Latin American startups have seen significant growth, with the number backed by venture capital more than doubling between 2020 and 2023. In 2021, these startups attracted around $16bn in investment, matching the previous decade's total. The pandemic accelerated startup activity as people sought online services. SoftBank's $5bn fund for Latin America, launched in 2019, played a crucial role in this growth, encouraging other funds to invest in the region.

Shinzo Abe, Japan's prime minister, faces significant challenges both domestically and internationally. He must navigate complex negotiations with President Donald Trump regarding North Korea and trade tariffs while dealing with multiple scandals at home. These scandals involve allegations of cronyism and cover-ups within his administration, leading to public protests and calls for his resignation. Despite his achievements in economic growth and international relations, Abe's handling of the bureaucracy and concentration of power in the prime minister's office have drawn criticism. The article highlights the mixed legacy of Abe's tenure, marked by both successes and controversies.

Sarah Birke discusses the challenges she faced as a pregnant woman taking up a new role as Tokyo bureau chief for The Economist. She contrasts the manageable stress of her situation with the bafflement and assumptions of the Japanese people she encountered, who questioned the decision of her company to appoint her given her pregnancy, assuming she would not return to work post-childbirth.

The article discusses the challenges faced by young Arabs, particularly focusing on Muhammad Fawzy, a 21-year-old engineering student at Cairo University. Despite the demand for technical graduates, Fawzy is pessimistic about his job prospects and the ability to support his family, which also affects his prospects for marriage. The article explores the broader context of youth unemployment, political repression, and the aftermath of the Arab Spring. It highlights the demographic explosion, high youth unemployment rates, and the trend of migration. The article also touches on the changing attitudes towards education, gender equality, and religious beliefs among young Arabs. It concludes by examining the potential for radicalization due to disenchantment and lack of opportunities, while noting that most young Arabs do not support extremist groups like IS.

The article provides an in-depth look at the situation in Raqqa, Syria, under ISIS control. It details the intensification of bombings by the United States and its allies, the strategic importance of Raqqa, and the brutal governance by ISIS. The piece highlights the suffering of civilians, the oppressive rules imposed by ISIS, and the complex dynamics involving various rebel groups and international actors. It also discusses the challenges faced by the local population, the role of foreign fighters, and the impact of American airstrikes on ISIS's ability to govern. The article concludes by reflecting on the lack of viable alternatives for the people of Raqqa, caught between the brutality of ISIS and the Assad regime.

The article provides an in-depth analysis of how ISIS governs the territories it controls, particularly focusing on Raqqa in Syria. It details the group's hierarchical structure, strict enforcement of sharia law, and the impact of US-led airstrikes on its governance. The piece also explores the reasons behind ISIS's rapid recruitment, the local population's response to its rule, and the broader geopolitical dynamics involving the US, Syrian regime, and other rebel groups. Despite its brutal tactics and oppressive rule, ISIS has managed to maintain control through a combination of repression and pragmatic governance.

The article examines the governance and control mechanisms of ISIS in Raqqa, Syria, highlighting the group's brutal enforcement of sharia law, hierarchical organization, and the impact of US-led airstrikes. It discusses the strategic importance of Raqqa, the role of foreign fighters, and the local population's response to ISIS rule. The piece also explores the broader geopolitical context, including the involvement of the US-led coalition, the Syrian regime, and other rebel groups.

The article explores how ISIS has established and maintained control over Raqqa, transforming it into the de facto capital of its self-declared caliphate. It details the group's brutal enforcement of sharia law, the administrative structures it has set up, and the impact on local residents. Despite initial support from some locals due to the end of corruption and chaos, ISIS's rule is characterized by severe repression and fear. The article also discusses the challenges faced by the US-led coalition and the Syrian regime in combating ISIS, and the difficulties for locals in resisting the group's control.

The article explores how ISIS has established and maintained control over Raqqa, Syria, transforming it into the de facto capital of its self-declared caliphate. It details the group's brutal enforcement of sharia law, its administrative structure, and the impact of US-led coalition airstrikes. The narrative highlights the fear and repression faced by Raqqa's residents, the strategic importance of the city, and the complex dynamics between ISIS and other factions in the region. Despite its governance failures, ISIS remains a dominant force due to the lack of viable alternatives for many Sunnis in Syria.

The article discusses the significant impact of the Islamic State of Iraq and Greater Syria (ISIS) on the Syrian war since its emergence in April last year. ISIS, linked to al-Qaeda, has imposed strict sharia law, committed atrocities, and fought against rival militias, including the killing of a foreign journalist. The group's actions have forced the US and European allies to reconsider their strategy in Syria, including possible engagement with the Assad regime and the Islamist Front. ISIS's rapid expansion has been facilitated by foreign fighters and funding, particularly from the Gulf. The group's presence has shifted the focus from ousting Assad to dealing with the security threat posed by ISIS. The article also touches on the local and international dynamics affecting the conflict, including Turkey's role in allowing jihadists to cross into Syria and the West's shifting stance towards a political solution. Mike King is the journalist who wrote the article.

The article delves into the profound impact of the Syrian Civil War on the country's national identity and pride, which was once rooted in its rich history, culture, and geopolitical stance. It discusses the destruction of cities, heritage, and the social fabric, as well as the immense human cost of the conflict, with tens of thousands killed, including activists, doctors, and children. The article highlights the humiliation and suffering of Syrians, the international community's inadequate response, and the complex dynamics of loyalty and opposition within the country. It explores the moral degradation on both sides of the conflict, the rise of extremism, and the shared aspirations of Syrians for a cohesive, tolerant society. The article also criticizes the role of foreign powers in exacerbating the conflict and suggests that the resolution is not solely in the hands of Syrians but requires an international effort.

The U.N. Security Council's decision to impose a no-fly zone over Libya was met with celebration in Benghazi, the stronghold of the Libyan opposition. The revolutionaries, who had previously been wary of outside intervention, embraced the decision as Col. Muammar al-Qaddafi's forces advanced, threatening to crush the rebellion with superior firepower.