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 team of correspondents, multimedia editors, and visual journalists over the past seven days.
As Afghan School Year Ends, So do Girls' Dreams
As the academic year ends in Afghanistan, students are saying goodbye to their teachers and classmates. But for girls as young as 11, it's the end of their education altogether, due to the Taliban's prohibition on girls studying after the sixth grade. One top student, whose identity has been concealed for her safety, told RFE/RL's Radio Azadi that she was giving up her dreams of becoming a doctor as she tearfully left school for the last time. By RFE/RL's Radio Azadi
The Many Faces Of Europe Invasion, The Anonymous X Account Stoking Anti-Immigrant Narratives
An RFE/RL investigation reveals that an influential X account called Europe Invasion concocted fake personas to push xenophobic narratives and fuel anti-immigrant sentiment in the EU. By Carl Schreck, Mark Krutov, Sergei Dobrynin, Riin Aljas, Nushabe Fatullayeva, Maja Zivanovic, Mike Eckel, Mirjana Jevtovic, and Milos Katic
The Bitter Standoff Over Georgia's Next President
An electoral college is expected to choose Mikheil Kavelashvili, a 53-year-old former footballer and right-wing populist, as Georgia's next president. But with the country rocked by anti-government protests, the incumbent Salome Zurabishvili has said she isn't going anywhere. By Eka Kevanishvili, Lela Kunchulia, and Luke Allnutt
What A Ukraine Peace Plan Could Look Like
In European capitals, behind closed doors, diplomats and leaders are spit-balling what a Ukrainian peace plan might actually look like. European peacekeeping troops are one option (don’t expect much enthusiasm from Moscow). By Mike Eckel
Exclusive: Tajikistan's Ruling Family Cash In On Connections
A private firm with ties to Tajikistan's ruling family was awarded an opaque government contract to register mobile devices brought into the Central Asian nation from abroad, an RFE/RL investigation has found. By RFE/RL's Tajik Service
Central Asian Migrants Brace For Backlash After Russian General's Killing
The arrest of an Uzbek citizen over the killing of a Russian general in Moscow has triggered fear and panic among Central Asian migrants in Russia. By Chris Rickleton and
From Abay's Path To Harry Potter's World: A Resurgence In Kazakh-Language Publishing
Two decades ago, Kazakh-language books accounted for less than 1 percent of the books in some big city shops. Now the proportion is closer to 10 percent, and publishers are increasingly willing to take risks to bring new titles to the language. By Asiya Bagdauletqyzy and Chris Rickleton
Ukrainian Rape Survivor Says Her Voice Is A Weapon Against War Crimes
Survivors of sexual violence from the wars in Ukraine and Bosnia-Herzegovina say they refuse to be seen as victims. In a new documentary, 'I Survived' by Current Time and RFE/RL's Balkan Service, one Ukrainian woman says she wants the rapists and their commanders punished, including Russian President Vladimir Putin. By Current Time, RFE/RL's Balkan Service, Tetiana Iarmoshchuk, Kristina Zakurdaeva, Una Cilic, and Kristiana Stepanovica
'They Look Tense': Photographer Describes Scenes At Russian Base In Syria
Photographer Umit Bektas described to RFE/RL the strained atmosphere around a Russian air base near Latakia as convoys arrive and transporter aircraft are shadowed by helicopters and military jets. By Amos Chapple
Pokrovsk 'Deserted' As Russian Army Draws Near
On a recent visit to Pokrovsk, our reporter Oleksiy Prodayvoda could hardly believe how much the east Ukrainian town has changed as Russian forces edge closer. "Before, there were guests in every bar and cafe.... Now, it's deserted," he said. But amid an exodus of civilians, Prodayvoda also found one woman who had returned. By Oleksiy Prodayvoda and Ray Furlong
