Western countries

Falafel: from ancient origins to global delight

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Falafel: from ancient origins to global delight

– Falafel likely originated in Egypt, possibly eaten by Copts as a replacement for meat during Lent.
– Initially made from fava beans and called ‘ta’amiya’, chickpeas became a common substitute as it traveled across the Middle East.
– Falafel’s journey from Egypt to the Levant and beyond showcases the exchange of culinary traditions.
– Falafel became popular in Western countries in the latter half of the 20th century due to growing interest in vegetarian and international cuisines.
– Falafel is celebrated globally as a dish that transcends its origins and symbolizes global cuisine.
– Falafel’s global ascent is a story of cultural identity and exchange, bringing people together across cultural divides.

Why the American-Anglo-Canadian plan of 1978 failed

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Why the American-Anglo-Canadian plan of 1978 failed

The Soviet Union influenced Akel to reject a solution plan proposed by the US, UK, and Canada for the Cyprus problem in 1976. The Soviet Union did not want the Cyprus problem to be solved by a US initiative, as it would strengthen the US’s prestige in the region and maintain tension in Greece-Turkey relations.

As wealth inequality rises in Cyprus both people and democracy suffer

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As wealth inequality rises in Cyprus both people and democracy suffer

Cyprus households have a median net wealth of €200,400 in 2021, with the top 10% holding 46.1% of the net wealth. Wealth inequality is increasing, with the Gini coefficient for wealth distribution rising. Inheritance and bequests are a major factor in explaining wealth inequality. Returns to capital have grown faster than returns to labor, leading to greater wealth accumulation by households owning capital. High wealth inequality has profound socioeconomic effects and political consequences in shaping election outcomes and policies.

Georgian parliament passes ‘foreign agent’ bill amid protests

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Georgian parliament passes ‘foreign agent’ bill amid protests

Georgia’s parliament passed a “foreign agents” bill in its final reading, which now goes to President Salome Zourabichvili for approval. The bill requires organizations receiving over 20% of their funding from abroad to register as foreign agents. Critics have compared the bill to Russian legislation and have called for further protests. The European Union has warned that the bill could hinder Georgia’s integration with the bloc. Despite opposition, the ruling party in Georgia insists that the bill is necessary for transparency and to combat foreign influence.

‘No unsolvable problems’ between Turkey and Greece

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‘No unsolvable problems’ between Turkey and Greece

Fact: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during talks in Ankara that there were “no unsolvable problems” between their countries.

Greece extends naval advisory to deter Russian oil ship-to-ship transfers

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Greece extends naval advisory to deter Russian oil ship-to-ship transfers

The Greek navy has extended an advisory to ban ship traffic off the coast of the southeastern Peloponnese to prevent ship-to-ship transfers of Russian oil. International sanctions have made trading Russian oil difficult, leading to vessels avoiding cargo and vessel checks by Greek authorities in offshore transfer points. The advisory is aimed at deterring such activities and may be extended further to push away ship-to-ship transfers close to Greek waters.

UK house prices inch up as high rates squeeze buyers

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UK house prices inch up as high rates squeeze buyers

British house prices increased by 0.1% in April compared to the previous month and were 1.1% higher than a year earlier.

Israel intensifies strikes on Gaza’s Rafah ahead of threatened invasion

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Israel intensifies strikes on Gaza’s Rafah ahead of threatened invasion

Israel has increased airstrikes on Rafah, killing at least six Palestinians, as part of their ongoing conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Israeli forces are preparing for an all-out assault on Hamas holdouts in Rafah, despite warnings from allies about potential mass casualties. Residents are fleeing the area, seeking safety in nearby locations, but many are uncertain about where to go. The conflict has resulted in significant civilian casualties and displacement, with the war now in its seventh month. Israel has vowed to eradicate Hamas, with the conflict showing no signs of abating.

Our View: Politicians can, ’t resist the urge to engage in drug alarmism

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Our View: Politicians can, ’t resist the urge to engage in drug alarmism

Politicians and media tend to blow matters related to drug use out of proportion, despite the fact that statistics do not support the idea of a drug problem in schools. In the past three years, the Drug Squad sent an average of one student per public school to detox programs each year, indicating that the issue may not be as widespread as portrayed. Youth often agree to participate in these programs as a condition for not being charged, rather than because they are addicts in need of help.

Iran’s foreign minister downplays drone attack, says Tehran investigating

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Iran’s foreign minister downplays drone attack, says Tehran investigating

Iran’s foreign minister downplayed an overnight attack on Iran, stating that there was no proven link to Israel. The attack involved drones that were downed after flying only a few hundred meters. Iranian media described the incident as an attack by “infiltrators” rather than by Israel. The attack targeted an Iranian Air Force base near Isfahan but did not cause major damage. Israel had previously said it would retaliate after a strike on April 13, but as of now, there has been no word on further action. The ongoing violence between Israel and Iranian proxies has raised fears of escalation into a direct conflict.