Iran and Saudi Arabia reestablish diplomatic ties

The major diplomatic breakthrough was brokered by China. [Forward to a friend]( | [Subscribe]( | [View in your browser]( [Top of The World]( --------------------------------------------------------------- What The World is following Iran and Saudi Arabia reestablish diplomatic ties [Iran’s Ali Shamkhani, right, China's most senior diplomat Wang Yi and Saudi Arabia's Musaad bin Mohammed al-Aiban look on during an agreement signing ceremony between Iran and Saudi Arabia to reestablish diplomatic relations, Beijing, China, March 10, 2023.] Credit: Nournews via AP Iran-Saudi Arabia Regional archrivals Iran and Saudi Arabia have agreed to [reestablish diplomatic relations]( after seven years of tensions. The two nations will reopen their respective embassies in each other’s countries. The major diplomatic breakthrough was brokered by China. The two nations have faced off directly and through proxy conflicts across the region, most visibly in Yemen. Talks with Beijing have increased as Gulf states perceive a [slow withdrawal by the United States]( from the wider Middle East. United Kingdom The British government has proposed an illegal immigration bill to stop migrant boats from crossing the English Channel from France. It’s been [praised by far-right European leaders]( and condemned as racist and illegal by critics. The legislation may be in violation of international law. Government data shows that [more than 3,000 people]( have already arrived through the channel on small boats this year, having paid criminal gangs of human traffickers to get them to the UK. Many people have died after their vessels sank. Bolivia Bolivia is facing its [worst dengue fever outbreak]( in 25 years, with more than 11,000 cases reported. At least 33 people have died, most of them children. Hospitals there are overwhelmed. Cases have also spread across the region in other countries like Brazil and Peru, as well as globally. Health chiefs on the [Spanish island of Ibiza]( have also issued an alert following several outbreaks. No dengue vaccine has yet been internationally approved. --------------------------------------------------------------- From The World [‘You have no rights here’: Ukrainian refugees in Georgia struggle to find affordable housing]( [Rental prices have skyrocketed in Tbilisi, Georgia.]( Credit: Levi Bridges/The World Nearly 30,000 Ukrainians have fled to Georgia since Russia invaded the country last year. The Georgian government has offered Ukrainians fleeing war some [temporary support]( with free housing in hotels, but much of that aid is drying up. [Athletes in Ukraine strive for Olympic gold]( [Ukrainian fencers train at the National University of Physical Education in Kyiv, Ukraine.]( Credit: Daniel Ofman/The World As Ukrainian athletes [train for the Summer Olympics]( next year in Paris, it is unclear whether or not Russian athletes will be allowed to compete in the Games. Russia is currently under heavy international sanctions and Russian athletes have already been banned from some international sporting events. --------------------------------------------------------------- Bright spot After growing up during China's chaotic Cultural Revolution, the self-described global artist Yun-Fei Ji landed in New York City, where he expanded his art practice while paying homage to his upbringing. Ji now produces paintings using traditional Chinese methods, such as calligraphy and ink painting, to address serious contemporary topics such as migration, the environment and social issues. 🎨 He spoke with The World's host Carol Hills. [Listen]( to the discussion. 🎧 [Installation view, Yun-Fei Ji:" The Sunflower Turned Its Back," James Cohan, 52 Walker Street, New York, Nov. 18, 2022-Jan. 7, 2023.] Credit: Phoebe d'Heurle/Courtesy of Yun-Fei Ji 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](.