Severe weather conditions have impacted various regions in the United States and abroad this week, with tornadoes, hailstorms, and record-breaking snowfalls causing significant damage. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has made controversial military threats regarding troop withdrawals from Europe, and the United Nations has raised concerns about potential ethnic discrimination in Denmark. Additionally, health issues have escalated for Iranian Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi, raising alarms among her family.

Severe Weather Events in the US
The central United States experienced a series of severe thunderstorms from Monday to Wednesday, resulting in eight reported tornadoes, including an EF2 tornado that struck Sycamore, Kansas. A severe hailstorm in Springfield, Missouri, produced hailstones measuring up to 12 cm in diameter, causing extensive damage to vehicles and infrastructure. The event is expected to be the costliest hailstorm in Springfield's history. On Wednesday, an EF3 tornado hit Mineral Wells, Texas, injuring five people and prompting the mayor to declare a local disaster. In contrast, southern China faced extreme rainfall, leading to significant flooding, with over 538 mm of rain falling in just 12 hours, resulting in hundreds of evacuations. Additionally, Moscow recorded its highest snowfall for this time of year since 1880, causing major disruptions.

Trump Administration's Military Threats
US President Donald Trump has threatened to withdraw troops from Italy and Spain, linking the potential troop reductions to the countries' criticisms of the US military campaign in Iran. Trump accused Italy of not providing sufficient support and labeled Spain's response as "horrible." The threats come after Italy's refusal to allow US military aircraft to transit through Sicilian airbases for operations in the Middle East. Italy's Defence Minister Guido Crosetto expressed confusion over Trump's motives and defended Italy's contributions to maritime security. Meanwhile, Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has been a vocal critic of the US-Israeli campaign against Iran.

UN Concerns Over Ethnic Discrimination in Denmark
The United Nations has intervened in the case of a Greenlandic mother, Keira Alexandra Kronvold, whose newborn was taken by Danish authorities following controversial parenting competency tests. The UN warned that the treatment of Kronvold may constitute ethnic discrimination, as the tests have been criticized for their cultural insensitivity. Kronvold's case has sparked outrage, leading to Denmark's ban on such assessments for Greenlandic parents. The UN special rapporteurs have called for justice for families affected by these discriminatory practices.

Health Crisis for Iranian Nobel Laureate
Narges Mohammadi, a jailed Iranian human rights activist and Nobel laureate, is facing severe health issues, including a suspected heart attack and significant weight loss. Her family has expressed grave concerns, stating that her continued incarceration under harsh conditions is akin to a death sentence. Mohammadi's legal team is seeking a medical suspension of her sentence due to her deteriorating health, which has been exacerbated by a lack of appropriate medical care in prison. Her family and supporters are advocating for her immediate release, emphasizing the urgent need for specialized medical treatment.

Tribute to German Artist Georg Baselitz
The art world mourns the loss of renowned German artist Georg Baselitz, who passed away at the age of 88. Baselitz was celebrated for his expressive works that grappled with Germany's historical traumas and collective guilt. His innovative techniques, including painting canvases upside down, challenged conventional artistic norms. Baselitz's death marks the end of an era for contemporary visual art in Germany, leaving a legacy that will influence future generations of artists.

Wrap-up
This week's news highlights the intersection of severe weather events, international military tensions, human rights issues, and cultural legacies. From the destructive storms in the US to the alarming health conditions of an imprisoned activist in Iran, these stories reflect ongoing global challenges and the need for continued advocacy and awareness.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team