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☆ Voice of America Will Get a New Director
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-19 | by ( Katie Robertson | More About Katie Robertson | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Michael Abramowitz will be the next director of the federally funded broadcaster Voice of America, its parent, the U.S. Agency for Global Media, announced on Friday. Mr. Abramowitz, 60, is currently the president of Freedom House, a pro-democracy nonprofit organization, a role he has held since 2017. Voice of America, which was founded in 1942, aims to offer unbiased news to audiences around the world. “These countries are waging ferocious information warfare aimed at undermining democracies, aimed at undermining the United States, and we need to fight back,” Mr. Abramowitz said in an interview. is one very important tool for the United States government in this information war.”

Persons: Michael Abramowitz, Mr, Abramowitz, ” Mr, “, ” Organizations: of America, U.S . Agency for Global Media, Freedom, U.S . Holocaust Memorial Museum, The Washington Post . Voice of America, United Locations: U.S, China, Russia, Iran, United States

☆ Teacher Li: A Chinese dissident in Europe is enraging Beijing. Now police are coming for his social media followers
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-18 | by ( Nectar Gan | Yong Xiong | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

And now, Chinese authorities appear to be going after his followers in China. Li Ying spends most of his days in front of the computer running his X account. Li’s warnings sent shock waves through the small but influential Chinese X sphere. On X, Li Ying’s account provided a window into the outpouring of grief and disaffection. “The Chinese authorities are fearful of young people like Teacher Li, seeing him as a threat to its rule,” Wang said.

Persons: Lee, Xi Jinping, –, Li, ”, ” Lee, Li Ying, Li reposts, Elon Musk, Covid lockdowns, ” Li, “, Yaqiu Wang, ‘, ’ ”, Li Keqiang, Shen Xiang, ramped, Li Keqiang’s, Xi, it’s, it’ll, ” Wang, Wang Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, Twitter, US, Facebook, Elon, Ministry of Public Security, CNN, YouTube, Future Publishing, Getty, Freedom Locations: China, Hong Kong, Beijing, Italy, Washington, Anhui province, “

☆ Putin is coasting towards another term in power. Here’s what to know about Russia’s presidential election
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-14 | by ( Rob Picheta | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

CNN —Russia is holding a presidential election that is all but certain to extend Vladimir Putin’s rule throughout this decade and into the 2030s. But this is not a normal election; the poll is essentially a constitutional box-ticking exercise that carries no prospect of removing Putin from power. But that is not to say Russians expect the election to change the direction of the country. Russia’s elections are neither free nor fair, and serve essentially as a formality to extend Putin’s term in power, according to independent bodies and observers both in and outside the country. In order to vote against Putin, you just need to vote for any other candidate,” he said on February 8.

Persons: Vladimir Putin’s, Putin, Alexey Navalny, Natalia Kolesnikova, Joseph Stalin, Putin’s, Dmitry Medvedev, euphemistically, —, Abbas Gallyamov, Gallyamov, ”, Callum Fraser, Nikolay Kharitonov, Leonid Slutsky, Vladislav Davankov, Davankov, Vladimir Zhirinovsky, Boris Nadezhdin, Yekaterina Duntsova, Duntsova, Leonid Volkov, Volkov, Stringer, Alexey Navalny –, –, Yulia Navalnaya, “, “ Putin, Don’t, Navalnaya Organizations: CNN, Russian, Duma, Getty, Levada, Central, Commission, Royal United Services Institute, Communist Party, Slutsky, Liberal Democratic Party of Russia, Kremlin, CEC, Freedom, Putin, European Union, Foreign Affairs Locations: Russia, Ukraine, AFP, Soviet, Lithuanian, Vilnius, Chechen, Grozny, Moscow, Russian

☆ Russia says its democracy is the best in the world, days after Putin's only real political rival died in prison
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-07 | by ( Mia Jankowicz | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declared Russia's democracy "the best" in the world. Navalny died in prison, and Russian elections are widely regarded as anything but free and fair. AdvertisementRussia's democracy is the best in the world and it won't tolerate criticism of it, the Kremlin's top spokesperson said on Wednesday. "Our democracy is the best, and we will continue to build it," he said, per Ukrainska Pravda's translation. Russian presidential elections, set to begin in 10 days, are also widely regarded as a foregone conclusion.

