July 28, 2021
Nord Stream 2 Pipeline Agreement; The Biden Administration Meets with Foreign Dignitaries; Tension in Tunisia; Bolsonaro Backlash; Tales of Climate Change; Jailed Opposition Leaders; Genocide Denial Banned
Quotes of the Week
"I have to do what’s right for me and focus on my mental health and not jeopardize my health and well-being. That’s why I decided to take a step back."  

-- Simone Biles brings attention to mental health challenges that athletes, especially this year's Olympic contenders, are facing. 

"It's O.K. to not be O.K." 

-- Naomi Osaka on prioritizing her mental health and the importance of other athletes doing the same.  

Photos: TIME
Nord Stream 2 Pipeline Agreement 
“Germany, U.S. Strike Nord Stream 2 Compromise Deal” Deutsche Welle, July 21, 2021 

“In Nord Stream 2 Fight, Ukraine Gives EU Taste of Its Own Bureaucracy” David Herszenhorn -- Politico, July 26, 2021 

“U.S.-German Nord Stream 2 Deal Wraps in Russia” MK Bhadrakumar -- Asia Times, July 26, 2021 

“Nord Stream 2 Is Far from a Done Deal” Maria Shagina -- The Moscow Times, July 27, 2021 

The Biden Administration Meets with Foreign Dignitaries   
“Biden Says U.S. Combat Mission in Iraq to Conclude By Year End” Robert Burns; Aamer Madhani; Qassim Abdul-Zahra -- Associated Press, July 27, 2021 

“Biden Announces End of Combat Mission in Iraq as He Shifts U.S. Foreign Policy Focus” Kevin Liptak; Maegan Vazquez -- CNN, July 26, 2021 


“U.S.-China Relations: Beijing Lays Down Red Lines for First Time in Sherman Meeting” Sarah Zheng -- South China Morning Post, July 26, 2021 

“U.S. Envoy Visits Saudi Arabia as Yemen War Heats Up” James Reinl – The National News, July 27, 2021 

Photo: CNN
Tension in Tunisia
“The First and Now the Last Best Hope of the Arab Spring Is at Risk” Bobby Ghosh -- Bloomberg, July 27, 2021 

"Kais Saied's Power Grab in Tunisia" Sharan Grewal -- Brookings Institution, July 26, 2021 

"Tunisia Police Storm Al Jazeera Office in Tunis" Al Jazeera, July 26, 2021 


"Alight in Tunisia: A Democracy in Crisis" The Economist, July 27, 2021 

Photo: Al Jazeera
Bolsonaro Backlash
 
 
"Brazilian Faith in Bolsonaro Presidency Declining Fast" Elena Lazarou -- Chatham House, July 22, 2021 
 
"The Bolsonaro Method: A Slow-Motion Attack on Democracy" Afonso Benites; Carla Jiménez; Felipe Betim; Marina Rossi; Naiara Galarraga Gortázar; Regiane Olivera; Jamil Chade -- El País, July 23, 2021 

Photo: The Guardian
Tales of Climate Change
Jailed Opposition Leaders
“Kremlin Critic Alexei Navalny's Website Blocked By Regulator Before Election” Andrew Osborn; Vladimir Soldatkin – Reuters, July 26, 2021 

 
“Nicaragua Arrests 7th Presidential Contender in Nov. 7 Vote” Associated Press, July 24, 2021 


"The Age of Zombie Democracies" Kenneth Roth -- Foreign Affairs, July 28, 2021

Photo: Reuters
Genocide Denial Banned
“Top International Official In Bosnia Criminalizes Genocide Denial” Predrag Zvijerac -- Radio Free Europe, July 23, 2021