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Israel has placed journalist Amal Khalil under surveillance, citing security concerns that mirror the circumstances surrounding the 2022 death of Shireen Abu Akleh. The development signals a possible escalation in the state’s approach to media personnel operating in contested areas.Renewed Scrutiny of Journalists After Abu Akleh’s KillingThe Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced a formal assessment of Khalil’s activities following a series of reports linking her to alleged propaganda efforts. Officials claim the review is "standard procedure," but critics argue it reflects a broader pattern of intimidation.Who Is Amal Khalil? Background and AllegationsAge: 32, Palestinian journalist based in East Jerusalem.Affiliation: Freelance correspondent for several Arab‑language outlets.Accusations: Accused of “inciting violence” through social‑media posts during recent protests.Legal and Diplomatic Repercussions for IsraelInternational watchdogs, including the Committee to Protect Journalists, have called for an independent inquiry. If Israel proceeds with formal charges, it could face:Potential sanctions from the European Union.Increased scrutiny from the United Nations Human Rights Council.Strained relations with the United States, which has urged “respect for press freedom.”Impact on Press Freedom in the RegionThe episode may deter journalists from covering protests and human‑rights abuses, reinforcing a climate of self‑censorship. Local media outlets have reported a rise in “security briefings” that advise reporters on how to avoid “unnecessary attention” from security forces.Outlook: What Comes Next for Media Workers in Israel‑Palestine?Analysts predict a two‑track scenario: intensified monitoring of high‑profile journalists paired with diplomatic pressure to uphold international media standards. The next six months will likely see:Legal challenges filed by press‑freedom NGOs.Possible revisions to Israel’s “media‑security” guidelines.Heightened advocacy from foreign governments demanding transparency.

The Lead: Historic Trial Marks New Era for SyriaSyria has begun its first public trial of officials who served under longtime leader Bashar al-Assad, 15 years after the start of the civil war. Trial proceedings opened in Damascus on Sunday for Atef Najib, the former head of political security in southern Syria's Deraa province, who is accused of overseeing a violent crackdown on protesters during the 2011 uprising.The Accusations: Crimes Against the Syrian PeopleNajib, who is a cousin of al-Assad, faces charges related to "crimes against the Syrian people," according to Syria's state-run news agency, SANA. He was the sole defendant in court for Sunday's preparatory session of the trial set to continue next month. Charged in their absence are Al-Assad and his brother, Maher, former commander of the Syrian military's 4th Armoured Division. Along with other former high-ranking security officials also charged in absentia, they are accused of killings, torture, extortion and drug trafficking.The Catalyst: From Deraa Uprising to Civil WarNajib oversaw political security in Deraa when teenagers who scrawled antigovernment graffiti on a school wall were arrested and tortured, in a case that became a catalyst for the broader uprising. Further protests were met by a brutal government crackdown and spiralled into a 14-year civil war that ended with al-Assad's overthrow in December 2024 in a lightning rebel offensive. Al-Assad then fled to Russia, and most members of his inner circle have also escaped Syria.The Justice Process: Transitional AccountabilityThe government of interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has faced criticism over delays in launching a promised transitional justice process following the civil war, in which an estimated half a million people were killed. But authorities now appear to be moving more aggressively to prosecute officials linked to al-Assad. On Friday, Syrian authorities arrested former intelligence officer Amjad Yousef, the main suspect accused of the 2013 Tadamon massacre in Damascus, when at least 41 people were killed. In 2022, a leaked video appeared to show Youssef shooting civilians who had been detained and blindfolded, with their hands bound.The Public Response: Victims Seek ClosureCrowds gathered outside the court on Sunday in celebration, as families of victims, including some from Deraa, attended the session. Speaking to Al Jazeera Mubasher, a spokesman for Syria's Justice Ministry said holding the trial in public was important to ensure transparency and judicial independence as part of the transitional justice process.The Future Outlook: Accountability and ReconciliationThis trial represents a significant step in Syria's post-conflict transition, signaling the new government's commitment to addressing human rights abuses committed during the Assad era. While many high-ranking officials remain at large, the prosecution of lower-level officials like Najib could pave the way for more comprehensive transitional justice measures. The public nature of these proceedings may also help address the demands of victims' families for accountability, though the long-term success of Syria's transitional justice process will depend on its ability to address widespread atrocities while promoting national reconciliation.

