U.S.-Russia Talks in Riyadh: A New Chapter in Diplomacy?

Iruni Kalupahana JadeTimes Staff

I. Kalupahana is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Russia-Ukraine war

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Image Source: Alexei Nikolsky

High-Level Diplomacy in Riyadh

Senior American and Russian leaders will sit down in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for the most significant diplomatic meeting between the two nations since Russia's complete invasion of Ukraine nearly three years ago. The step by the Trump administration to go into direct talks is a departure from previous U.S. policies to isolate Moscow. Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and top Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov will meet with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and exploring possible solutions to the war in Ukraine. Ukraine has not been invited to attend the meeting, though, and its allies and Kyiv have raised an eyebrow about the course of the talks.

European Allies and Ukraine Worries

Excluding Ukraine from negotiations has prompted gigantic protests by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as well as European leaders. France requested an emergency summit involving the European Union and the U.K. in order to devise their next steps. Zelenskyy explicitly said Ukraine would not take any agreement entered into without its participation. While Trump assured that Ukraine "will be involved," there are fears that Washington and Moscow might negotiate a settlement at the expense of Kyiv. EU diplomats insist that Europe should be involved in peace talks, but Lavrov did not include them, arguing that talks will focus on restoring U.S.-Russia relations and negotiating terms of settlement for Ukraine.

Putin's Demands and U.S. Position

Russia has been adamant that it will not even think about withdrawing from September 2022-annexed territories. The conditions for peace set by Putin are that Ukraine abandon its attempt to join NATO and pull out its troops from disputed areas terms that Kyiv has unequivocally turned down. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has meanwhile urged Ukraine to reconsider its aspirations of joining NATO and reclaiming territory, hinting at a potential shift in U.S. policy. Trump's special envoy, retired Gen. Keith Kellogg, will go to Kyiv to broker security guarantees, as Ukraine insists that any agreement must contain strong guarantees against future Russian attacks.

Future Horizons and Security Assurances

While Riyadh talks are a giant step for US-Russia ties, the outcome remains uncertain. Zelenskyy wants to take Kellogg to the trenches to highlight Ukraine's security requirements, such as military and economic assistance from the West. Further, the idea of American investment in Ukraine's mineral wealth has been proposed, subject to ironclad security guarantees. As diplomatic games are played out, the world waits with bated breath to see if these talks can lead to permanent peace or widen geopolitical fault lines.

Basilica de la Sagrada Familia

Iruni Kalupahana, JadeTimes Staff

I. Kalupahana is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Europe

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Image Source: Mistervlad

The Unfinished Marvel

Basílica Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família, more commonly called Sagrada Família, is a magnificent church in progress in Barcelona, Spain. It is the largest unfinished Catholic church in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The basilica, which has been planned by the renowned Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, is distinguished by the combination of Gothic and Art Nouveau architecture. Even after Gaudí's passing in 1926, the work has been in progress for over a century, employing private funds and modern technology to make his vision come true.

Historical Journey and Challenges

The work began in 1882 under Francisco de Paula del Villar, but Gaudí took charge of the work in 1883 and completely modified it. His enthusiasm was so strong that he spent the rest of his life working on the basilica alone. The Spanish Civil War of 1936 caused extensive damage, and most of Gaudí's original plans were destroyed. Reconstruction, however, continued based on available models and photographs. Advances in technology such as computer aided design have significantly accelerated the progress over the years.

Modern Developments and Future Completion

Construction of Sagrada Família sped up in 2010 when the building was consecrated by Pope Benedict XVI. The last few years have witnessed work being focused on completing the center towers, one of which is the stunning steeple of Jesus Christ. The initial target was to be done by 2026 but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with decoration continuing until 2034. The basilica is funded through visitor fees so that it continues progress without having to turn to the government.

Architectural Marvel and Cultural Significance

Sagrada Família testifies to Gaudí's genius through its ornate facades, nature-inspired forms, and symbolic sculpture. It stands as one of the world's most unique religious buildings. Though it is a minor basilica and not a cathedral, citizens of the whole world are in awe of its artistry, and it stands among Spain's topmost monuments. Gaudí once famously declared, "My client is not in a hurry," underlining the devotion and patience that went into this work of architecture.

Symbolism and Religious Significance

Apart from its beauty in terms of architecture, Sagrada Família also has deep religious importance. The three principal facades of the basilica symbolize the life of Christ: the Nativity Façade reflects His birth, the Passion Façade His passion and crucifixion, and the Glory Façade, still under construction, will symbolize His resurrection and glory in heaven. Gaudí's detailed work fuses Christian iconography and nature, stressing his belief that nature is divine work and has to be followed in sacred design.

Tourism and Economic Contributions

As one of the most famous landmarks in Spain, Sagrada Família significantly influences Barcelona's tourist industry. There are millions of visitors each year who visit in awe of its beautiful architecture and ongoing construction activity. The funds generated from the sale of tickets are invested into the construction of the basilica, which renders it a standalone project. Further, the sizeable number of tourists also has a positive influence on local businesses, hotels, and restaurants, making Sagrada Família an economic and cultural symbol of Barcelona.

The Great Ocean Road: Australia’s Scenic Coastal Highway

Iruni Kalupahana Jadetimes Staff

I. Kalupahana is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Australia

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Image source: The Nunnery

A Historic Memorial Road

The Great Ocean Road is a 240-kilometre scenic route along Australia's southeastern coast, from Torquay to Allansford in Victoria. Now recognized as the largest war memorial in the world, it was constructed by ex-servicemen between 1919 and 1932 to commemorate the loss of life suffered during World War I. It is a heritage listed road traversing breathtaking coastal scenery and providing access to fabled attractions like the limestone pillars of the Twelve Apostles, and thus one of Australia's most significant tourist attractions.

A Route Through Stunning Landscapes

The trip begins at Torquay and follows the coastline, passing through areas known as the Surf Coast and Shipwreck Coast. Drivers have breathtaking views of Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean as they drive along rainforests, beaches, and cliffs. The tour takes tourists through charming towns such as Anglesea, Lorne, Apollo Bay, and Port Campbell, each with its own unique attractions and experiences. The highway is famous for its curling bends and variable speed limits, which make the journey a safe but exciting experience.

The Challenges of Construction

Construction of the Great Ocean Road was a remarkable feat of engineering. The road was cut through dense bushland, rocky outcrops, and rough ground with hand equipment like pickaxes and wheelbarrows by around 3,000 ex-servicemen. Workers endured difficult conditions and camped for the time being while constructing this challenging route. The final portions over sheer cliff edges were particularly hazardous, the construction of the road a credit to perseverance and dedication.

The Road's Tourism and Economic Value

The Great Ocean Road has developed into one of Victoria's top tourism treasures, welcoming domestic and foreign tourists. Geelong, a city near the start point of the road, is significantly advantaged by tourist activity. In 2008, the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) rated the road as the state's leading tourism attraction. Local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and tour companies, thrive due to the consistent stream of visitors who come to see the road's natural splendor and heritage attractions.

A Timeless Attraction

Other than its cultural significance, the Great Ocean Road remains one of the world's most beautiful coast roads. With natural rock structures like the Twelve Apostles and London Bridge, serene beaches and tropical rainforest, the road is an adventure that will stay in the hearts of tourists. From discovering its rich history to simply enjoying the magnificent scenery, the Great Ocean Road remains an emblem of Australia's natural and cultural heritage.