Photo: UNIS Vienna/Lilia Jiménez-Ertl

Nowrooz is the most important holiday in Persian culture, and it marks the beginning of the new year. This ancient holiday has been celebrated for over 3,000 years and is deeply rooted in Persian history and tradition. Nowrooz is celebrated on the spring equinox, which falls on March 20th or 21st, depending on the year. In 2023, Nowrooz falls on March 20th, and Persians around the world are preparing to welcome the new year with open arms.

Twenty years after the US-led invasion of Iraq toppled Saddam Hussein, the oil-rich country remains deeply scarred by the conflict and, while closer to the United States, far from the liberal democracy Washington had envisioned. LEHTIKUVA / AFP

On the 20th anniversary of the Iraq War, it is essential to reflect on the 20 lies that led to one of the most disastrous foreign policy decisions in American history. In 2013, author and journalist Glenn Greenwald compiled a list of the "20 lies about the Iraq War," which remains just as relevant today.

The first lie on the list was that Saddam Hussein was responsible for the 9/11 attacks.

ARIS MESSINIS AFP via Getty Images

Seven years ago, the European Union and Turkey signed a refugee deal where Turkey agreed to prevent asylum seekers from entering Europe, and in return, the EU promised to pay Turkey billions of euros. The Netherlands, which held the presidency of the EU Council at the time of the agreement, is responsible for the subsequent human rights violations that occurred in Greek refugee camps, according to Amnesty International, Dutch peace organization PAX, Defence for Children, and the Dutch aid organization Boat Refugee Foundation.

A French riot policeman throws a tear gas round during clashes on the sidelines of demonstrations as part of a nationwide day of strikes and protests called by unions over the proposed pensions overhaul, in Paris on March 11, 2023. LEHTIKUVA / AFP

Amnesty International and Omega Research Foundation have released a report titled "My Eye Exploded," which highlights the misuse of less lethal weapons by law enforcement agencies during peaceful protests. The report, which is based on research conducted over the past five years in 30 different countries, reveals that the use of less lethal weapons, such as rubber bullets, has become more frequent and widespread, resulting in permanent injuries and deaths.

IOM is working to ensure health care for the Rohingya refugees with 45 health facilities in Rohingya camps – where more than 100,000 beneficiaries get medical consultations every month on average. Photo: IOM

The Rohingya refugee crisis, which began in 2017, is entering its sixth year in 2023, and the needs of the refugees have only increased. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is appealing for USD 125 million to support 1.4 million Rohingya refugees and host communities in Cox’s Bazar District, Bangladesh. The needs of the Rohingya refugees are immense, and meeting them is entirely dependent on continued support until they can return to Myanmar safely and with dignity.

WorldCon 75, Scott Lynch; photo by Jana Blomqvist

Interview

WorldCon 75, Robin Hobb; photo by Jana Blomqvist

Interview

Based on an interview by Alisa Nirman on 3.10.2016

Interview