Fun Things to Do in Brussels during Summer: A Seasonal Guide

Europe, with its ancient cobblestone streets, majestic castles, and historic landmarks, is a continent steeped in rich history. From the bustling streets of Rome to the medieval charm of Prague, Europe’s past is a tapestry woven with countless threads of culture, conflict, and conquest. Understanding the intricate web of history that shaped the continent is essential to appreciating its diverse legacy. In this article, we delve into the fascinating history of Europe, taking a journey through the ages and unraveling the historical threads that have made it what it is today.

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Europe’s Diverse Legacy: Unveiling the Historical Threads

Europe’s history is a patchwork of diverse cultures, languages, and traditions. From the Ancient Greeks to the Vikings, from the Roman Empire to the Renaissance, each era has left its mark on the continent, creating a rich and varied legacy. The influence of these cultures can be seen in the architecture, art, and literature that still grace European cities today. From the ornate cathedrals of France to the palaces of England, Europe’s diverse heritage is a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of its people.

One cannot discuss Europe’s legacy without acknowledging the impact of its numerous conflicts. The continent has been the stage for some of history’s most significant wars and revolutions, from the Hundred Years’ War to the French Revolution and the two World Wars. These conflicts have shaped not only the political landscape but also the cultural identity of Europe. They have given rise to remarkable leaders, like Napoleon Bonaparte and Winston Churchill, whose legacies continue to resonate to this day. Europe’s history serves as a reminder of the importance of diplomacy, tolerance, and peace in maintaining stability and prosperity.

Journey Through the Ages: Exploring Europe’s Intricate Past

Embarking on a journey through Europe is akin to stepping into a time machine. Each country boasts a unique historical backdrop waiting to be discovered. Rome offers a glimpse into the grandeur of the Roman Empire, with its majestic Colosseum and iconic Pantheon. Greece takes us back to the birthplace of democracy and philosophy, with the ruins of the Parthenon standing as a testament to the intellectual prowess of its ancient civilization. Across the English Channel, the Tower of London stands as a symbol of power, intrigue, and royal history.

As we travel further east, we encounter the medieval wonders of Prague, with its fairytale-like castle and charming cobblestone streets. The romantic charm of Paris beckons with its world-famous landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Each city and region we visit adds a new layer to the tapestry of European history, offering a deeper understanding of the continent’s past and its profound impact on the present.

Europe’s rich tapestry of history is a testament to the incredible legacies left by its diverse cultures and the struggles it has endured. It is a continent that reflects the triumphs and tragedies of humanity. From the grand empires to the conflicts that shaped nations, Europe’s history continues to inspire and fascinate us. As we unravel the historical threads that make up this remarkable continent, we gain a deeper appreciation for the people, events, and ideas that have shaped our world today. So, whether you are a history enthusiast or a curious traveler, Europe offers an unrivaled journey through time that will leave you in awe of its fascinating past.

A rare 2,000-year-old coin was discovered in the Judean desert

By

Gaston de Persigny

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30 July 2023

It was found next to the entrance to a cave in the Ain Gedi nature reserve, with three pomegranates on one side and a cup on the other

A rare 2,000-year-old coin dating back to the time of the Judean-Roman Wars has been found in the Judean Desert, the Israel Antiquities Authority (ISA) said, citing the Israeli news agency TPS.

Three pomegranates are depicted on one side of the silver half-shekel coin, and a cup is depicted on the other. The words “Holy Jerusalem” are also written.

According to ISA, the coin dates from the year 66 or 67. Jews were under the rule of the Roman Empire, so the minting of coins was a defiant expression of national identity, the ISA said.

Only the Roman emperor had the right to mint coins, and Roman coins almost always depicted the reigning emperor and animals. Yaniv David Levi, a specialist in numismatics at the antiquities office, explained that the half shekel was a special tax that the Jews paid for the upkeep of the Temple and the procurement of animals for sacrifices.

“Coins from the first year of the revolt, like the one found in the Judean Desert, are rare,” Levy said. “During the time of the Second Temple, pilgrims paid a tax of half a shekel to the Temple. The accepted currency for the payment of this tax for nearly 2,000 years was the Tyrian shekel. When the first revolt broke out, the rebels issued these replacement coins which bore the inscriptions ‘Israeli shekel”, “half shekel” and “quarter shekel”.

Temple worship appears to have continued during the rebellion, and these coins were also used by the rebels for this purpose. The discovery was announced during the week of the Ninth of Av, a somber day for Jews commemorating the destruction of the First and Second Temples. This occurs on the ninth day of the Hebrew month of Av (July or August in the Gregorian calendar). During the holiday, which begins Wednesday night at sundown, Jews fast to commemorate the tragic events.

