Nobody likes to be the one to say “serves you right” and certainly I am against the idea of punishing a nation for the failures of a few, but when Bahrain lost out to Japan yesterday in the Olympic qualifying finals for …
Must-Reads from Around the World: March 15, 2012
Assad Emails — The Guardian exclusively releases a cache of correspondence purportedly between Syrian President Bashar Assad, his wife Asma and a small inner circle. They show the leader took advice from Iran on how to handle …
One Year Into Syria’s Bloody Rebellion, the Assads Are Eating Fondue and Watching Harry Potter
Which Hogwarts house does President Bashar al-Assad identify with when he curls up on the couch with his wife to watch Harry Potter and the Death Hallows Part II? And when he emails her the lyrics from country-and-western crooner …
“I only pray that you will convince the president to take this an opportunity to exit without having to face charges. The region needs to stabilise, but not more than you need peace of mind. I am sure you have many places to turn to, including Doha.”
Diplomacy and Disaster: U.S. Ambassador to Japan Looks Back on 3/11
After a 9.0 earthquake and tsunami struck Japan’s northeast coast on March 11, 2011, offers of aid poured in from around the world. In a few months, Japan went from being one of the international community’s largest aid donors to …
High-Profile Chinese Politician Bo Xilai Is Removed from Post
Bo Xilai, the high-profile Chinese official who was once seen as a favorite for elevation to the top echelon of Chinese political power, has been removed from his office as Communist Party secretary of the southwestern megacity …
“Asia has underperformed its potential for social strengthening.”
Chinese Premier Again Calls for Political Reform, But Will Anyone Listen?
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao’s three-hour press conference at the close of the National People’s Congress, China’s annual Communist Party-controlled parliament, was his last before he is expected to step down next year. The content …
Must-Reads from Around the World: March 14, 2012
Beware the Librarians — Newish online-only outfit Global Mail writes about the revolt against the director of the revived ancient Bibliotheca Alexandrina in Egypt amid corruption claims. Ismail Serageldin faces calls for his
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Protests in Bahrain
Anti-regime demonstrators gather in Diraz
Egypt Brokers a Gaza Ceasefire
After more than 170 rockets fired by Palestinian militants into Israel, and 37 attacks by the Israeli military into the Gaza Strip, the latest round of warfare appeared to end on Tuesday, as both sides honored a cease-fire …
Ferry Capsizes in Bangladesh
More than 20 people are feared dead after the ship collided with a cargo vessel