Tuesday briefing
Putin, who was victorious, called for conquest
One day after declaring victory in a performative election, President Vladimir Putin signaled that the war against Ukraine would continue to dominate his rule and called for the people of eastern Ukraine to be “returned to their home families.”
Yesterday’s display of nationalist enthusiasm, before a crowd of thousands in Moscow’s Red Square, came after a three-day election whose outcome was never in doubt. Putin’s three puppet opponents praised him at the event, before a crowd made up partly of government officials, students and others who had received tickets.
Authorities said Putin had won more than 87 percent of the vote. For the most part, Russians appear to publicly support Putin, even if they have been given no real alternative. But many are also concerned about higher taxes and greater repression, and are deeply concerned about a new military conscription as Putin expands his invasion even further.
During his speech, Putin raised the prospect of a “security zone” on Ukrainian territory that Russia does not yet control. Analysts believe that such a buffer zone would involve capturing parts of Ukraine’s Kharkov region, which could require a new design.
A ban on cutting female genitals is in danger
Gambian lawmakers voted in favor of a measure that would repeal the ban on female genital cutting, a move that human rights experts, lawyers and advocates for the rights of women and girls say would undo decades of work aimed at ending the practice.
Cutting, an ancient ritual linked to ideas of sexual purity, obedience and control and considered an important religious obligation by many adherents, takes several forms. It is internationally recognized as a gross violation of human rights and often leads to serious health problems, such as infections, bleeding and severe pain. cause of death in the countries where it is practiced.
If the bill goes through the final stages, which analysts say is likely, the small West African country would be the first in the world to roll back protections against austerity, raising fears that other countries will follow suit.
‘Famine threatens’ in Gaza
Food shortages in the Gaza Strip have become so severe that “famine is imminent” and the enclave could see “a major acceleration in deaths and malnutrition,” according to a report by a global authority on food security and nutrition.
The severe shortages of food and other basic goods underline the desperation in Gaza after five months of Israeli bombing and a near-total blockade. An Israeli government spokesman said the report did not take into account recent humanitarian initiatives.
More about the war in Gaza:
MORE TOP NEWS
People in the Philippines are crowding internet cafes to play games that reward players with cryptocurrency tokens.
Playing the games can become a full-time job, or it can supplement the incomes of farmers and other workers. But cryptocurrency is still a risky business and players are at risk of scams or a crash like the one that devastated the crypto markets two years ago.
Lives lived: Thomas Stafford pioneered space cooperation when he commanded the American capsule that connected with a Soviet spaceship in July 1975. He died at the age of 93.
A little fun
Buy low, drink up: On some nights, prices in a London pub fluctuate like the stock market, part of a rise in bar games that some call “competitive socializing.”
Non-annual powder days: The Wild Old Bunch, more than 100 senior skiers, often hit the slopes at a resort in Alta, Utah, where anyone over 80 can use skis for free.
SPORTS NEWS
Manchester United 4, Liverpool 3: Amad Diallo seals the incredible comeback in one FA Cup classic.
28 consecutive wins: Is the run of the Saudi Arabian team Al Hilal really a world record?
Time to dominate: Scottie Scheffler does ready to rule the PGA tour.
ARTS AND IDEAS
Shakira’s love album soars
For Shakira, 2022 was a year of heartbreak and personal turmoil. The Colombian pop star broke up with the father of her two sons; her father was hospitalized after a fall and later had to undergo brain surgery; and last November she had to pay more than $8 million to settle tax evasion charges.
None of this stopped Shakira from releasing her first album since 2017, “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran” (“Women No Longer Cry”), on Friday.
“All but one song is about romantic ups and (mostly) downs, honed into clear, melodic pop structures,” writes our critic.
“When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade,” Shakira said in an interview. “That’s what I did with this album: use my own creativity to process my frustration, my anger and my sadness. I have transmuted or transformed pain into productivity.”