The Unseen Threat: Landmine Crisis Persists in Post-Truce YemenDespite a ceasefire agreement in April 2022 that largely stopped fighting between Yemen's government and Houthi forces, the country continues to face a deadly crisis from landmines and explosive remnants of war. These hidden "sleeping killers" have turned fields, roads, and villages into areas of ongoing danger, claiming the lives and limbs of civilians, particularly children, long after the formal cessation of hostilities.Personal Stories of Loss and SurvivalIn August 2023, 13-year-old Enaya Dastor was tending to her goats near her village in central Yemen's Taiz governorate when she stepped on a landmine. The explosion resulted in the amputation of her left leg, leaving her with a lifelong disability. "Landmines are sleeping killers, waiting for the innocents to step on them or move them without caution. That is how they wake up to shed blood and take human souls," Dastor told Al Jazeera.Similarly, Mohammed Mustafa lost his left leg in a landmine explosion in Taiz's Maqbna district in 2018 when he was just 20 years old. After a five-hour ambulance ride to reach medical care, he awoke in the hospital to find his leg amputated up to the knee. Despite his injuries, Mustafa has rebuilt his life as a member of the Yemeni Amputee Football Federation, a father, and a small business owner.Alarming Statistics of Child VictimsThe scale of the landmine crisis is particularly devastating for Yemen's youngest population. According to Save the Children, landmines and explosive remnants of war have killed at least 339 children and injured 843 since the 2022 truce. The organization found that nearly half of child casualties related to the conflict were due to these hidden explosives.A 2022 study by Yemeni human rights groups revealed that 534 children and 177 women were killed by mines between April 2014 and March 2022. Additionally, 854 children, 255 women, and 147 elderly people were injured during the same period across 17 Yemeni provinces, with Taiz recording the highest number of incidents. In the first half of 2025 alone, 107 civilians were killed or injured, most of them children, including five who died while playing football on a dirt field in Taiz.De-mining Efforts Face Significant ObstaclesDespite ongoing de-mining efforts, Yemen faces numerous challenges in addressing the landmine crisis. Project Masam, a de-mining team funded by Saudi Arabia, reported removing 549,452 mines, unexploded ordnance, and improvised explosive devices by March 2026, clearing explosives from 7,799 hectares of land. The Danish Refugee Council has cleared more than 23,302 square meters of Yemeni land from mines and explosive remnants.However, Adel Dashela, a Yemeni researcher focusing on conflict and peace building studies, highlights several obstacles to effective de-mining: "The mines have been planted indiscriminately in different areas, and some of the territories are under the control of different armed groups, which makes them inaccessible to de-miners." Other challenges include the lack of clear maps, shortage of qualified local personnel, and insufficient modern equipment for detecting explosives. Additionally, natural phenomena like the flash floods Yemen experienced in August 2025 can sweep explosives from one area to another, complicating clearance efforts and exposing more people to risk.Humanitarian Crisis Without ResolutionThe persistence of landmines in Yemen represents a complex humanitarian crisis that extends beyond the physical dangers they pose. The presence of these explosives prevents displaced families from returning to their homes, disrupts agricultural activities, and hinders economic recovery in affected areas. For many survivors like Enaya Dastor, the physical injury is accompanied by the loss of home and community, as her family was forced to flee their village and has not returned since the explosion.The landmine crisis also reflects the broader challenges of post-conflict recovery in Yemen, where no final peace agreement has been reached to end the war that began in 2014. Without a comprehensive political solution, the country remains divided, making coordinated de-mining efforts and long-term recovery planning extremely difficult.Hope Amidst Crisis: Survivors Determined to RebuildDespite the devastating impact of landmines on their lives, many Yemeni survivors demonstrate remarkable resilience and determination to rebuild their futures. Enaya Dastor, who lost her leg at age 13, remains focused on her education and aspirations: "Today, I am in tenth grade, and I will finish high school in two years. After that, I will enrol in law college and will graduate as a lawyer. I want to defend those who face injustice.""The injury has changed how I move or walk, and separated my family from our home," Dastor said. "But it cannot disable my mind or stop my dreams." Her determination, along with the efforts of de-mining organizations and the international community, offers a glimmer of hope for Yemen's future, though the path to a mine-free country remains long and uncertain.

