As his regime slowly crumbles and options for exile and reconciliation narrow, Syria’s embattled President Bashar Assad looks likely to cling grimly on to power, no matter the consequences
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Must-Reads from Around the World, July 23, 2012
Among today’s picks: the Syrian situation, Burma and Thailand play good neighbors and inside Argentina’s soccer hooligan culture.
As Syria Teeters, So Do Decades-Old Assumptions About the Middle East
The conflict is testing the brittle bonds of a national identity in states carved out of old Ottoman provinces at the end of World War I
American ‘Pivot’ to Asia Divides the Philippines
Recent trouble in the South China Sea has renewed debate as to whether the U.S. is a trusted friend, or an old foe
Flash Floods Swamp Chinese Capital, Killing 37
The storm-induced paralysis was a reminder that for all its development, the Chinese capital still suffers from potentially debilitating infrastructure weaknesses
Trying to Forget Breivik: One Year After the Norway Massacre
The events in Aurora, Colo., appear to echo the meticulously planned crime that devastated Oslo almost a year before. The Norwegians are still trying to figure out how to deal with the legacy of that mass murder
Erasing Sarkozy: François Hollande Legislates His Predecessor’s Policies Into Oblivion
A revised deficit-cutting budget bill passed by France’s ruling leftists Thursday effectively repeals all major reforms undertaken by former President Nicolas Sarkozy, virtually erasing virtually all his economic policies.
Yale Draws Flak for Its Singapore Adventure
Is the Ivy League university’s satellite campus in the Southeast Asian city-state a diminution of Yale’s democratic underpinnings, or is the opposition to it an example of western moral superiority?
In Rebel Syria: Celebrating Assad’s Departure–Even Though He’s Still Staying
Pummeled by regime firepower, a rebel town allows itself a brief moment to pretend he’s gone. And then it’s back to reality.
Must-Reads from Around the World, July 20, 2012
Today’s picks include major economic reforms proposed by North Korean leader Kim Jon Un, the rejection of an appeal by Chinese dissident Ai Weiwei and U.N. Security Council members blaming each other for failing to come to an agreement on Syria.
Magic Kingdom: Why Live-Action Role Playing is one of Denmark’s Most Popular Pastimes
A journey inside the creative, challenging, dark heart of larp—Live Action Role Playing—in Scandinavia. Featuring foam weapons, fake scenarios, and some very real emotions.
Chinese Activist Ai Weiwei Loses Appeal on Tax Charge
The artist and activist insists that the case against him is politically motivated and says he plans to continue to challenge the government’s charge