Persons: Dmitry Peskov, Putin's, Alexey Navalny, Navalny, —, Vladimir Putin, Boris Nadezhdin, Alexei Navalny, Associated Press Navalny, Roman Ivanov Organizations: Service, Moscow Times, Associated Press, Kremlin, Telegraph, Economist Intelligence Unit Locations: Moscow, Russia, —, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Ukraine

☆ Russia’s presidential election is nearing. We already know who the winner will be
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-25 | by ( Rob Picheta | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

CNN —Russia is nearing a presidential election that is all but certain to extend Vladimir Putin’s rule throughout this decade and into the 2030s. The president’s dominance over the Russian electoral system has already been reinforced as the election looms. Voting will be held from Friday March 15 until Sunday March 17, the first Russian presidential election to take place over three days. The region makes up more than a third of Russia’s total territory but has only about 5% of its population. In order to vote against Putin, you just need to vote for any other candidate,” Navalny said on February 8.

Persons: Vladimir Putin’s, Putin, Alexey Navalny, Maxim Shemetov, Joseph Stalin, Putin’s, Dmitry Medvedev, ” Callum Fraser, Nikolay Kharitonov, Leonid Slutsky, Vladislav Davankov, Davankov, Vladimir Zhirinovsky, Boris Nadezhdin, Yekaterina Duntsova, Duntsova, Leonid Volkov, Volkov, Vladimir Nikolayev, euphemistically, Abbas Gallyamov, Gallyamov, Alexey Navalny –, –, ”, ” Navalny, Yulia Navalnaya, “, “ Putin, Don’t Organizations: CNN, Russian, Duma, Federal, Reuters, Kommersant, CEC, Royal United Services Institute, Communist Party, Slutsky, Liberal Democratic Party of Russia, Kremlin, Freedom, Putin, Levada, EU, Foreign Affairs Council, European Union Locations: Russia, Ukraine, Russia’s, Soviet, AFP

☆ Opinion: What is Putin afraid of?
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-24 | by ( Opinion Frida Ghitis | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

She is a weekly opinion contributor to CNN, a contributing columnist to The Washington Post and a columnist for World Politics Review. But in its attempt to exercise and display its strength, Putin is showing his fear. Security forces have arrested Russians questioning the war in Ukraine, let alone questioning Putin. According to rights organization Freedom House, Russia has become one of the world’s top perpetrators of transnational repression. Criticism of the war or of Putin can lead to death in a Russian prison camp.

Persons: Frida Ghitis, Vladimir Putin, Ksenia, Putin, Karelina, Alexey Navalny, Navalny, Chris Van Heerden, didn’t, Boris Nemtsov, Anna Politkovskaya, There’s Navalny, Brittney Griner, Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich, —, Gershkovich, Vadim Krasikov, ”, Maxim Kuzminov, Russia “, Alexander Litvinenko, Sergei Skripal, “ Organizations: CNN, Washington Post, Politics, Frida Ghitis CNN, Kremlin, Russia’s Federal Security Service, KGB, Security, US, Wall Street, House, Police Locations: Russia, Russian, Los Angeles, Ukraine, Yekaterinburg, Germany, Chechen, Alicante, Kuzminov, London, Salisbury, England, Moscow, Ukrainian

☆ Amazon Prime’s ‘Expats’ was set and filmed in Hong Kong. But it’s not being shown there
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-30 | by ( Issy Ronald | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Amazon Prime’s new drama series “Expats,” starring Nicole Kidman, is currently unavailable to watch in Hong Kong despite being set and partly filmed in the city. That year, Hong Kong also granted Oscar-winner Kidman an exemption from its tough Covid-19 quarantine rules to film in the city. Four members of her crew were also granted relief from the restrictions, Hong Kong officials said at the time. CNN has also reached out to the Hong Kong Commerce and Economic Development Bureau for comment. “It was very important to me to be able to show this particular moment in this year in Hong Kong very accurately,” she said.

