A New Era of Sectarian Violence in Pakistan

What’s new? The rise of a local Islamic State franchise and the growing influence of a hard-line and violent protest movement known as “Labaik” that draws support mostly from Pakistan’s Barelvi majority, open a new chapter in the country’s sectarian violence, which until recently was driven largely by Deobandi groups.
The Road to Fascism: How the War in Ukraine is Changing Europe

As soon as I landed in Rome, I discovered that I was no longer able to access any Russian media whatsoever. Unfortunately, threats by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, that Europe should sever all links with “Russia’s propaganda machine” were taken seriously by the Italian government.
Cost Of Living And Energy Crisis In UK: Fear Of Civil Unrest This Winter: Says Times

Citing a leaked national strategy paper the Sunday Times reports: UK police fear a sharp rise in certain categories of crime and a risk of civil unrest this winter amid a cost of living and energy crisis.
The document compiled by police chiefs warns that “economic turmoil and financial instability” may lead to an increase in offenses such as shoplifting, burglary, vehicle theft, online fraud and blackmail. More children are likely to join drug gangs and more women may become subject to sexual exploitation.
Time to Rethink America’s Nuclear Strategy

How to Learn the Right Lessons From the Cold War
Late in the afternoon of Sunday, February 27, Russian President Vladimir Putin convened a group of senior Kremlin officials to witness an extraordinary public statement. Putin announced that he had taken the “unprecedented” step of ordering Russia’s nuclear warheads to be prepared for “special combat readiness.” Between Putin’s nuclear saber rattling and growing anxiety over the prospect of a military conflict with China over Taiwan, once arcane questions of nuclear strategy and deterrence have returned to the center of world politics.
Africa’s Ukraine Dilemma

Why the Continent Is Caught Between Russia and the West
As Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine enters its seventh month, many African countries have yet to show strong support for Kyiv, to the chagrin of Western leaders. In the early days of the conflict, after 17 African countries declined to back a UN resolution condemning Russia, several European diplomats assigned to African capitals made a grand show of browbeating African leaders for not taking a stand against the invasion. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, in particular, was the target of some strikingly undiplomatic tweets, with Riina Kionka, at the time the EU’s ambassador to Pretoria, writing that “we were puzzled because [South Africa] sees itself and is seen by the world as a country championing human rights.”
Muttaqi speaks with Lavrov after explosion at Russian Embassy in Kabul

Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi spoke with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov late Monday after an explosion outside the Russian Embassy in Kabul killed two embassy staff members earlier in the day.
Moartea asistată, ca drept uman? Interviu cu un medic din Elveția despre o procedură controversată: „Când oamenii nu mai suportă durerile, ce fac?”
Pe 23 august 2022, românul Eugen Marin Sabău, 46 de ani, a devenit primul deținut din Spania care a primit dreptul de a fi eutanasiat în spitalul penitenciar din Spania în care se afla. Libertatea a discutat cu dr. Erika Preisig din Elveția, care de mai bine de 15 ani asistă medical oameni care vor să moară.
Cum a oprit un cleric în vârstă de 92 de ani, în tăcere, alunecarea Irakului înapoi în război
Când o declarație a unui învățat religios din Iran a dus Irakul în pragul războiului civil săptămâna trecută, a existat un singur om care putea opri acest lucru: un cleric șiit irakian în vârstă de 92 de ani, care a dovedit încă o dată că este cel mai puternic om din țara sa, relatează Reuters.
Deteriorated Situations
Libya
Worst fighting in years broke out in capital Tripoli between forces loyal to rival govts, raising prospect of a return to full-blown war. Fighting 26-27 Aug raged across Tripoli as forces aligned with Tobruk-based House of Representatives (HoR)-appointed PM Bashagha failed to take control of capital and oust Tripoli-based govt of PM Dabaiba; 32 people reportedly killed and 159 injured. Flare-up followed days of escalating tensions between rival factions.