Europe – Page 155 – Prologue Journal

Iceland’s New President Is a Feminist, and a Friend of Björk

New York Times Though the president’s role is mostly ceremonial, Halla Tómasdóttir said that she would seek to raise “the right questions” and bring attention to critical health issues. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/02/world/europe/iceland-president-halla-tomasdottir.html

The Olympics’ No. 1 Fan

New York Times Is anyone as excited by the Paris Games as Antoine Griezmann? It doesn’t seem possible. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/02/world/europe/olympics-griezmann-france.html

Israel, Defiant, Appears to Have Gone Rogue, Risking a Regional War

New York Times Ignoring the efforts of President Biden and the condemnation of many allies, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is forcing the pace of the war and feeding the revolt of the far right. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/02/world/europe/israel-defiant-gaza-war.html

Kremlin Confirms Assassin Vadim Krasikov Is an Agent for Russia’s FSB

New York Times Vadim Krasikov, who was returned to Russia in the big prisoner swap, received a hero’s welcome from President Putin, along with others who were freed. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/02/world/europe/vadim-krasikov-assassin-russia-fsb.html

At 97, This Conductor Is Modest and Extraordinary

New York Times When Herbert Blomstedt, the oldest major conductor active today, led the Vienna Philharmonic, age was only one factor in his remarkable artistry. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/02/arts/music/herbert-blomstedt-conductor.html

Hundreds of Prisoners in Russia, Including Americans, Were Left Behind in Swap

New York Times Hundreds of prisoners — including Americans and Russian political activists — are hoping for a diplomatic agreement that might secure their release. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/02/world/europe/russia-prisoners-release-americans.html

Friday Briefing

New York Times A sweeping prisoner swap between Russia and the West. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/02/briefing/prisoners-russia-biden-maduro-olympics.html

Evan Gershkovich and 23 Others Freed From Russian Prisons in Major Swap

New York Times The Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was among 24 people released in a seven-nation, painstakingly negotiated deal that President Biden hailed as a triumph of diplomacy. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/01/world/europe/russia-gershkovich-prisoner-swap.html

Evan Gershkovich Was Caught in Oppression His Parents Had Fled

New York Times Evan Gershkovich was raised in New Jersey by parents who left the Soviet Union to escape antisemitism and a lack of opportunity. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/01/world/europe/russia-evan-gershkovich-family.html

Turkey Revels in the Role It Played in Prisoner Swap

New York Times Turkey has frustrated its NATO allies by often refusing to get tough with Russia, but its good relations with Moscow may have helped it participate in the exchange. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/01/world/europe/turkey-prisoner-swap.html