Persons: ”, Nicole Kidman, Margaret, Hong Kong, Oscar, Kidman, Hong, “, ” Yaqiu Wang, ” Bonde Sham, Ji, Yoo, Wang, ’, Lulu Wang, “ It’s Organizations: CNN, Amazon, Umbrella Movement, Hong, The Hong, Hollywood, Freedom House, Hong Kong Commerce, Economic, Reuters, Kong’s, Film, Association, BBC Radio Locations: Hong Kong, Beijing, The, The Hong Kong, Hong, China, Taiwan, Los Angeles

☆ Indonesians head to the polls in February. Here are key issues dominating the elections
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-04 | by ( Randy Mulyanto | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

Indonesia is preparing to hold general elections for president and vice president for the 2024-2029 period in February 2024. The world's third-largest democracy will open its polls to over 204 million eligible voters casting their ballots, according to its General Elections Commission. While having greater opposition representation in Indonesia's parliament could raise the bar for passing such laws, Titi said there's still a very high barrier to entry for the candidacy process. According to Freedom House's Freedom in the World 2023 report, Indonesia ranked "partly free," scoring 58 out of 100. But for some Indonesians, the cozier relationship has also sparked debt-trap fears and concerns about an influx of Chinese workers.

Persons: Anies Baswedan, Prabowo Subianto, Ganjar, Aditya Irawan, Joko, Widodo, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Muhaimin Iskandar, Ganjar Pranowo, Prabowo, Gibran, Anies, Titi Anggraini, Titi, there's, Indonesia's, Singapore's ISEAS — Yusof, Lina Alexandra Organizations: Nurphoto, Getty, JAKARTA —, Commission, Solo, National Awakening Party, Central Java, Politik, Nusantara, Association for Elections, Democracy, CNBC, Constitutional, House's, Institute, Indonesia's, of Economic, Law Studies, Initiative, Strategic, International Studies, Hamas, Lowy Institute Locations: Jakarta, Indonesia, JAKARTA, JAKARTA — Indonesia, Central, Politik Indonesia, Nusantara, Borneo, China, Beijing, Southeast Asia, Southeast, Israel, Australian

Eventually, China wants the schemes to be integrated into national emissions trading and generate credits that can offset emissions by industrial polluters, government plans show. PERSONAL CARBON TRADINGChina's carbon inclusion ambitions have been in gestation since 2015, when the southeastern province of Guangdong published rules on how to convert low-carbon activity into credits. Guangdong also allows enterprises to meet 10% of carbon reduction obligations through carbon inclusion credits. And there are worries the carbon inclusion schemes could let industrial polluters off the hook by shifting the burden of emission cuts to households. China climate official Su Wei told local media the green transformation of China would "inevitably involve profound changes in people's daily habits and consumption patterns", but he said carbon inclusion schemes would remain voluntary.

Persons: David Kirton, China's, Xie Zhenhua, Banks, Benjamin Sovacool, Li, Zhang Xin, people's, Yaqiu Wang, Su Wei, David Stanway, Sonali Paul Organizations: REUTERS, China, Communist, China Academy of Sciences, People's Bank of, Boston University, Environmental Studies, New, Thomson Locations: Pingshan district, Shenzhen, Guangdong province, China, SHENZHEN, Dubai, Guangdong, People's Bank of China, Quzhou, Finland, British, Singapore, New York, Shanghai, Beijing

☆ Analysis-China Turns to Households in Fight to Slash Carbon Emissions
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-26 | by ( Nov. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +7 min

Eventually, China wants the schemes to be integrated into national emissions trading and generate credits that can offset emissions by industrial polluters, government plans show. PERSONAL CARBON TRADINGChina's carbon inclusion ambitions have been in gestation since 2015, when the southeastern province of Guangdong published rules on how to convert low-carbon activity into credits. Other countries have toyed with the idea of personal carbon trading, with pilot schemes set up in Finland and Australia's Norfolk Island. Guangdong also allows enterprises to meet 10% of carbon reduction obligations through carbon inclusion credits. And there are worries the carbon inclusion schemes could let industrial polluters off the hook by shifting the burden of emission cuts to households.

