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by Karin Leukefeld*
(17 April 2026) (CH-S) Since the publication of the following report by Karin Leukefeld, the intensity of the Israeli army’s military attacks on the Lebanese population has increased day by day. In the Lebanese capital Beirut alone, hundreds of civilians – notably children, women and the elderly – fell victim to massive Israeli bombardments during the second week of April.
von Dr. med. Sabine Vuilleumier-Koch*
(17 April 2026) “Endlesslife addiction prevention helps to prevent addiction at an early stage and to promote physical, mental and social well-being.” With these words, the association “Endlesslife” from St. Gallen describes what some 120 students at a cantonal school were able to experience at the end of March. Thomas Feurer, founder of the “Endlesslife” organisation (see box), and his team managed to hold the youth’s attention for a whole morning – four hours in total – and motivate them to actively participate.
by Pascal Lottaz,* Japan
(17 April 2026) On 28 February 2026, the United States and Israel jointly launched an illegal military campaign against Iran. Within hours, Iranian drones and missiles struck Manama, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, and installations across Kuwait and Qatar – although the Gulf monarchies had not declared war on Iran. Several issued statements calling for restraint. But their capitals got hit anyhow, and the reason was not difficult to understand: these countries host the military bases from which American forces were (partially) prosecuting the illegal attacks on Iran.
by Anne Burger*
(10 April 2026) Protecting minors and online anonymity are false contradictions. It is possible both to protect children from social media and to uphold freedom of expression. Both are important.
by Guy Mettan,* Geneva
(10 April 2026) On Wednesday 18 March, we celebrated the 80th anniversary of the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Russia (then the Soviet Union).To say the least, these relations have been tumultuous. In 1945, having just joined the Federal Council as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Max Petitpierre found himself in a very delicate situation. The two main victors of the Second World War, the United States and the Soviet Union, were angry with Switzerland because of its relations with Nazi Germany. The country found itself completely isolated. Within eighteen months, however, Max Petitpierre managed to restore relations with both the Americans and the Soviets, despite his anti-Bolshevist stance. He did so with a flair and audacity that should inspire our political leaders today.
by Andreas S.,* Austria
(3 April 2026) (CH-S) On 10 April 2024, the Federal Council decided to join the “European Sky Shield Initiative” (ESSI) project, with the approval of the Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Committees. The project, which is being implemented jointly with 22 NATO states, including Germany, but also neutral Austria, was intended, according to the then Head of the Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS), Viola Amherd, to provide effective protection against missile and drone attacks.