The LeadA United States federal court has blocked the administration of United States President Donald Trump from deporting a woman and her five children following their release from immigration detention. Hayam El Gamal and her five children, ranging in age from five to 18 years old, had been held for 10 months prior to their release earlier this week following a judge's order.The Legal Battle Over Family DetentionBut just days after returning to their home in Colorado, immigration authorities again detained the family on Saturday and sought to swiftly deport them, according to their lawyer. "The Trump administration has kidnapped the El Gamal family in violation of a federal court order from the Western District of Texas, which ordered them Thursday not to detain or remove the family from the United States," a statement from the family lawyers, shared by lawyer Eric Lee, said.Lee said shortly after that US District Judge Fred Biery, who ordered the family's initial release on Thursday, had granted an emergency order on Saturday barring their removal. The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to Al Jazeera's request for comment.The Context of Extended DetentionThe Trump administration has at times flouted court orders barring it from deporting people from the US, pushing a hardline approach that critics say has defied legal constraints. That has come amid a wider campaign to restrict immigration, legal and illegal, particularly from non-Western countries.Hayam El Gamal and her children were detained by the Trump administration after her former husband, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, attacked a group of people in Boulder, Colorado, as they gathered in support of Israeli captives held by the Palestinian armed group Hamas in June 2025. An 82-year-old woman later died from injuries sustained during the incident.Soliman's family condemned the attack and denied any knowledge that it was going to take place, with NBC News reporting that El Gamal divorced her husband soon after his arrest. An FBI agent also testified under oath that there was no evidence that the family, who have not been charged with any crimes, was aware of the father's plan.Human Rights Concerns and Legal ImplicationsTheir nearly yearlong detention by the Trump administration has been described by the family's lawyers and several lawmakers as an illegal and cruel effort to punish the family for an act they did not commit. Following Soliman's arrest, the White House, in a post on X, said it would seek to immediately expel the family, whose lawyers have said are in the process of applying for asylum after coming to the US on tourist visas from Egypt."Six One-Way Tickets for Mohamed's Wife and Five Kids. Final Boarding Call Coming Soon," the White House post said. The family has experienced deteriorating health and been denied proper medical care while in detention, according to their lawyers. Earlier in April, El Gamal was hospitalised due to a medical emergency related to an untreated growth on her chest, they said.Immigration rights groups have noted that it is typically illegal to detain children for extended periods of time. In a statement earlier this week, US Senator Dick Durbin, a Democrat, said the Trump administration's motives would be clear if they sought to re-detain the family despite the judge's order to release them."If, despite the judge's recommendation, the Department of Homeland Security still objects to the release of an innocent woman and her five children, we know exactly why that is the case," Durbin said. "It is not because they present any danger to the community or a flight risk. It is because they are immigrants – Arab Muslim immigrants at that."Future of Immigration Policy and Legal ChallengesThe case of the El Gamal family highlights the ongoing tensions between the Trump administration's hardline immigration policies and legal constraints. With the administration continuing to push for restrictions on immigration from non-Western countries, similar legal battles are likely to emerge. The family's lawyers have indicated they will continue to fight the detention in court, setting a potential precedent for how the administration handles similar cases in the future.

The LeadFrance has defended its decision to abstain from a UN resolution addressing the slave trade, explaining its position on the matter. The diplomatic move has drawn attention and sparked discussion about France's stance on historical and contemporary human rights issues.France's Diplomatic Position ExplainedFrench officials have clarified the reasoning behind their abstention during the United Nations vote on a resolution concerning the slave trade. While the specific details of their explanation were not fully detailed in the initial report, such diplomatic decisions typically involve complex considerations of national interests, historical context, and current international relations.International Reaction to the AbstentionThe international community has responded with varying reactions to France's decision. Some nations and human rights organizations have expressed disappointment, viewing the abstention as a failure to fully commit to addressing the ongoing issue of modern slavery and human trafficking. Others may understand the nuanced position, particularly when considering France's historical relationship with slavery and colonialism.Historical Context of France and SlaveryFrance's relationship with slavery is complex, dating back to its colonial history. The country was involved in both the transatlantic slave trade and the system of slavery in its colonies. In recent years, France has taken steps to acknowledge this history, including laws requiring the teaching of colonial history and the recognition of slavery as a crime against humanity. However, these efforts remain sensitive topics in French society and diplomacy.Future Implications for French DiplomacyThis abstention may signal shifts in France's approach to international human rights issues, particularly those touching on sensitive historical matters. It could also impact France's relationships with other nations, both within the UN and in bilateral diplomacy. The decision may reflect broader trends in international relations where historical accountability and contemporary human rights concerns intersect in complex ways.