Persons: David Stanway, David Kirton, China's, Xie Zhenhua, Banks, Benjamin Sovacool, Li, Zhang Xin, people's, Yaqiu Wang, Su Wei, Sonali Paul Organizations: Communist, China Academy of Sciences, People's Bank of, Boston University, Environmental Studies, New Locations: China, Shenzhen, Dubai, Guangdong, People's Bank of China, Quzhou, Finland, British, Singapore, New York, Shanghai, Beijing

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The New Orleans home where civil rights activist Oretha Castle Haley grew up and that served as a hub for Louisiana's civil rights movement in the 1960s has been added to the National Register of Historic Places. In 1989, the city honored her memory by renaming Dryades Street, the site of many civil rights demonstrations, Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard. Robin S. Smith, a graduate student studying historic preservation at Tulane University's School of Architecture, started the historic designation process. The nomination was approved at the state level and then by the National Register office of the National Park Service in October. Properties listed in the National Register, authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, are deemed worthy of preservation for their exceptional historic value.

Persons: Oretha Castle Haley, Haley, Doris, Oretha, Robin S, Smith, ”, “, ” Smith Organizations: ORLEANS, National Register of Historic Places, National Register, Freedom House, New, Racial, Tulane University's School of Architecture, Science, Historic Preservation, Louisiana Division of Historic Preservation, National Park Service, National Historic Preservation Locations: The New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana

☆ Bayard Rustin biopic spotlights organizer of the March on Washington
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-18 | by ( John Blake | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +12 min

“Rustin,” a biopic that depicts how Rustin navigated a gantlet of personal and political hurdles to pull off the March on Washington, debuts on Netflix today. Rustin was the “glue guy” leader for the civil rights movement. Colman Domingo, center, as Bayard Rustin in "Rustin," which premiered Nov. 17 on Netflix after a brief run in theaters. Colman Domingo as Bayard Rustin exhorts young civil rights volunteers in a scene from "Rustin." Some of that patriotism may seem naïve now, but it furnished the civil rights movement with tremendous vitality.

Persons: Bayard Rustin, Clark, Rustin, Martin Luther, “, Puddington, “ He’d, ” Puddington, “ Rustin, ”, Michelle Obama’s, “ Bayard Rustin, Michael G, George C, Wolfe, Colman Domingo, Martin Luther King Jr, ” Rustin, it’s, Malcolm X, Elijah Muhammad, Malcolm, Philip Randolph, Glynn Turman, Randolph, King, King —, Gandhi, ” Bayard Rustin, Donaldson, Michael Ochs, King he’s, Black, Omar Bradley, Parrish Lewis, Netflix Rustin, Ella Baker, Ying, Yang, Martin, Rebecca Solnit, “ Hope, ” Solnit, Bayard Rustin exhorts, David Lee, President’s, Obama’s, “ Bayard, Martin Luther King's, American Gandhi, Mr, Cathy Young, ” John Blake Organizations: CNN, Washington, Netflix, Rustin, Lincoln Memorial, Denver Post, of Prisons, Michael Ochs Archives, Getty, NBA, “, Society, Freedom, Quaker Locations: Washington, Inside Ashland, ”, Islam, Vietnam, India, Pennsylvania's Lewisburg, American, America, Europe, New York City

☆ The World Is Becoming More African
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-28 | by ( Declan Walsh | Hannah Reyes Morales | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +37 min

Old World Young Africa As the world grays, Africa blooms with youth. The World Is Becoming More African Part one of a series on how the youth boom is changing the continent, and beyond. But while a handful of African countries are poised to ride the demographic wave, others risk being swamped by it. In the West, racists and right-wing nationalists stoke fears of African population growth to justify hatred, or even violence. The age gap between geriatric leaders and restless youth is “a major source of tension” in many African countries, said Simon Mulongo, a former African Union diplomat from Uganda.