The coin was found while exploring caves in the Judean Desert. It was discovered next to the entrance of a cave in the Ain Gedi nature reserve, which is located near the Dead Sea. “Obviously there was a rebel who wandered the desert rocks and dropped the precious half shekel treasure, and fortunately we were able to find it 2,000 years later and return it to the public,” said archaeologist Haggai Hamer.

Heatwave threat impacts half of all children in Europe and Central Asia

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30 July 2023

Heatwave threat impacts half of all children in Europe and Central Asia

This is expected to rise to all children in 2050, according to Regina De Dominicis, UNICEF Regional Director Europe and Central Asia.

She said countries there are feeling the heat of the climate crisis, and children’s health and well-being are suffering the most

“The multitude of negative implications on the current and future health of such a significant proportion of the region’s children must be a catalyst for governments to urgently invest in mitigation and adaptation measures,” she added.

Children at risk

The report said children are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of heatwaves as their core temperatures rise significantly higher and faster than adults’, putting them at risk of serious illness including heatstroke.

Furthermore, heatwaves also affect children’s education by hampering their ability to concentrate and learn.

While children are uniquely vulnerable to the impact of heatwaves, UNICEF noted that most adults experience heat differently, making it hard for parents and caretakers to identify dangerous situations or symptoms of heat-related illness in children.

In recent years, heatwaves in Europe and Central Asia have become more frequent with no signs of abating, and the frequency is set to increase even further.

The report warned that under the most conservative estimates of global temperature increase at 1.7 degrees Celsius, a concerning future awaits boys and girls in the region. By 2050, every child is predicted to experience high heatwave frequency.

Approximately 81 per cent of children will be subjected to prolonged periods of intense heatwaves, while 28 per cent will encounter even more severe heatwave conditions.

Beat the heat

To protect children, UNICEF outlines six recommendations for Governments across Europe and Central Asia.

They include incorporating heatwave mitigation and adaptation into climate-related commitments and disaster risk reduction and disaster risk management policies, keeping children at the centre of all plans.

Governments should also invest in primary health care to support prevention, early action, diagnosis, and treatment of heat-related illness among children, including training community health workers and teachers.

They can further invest in national climate early warning systems, carry out local environmental assessments, and support emergency preparedness and resilience building initiatives.

UN missions battle old and emerging threats to protect civilians

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30 July 2023

UN missions battle old and emerging threats to protect civilians

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Climate change and conflict

Briefing the Security Council, Lt. Gen. Mohan Subramanian, Force Commander of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) recalled when dykes collapsed in Unity State in October 2022, leading to flash floods not seen in nearly six decades, displacing over 170,000 people to the provincial capital Bentiu.

If left unaddressed the floods could have led to the death of over 40,000 IDPs (internally-displaced persons) he said, adding that the breach was detected by a dyke monitoring patrol.

“Even heavy engineering equipment could not reach the breach, but UNMISS personnel – civilian and military – and the local community stood there, in a human chain; reached the breach, filled sandbags and closed the breach,” he said.

Their actions saved at least 40,000 lives, Lt. Gen. Subramanian added.

He also described practical aspects of the UNMISS protection mandate, which includes engagement with the Government and national forces, including joint deployments in potential conflict areas; short and long-term patrols; and when required, deployment of quick reaction forces to protect those in need.

Damaging disinformation

Lt. Gen. Otávio Rodrigues De Miranda Filho, Force Commander of the UN Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), told ambassadors that the Mission’s primary concern is the country’s weak justice system and lack of capacity of its security forces.

The level of impunity is too high, he said, adding that illegal armed groups often target civilians and the most vulnerable in a “cycle of retaliatory violence.”

He said it was vital to raise the issue of protection with political leaders, establish safe civilian spaces, deploy air assets and conduct joint operations with national forces, where possible.

The Force Commander also described evolving new threats, especially the spread of disinformation, which has endangered civilians and also provoked attacks against peacekeepers.

Manipulation through the information domain has eroded support, making it much more difficult to carry out patrols in the protection of civilians, he said, adding, “we must understand that we are going to operate in a hostile environment with a high possibility of armed confrontation.”

Enabling dialogue

Maj. Gen. Aroldo Lázaro Sáenz, Head of Mission and Force Commander of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), said that at present, there is no clear imminent physical threat to civilians, and the Force’s focus is on prevention.

That is best achieved through robust deployment across the area of operation, situational awareness, and dialogue and engagement with the parties to the conflict, he said, noting the establishment of a tripartite forum.

This is the only venue where Lebanese and Israeli forces can meet and address security concerns.

“The forum is the cornerstone of UNIFIL’s coordination and liaison mechanisms and a vital platform for de-confliction, confidence-building and conflict-prevention between the parties which remain technically at war,” he said.

He also highlighted UNIFIL’s liaison branch of unarmed observers, who are deployed north and south of the Blue Line and maintain regular contact with the Israel Defense Forces and Lebanese Armed Forces on the ground.