The Rise of Take Back PowerEve Middleton was sitting on a picnic blanket in a park, sharing out vegan biscuits with six fellow activists, when she saw a squad of police bearing down on them. About 30 officers, she said, surrounded the seven young people, and one officer told them: "Don't run or you'll be cuffed." Another officer focused on gathering evidence. "Whose Oreos are these?" they asked, seizing the biscuits."It was pretty farcical, but it's still frightening when you see that amount of officers running towards you. It's pretty scary," said student Bridie Leggatt, another of the seven.The seven activists had gathered for a "nonviolence training event" – meeting in the park to enjoy the sunny weather. Leggatt, 22, and Middleton, 25, were among 13 people arrested last weekend in Salford and London as part of a national police crackdown on a new civil resistance group called Take Back Power.The Campaign of Mass ShopliftingA further 15 arrests had been made in March when police raided a "nonviolence training" event, this time at the Grade II-listed Quaker House in Westminster. They were all held on suspicion of conspiracy to commit theft, police said, linked to Take Back Power's campaign of "mass shoplifting" in supermarkets across Britain in a protest against inequality.On TikTok, the group's videos show activists of all ages "liberating" rice, pasta, beans, nappies, stock cubes and tinned fruit from supermarkets in Cornwall, London and Manchester. They pile the goods into cardboard boxes branded with the message: "These things are going to those who need them." The items are then distributed at local food banks – if they manage to get past security.Even by today's standards of shoplifting, when supermarket thefts have reached record highs, the mass looting is quite brazen.The Financial Impact on SupermarketsSteph Parker, an assistant chief constable at Greater Manchester police, said forces would take "robust action to disrupt this type of organised criminality and it will not be tolerated".Another of those arrested last weekend, who would only give his name as Mark, said mass shoplifting would have "no real effect" on supermarkets who make billions of pounds in profit."Supermarkets are profiting off other people's misery and we can't put up with that," said Middleton, pointing out that Tesco's chief executive, Ken Murphy, was paid £9.2m last year, about 400 times that of the shop's typical worker.What about the effect on low-paid staff? Will they not risk losing their jobs if mass shoplifting has an effect on company profits?"It shouldn't be staff that get cut," said Mark, 44, who works in education. "What should get cut are the obscene profits and salaries of the chief executives."The Changing Landscape of ActivismMany of those involved with the group are seasoned activists – despite being in their early 20s – having taking part in actions with Extinction Rebellion, Just Stop Oil, Animal Rising and other groups in recent years. Neither Middleton or Leggatt wanted to say how many times they had been arrested as they feared a telling off from their parents.Take Back Power announced itself in December when activists threw custard and apple crumble at a case containing the crown jewels at the Tower of London. Eight people were charged with criminal damage over the stunts, with four due to appear before Westminster magistrates court on Monday. The group said a total of 50 people had been arrested since December, with the majority detained while taking part in "nonviolence training" events.On its website, activists are invited to join upcoming action in London "targeting the luxury lifestyle of the super-rich" by "occupying where they play and shop".A spokesperson for Take Back Power, who would only give his name as James due to the risk of arrest, said the group planned further headline-grabbing stunts this year with the aim of focusing attention on Britain's deepening inequality.The Future of Civil ResistanceJames said the organisation, which wants to see higher taxes levied on the rich and a legally binding citizens' assembly, has no leader "as such". It has raised more than £65,000 in donations in the past four months, according to a fundraising page.The vegan picnic raided by police last weekend was in Salford's Peel Park – named after Sir Robert Peel, the founder of modern law enforcement whose philosophy of "policing by consent" is a guiding principle of forces today, recognising that those in uniform operate on the basis of public trust rather than fear or force.Yet the arrests of activists at a training event – rather than for a specific act – appears to run counter to that principle, said Middleton. Parliament's joint committee on human rights has condemned legislative changes in recent years that it said have had "a chilling effect" on the right to protest in England and Wales.James, the Take Back Power spokesperson, said the group planned to build up its action with the aim of pushing inequality to the top of the agenda by the next general election, which has to be held by August 2029.Middleton believes the police crackdown is a sign that the authorities are scared."They can see that Take Back Power does speak to a lot of this country's people [who are] fed up with inequality. They are scared of what it could become."

