World roundup: July 26 2023

Stories from Iran, Cambodia, Ukraine, and elsewhere

PERSONAL NOTE: Since I’ve been keeping you all updated about my dad’s health struggles I wanted to let you know that he passed away peacefully late last night, surrounded by family. I will miss him more than I can say but I’m glad he’s no longer suffering. Thanks to everyone who’s reached out with kind thoughts and messages. I can’t reply to all of them but know that they’ve been greatly appreciated. In terms of the newsletter I think I may take some time off over this weekend to decompress and there will probably be some periods in the coming months where I need to take time here or there to help my mom make arrangements and that sort of thing. But I will try to keep those interruptions to a minimum One thing this experience has shown me is how much I’ve come to appreciate having this newsletter as an outlet and that’s only possible because of you folks so you have my deep gratitude.

TODAY IN HISTORY

July 26, 657 (give or take): The Battle of Siffin

July 26, 1847: A constitutional convention in the Commonwealth of Liberian adopts a declaration of independence and constitution establishing the Republic of Liberia as an sovereign nation. Annually commemorated as Liberian Independence Day.

INTERNATIONAL

In today’s global news:

• Worldometer is tracking COVID-19 cases and fatalities.

• The New York Times is tracking global vaccine distribution.

MIDDLE EAST

SYRIA

A Russian jet attacked another US drone with flares in Syrian airspace on Wednesday. This is apparently the sixth time a Russian pilot has threatened a US drone over Syria this month, or at least it is if you accept that it’s possible to “threaten” a gadget, and is the second such incident in as many days. The drone was damaged but not destroyed, but cannot be identified until its loved ones have been informed about the incident.