Military Chaplain Nikolay Medynsky blesses a Ukrainian soldier before he goes into battle, as Russia's attack on the Ukraine continues, in Kyiv, Ukraine, March 13, 2022. (Photo by Thomas Peter/Reuters)

A period of relative stability has put the Iranian capital No1 on the list of world cities that have achieved biggest improvements in liveability over the past five years, as calculated by the Economist Intelligence Unit. The “most improved” top 10 contains some unexpected names. So, eg, the fourth place: Abidjan, Ivory Coast. Latest ranking: 128; Ranking five years ago: 131; Five-year index movement: 3.8%. Here: A supporter of Ivory Coast president Alassane Ouattara campaigns in a market in the city’s Koumassi quarter. (Photo by Sia Kambou/AFP Photo)

A history enthusiast, dressed as a soldier, fights during the re-enactment of Napoleon's famous battle of Austerlitz near the southern Moravian town of Slavkov u Brna December 5, 2015. Hundreds of history enthusiasts gathered near the city of Slavkov before a re-enactment of Napoleon's famous battle of Austerlitz on Saturday to mark its 210th anniversary. (Photo by David W. Cerny/Reuters)

Relatives of the Afghan Army soldiers, who are trapped in Obde district of Herat while fighting against Taliban militants, protest to demand the government evacuate the injured soldiers, in Herat, Afghanistan, 17 June 2021. Afghan authorities said they are in the process to arrange the evacuation of Army soldiers from the restive district soon. There has been a particularly bloody spike in violence in the country in recent weeks, following the start of the withdrawal of US troops from the country, a process due to be complete by September 11. (Photo by Jalil Rezayee/EPA/EFE)

An Iraqi army cadet participates in “the leap of faith”, from a bridge as part of their training, in Baghdad, Iraq on December 15, 2023. (Photo by Ahmed Saad/Reuters)

A National Army of Colombia soldier, who was wounded by a mine, swims at a pool in Bello, municipality of Antioquia, March 25, 2015. (Photo by Fredy Builes/Reuters)

Members of the Russian Red Army Choir perform at Water Front Theatre in Beirut September 13, 2014. (Photo by Jamal Saidi/Reuters)

Two female soldiers have their picture taken by an army colleague at Mangyongdae. (Photo by Gavin John/Mediadrumworld.com)