The NBA's African DilemmaAs the NBA enters its postseason crescendo, its carefully cultivated image as one of the most progressive leagues in sports is once again in the spotlight due to its partnership with Rwanda, which has long been accused of human rights abuses and war crimes. The recent withdrawal of a Rwandan basketball team from the Basketball Africa League (BAL) after U.S. sanctions targeting Rwanda's military has raised serious questions about the league's relationship with the African nation and its controversial president.Sanctions and Team Withdrawal: What HappenedIn March 2026, the Trump administration announced sanctions targeting Rwanda's military and four senior officials for its role in abuses and military aggression in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Shortly after the announcement, one of the top teams competing in the Basketball Africa League – a premier continental league co-founded by NBA Africa – suddenly withdrew from the competition.Armée Patriotique Rwandaise Basketball Club (APR), a prominent Rwandan basketball club owned and funded by the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), announced it would no longer participate in the 2026 BAL season. The team's ties to Rwanda's sanctioned military created significant compliance risks for the NBA, a U.S.-based organization operating under American sanctions regulations.The NBA's Growing Relationship with RwandaThe NBA's relationship with Rwanda officially began in August 2015, when some of the top coaches from the league hosted a basketball camp in Kigali as part of the Giants of Africa program. The partnership has since deepened significantly:2016: Rwandan President Paul Kagame attended an NBA Africa luncheon with league commissioner Adam Silver2018: Kagame delivered a keynote speech at a reception hosted by the NBA in New York City2021: Rwanda secured hosting rights for the inaugural BAL season2023: Kagame's former aide Claire Akamanzi was appointed CEO of NBA Africa2025: Visit Rwanda announced a multi-year sponsorship agreement with the Los Angeles Clippers2026: Kagame attended the NBA All-Star Game and met with top NBA officialsHuman Rights Concerns and League ResponseServing as the de facto ruler of Rwanda since 1994, Kagame has drawn international praise for ending the Rwandan genocide but has also been accused of ruling with an iron fist, allegedly committing severe human rights abuses both within Rwanda and beyond its borders. These include forced disappearances, assassinations of political opponents, torture, and state-imposed censorship.Despite these concerns, the NBA has continued to deepen its ties to Rwanda. When questioned about the relationship, NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum defended the league by stating that the NBA follows "the lead of the U.S. government as to where it's appropriate to engage in business around the world." After the withdrawal of the RDF-funded APR, the BAL replaced the team with RSSB Tigers, owned by the Rwanda Social Security Board.Future of NBA's African PartnershipsFor now, the NBA remains in compliance with U.S. foreign policy, which has so far targeted only Rwanda's military and a handful of officials. However, the league's relationship with Rwanda and Kagame poses potential risks down the line. As international scrutiny of human rights issues in Rwanda continues to grow, the NBA may face increasing pressure to reconsider its partnerships in the region.The situation highlights the complex balancing act global sports organizations face when expanding into markets with controversial political regimes. While the NBA has positioned itself as a leader in social justice initiatives in the United States, its African partnerships reveal the challenges of maintaining consistent values across different political contexts.

