South Africa Grants Putin and BRICS Leaders Diplomatic Immunity for Summit

By Patrick Wintour | The Guardian

South Africa has issued blanket diplomatic immunity to all leaders attending an August summit, meaning Vladimir Putin might be able to travel to Johannesburg and not fear the country acting on an international criminal court warrant for his arrest.

Violent Clashes Trigger Fears of New War in Europe

By Bojan Pancevski | The Wall Street Journal (free)

U.S. and European diplomats are rushing to contain spiraling violence at the heart of Europe and prevent a fresh conflict on a continent shaken by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Brazil’s Congress Weakens Pro-Environment Ministries in a Rejection of Lula

By Fabiano Maisonnave | Associated Press (free)

 Brazil’s Congress has stripped powers away from the country’s new Ministry of Indigenous Peoples and Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, both led by women environmentalists. It’s a rejection of the priorities of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who took office in January,

More from WPR: In Brazil, Lula’s Green Agenda Is Putting Him in a Political Bind

Ukraine Says it Downed 36 Russian Missiles and Drones

By Pavel Polityuk | Reuters (registration required)

Ukrainian forces in Kyiv said on Friday they shot down 36 Russian missiles and drones in and around the capital overnight, with two people injured by falling debris before authorities lifted air raid alerts across most of the country.

Protests Erupt in Senegal After Opposition Leader Is Sentenced to Prison

By Elian Peltier | The New York Times

A court in Senegal sentenced the country’s leading opposition figure to two years in prison on Thursday after finding him guilty of “corrupting youth,” prompting scores of protesters to take to the streets, and clash with security forces throughout the country.

More from WPR: Senegal’s Democratic Credentials Have Taken a Beating Under Macky Sall

Jordan’s Crown Prince Weds Scion of Saudi Family in Ceremony Packed With Stars and Symbolism

By Isabel Debre | Associated Press (free)

The celebrations hold deep significance for the region, emphasizing continuity in an Arab state prized for its longstanding stability and refreshing the monarchy’s image after a palace feud. It even could help resource-poor Jordan forge a strategic bond with its oil-rich neighbor, Saudi Arabia.