The article emphasizes the importance of diplomacy, especially on the European Day of the Righteous, highlighting the contributions of diplomats like Luca Attanasio and Dag Hammarskjöld in preventing conflicts and promoting peace. It underscores the role of the European Parliament in establishing this day and honors various historical figures who have made significant contributions to diplomacy and humanitarian efforts. The article also discusses the proposal to create a garden of the Righteous in Rome, aiming to promote the stories of those who have saved lives through diplomatic means.

The article narrates the experiences of Russians and others traveling between Russia and Europe amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine and COVID-19 restrictions. It highlights the challenges faced due to travel bans, the atmosphere in Russia, and the personal stories of various travelers. The narrative includes critical views on the Russian government's travel restrictions and the impact of international sanctions, while also touching on the broader geopolitical context.

Riccardo Bottazzo's book 'Le isole dei sogni impossibili' is a rich collection of stories about fifty islands, both real and imaginary, inhabited and abandoned, that share the human attempt to dominate them to create a new world. The book includes tales of revolutionaries, despots, entrepreneurs, and ecologists, as well as fictional islands created by journalists and projects funded by tech entrepreneurs like Peter Thiel. The narrative also touches on the tragic death of anti-mafia prosecutor Marcelo Pecci in Colombia, illustrating the fragility of our dreams.

The documentary 'Žica' by Croatian director Tiha K. Gudac explores the impact of the barbed wire border between Croatia and Slovenia on both migrants and local communities. The film follows the journey of two migrants, Mohammed and Omar, and highlights the artificial separation and environmental devastation caused by the border. Local residents, including those living along the Kupa River, express their opposition to the barbed wire, which has disrupted their lives and community unity. The documentary is part of the 'Borderline' project and has received recognition at various film festivals. The text also discusses the broader context of migration in the Balkans and the challenges faced by migrants, including violence, exploitation, and environmental hazards.

The summer of 2021 in Greece is marked by devastating wildfires from Athens to Evia and the Peloponnese, destroying hundreds of thousands of acres. The government under Kyriakos Mitsotakis faces criticism for its authoritarian tendencies and for contributing to the country's privatization. Despite the extreme vulnerability, local initiatives are emerging to rewrite the present. The olive industry, a vital economic sector, is in structural crisis, with the majority of Greek oil sold in bulk to Italy at low prices. The reconstruction from the fires is being outsourced to private multinationals, raising concerns about the impact on native flora and fauna. The privatization trend extends to real estate, with foreign investment continuing despite the pandemic. The Port of Piraeus, now controlled by China COSCO Shipping Corporation Limited, has seen improvements, but concerns remain about the balance of benefits. Poverty in Greece has become rampant, with incomes plummeting and a significant portion of the population unable to afford basic expenses. Stories of hope and opportunity arise from the crisis, such as Joanne Dimis-Dimitrakakis, who turned a family home into a guest house and is working to revitalize abandoned villages with responsible tourism.

Between 2017 and 2020, Bulgaria conducted numerous counterterrorism operations resulting in the arrest of dozens of individuals, none of whom were proven to be linked to Islamic extremism. These operations, often funded by the EU, are criticized for being more about political and financial gain than genuine security concerns. The article highlights the corruption within Bulgarian institutions, particularly the State Agency for National Security, and the misuse of anti-terrorism laws to target minorities and political dissidents. The case of Mohammed Abdulqader, arrested on dubious terrorism charges, exemplifies the broader issues of abuse and lack of transparency in Bulgaria's counterterrorism efforts.

Reflecting on the effectiveness of Holocaust remembrance, the article critiques the current state of memorial practices and proposes three concrete actions to enhance genocide prevention. These include appointing an Italian advisor to work with the UN and EU, producing annual human rights reports, and establishing an independent human rights agency in Italy. The article emphasizes the importance of addressing contemporary hate and learning from historical atrocities to prevent future genocides.

Ariel Sharon, born in Kfar Malal to a Lithuanian Jewish family, had a long and controversial career in both military and politics. He began his Zionist activism at a young age and quickly rose through military ranks. Sharon commanded Unit 101, known for its brutal operations, including the Qibya massacre in 1953, where 69 Palestinians were killed. His political career included roles as Minister of Agriculture, Defense, and Foreign Affairs, and he was a key figure in the establishment of Israeli settlements. Sharon was indirectly involved in the Sabra and Shatila massacre and was removed from his Defense Minister position by an Israeli inquiry commission. He later became the leader of the Likud Party and Prime Minister, initiating the construction of the West Bank barrier. Sharon's visit to the Temple Mount in 2000 was seen as a provocative act that contributed to the start of the Second Intifada. He fell into a coma in 2006 and passed away on January 11, 2014.

Scarlett Johansson has become the Global Brand Ambassador for SodaStream, an Israeli company facing international protests for its factory located in an Israeli settlement in the Occupied Territories. The company is criticized for environmental damage, human rights violations, and exploiting Palestinian labor. Organizations like Legambiente, WWF, and Oxfam Italia have distanced themselves from SodaStream. Despite the controversy, Johansson, who is of Jewish descent, remains enthusiastic about the partnership, which will be featured in an upcoming Super Bowl ad.

Erich Priebke, a former SS captain convicted to life imprisonment for the Ardeatine Caves massacre, has died at the age of 100. His lawyer, Paolo Giachini, announced his death and mentioned that Priebke left a written interview and a video as his 'human and political testament'.

Joshua Evangelista challenges the Italian media's simplistic and arrogant coverage of the Gezi Park protests in Turkey. He clarifies that not all Turkish people oppose Erdogan, who is seen by many as a reformer. The Gezi Park protesters are not a homogenous group and their actions should not be romanticized or demonized. The protests have evolved, with political parties and movements co-opting the genuine protests. Evangelista also criticizes the idolization of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk by the media, despite his oppressive cultural policies. He concludes by supporting the genuine protesters who dream of a truly democratic and uncensored Turkey.

The Connecticut Senate has approved the abolition of the death penalty with a vote of 20 to 16. The bill now moves to the House, controlled by the Democratic Party, where it is expected to pass. If approved, Connecticut will become the fifth state in the last five years to abolish the death penalty, following New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, and Illinois. Governor Daniel Malloy has announced his intention to sign the bill, which would replace the death penalty with life imprisonment, making Connecticut the 17th state to abolish capital punishment.