We know you're busy and probably don't have the time to read all of our coverage each and every day. That's why we've put together The Week's Best. Here are some of the highlights produced in English by RFE/RL's vast team of correspondents, multimedia editors, and visual journalists over the past seven days.
Surprise Golds Fuel Olympic Fervor In Central Asia
Pregame projections for Central Asian competitors were not particularly hopeful, even relative to their performances in Tokyo and Rio. But from Uzbekistan's first female gold medalist in a Summer Olympics to Kazakhstan's first-ever gold in judo, athletes from the region are proving that new stories are there to be written. By Chris Rickleton
The Prisoner Swap: What's In It For Putin?
Here’s a look at Russian President Vladimir Putin’s possible motives in releasing several Western prisoners, and Russians who had been jailed in their own country, in a major exchange on August 1. By Steve Gutterman
See also:
Generation Apathy: How Peter Magyar Is Mobilizing Hungary's Youth
In just a few months, Peter Magyar has gone from the unknown husband of a former justice minister to the great new hope of Hungary's opposition. Part of his success is due to his popularity with young people, who, in Viktor Orban's Hungary, are often disillusioned and politically apathetic. By Lili Rutai
Stunned by Hamas Leader's Killing in Tehran, Iran And Allies Weigh Response
The assassination of designated terrorist leader, Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas, in Tehran has shocked Iran and its regional allies. Iran has blamed Israel and vowed vengeance, though Israel has not claimed the attack. Analysts say Iran and its allies are unlikely to let the assassination go unanswered. By Kian Sharifi and Hannah Kaviani
See also:
How Will Rising Middle East Tensions Impact Afghanistan and Pakistan?
What Hamas Leader's Killing Means For Talks Aimed At Ending Gaza War
'We Don’t Let Them Move Around Freely': Ukrainian Units Keep Firing On Advancing Russians In East
Ukrainian forces maintain they're holding on in the eastern Ukrainian city of Toretsk despite Russian claims they occupy an adjoining area. Toretsk, situated just north of the Russian-occupied city of Donetsk, has been increasingly targeted in recent weeks by Russian forces. By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, Maryan Kushnir, Hanna Kudriavtseva, Current Time, and Borys Sachalko
Wagner's Bloody Mali Debacle Shows Cracks In Russia’s Sahel Strategy
Russia has largely replaced Western players in Africa’s Sahel region as it seeks to project power abroad. But the recent rout of Wagner forces in Mali shows that Moscow’s strategy of propping up unpopular regimes with minimal military resources and ruthless tactics may not be sustainable. By Todd Prince
'We Can Barely Open A Window': Residents Grapple With Pollution from Chinese Copper Mine In Serbia
A massive mining project in Bor is bringing air pollution and environmental degradation, but locals say that Serbian officials are reluctant to take action. By Branko Pesic
Residents Resort To Burying Their Dead In Backyards On Ukraine's Eastern Front
About 500 remaining residents live under constant Russian shelling in Chasiv Yar in Ukraine's Donetsk region. Locals lack basic humanitarian aid and water and those killed are buried in backyards. By Current Time and Boris Sachalko
The Throttling Of YouTube: Kremlin Censorship Enters Uncharted Waters
YouTube is hugely popular in Russia, used by major media outlets, influencers, and cultural figures, and watched by millions of people. Regulators are now testing whether they can “throttle” it -- slow it down and push Russians onto other more controlled platforms. By Mike Eckel
Brussels Frustrated With Hungary Over Russian Visa Decision That Could Let In Spies
Hungary has long stubbornly refused to back EU policy to punish Russia for its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In fact, nationalist-conservative Prime Minister Viktor Orban has defiantly maintained friendly ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Orban's latest move to make it easier for Russian nationals to enter that country are now causing fresh concerns and frustrations in Brussels. By Tony Wesolowsky and Balint Szalai
