Taliban leaders say that their soldiers respect civilians and do no violence to them.

The US government denies and covers up harm done to civilians, so it is not impossible that the Taliban leadership does likewise.

However, it is likely that there is a disconnect between the official policy of the Taliban and what Taliban soldiers actually do. This tends to happen in all armies. To order soldiers not to kill, rape or rob civilians is easy; actually stopping them is difficult.

The UK government says it will eliminate many civil service positions.

Supposedly this is to reduce the number of workers, but I think that they can't do it. The jobs need to be done.

I predict that the state will replace these well-paid positions with subcontracted workers. That will make the work get done worse, but cost less.

Brazil's Congress has passed a law to suspend vaccine patents and require cooperation with local manufacture. I am not confident that Brazil could make US and European vaccine monopolists comply, but if there is a chance, bravo for trying.

(satire) *Latest Climate Change Report Just Heartfelt Farewell Letter Telling Humanity To Remember The Good Times.*

Despite Tigray's military victories, the people there still lack food.

I am curious about the cause. Are foreign powers choosing not to aid Tigray? Are Ethiopia and Eritrea blocking transport of food aid?