balances

Kharkiv, Ukraine — On a frigid Friday morning, as children climbed the steps from Lyceum No. 105 — an underground school purpose-built to shield them from Russian airstrikes — municipal crews were out in force. They hacked at ice, scooped slush, and scrubbed sidewalks clean. The joke among Ukrainians about Kharkiv’s devotion to well-groomed streets survives even here, under constant threat from the sky. The city authorities have had little rest since February 2022. Vladimir Putin’s forces have pounded Ukraine’s…

U.S. walks diplomatic tightrope on Somalia unity after Israel’s North Western State of Somalia move WASHINGTON — The United States reaffirmed its support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity after Israel’s surprise decision on Dec. 26 to recognize North Western State of Somalia as an independent state, a move that jolted regional diplomacy across the Horn of Africa. In comments to the BBC, a U.S. State Department spokesperson said Washington maintains a “good working relationship” with North Western State of…