denounce antisemitism. The demonstrations also attracted a number of French politicians.
First LookIn surprise move, David Cameron returns to U.K. governmentFormer British prime minister David Cameron, who resigned after the Brexit vote, was named U.K. foreign secretary on Nov. 13. Home Secretary Suella Braverman, divisive for her hard line against pro-Palestinian protests, was fired.
First LookMacron on Israel-Hamas war: Fighting terrorism has to have rulesFrench President Emmanuel Macron opened a Gaza aid conference Thursday, reiterating calls for a pause in Israel’s operations against Hamas and addressing the Palestinian enclave’s growing needs for food, water, health supplies, electricity, and fuel.
First LookOlive police? Century-old trees chopped by chainsaw-wielding thieves.In the Mediterranean’s olive-growing countries, the extreme weather caused by climate change is taking a toll. Olive oil prices have soared, sparking a rise in thievery, including cutting down century-old trees. Greek farmers have asked for police help.
In Italy, a school teaches reconciliation over revengeA unique Italian school puts students from warring parties together for two years, teaching them to see the human being behind the nationality.
To counter teen suicide, French schools turn to lessons in empathyA series of teen suicides has reignited debate in France about the dangers school bullies pose, and focused new efforts to curb school harassment.
Russia’s nuclear saber rattling: A threat or wake-up call for the West?Threats would appear to signal conflict. But the Kremlin’s nuclear diplomacy, seen by the West as risking escalation, is categorized as a longer-term strategy of deterrence in Russia.
First LookRussian activists brave backlash to honor Soviet victimsRussian activists are fighting to remember the millions of victims of Soviet repression, even as Vladimir Putin’s government seeks to downplay the historical crimes of the USSR.
First LookCreeping abortion restrictions in Russia spark outrageRecent proposals by authorities to restrict access to abortion have struck a nerve across Russia. While abortion remains legal, new regulations and mandates from the Health Ministry are designed to discourage women from seeking terminating pregnancies.
For victorious Polish democrats, restoring democracy is top challengePoland’s opposition won recent elections, showing autocrats can be beaten, but the established authorities retain the influence they have sown in society.
Seeking neutrality, Kremlin stays on sidelines of Israel-Hamas warRussia has cultivated warm ties with both Israelis and Palestinians, which it does not want to jeopardize by any involvement in the Israel-Hamas war.