Persons: Lauren Leatherby, ”, Jean, Patrick Niambé, Hilton, Edward Paice, “, Keziah Keya, Keya, Paul R, Ehrlich, stoke, Lauren Leatherby “, Carlos Lopes, Burna, Weeks, “ It’s, Laolu Senbanjo, Tems, Toulaye Sy, Pritzker, Abdulrazak Gurnah, “ Africa’s, ” Long, exotica, Mulendema, Hannah O’Leary, “ We’re, Sipho Dlamini, Dlamini, Moawad, Optimists, Mo Ibrahim, Aubrey Hruby, birthrates, India’s, China’s, Akinwumi Adesina, States —, William Ruto, Paul Biya of, Biya, Wole Soyinka, Paul Kagame of, Nourdine, Nigeriens, Awade, Ali Bongo Ondimba, Simon Mulongo, Nuha Abdelgadir, Abdelgadir, gesturing, “ We’ve, ” Weeks, Abdelgadir’s, Modu Ali, Young, Saidu, Habiba Mohammed, Ms, Ha, Joon Chang, Nobody, Chang, Ibrahim, Touré Organizations: Young, United Nations, Southern, Northern, Western Asia Northern, United, Ivory Coast, African Union, Group, European Union ., Suisse, Africa Research Institute, Nigeria Mozambique Kenya “, Russia Canada Germany United, Russia Canada Germany United States Japan China Iran Egypt India Mexico Nigeria Ethiopia Ethiopia Dem, Russia Germany, China Egypt India Nigeria D.R.C, Russia Canada Germany United States Japan China Iran Egypt India Mexico Nigeria Ethiopia Dem, Bank, Nations, International, Bryn Mawr College, Angola, Angola Ivory Coast, Angola Ivory Coast Cameroon Dem, Africa Middle Africa Southern, Economic Commission, New, Citi, Spotify, Cannes Film, Burkina Faso, UNESCO, Disney, Amazon Prime, Netflix, “, Apple, Cape Town, Microsoft, Google, Infrastructure, McKinsey & Company, Pew Research Center, African Development Bank, Greek Coast Guard, Saudi, Africa Climate, Young Voters, Freedom House, University of Denver, United Arab, Japan Cuba Vatican City, Netherlands South Korea Belgium U.A.E, Islamic, Global, Center for Girls Education, School of Oriental, Studies Locations: grays, Africa, India, China, United States, Southern Asia, Asia, America, Caribbean, Northern America, Western Asia, Western Asia Northern America, Europe, London, New York, West Africa, Ivory, Abidjan, Russia, Turkey, Gulf, Nairobi, Nigeria Mozambique Kenya, Italy, Japan, Russia Canada Germany United States Japan China Iran Egypt India Mexico Nigeria Ethiopia Ethiopia, Congo Indonesia Brazil Australia South Africa Argentina, Russia Germany U.S, China Egypt India Nigeria, Brazil South Africa Australia, Russia Canada Germany United States Japan China Iran Egypt India Mexico Nigeria, Nigeria, Africa’s, Young, South Africa, Somalia, Mozambique, Mali, Gabon, Niger, Mozambique Nigeria Kenya, Kenya, Pennsylvania, Angola Ivory, Angola Ivory Coast Cameroon, Congo Algeria Egypt, Ghana Kenya Madagascar Mozambique Niger Nigeria, Tanzania Uganda South Africa, Northern Africa Eastern Africa, Africa Middle Africa, Africa Middle Africa Southern Africa, Guinea, Bissau, African, Qatar, Nigerian, Brooklyn, Target, French, Senegalese, Paris, Milan, Venice, Burkina, Tanzania, Saharan Africa, Nigeria Kenya Senegal In Lagos, Dakar, Zambia, South Korea, Sotheby’s, Lagos, Zimbabwe, Watford, Cape, Mombasa, Zanzibar, Cairo, Morocco, East Africa, Nigeria Mozambique Morocco, Sudanese, North Africa, East Asia, Thailand, Rwanda, Ivory Coast, States, Namibia, Kenyan, Paul Biya of Cameroon, Paul Kagame of Rwanda, United Arab Emirates, United States France Turkey, Germany, Russia India, Brazil, Japan Cuba, Japan Cuba Vatican City Spain Italy Saudi Arabia Qatar, Netherlands South Korea Belgium, Iran Canada, Niger’s, Niamey, Senegal Kenya Kenya, X’s, Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Senegal, Uganda, Khartoum, Sudan, Ethiopia, Al Qaeda, Islamic State, Chad, Burkina Faso, Nigeria Nigeria Morocco, hijabs, Zaria, American, Korea, South, England