About the Missions

UNMISS was established by the Security Council in 2011, following South Sudan’s independence from Sudan, to help maintain peace and stability at the time when the young nation faced significant internal conflicts and humanitarian challenges. As of June 2022, the Mission’s total personnel – civil and uniformed – numbered 17,954, including 13,221 troops and 1,468 police.

MONUSCO, which stands for UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, was established by the Security Council in 2010, to help address the complex and ongoing conflicts in the DRC and to help stabilize the region. It is one of the largest and most complex peacekeeping operations in the world. Its total personnel, as of February, stands at 17,753, including 12,379 troops, 1,597 police, and 330 staff officers.

Established in 1978, UNIFIL’s primary mandate is to ensure peace and security along the Blue Line, the delineation of the Israel-Lebanon border. It also supports humanitarian assistance to those in need. As of November 2022, the Mission is composed of about 10,000 military and 800 civilian personnel.

Cambodia: UN rights chief regrets ‘severely restricted’ poll and opposition clampdown

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29 July 2023

Cambodia: UN rights chief regrets ‘severely restricted’ poll and opposition clampdown

In a news release issued by his Office, Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, denounced “constant shrinkage” in Cambodia’s democratic space in recent years, which he said is undermining citizen’s fundamental freedoms and their right to participate in the public square.

In the lead up to the elections, Cambodia’s National Election Committee disqualified two leading opposition political parties and, immediately prior to polling day, authorities ordered internet service providers to block social media accounts of three media organizations which they deemed critical of the Government, OHCHR said.

“Opposition political parties, activists, members of the media and others have faced numerous restrictions and reprisals that appear intended to curb political campaigning and to hinder the exercise of fundamental freedoms essential for free and fully participatory elections,” said Mr. Türk.

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‘A chilling effect’

The UN rights chief also expressed concerns that the restrictions and other intimidatory measures, including some physical attacks, created a “chilling effect”, depriving people of credible news and information sources needed to make informed choices.

According to media reports, Cambodia’s longtime ruling party, led by incumbent Prime Minister Hun Sen, won an overwhelming number of seats in what was practically an uncontested election.

Multiple news outlets also reported on Wednesday that Hun Sen had announced he will resign and hand over power to his son, who is also the country’s army chief, in early August.

‘Address shortcomings’

Mr. Türk called on the Government to address the shortcomings and hold dialogue with all political parties and civil society actors to create an enabling and inclusive civic space for all Cambodians.

“A vibrant strong and inclusive democracy that nurtures and respects a plurality of voices and opinions is fundamental to ensuring the respect and protection of human rights and is key to peaceful social and economic development,” he said.

He also urged Cambodian authorities to boost participation of marginalized groups, including women, indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and youth, to foster a more inclusive and representative democracy.

Türk calls on Israeli Government to ‘heed the calls of the people’ over judicial reform

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29 July 2023

Türk calls on Israeli Government to ‘heed the calls of the people’ over judicial reform

Volker Türk said he had been “following developments closely” in Israel, where parliamentarians supporting the hard-line nationalist Government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu passed a bill on Monday which in effect strips the Supreme Court of its power to block Government decisions.

Opposition parties boycotted the vote which came after seven months of protests which have exposed a deep rift in Israeli society broadly along the religious-secular divide. Demonstrators said they would continue their action, claiming the country’s whole democratic future is at stake.

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Alliance ‘for the defence of democracy’

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said that “people from across society have been demonstrating peacefully, building alliances for the defence of democracy and fundamental freedoms.”

He described the protests as an effort to “preserve the democratic space and constitutional balance so painstakingly built in Israel over many decades. It demonstrates the extent of public disquiet at the extent of fundamental legislative changes.”

With just the first stage in the proposed legislative changes now on the statute books, Mr. Türk noted that petitions have already been filed before the Supreme Court itself, which supporters hope will quash the legislative effort.

‘Space to decide’

He said it was “essential that the Court is afforded full space to decide the questions before it, according to due process of law, and free from political pressure or interference from any other quarter.”

He said the “movement” against the parliamentary bid to curb court powers, was based on “people who have put their trust in the enduring value of an independent judiciary to effectively hold the other branches of Government to fundamental legal standards and – ultimately – protect the rights of all people.”

During visit to Greece, UN official calls for enhanced refugee protection

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29 July 2023

During visit to Greece, UN official calls for enhanced refugee protection

During the visit, Ms. Triggs mentioned that one of the worst shipwrecks in the Mediterranean happened just over a month ago.

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Protecting refugee rights

“The Pylos tragedy and the other devastating tragedies in the Mediterranean underscore the primacy of saving lives and protecting the rights of people forced to flee. This was my message to the authorities,” she said.

She emphasized the criticality of safeguarding access to territory and asylum, ensuring a predictable and well-coordinated search-and-rescue system, and the need for responsibility-sharing and solidarity measures among States.

