At the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, countries expressed concerns about human rights violations in Australia, particularly regarding refugees, asylum seekers, the minimum age of criminal responsibility, inequality faced by First Nations people, and climate change. Australia was urged to take concrete steps to address these issues, including ending inhumane treatment of refugees, raising the age of criminal responsibility, addressing First Nations inequality, and increasing efforts to meet emissions reduction goals. While Australia was praised for some positive developments, the focus remains on addressing domestic human rights concerns with urgency.

The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights released a report on Sri Lanka's compliance with human rights and transitional justice commitments, highlighting the lack of progress and ongoing human rights violations. The report comes ahead of the UN Human Rights Council's 40th session. Sri Lanka's political crisis in 2018, involving the unconstitutional replacement of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe by President Maithripala Sirisena with Mahinda Rajapaksa, is mentioned as a significant event that has not resolved underlying issues and has tarnished democracy. The article suggests that due to the recent political turmoil and upcoming elections, little reform is expected in the near future.

Mather Schneider discusses his book '6 to 6,' which is based on his experiences as a cab driver in Tucson, Arizona, over 15 years. The stories, mostly true with slight fictional enhancements, offer a glimpse into American society's sickness and insanity. Despite taking 15 years to write, the book received little attention and mixed feedback. Schneider does not have a strict writing routine and writes when he feels like it. He has written several other books but did not specify which one he is most proud of.

Joseph Fulkerson, who runs Laughing Ronin Press and has authored fifteen books, discusses his upcoming novella 'East Jesus Nowhere' to be published by Anxiety Press. The story, set in western Kentucky, follows characters Jimmy Lane and Big Mike. Fulkerson wrote the novella during a silent retreat at a Trappist Monk Monastery and spent months revising it. He mentions his literary influences, including Bukowski and Vonnegut, and his favorite books. Fulkerson also reveals he has completed another manuscript with elements of horror, differing from his novella.

Authoritarian populism has resurfaced in Sri Lanka with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa reinstating the repressive policies of his brother, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The Rajapaksa family has swiftly centralized power, with key political positions held by family members and allies, some of whom face accusations of wartime abuses. This consolidation of power raises concerns for the future of democracy in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka's withdrawal from UN resolutions under the Rajapaksa administration indicates a lack of progress in addressing wartime abuses and pursuing transitional justice. The Rajapaksa government's nationalistic and authoritarian approach, coupled with domestic political maneuvers, casts doubt on the sincerity of their commitments to reconciliation and accountability. International responses, including sanctions against military chief Shavendra Silva, appear insufficient and driven by geopolitical interests rather than a genuine concern for human rights. The article suggests that Sri Lanka is moving towards increased authoritarianism without meaningful international intervention.

The article discusses a resolution passed by the United Nations Human Rights Council concerning Sri Lanka's postwar reconciliation and accountability for human rights violations during the country's civil war, which ended in 2009. The resolution, led by the United States and the fourth of its kind since 2012, is criticized for its diplomatic and vague language, which may allow the Sri Lankan government to evade the demands for accountability and justice. The article also references a report documenting atrocities committed during the war by both government forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (Tamil Tigers). The previous administration of President Mahinda Rajapaksa had rejected similar resolutions.

The article is an opinion piece by Taylor Dibbert, expressing his dissatisfaction with both major presidential candidates in the U.S. election, Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. Dibbert criticizes Trump for his lack of policy knowledge, offensive views, and dangerous rhetoric, labeling him as a 'dangerous charlatan.' He also expresses his reservations about Clinton, mentioning her involvement in past scandals and questioning her integrity. Despite his criticisms of Clinton, Dibbert acknowledges that she would likely be a better president than Trump. He also mentions Evan McMullin as a positive alternative, though he notes the pressure in Washington to vote for a major party candidate to avoid 'wasting' a vote. Dibbert concludes by emphasizing the importance of voting one's conscience and the need to rebuild America's democracy post-election.

The Rajapaksa family's return to power in Sri Lanka is marked by concerns over increased surveillance, intimidation, and violence against human rights defenders, civil society activists, and minorities such as Muslims and Tamils. The article suggests that the Rajapaksas will continue to use Sinhalese-Buddhist nationalism to further their agenda, with the potential for anti-minority violence to increase without condemnation from the administration. The upcoming parliamentary polls may be the only factor that could potentially slow down the Rajapaksas' consolidation of power.

