A groundbreaking discovery of a 9,500-year-old cremation pyre in Malawi and the United States' controversial $2 billion aid commitment dominate international news. The findings reveal insights into ancient burial practices while the US aid conditions raise concerns about the future of humanitarian assistance.

Ancient Cremation Pyre Unearthed in Malawi
Researchers have uncovered what is believed to be the oldest cremation pyre containing adult remains, located in a rock shelter at the base of Mount Hora in northern Malawi. The excavation, conducted between 2017 and 2018, revealed 170 bone fragments from an adult woman, approximately 1.5 meters tall. Notably, the skull was missing, and cut marks on the bones suggest that parts may have been removed for ritualistic purposes rather than violent acts. Dr. Jessica Cerezo-Román, leading the study from the University of Oklahoma, emphasized that the findings indicate complex funerary practices among ancient hunter-gatherers. The pyre, comparable in size to a queen-sized mattress, signifies advanced knowledge and coordination in its construction, hinting at the cultural significance of the site for the community.

US Pledges Aid Amidst Controversy
The United States recently announced a $2 billion aid package aimed at addressing humanitarian crises worldwide. However, experts have expressed concerns over the conditions attached to the funding, which require the United Nations to "adapt, shrink or die" and prioritize specific countries chosen by the US. Critics argue that this move could undermine the UN's independence and flexibility in responding to humanitarian needs. The 17 selected countries include those where the US has significant political interests, such as Sudan and Haiti, but notably exclude nations facing severe crises like Afghanistan and Yemen. Aid analysts warn that this could lead to a diminished humanitarian response capacity, particularly in the face of emerging crises.

Trump Cancels Military Action Against Venezuela
In a surprising turn of events, US President Donald Trump announced the cancellation of planned military action against Venezuela, citing cooperation from Caracas on oil infrastructure and the release of political prisoners. Trump stated that this gesture of goodwill from the Venezuelan government prompted him to reconsider military options. However, human rights organizations have reported discrepancies regarding the number of political prisoners released, with only a fraction of those expected confirmed as freed. This development has raised questions about the future of US-Venezuela relations, particularly in light of Trump's upcoming meeting with opposition leader María Corina Machado.

Wrap-up
The discovery of an ancient cremation pyre in Malawi offers valuable insights into early human societies, while the US's conditional aid package and military stance on Venezuela highlight ongoing global political dynamics. As these stories unfold, they underscore the complexities of humanitarian efforts and international relations in a rapidly changing world.

Sources
theguardian.com
newsis.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team