The siege and the successive Israeli onslaught on the Gaza Strip over the past fourteen years, constitute a major risk of destruction of the Palestinian historical heritage, as well as the loss of its cultural identity.

The last 5 days will be remembered as a major turning point in the history of Afghanistan and its 38 million citizens. The change of power on August 15 – with the entry of Taliban forces from the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan into Kabul – should not distract any policymakers from addressing the most urgent needs of the population.