In the upcoming Sri Lankan presidential election, minorities, particularly Tamils and Muslims, are expected to lose regardless of the winner. The two main candidates, Gotabaya Rajapaksa of the SLPP and Sajith Premadasa of the UNP, are Sinhala-Buddhist nationalists. Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the frontrunner, is associated with an authoritarian regime and alleged war crimes. The current president, Maithripala Sirisena, is not seeking re-election due to unpopularity. National security and economic revival are key campaign issues, with the Easter bombings influencing the political landscape. Tamil rights and anti-Muslim discrimination are ongoing concerns. A Rajapaksa presidency is feared to lead to increased repression, centralization of power, and danger for journalists and activists. While some view Premadasa as a better option, Tamil politician C.V. Wigneswaran expresses skepticism about both candidates' commitment to minority rights.

Sri Lanka faces a grim future with potential communal clashes and instability following the Easter bombings. The state's failure to protect minority rights and complicity with the Sinhalese Buddhist majority against minorities like the Hindu Tamils and Muslims has exacerbated ethnic conflicts. Recent violence against Muslims indicates a pattern of state security's inaction and possible complicity. The political landscape is volatile, with fears of a return to authoritarianism under a possible Gotabaya Rajapaksa presidency. Sinhalese Buddhist nationalism, promoted by groups like Bodu Bala Sena, fosters discrimination and violence. The lack of accountability for wartime abuses and ongoing militarization in Tamil regions continue to fuel human rights violations and impunity. Without government action to hold perpetrators of anti-minority violence accountable, the risk of more extensive violence looms.

C.V. Wigneswaran, Secretary-General of the Tamizh Makkal Kootani and former Chief Minister of Northern Province, discusses the Easter attacks, discrimination, and the need for constitutional changes in Sri Lanka. He criticizes the continued military presence in the North and East, the failure to implement UN resolutions, and the proposed Counter Terrorism Act. Wigneswaran also expresses disappointment with the Tamil National Alliance for abandoning Tamil national principles and describes the daily struggles of civilians in the Northern Province. He warns against the potential presidency of Gotabaya Rajapaksa, describing him as ruthless and indicative of a possible military government.

Sri Lanka is in a profound crisis with President Maithripala Sirisena appointing Mahinda Rajapaksa as prime minister, despite Ranil Wickremesinghe being the legitimate prime minister. Sirisena has suspended parliament, with confusion over when it will reconvene. Rajapaksa's appointment is deemed unconstitutional and an attempted coup, given his dark, authoritarian past. Political violence has occurred, and many Sri Lankans are protesting the illegal transfer of power. The coming weeks are critical for the country's democratic future.

The article evaluates Sri Lanka's political landscape two years after Maithripala Sirisena's presidency began, which was expected to mark a positive shift from Mahinda Rajapaksa's authoritarian rule. Despite initial optimism, the government's performance has been disappointing, with minimal progress on high-level corruption, constitutional reform, and transitional justice. The Tamil community's aspirations remain unmet, and human rights violations continue. The coalition government, comprising the Sri Lanka Freedom Party and the United National Party, shows little promise of addressing these issues. The article suggests that the hopes for Sirisena's presidency have not been realized, and pluralistic values and healing from the war are unlikely to advance under the current government.

The article criticizes both Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton as unfit to serve as President of the United States. Trump is condemned for his lack of policy knowledge, alarming views, and un-American ideas, while Clinton is deemed to have too much scandalous baggage despite a nuanced understanding of world affairs. The author expresses disillusionment with the major parties and sees Evan McMullin's campaign as a respectable alternative, indicating a refusal to vote for either major candidate and a desire to vote with conscience.

Jeffrey Goldberg's article in The Atlantic, discussed in the International Policy Digest, provides insights into President Barack Obama's foreign policy and his views on America's role in the world. Obama is proud of his decision on Syria's red line, which he sees as an act of political courage, defying the foreign-policy establishment and Middle Eastern allies. The article covers Obama's frustrations with 'free riders', his desire for other nations to contribute more to global peace, and his criticisms of European allies post-Qaddafi Libya. Obama's relationship with traditional allies like Israel and Saudi Arabia is strained, as he prefers forging new alliances. The piece reflects on Obama's foreign-policy legacy, including the Iranian nuclear deal, U.S.-Cuba relations, and the Trans-Pacific Partnership, leaving open the question of how history will judge his minimalist approach.

The author expresses a complex relationship with Sri Lanka, reflecting on the nostalgia and discomfort experienced upon returning to the United States. They miss certain aspects of Sri Lankan life, such as the cuisine and the people, while also acknowledging the island's shortcomings, including restrictions on travel and the quality of journalism. The author discusses the global relevance of Sri Lanka's war and the failure of humanitarian efforts to keep pace with violent conflicts. They also touch on the lasting impact Sri Lanka has on those who have visited, sharing a sense of connection with others who have been affected by their experiences on the island.