☆ The Kremlin plans to raffle off houses and holidays to shore up support for Putin ahead of an election: report
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-27 | by ( Joshua Zitser | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

The Kremlin is reportedly launching a nationwide raffle ahead of next year's presidential election. The project aims to support Putin amid Russia's challenges with Western sanctions, the report said. AdvertisementAdvertisementThe Kremlin plans to shore up support for Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of next year's election by launching a nationwide raffle, according to the independent Russian outlet Meduza. The prizes up for grabs include 300 trips across Russia and 30 housing certificates, which are vouchers that can exchanged for real estate, Meduza reported. Meduza reported that more than 400,000 people have already entered the raffle and that Russian news outlets and regional media have been instructed to promote the event.

Persons: Putin, —, Vladimir Putin, Meduza Organizations: Service, Russian, Kremlin, United, Levada Center, CNN, Freedom Locations: Russia, United Russia, US, Ukraine

☆ Trump praised Hungary's prime minister Viktor Orbán as 'the leader of Turkey'
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-24 | by ( Mia Jankowicz | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Trump appeared to mix up two different countries while talking about Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. AdvertisementAdvertisementFormer President Donald Trump mistakenly referred to Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán as "the leader of Turkey" during a rambling speech. "Viktor Orbán, did anyone ever hear of him, he is probably one of the strongest leaders anywhere in the world. He is the leader of Turkey," said Trump, adding that Orbán shares a "front" with Russia. AdvertisementAdvertisementX user @Acyn captured part of the speech:Trump: I was very honored, there’s a man, Viktor Orbán.

Persons: Trump, Viktor Orbán, Orbán, —, Donald Trump, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Victor Orbán, doesn't, there’s, Joe Biden, Tucker Carlson Organizations: Hungary's, Service, Fidesz, Fox News, Conservative Locations: Hungary, Russia, Turkey, Derry , New Hampshire

Then came the Hamas attack against Israel, which has made Netanyahu’s late October trip uncertain and put Beijing's Middle East approach to the test. China’s stated neutrality on the war has upset Israel, but Beijing may gain in the long run by forging closer ties with Arab countries, experts said. “For a while at least, Beijing’s Middle East policy is paralyzed by the war,” said Shi Yinhong, professor of international relations at Beijing-based Renmin University of China. “China’s engagement in the Middle East is set to increase during this conflict. Because we need to be the bridge.”But China's proposals to end the war have been seen as benefiting Russia.

Persons: Xi Jinping, Benjamin Netanyahu, China’s, Israel, ”, Shi Yinhong, hasn't, Zhai Jun, Zhai, ” Wang Yi, ” Wang, Antony Blinken, Wang, Maria Papageorgiou, Mohammad Eslami, “, Tuvia, ” Gering, Wang Yiwei, Dale Aluf, China's, Aluf, Yaqiu Wang, Ken Moritsugu, Wanqing Chen, Matthew Lee Organizations: WASHINGTON, —, Renmin University of China, State Department, Hezbollah, University of Exeter, University Minho, Israel, China Policy Center, Institute for National Security, Kremlin, Renmin University, Israel Global Network, Freedom, Associated Press, AP Locations: Beijing, China, Israel, U.S, Iran, Tel Aviv, Palestine, Ukraine, Xinjiang, Xi, Saudi Arabia, United States, Russia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Communist, Riyadh

WASHINGTON (AP) — For much of the world, China’s Xinjiang region is notorious, a place where ethnic Uyghurs face forced labor and arbitrary detention. The trip is an example of what Washington sees as Beijing’s growing efforts to reshape the global narrative on China. Chinese President Xi Jinping has demanded that China tell its story to the world so Beijing would be trusted and respected. In Xinjiang, Beijing has brought in diplomats and foreign journalists on tightly orchestrated trips with minders in tow. While the State Department report focused on Beijing's global influence efforts outside the United States, its findings are similar to those documented in the U.S. by think tanks and advocacy groups.