Ms. Triggs also raised concern about reports of summary forced returns, stressing the urgency of effective investigations and measures for prevention and remediation.

Noting that Greece and other countries at the external borders of the European Union (EU) face significant pressures in responding to irregular movements, she reiterated “the need to move towards a border and asylum management system that works for all States, while ensuring that those who seek asylum can access it and refugees are protected.”

Safe pathways for refugees

Beyond the EU, she advocated for addressing the root causes and drivers of displacement through a routes-based approach and providing robust assistance to countries of origin and transit.

Ms. Triggs cited the establishment of the National Emergency Response Mechanism for Unaccompanied Minors as a best practice for the protection of children, and the relocation of unaccompanied children from Greece to various countries across Europe, as an example of responsibility-sharing in action.

She also highlighted the need for safe pathways and schemes for refugees and migrants to offer alternatives to the perilous journeys they often undertake.

Integration efforts in Greece

During her time in Greece, Triggs also visited a refugee centre and heard directly from asylum-seekers hosted there.

While efforts have been made to improve conditions, the centre remains a highly securitized environment, leading to difficulties for asylum-seekers and refugees, particularly in accessing crucial services like healthcare and psychological support.

Ms. Triggs also met with civil society organizations, discussing the essential services they provide and the difficulties they have.

She conveyed UNHCR‘s “praise for the dedication and hard work of NGOs in Greece” and renewed the agency’s commitment to support civil society in its activities for the protection of refugees.

While appreciating Greece’s efforts to enhance refugee integration in line with its National Integration Strategy, which enable 68,000 refugees to contribute to the communities hosting them, Triggs urged that these initiatives continue.

Such efforts include providing access to employment, addressing skills gaps, and streamlining documentation and procedural requirements for refugees.

A Journey through Art Movements: From Impressionism to Pop Art

By

Charlie W. Grease

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29 July 2023

A Journey through Art Movements: From Impressionism to Pop Art

Art movements have marked significant shifts in the way artists have approached aesthetics, subject matter, and techniques throughout history. Each movement has been influenced by its predecessors and has paved the way for new artistic possibilities. Amongst the vast array of art movements, Impressionism and Pop Art stand out as two key movements that shaped the course of art in the 19th and 20th centuries. In this article, we will explore these two movements and their impact on the art world.

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I. Impressionism: Capturing the fleeting essence of life

Impressionism emerged in the late 19th century in France as a reaction against the rigidity of traditional academic painting. Led by artists such as Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Edgar Degas, Impressionism focused on capturing the fleeting essence of a moment rather than precise detail. The movement sought to depict the effects of light and color, often using loose brushwork and a vibrant palette.

Impressionists broke away from the constraints of the studio and ventured outdoors to depict contemporary subjects. They embraced fleeting moments, often painting landscapes, cityscapes, and scenes from everyday life. The emphasis on capturing the immediate experience gave their works a sense of spontaneity and freshness that had not been seen before in the art world.

However, Impressionism faced much resistance from the conventional art establishment, which criticized the loose brushwork and lack of academic precision. Despite this initial backlash, Impressionism soon gained recognition and had a profound impact on the art world. Its emphasis on light, color, and spontaneity paved the way for modern art, influencing movements such as Post-Impressionism and Fauvism.

II. Pop Art: Embracing popular culture and consumerism

In the mid-20th century, Pop Art emerged as a response to the consumerist and mass media-driven society of the post-World War II era. Led by artists like Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and Claes Oldenburg, Pop Art celebrated the popular culture and mass-produced objects of everyday life.

Pop artists embraced imagery from advertising, comic books, and mundane objects. They often used bold colors, strong graphic elements, and techniques borrowed from commercial printing processes. Through their art, they aimed to blur the boundaries between high and low culture, challenging the traditional notions of what was considered valuable or worthy of artistic representation.

One of the most influential figures of Pop Art, Andy Warhol, famously created works featuring iconic figures such as Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, and Campbell’s soup cans. Through his signature silk-screening technique, Warhol replicated these images many times, reflecting the mass-produced nature of consumer culture.

Pop Art gained widespread popularity and challenged the elitist nature of the art world by celebrating the mundane and the everyday. It marked a departure from the introspection of abstract expressionism and brought art into the realm of popular culture. The movement’s influence can still be felt today, with contemporary artists often incorporating aspects of popular culture in their works.

In conclusion, both Impressionism and Pop Art have had a significant impact on the art world, pushing boundaries, and challenging conventions. Impressionism revolutionized the way artists approached light, color, and capturing fleeting moments, while Pop Art brought popular culture into the realm of high art. These two movements demonstrate the ever-evolving nature of art and its ability to reflect and respond to the society and culture it exists within.

The Mystery of the Blood Falls

By

Gaston de Persigny

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29 July 2023