- World Report 2024: Eswatini (hrw.org)
In Eswatini, an absolute monarchy ruled by King Mswati III since 1986, the year 2023 started with the brutal killing of Thulani Maseko, a prominent human rights lawyer and opposition activist. More than two years after a series of protests, there has been no accountability for the security forces’ crackdown on pro-democracy protesters. As in past elections where political parties were banned from participating, general elections were held in September with little expectation that they would bring about any meaningful change in the country. Two members of parliament, Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube, who were arrested in July 2021 were found guilty of all charges against them, including murder and terrorism.
- Hood Canal (wa100.dnr.wa.gov)
Hood Canal is a long, narrow, glacially carved fjord located where the Puget Lowland meets the Olympic Mountains in western Washington. It’s a beautiful area, rich in great seafood and recreational opportunities, with abundant wild marine life. Shellfish farming provides oysters ready to eat from the local farmers or you can find your own on public beaches that allow harvesting. The waters are also known for scuba diving, boating, kayaking, fishing, crabbing, and shrimping. Hiking opportunities in the eastern foothills of the Olympic Mountains provide great panoramic views of the canal and the Puget Lowland. Hiking or driving up Mount Walker, near Quilcene, or hiking near Lake Cushman or up the Hamma Hamma River, provides stunning views and communion with nature in this tranquil part of Washington.
- Hood Canal (Wikipedia)
Hood Canal is a fjord-like body of water that lies south of Admiralty Inlet in Washington State that some consider to be the western lobe and one of the five main basins of Puget Sound. It is one of the minor bodies of water that constitute the Salish Sea. Maximum depth is 600 ft. Hood Canal is not a canal in the sense of an artificial waterway—it is a natural feature.