Persons: ”, Jamie Rubin, Liu Pengyu, Xi Jinping, Yi Fan, Sarah Cook, Glenn Tiffert Organizations: WASHINGTON, State Department, Engagement, Embassy, China, United Nations, Global Times, China News, Senate Intelligence, Freedom, Hoover Institute Locations: Xinjiang, Beijing, China, United States, U.S, Washington, ” Beijing, Asia, Africa, Latin America, Hong Kong, Ukraine, Moscow, Iranian, Western, Taiwan

☆ WTA must keep Peng case in public eye on China return, says human rights advocate
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-15 | by ( Shrivathsa Sridhar | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Peng then briefly disappeared from public view and the former doubles number one later denied making the accusation, sparking an international outcry over her safety. In meetings with Chinese officials and in public appearances, they should talk about Peng's case. And as for the WTA, it should keep pressing the case robustly and publicly." Reuters has contacted the WTA and Chinese Tennis Association for an update on efforts to speak to Peng since the tour's decision to return to China. This year, it will hold tournaments in Guangzhou (Sept. 18-23) and Ningbo (Sept. 25-30) before the season's final WTA 1000 event in Beijing (Sept. 30-Oct. 8).

Persons: China’s Peng Shuai, Canada’s Eugenie Bouchard, Edgar Su, Peng Shuai, Peng, isn't, Yaqiu Wang, Frenchwoman Alize Cornet, Le Parisien, Cornet, Shrivathsa Sridhar Organizations: Melbourne, REUTERS, Rights, WTA, Reuters, Freedom House, Chinese Tennis Association, Thomson Locations: Melbourne, Australia, China, Guangzhou, Asia, Ningbo, Beijing, Zhengzhou, Hong Kong, Nanchang, Zhuhai, Le, Bengaluru

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration said Thursday that Egypt's poor human rights record hasn't improved, but it won't withhold as much military aid as it did last year regardless. Egypt has been a top recipient of U.S. military aid since it signed a U.S.-brokered peace deal with Israel in 1979. Congress in recent years has attached restrictions meant to pressure Egyptian leaders to curb human rights abuses to a comparatively small portion of the more than $1 billion in annual military aid to the country. Rights groups and some congressional Democrats had urged the Biden administration to take a hard line against Egypt on human rights, while some lawmakers said strategic interests should be prioritized. U.S. officials said the decision announced Thursday did not signal that the U.S. believed Egypt had made progress on human rights.

Persons: —, Biden, Abdel Fattah el, ” Amr Magdi, ” Magdi, Hisham Kassem, Sen, Chris Murphy, Sisi, Kassem, Jamal Khashoggi, “, Matthew Lee Organizations: WASHINGTON, U.S, State Department, Human Rights, Connecticut Democrat, Freedom, U.S . State Department, PEN, Amnesty International, Amnesty, Saudi, Newsweek Locations: Egypt, U.S, Israel, Connecticut, Taiwan, Ukraine, PEN America, Saudi Arabia

☆ The G7 is least bad group for a troubled world
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-04 | by ( Hugo Dixon | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +7 min

In this troubled world, the Group of Seven rich democracies is the best bet for keeping the peace and protecting the planet. The Group of 20 large economies and the United Nations, both of which hold summits this month, are broken. India and Brazil may also be out of place in an expanded group which China seems to be dominating. G7 BY DEFAULTThat leaves the G7, which brings together the U.S., Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy and Canada. But to see off challenges from other groups, the G7 needs a more ambitious offer for the Global South.

