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West's Ukraine response exposes 'double standards': Amnesty

Outrage over Russia's invasion of Ukraine last year has exposed the West's "double standards" towards human rights abuses throughout the world, Amnesty International said on Tuesday.

In its annual world report for 2022, Amnesty pointed to what it described as the West's silence on Saudi Arabia's rights record, repression in Egypt and Israel's treatment of the Palestinians.

Amnesty says the Ukraine conflict has exposed 'double standards' towards human rights abuse elsewhere

Rwanda opponent arrives in Qatar after release from jail: diplomats

Rwanda opposition figure Paul Rusesabagina, who inspired a Hollywood movie on the country's genocide, arrived in Qatar on Monday, three days after being released from prison, diplomats said.

The 68-year-old, whose 25-year jail term was commuted by President Paul Kagame, was to undergo medical checks and rest before flying to the United States on Wednesday, the diplomats told AFP.

"He needs care but will fly on to the US on Wednesday," said one Doha-based diplomat following the case.

Paul Rusesabagina, who inspired film "Hotel Rwanda", was freed from prison after more than 900 days behind bars

Biden raises tone, if only a notch, after Israel protests flare

Since entering the Oval Office, Joe Biden has been eager to avoid a replay of what he saw as an unpleasant episode from his time as vice president -- public brawling with Israel's pugnacious prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.

Now as the US ally plunges into turmoil over Netanyahu's divisive bid to shake up his country's judiciary, the Biden administration has been raising its tone, if only by a notch.

Protesters gather with national flags outside Israel's parliament in Jerusalem against the hard-right government's controversial push to overhaul the justice system

Crisis-hit Tunisia urges 'more understanding' from Europe

Tunisia on Monday called for "constructive discourse" from the European Union after a string of leaders warned the country is facing a crisis that could impact the 27-member bloc.

In a statement after meeting EU Economy Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni in Tunis, Foreign Minister Nabil Ammar said he had "invited the European side to show more understanding of this particular phase through which our country is going".

He also called on Europe "to adopt a responsible and constructive discourse reflecting the reality" in the country.

Humza Yousaf: Scotland's first Muslim leader

Humza Yousaf, the first Muslim leader of a major UK political party, faces an uphill battle to revive Scotland's drive for independence following the long tenure of his close ally Nicola Sturgeon.

The new and youngest Scottish National Party (SNP) leader, 37, says his own experience as an ethnic minority means he will fight to protect the rights of all minorities -- including gay and transgender people.

Humza Yousaf vowed to lead "the generation that delivers" Scottish independence

After clocks confusion, Lebanon to shift to summer time

Lebanon's caretaker government moved Monday to clear up widespread confusion over daylight saving that left the crisis-hit country with two time zones and growing concerns over sectarian divisions.

Daylight saving time will now start "at midnight on Wednesday to Thursday", caretaker prime minister Najib Mikati said, noting the need for "a period of 48 hours to fix technical issues".

Lebanon had been scheduled to roll clocks forward by one hour last weekend -- but authorities then announced in a surprise move late last week that the switch would be delayed by about a month.

Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati has sought to clear up the time zone confusion

'Witnessing catastrophe': Iraq preserves memories of IS reign

The horrors they endured under the Islamic State group may be in the past for the people of Iraq, but the traumatic memories remain.

Now a research project is recording their witness testimonies for posterity.

Omar Mohammed, founder of the Mosul Eye project, rose to prominence during the IS reign by bravely sharing news via Twitter from inside the city under jihadist rule.

Years later, he wants to make sure nothing is forgotten.

An Iraqi woman shares memories of what she endured under the Islamic State group, during a filmed interview with members of the Mosul Eye project

Fearing Palestinian attacks, Israelis seek security in guns

Pistol shots ring out and carbide lingers in the air at the gun range of an Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank, as Tomer Gal completes the final stage of his firearms licence assessment.

Like many Israelis increasingly fearful of surging violence in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Gal decided to get a gun licence -- a lengthy process that firebrand National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has sought to rapidly fast-track.

Increasingly fearful of surging violence, some Israelis decided to get a gun licence

Biden widens net in new democracy summit as Russia, China concerns grow

The United States on Tuesday opens its second Summit for Democracy with its eyes firmly on the rest of the world, seeking a united front against authoritarianism as Russia attacks Ukraine and as China launches a diplomatic offensive.

President Joe Biden took office pledging to champion democracy, and in his first year made good with the inaugural summit, which sought to reaffirm US leadership after his predecessor Donald Trump eroded democratic norms and the attack on the Capitol.

US President Joe Biden, who is holding his second democracy summit, holds a joint press conference with Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Ottawa on March 24, 2023

Saudi, Iranian foreign ministers plan to meet during Ramadan

The Saudi and Iranian foreign ministers have vowed to meet before the end of the holy month of Ramadan to implement a landmark reconciliation deal, the two countries said Monday.

Saudi Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, held their second phone call in less than a week and discussed "a number of common issues... in light of" the surprise agreement brokered by China announced on March 10, the official Saudi Press Agency reported.

A combination photo shows the flags of Iran (L) and Saudi Arabia (R)