Tensions deescalate near Baghdad’s Green Zone

At least 23 people died in a day of clashes in the Iraqi capital. [Forward to a friend]( | [Subscribe]( | [View in your browser]( [Top of The World]( --------------------------------------------------------------- What The World is following Tensions deescalate near Baghdad’s Green Zone [Fighters from the Saraya Salam (Peace Brigades) deploy in Baghdad, Iraq, Aug. 30, 2022.] Credit: Murtadha Ridha/AP Iraq The streets of Baghdad have calmed down after an escalation of violence that left at least 23 people dead on Monday. It was sparked by the decision of Muqtada al-Sadr to step away from politics, but he’s called on his supporters to rein in the unrest. [Gunshots and rocket-fire]( had hit the streets near the Green Zone as supporters of the powerful cleric clashed with security forces and militias aligned with Iran. Iraq has been in a political deadlock since elections last year. Sadr’s bloc won the [most seats in parliament](, but could not form a new government. He was once an ally of Tehran, but shifted his position, calling for an end to both US and Iranian influence over Iraq's internal affairs. Pakistan The United Nations is seeking $160 million in [emergency funding]( for flood-stricken Pakistan. More than 33 million people have been affected, and about 1,150 people have died, after an unusual number of monsoon rains this year. Government estimates show they’ve caused [$10 billion in damage]( to the economy. Meanwhile, the country was able to secure a $1.1 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund to avert an imminent default as part of a $6-billion bailout that was agreed upon in 2019. World Health Organization The top director for the World Health Organization’s Western Pacific region has been removed indefinitely from his post over [accusations of racism]( and abusive and unethical behavior. Dozens of staffers accused Dr. Takeshi Kasai of undermining UN efforts to curb the COVID-19 pandemic in Asia. They said he created a “toxic atmosphere” and blamed some countries of not being able to handle the pandemic because of their “inferior culture, race and socioeconomics level,” while also sharing sensitive vaccine information to help his native Japan. The WHO has sent ​​Deputy Director General Zsuzsanna Jakab as a [temporary replacement](. --------------------------------------------------------------- From The World [In the north of Mexico, water cuts to cope with shortages hit poor communities hardest]( [People gather at a playground amid water shortages in Monterrey, Mexico.]( Credit: Courtesy of Brenda Sanchez Extreme heat and drought have left water in short supply in Monterrey, Mexico, but not everyone is feeling the pinch. Some poor neighborhoods seem to be facing [far more restrictions]( on water usage than wealthier ones. [Storms and rising sea levels threaten to wipe out French language in Louisiana’s bayou country]( [French-speaking Isle de Jean Charles, Louisiana, has abandoned dwellings are everywhere due to storms, erosion, and rising sea-levels.]( Credit: Courtesy of Julia Kumari Drapkin Rising sea levels, erosion and storms in Louisiana's bayou country have flooded entire communities. For some French speakers, Hurricane Ida was the last straw — and many are now moving away. It's raising concerns over the [disappearance of the language]( from the region. --------------------------------------------------------------- Bright spot For years, people have been questioning the concept of laicité — France's strict form of secularism — and how it plays into religious freedom. In a special hour of The World, Paris-based reporter Rebecca Rosman spoke with Catholics, Jews, Muslims and atheists across France about their right to believe, or not to believe. 🇫🇷 [Listen to the story]( 🎧 [A Virgin Mary statue in a public square in France.] Credit: Rebecca Rosman/The World In case you missed it on The World --------------------------------------------------------------- Don't forget to subscribe to The World's Latest Edition podcast using your favorite podcast player: [RadioPublic](, [Apple Podcasts](, [Stitcher](, [Soundcloud](, [RSS]( [The World logo]( [The World on Facebook]( [The World's Twitter account]( [Donate]( | [Forward to a friend]( | [Subscribe]( | [Edit your subscription]( | [Unsubscribe]( | [View in your browser]( Top of the World is written weekday mornings by the team at [The World](. [The World]( is produced by [PRX]( and [GBH](.