world

For George Packer, the American author and journalist born in 1960, among others for the New Yorker, the American century lasted just 65 years, from the end of World War II to the withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2010. This thesis is presented in his book The end of the American century not even explained, justified or dealt with in detail. But this period roughly corresponds to the life dates of the American diplomat Richard Holbrooke (1941-2010).

According to Sudanese sources, the armistice agreement between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces includes the exit of militants from hospitals and the repair of facilities.

The sources pointed out that the agreement provided for “double control” of the land and air through satellites and drones.

The city of Jeddah is witnessing indirect talks between envoys of the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces, sponsored by Saudi Arabia and the United States, discussing a ceasefire, extending the armistice, and opening humanitarian corridors in Sudan.

Sudan has been in turmoil since fighting broke out between the army and the Rapid Support Forces in mid-April.

The battles killed 705 people and injured at least 5,287 people, according to the World Health Organization.

Since midnight last night, the areas south and east of Omdurman city witnessed clashes with heavy and light weapons between the two parties to the conflict.

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said Zubi had been asked “to help ease tensions in the conflict in Ukraine, in the hope that the pope can start paths of peace, something he has never given up.”

“The timing and modalities of this mission are being studied,” he added in a note.

The Vatican statement came in conjunction with the meeting of the G7 leaders in Japan with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and their renewal of their support for Ukraine, which has been under Russian attack since February 2022.

Pope Francis spoke for the first time regarding a possible mission upon his return from a visit to Hungary last month, telling reporters: “There is a mission that is currently being worked on, but it has not been announced yet,” without giving further details.

It is worth noting that Zubi, 67, was elected president of the Italian Episcopal Conference last year, and he belongs to the Sant’Egidio Catholic Association that specializes in diplomacy and peace efforts.

Inflation, rising costs, climate crisis: All of this casts a long shadow over different areas of life in Austria. A current study by the IMAS research institute commissioned by Gardena shows that more and more people are starting to grow their own vegetables, fruit and herbs.

Self-sufficiency in trend

The results of the study clearly show that more and more Austrians are planting fruit, vegetables and herbs themselves. In this context, three quarters of those surveyed stated that they at least grow chives, parsley and other kitchen herbs. In the fruit and vegetable sector, tomatoes lead the popularity list with 72 percent, closely followed by various types of berries. Salads, peppers and cucumbers are also cultivated particularly frequently.

Various arguments are given as reasons for self-sufficiency. A vast majority of respondents believe that homegrown fruit, vegetables and herbs simply taste better in comparison. Knowing how the plants are treated and also avoiding fertilizers and pesticides by growing them yourself are cited by around 69 percent of those surveyed as reasons for their commitment to gardening. Far more than half – 63 percent – of the study participants also attach importance to the fact that home-grown food is of a seasonal nature.

Cultivation in your own garden as a contribution to climate protection

Almost half of those surveyed (49 percent) are convinced that their behavior in the garden can make a small contribution to climate protection. The topic of resource consumption also plays an important role. More than two thirds (68 percent) are convinced that using water sparingly in the garden can make a significant contribution to environmental protection. Despite the increasing popularity of self-sufficiency – also driven by price increases in retail – only a few Austrians can cover their own needs with food they grow themselves. In summer, the share of own fruit and vegetables, measured in terms of total consumption, is an average of 33 percent.

Time for friends and family in the countryside

In addition to the topic of self-sufficient gardens, the study participants were also asked regarding other reasons for using their gardens, balconies and terraces. In times of crisis, the answer of 78 percent of those surveyed was that the garden and terrace are even more important than places to relax. A large number of people (56 percent) would therefore also like to have more time to spend time in the countryside. Spending a lot of time with friends and family in the countryside is very important to Austrians overall.