Today’s front pages focus on the tornadoes that ripped through the Midwest and U.S. allies recognizing Palestine as a state, angering Israel.
Good morning, and welcome to Newsweek’s summary of Thursday’s national, regional, and international newspapers.The Wall Street Journal
The Wall Street Journal reports that three European nations—Norway, Spain, and Ireland — are set to recognize Palestine as an independent state, reflecting deepening international «frustration» with Israel’s war in Gaza. The three countries said Palestinian independence cannot wait for a negotiated settlement with Israel’s government. Other nations are expected to follow in the coming weeks. The move is a blow to President Biden, who argues a two-state solution should come about through a negotiated solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict, not unilateral recognition. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected calls for a two-state solution.The New York Times
The Times leads on the story of Abdul Raziq, the former chief of police for the Kandahar Province in Afghanistan, backed by the U.S. and considered to be one of America’s most important partners in the war against the Taliban. Despite his reputation among Americans, he was notorious among Afghan civilians for his brutal tactics, including torture, extrajudicial killings, and forced disappearances. There was widespread knowledge of his abuses, The Times reports, but American support for Raziq persisted due to his role in countering the Taliban. His reign exemplified the moral compromises made by the U.S. in its longest war, contributing to its eventual failure, the paper writes. The New York Times front page also focuses on the recognition of Palestine by Norway, Spain and Ireland as an independent state, reporting that the decision showed Israel’s «growing isolation on the world stage».
