Month: July 2022

UN Aid to Millions of Syrians in Jeopardy

Humanitarian assistance for more than 4 million Syrians living in opposition-held areas appeared in jeopardy Friday, after Russia vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution that would have extended the mission for another year. “This was a life-or-death vote for the Syrian people, and Russia chose the latter,” U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said. The authorization for the operation that moves aid from Turkey through the Bab al-Hawa border crossing into northwest Syria will expire on Sunday night, leaving little time for the 15 council members to find a new compromise. “We need to reach a solution in the immediate term, a …

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Germany Lawmakers Approve NATO Expansion

Lawmakers in Germany voted overwhelmingly Friday to approve Finland’s and Sweden’s membership in NATO, with Poland’s lower house moving the ratification forward as well. NATO allies meeting in Madrid last week signed the accession protocols for the two countries to join the alliance. The move must now be ratified by the governments of all member states. Following the vote in Berlin on Friday, German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht told lawmakers their vote strengthens freedom and democracy — and sends a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin. “He bet on our weakness,” she said of the Russian leader. “Now he gets …

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Europe Offers Mixed Adieu to Outgoing British PM Johnson

The European Union has had a bumpy ride with Britain’s outgoing prime minister, Boris Johnson. The EU and Britain see eye to eye in supporting Ukraine militarily and politically against Russia’s invasion — with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanking Johnson as a “true friend” of the country.       Russian politicians are celebrating Johnson’s departure. But some experts, like senior analyst Amanda Paul of the Brussels-based European Policy Center research group, predict it will not weaken Britain’s hand — or European unity — when it comes to Kyiv.  “I think whoever goes into Downing Street will give the same strong …

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Swiss Court Acquits Two Former Soccer Power Brokers of Fraud

A Swiss court acquitted former FIFA President Sepp Blatter and France footballing legend and former head of UEFA Michel Platini of corruption charges Friday, ending a seven-year investigation. Both were accused of fraud over an alleged 2011 payment of $2 million from Blatter to Platini for consulting fees. The Swiss judge Friday said the payment was credibly used for consulting work and was likely not fraudulent. Blatter and Platini had characterized the payment as a “gentlemen’s agreement.” “I have always said my conscience is clear,” Blatter told reporters outside the court. “Naturally nobody’s perfect, but in the case of my …

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Boris Johnson Resigns: Is British Military Aid for Ukraine at Risk?

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been one of the West’s most ardent supporters of Ukraine in its war with Russia. So will his resignation, announced Thursday, prompt a change of policy from Britain? Close bond Johnson was among the first Western leaders to visit Kyiv following the Russian invasion, marching through the streets of the capital alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy just days after Russian troops had withdrawn from the outskirts of the city. The two men forged a close bond, frequently posting public messages of admiration and support of each other on social media. In recent weeks, Zelenskyy …

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Injured Nadal Out of Wimbledon; Kyrgios Advances to Final

Rafael Nadal withdrew from Wimbledon because of a torn abdominal muscle on Thursday, a day before he was supposed to play Nick Kyrgios in the semifinals. It is the first time since 1931 that a man dropped out of the oldest Grand Slam tournament before a semifinal or final. “I made my decision because I believe that I can’t win two matches under these circumstances,” Nadal said at a news conference at the All England Club. “I can’t serve. It’s not only that I can’t serve at the right speed, it’s that I can’t do the normal movement to serve.” …

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