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.
Husband Of Detained U.S. Journalist In Russia Says His Wife Is A 'Political Prisoner'
The husband of the RFE/RL journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, who was detained in Russia on October 18, has said she is a "political prisoner." Kurmasheva holds both Russian and U.S. citizenship. Her husband, Pavel Butorin, also works from the RFE/RL offices in Prague, where he is head of Current Time, a Russian-language TV and digital network led by RFE/RL in partnership with Voice of America. By Ray Furlong
See Also: In-Depth Interview: Husband Of U.S. Journalist Detained In Russia Demands Her Release
Russia-Israel: With Gaza War, A Complicated Relationship Gets More Complicated
Despite improvements, relations between Russia and Israel have never been great, a function of Soviet-era policy and Moscow's embrace of Israel's adversaries, Syria and Iran. They're getting worse in the fallout of the Hamas attack, and now a spasm of mob violence at a southern Russian airport. By Mike Eckel
See Also:
In Ukraine, A 'Faraway' Mideast War Hits Close To Home
Central Asian Countries Try To Manage Public Passions Around Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
'We Don't Have Toilets': Afghans Struggle After Crossing Border From Pakistan
Afghans who have fled Pakistan to avoid arrest and deportation are living in makeshift camps on the Afghan side of the Torkham border crossing. RFE/RL's Radio Azadi visited a camp and spoke with Afghans compelled to flee amid the new anti-migrant policy. Aid groups say they lack proper shelter, food, drinking water, and toilets once they cross the border to their homeland. By RFE/RL's Radio Azadi and Austin Malloy
See Also: 'There Is Nothing Here': Afghan Refugees Forced From Pakistan Struggle To Find Shelter
Ukrainians Seethe After Russian Strike Kills 19 Soldiers At A Ceremony
The Russian missile attack, which killed 19 soldiers gathered for a military observance ceremony, was the latest psychological blow to Ukraine's armed forces and the country as it struggles to change the course of the Russian invasion. "These guys shouldn't have died," one commentator said. By Yevhenia Nazarova and Serhiy Horbatenko
Fleeing China: A Chinese Migrant's Journey Across The Balkans To The EU
Fleeing increasingly repressive policies and a dimming future in China, a 26-year-old man's one-month trail through Bosnia-Herzegovina and Serbia highlights the growing number of Chinese asylum seekers coming to the EU this year. By Marija Augustinovic-Stojak
Unhappy About Ukraine War, More And More Moldovan Priests Are Leaving Russian-Led Orthodox Church
Priests from the Russian-led Moldovan Orthodox Church are joining a rival church based in neighboring Bucharest. The defections indicate the groundswell of anti-war sentiment among Moldovans and the widespread frustrations with the Russian Orthodox Church's "promotion of pro-Russian interests." By Denis Dermenji, Eugenia Apostu, and Andy Heil
Investigation: Serbian Firms Ship Sanctioned Dual-Use Tech To Russia
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has vowed that "no one can bypass" Western sanctions on Russia via the Balkan country he leads. But a new RFE/RL investigation shows that the types of Western electronics used in Russian weapons are flowing to Moscow from Serbia. By Milos Katic, Mirjana Jevtovic, and Maja Zivanovic
Masters Of Metal: Armenian Blacksmiths Hope To Be Granted UNESCO Intangible Heritage Status
Blacksmiths in the northern Armenian city of Gyumri may have their craftsmanship honored with an inscription on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in December. But unlike many fading traditions in the Caucasus, this trade is thriving. By Amos Chapple, Anush Mkrtchyan, and Mykyta Peretiatko
Saiga Steaks: Kazakhstan To Cull Thousands Of Once-Endangered Antelope As Numbers Rebound
Kazakhstan plans to cull hundreds of thousands of the once-endangered saiga antelope as their number increased dramatically in recent years due to a state conservation program. But experts worry that authorities don’t have measures in place to prevent poaching. By Farangis Najibullah and RFE/RL's Kazakh Service
Kyrgyzstan's Fastest Horse Dominates Ancient Equestrian Race
The Kyrgyz racehorse Karakyz has emerged victorious in multiple Central Asian horse-riding championships, earning legendary status among spectators as the fastest horse in the region. From nomadic tribesmen to ancient equestrian sports, horse riding has been an essential part of everyday life in the Central Asian nation. The mighty mare has dominated one of the area's most prestigious races, the At Chabysh. The long-distance horse race is one of Central Asia's oldest equestrian competitions. By Aibek Biybosunov, Aziz Samarbekov, Austin Malloy, and Baktygul Chynybaeva