Ukraine-Russia War: Visits From Japan & China; Pakistani Government and Imran Khan;

Haiti's Surge in Gang Violence; Iraq: 20 Years Post US Invasion

Over the last many years, WACA has been proud to share a weekly publication of world news updates enjoyed by Council members and friends across the country, including by many Academic WorldQuest participants in preparation for the national competition. As we prepare for this year's national competition in late April, we wanted to be sure you knew that we'll be ending the publication of the Weekly World News Update with the March 29 edition. Recent editions of the Update will still be used for this year's competition, and we're excited to circle back in the months ahead with plans for Academic WorldQuest in 2024 and beyond.

In the meantime, we invite you to check out these and other news digest publications to stay informed about global affairs and a wide range of international issues and topics:

• Reuters Weekend Briefing
• Council on Foreign Relations Daily Brief
• Daily Chatter
• ABC World News This Week podcast

Ukraine-Russia War: Zelenskyy Focuses On Bakhmut

“Ukraine's Zelenskyy, With An Eye on the West, Warns of Perils of Allowing Russia Any Battlefield Victory" Ramy Inocencio, Omar Abdulkader & Tucker Reals, CBS News – March 29, 2023

“Bakhmut Battle 'Badly Damaged' Wagner Group" Deutsche Welle – March 29, 2023

“Zelenskyy Discusses Need to Win Fight for Bakhmut" Voices of America – March 29, 2023

Israel Delays Judicial Overhaul

"Israel and the Debate Over the Role of the Judiciary in Democratic Government" Elliott Abrams, Council on Foreign Relations – March 16, 2023

“The 3 Big Questions Facing Israel After Netanyahu Delays Judicial Overhaul" Jonathan Guyer, VOX News – March 28, 2023

“Netanyahu Government Makes First Climbdown on Plan to Weaken Israel's Judiciary” Hadas Gold, CNN – March 20, 2023

NATO: Hungary Approves Finland, What About Sweden?

“Hungary Has Approved Finland Joining NATO. But Its Delays Raise Deeper Concerns" Petr Tuma, Atlantic Council – March 28, 2023

"Hungary Says 'Grievances' Hold Up Ratification of Sweden's NATO Accession" Krisztina Than, Reuters– March 29, 2023

"Finland's NATO Membership: What's Next?" Associated Press – March 27, 2023

Second Democracy Summit Set to Start Amid Criticism

"Biden Starts Democracy Summit With $690M Pledge for Programs" Aamer Madhani, Associated Press/The Hill – March 29, 2023

"Biden's 'Democracy Summit' Poses Questions for EU Identity" Jaap Hoeksma, EU Observer – March 29, 2023

"US to Open Democracy Summit as Russia, China Launch Diplomatic Offensive" France 24 – March 27, 2023