The LeadThe Venice Biennale, one of the world's most prestigious art exhibitions, has taken a bold stance by announcing its jury will withhold awards from artists from countries whose leaders face war crimes charges. This decision, seemingly aimed at Russia and Israel, represents a significant intersection of art and international justice, potentially reshaping how cultural institutions respond to geopolitical conflicts.The Jury's Human Rights CommitmentThe five-member jury of the Venice Biennale has declared its commitment to "the defence of human rights," continuing the vision established by Koyo Kouoh, the Swiss-Cameroonian curator who was appointed to lead the 2026 edition before her death last year. In a formal statement, the jury announced it would refrain from considering artists from countries whose leaders have been charged with crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court (ICC).The jury is responsible for selecting winners of the prestigious Golden and Silver Lion awards among the 110 artists participating in the event, which opens on May 9. This decision places art at the center of international political discourse, using cultural recognition as a tool for diplomatic pressure.The International Legal ContextThe ICC has issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin over alleged war crimes committed against children in Ukraine, and for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. These legal developments have created a complex backdrop for the Venice Biennale, which has historically maintained a degree of political neutrality.Mayor of Venice Luigi Brugnaro confirmed that the jury had sent his council a letter stating they were unable to give awards to artists whose governments were under investigation by the ICC. Brugnaro emphasized that this was "an independent choice which we respect, just as the biennale is independent in choosing to have these pavilions."The Impact on International Relations and Cultural DiplomacyThis decision has significant implications for international cultural diplomacy. The Venice Biennale has faced intense criticism for allowing Russia to reopen its pavilion at the event, which runs until November 22. The controversy has escalated to the European level, with the European Commission announcing plans to terminate or suspend its €2m (£1.73m) grant for the exhibition due to Russia's participation.Italy's far-right government has also clashed with the biennale over Russia's reintroduction. Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli noted that the decision had been made "entirely independently by the Biennale Foundation, despite the Italian government's opposition." This tension highlights the growing divide between political institutions and cultural organizations in addressing international conflicts.The decision also reflects a broader shift in how cultural institutions are responding to geopolitical crises. Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the biennale condemned the aggression and banned access to that year's event for anyone linked to the Kremlin. While Russia was never formally barred from participating, the country was absent from the 2022 and 2024 editions.The Future of Cultural Institutions in Geopolitical ConflictsAs the Venice Biennale moves forward with this controversial stance, it sets a precedent for how major cultural institutions might navigate politically charged environments. The jury's decision to prioritize human rights considerations over diplomatic neutrality represents a significant evolution in the relationship between art and politics.Ukrainian government officials have urged organizers to reconsider Russia's participation, arguing that the biennale must not become "a stage for whitewashing ... war crimes." This perspective has gained traction among various international cultural figures who see art institutions as having a responsibility to take positions on human rights issues.The Venice Biennale now faces the challenge of balancing artistic freedom with political responsibility while maintaining its status as a premier international art exhibition. The biennale has 30 days to respond to the European Commission's funding concerns, adding further complexity to this already delicate situation.

The Diplomatic DemandIreland has taken a significant diplomatic stance by formally demanding that Israel pay compensation for the demolition of a Palestinian school carried out by Israeli settlers. This move represents a notable escalation in Ireland's position on Israeli-Palestinian relations and reflects growing international concern over settler activities in occupied territories.Details of the School DemolitionThe incident involves the destruction of a Palestinian educational institution in the West Bank, allegedly carried out by Israeli settlers. Ireland's demand for compensation underscores the international community's increasing scrutiny of settler violence and property destruction in Palestinian territories. Such incidents have been a persistent point of tension in the region, with international organizations frequently documenting human rights concerns related to settler activities.International Response and Legal ImplicationsIreland's demand places additional pressure on Israel to address settler violence and could have broader implications for international law regarding occupied territories. The move aligns with Ireland's traditionally strong support for Palestinian rights and its critical stance on Israeli settlement policies. This diplomatic action may encourage other European nations to take similar positions, potentially leading to coordinated international pressure on Israel.Regional Impact on Israeli-Palestinian RelationsThis development adds another layer of complexity to already strained Israeli-Palestinian relations. The demand for compensation could affect diplomatic channels and international perceptions of Israel's policies in the occupied territories. It may also influence ongoing discussions about a two-state solution and the role of international actors in mediating the conflict.Future Outlook for Diplomatic EngagementAs international attention on settler activities intensifies, Israel may face increased diplomatic and potentially economic consequences. Ireland's move could set a precedent for other nations to demand accountability for settler actions, potentially leading to more formal international mechanisms for addressing such incidents. The coming months will likely see continued diplomatic pressure, with implications for Israel's international standing and relations with European nations.