World roundup: March 17 2023

Stories from Egypt, Pakistan, Russia, and elsewhere

Happy St. Patrick’s Day to those who are celebrating!

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

Denmark’s Refugee Appeals Board decided on Friday that it’s now safe to repatriate Syrian refugees to northwestern Syria’s Latakia province. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees reacted by calling the board ruling “concerning” and arguing that there is as yet no basis to justify repatriating refugees to any part of Syria. To be sure the UN isn’t infallible, but given that the Danish government has taken criticism in the past over its desperation to kick Syrian refugees out of the country I think I’m going to go with the UN on this one.