Persons: Joe Biden, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Vladimir Putin, Lehman Brothers, Narendra Modi, What’s, Putin won’t, Xi Jinping, haven’t, Donald Trump’s, Joe Biden’s, Putin, Peter Thal Larsen, Thomas Shum Organizations: Reuters, U.S, United Nations, UN, Security, Lehman, Indian, United, International Monetary Fund, Freedom House, U.S ., American, European Union, Global, Thomson Locations: Ukraine, Hiroshima, Japan, China, U.S, Soviet Union, Russia, United Kingdom, France, New Delhi, India, loggerheads, Brazil, South Africa, Argentina, Ethiopia, Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, UAE, Mexico, Indonesia, Turkey, Thailand, Nigeria, Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines, Bangladesh, Germany, Italy, Canada, Iraq, Britain, Europe, Asia, South Korea, Australia

Seoul, South Korea CNN —A jet ski rider detained by South Korea for allegedly entering the country illegally is a prominent Chinese dissident who rode hundreds of miles across the sea to escape from China, activists say. The man, who is in his 30s, was apprehended August 16 near Incheon, on South Korea’s west coast near to the capital Seoul, the Incheon Coast Guard said in a news release Sunday. He is suspected of traveling from China’s eastern Shandong province, which lies about 400 kilometers (250 miles) across the Yellow Sea from Incheon. Upon arrival in South Korea, he got stuck on the muddy shore and had to call an emergency line for help, the release said. Lee Dae-seon, an activist working with Dialogue China and based in South Korea, said Kwon had been sentenced to jail and released in March 2019.

Persons: Kwon Pyong, Kwon, Xi Jinping, “, ”, Lee Dae, Lee, “ Kwon, ” Lee Organizations: South Korea CNN, South, Incheon Coast Guard, CNN, Iowa State University, House, Freedom, Dialogue Locations: Seoul, South Korea, China, Incheon, South Korea’s, Shandong, United States, Dialogue China

☆ A Ukrainian says he paid $5,000 for a medical diagnosis to avoid conscription, an example of widespread corruption and draft-dodging
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-15 | by ( Mia Jankowicz | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Ukraine is facing increasing difficulties with military recruitment, with some avoiding the draft. One man paid $5,000 for a spine diagnosis, allowing him to leave the country, The Guardian reported. "Everyone knows where to find them," the man told the newspaper. Ukraine amended its conscription laws in January 2023 in an effort to close recruitment loopholes, as the Kyiv Post reported. But a year and a half into Russia's grueling invasion, the ongoing crackdown illustrates a pressing recruitment problem for Ukraine.

Persons: Zelenskyy, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Vladimir Putin's, Putin Organizations: Guardian, dodgers, Service, Kyiv Post, Street, Freedom House, Ukraine Locations: Ukraine, Wall, Silicon, Ukrainian, Odesa, Europe, Russia

☆ In Elections, Spain Is Going to Be Absolutely Fine - The New York Times
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-20 | by ( Omar G. Encarnación | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +3 min

Vox’s bombastic rhetoric and toxic policies pose a serious threat to Spanish democracy — but not as existential a threat as many presume it to be. Vox’s emergence — however eye-catching — did not signal any significant shift for the Spanish right and politics in Spain. Contrary to common wisdom, the far right did not disappear with Franco’s death. Lately, encouraged by the surge of right-wing, populist parties all over the world, Spain’s far right decided that it is safe to come out of hiding. Yet Spanish democracy, served by steady leadership, social and economic advances and a lively multiparty political culture, has held firm.

Persons: Vox, —, Manuel Fraga, Franco, Mariano Rajoy Organizations: Spanish, Popular Party, Alianza Popular Locations: Spanish, Spain, Europe, House’s, Catalonia, Basque, Madrid

☆ Opinion: Biden is taking a calculated risk on India’s Modi
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-21 | by ( Opinion Frida Ghitis | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

Indeed, Biden will likely be accused of hypocrisy for playing down issues of human rights and democracy erosion under Modi, both accusations that Modi claims are false. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden meet at the Oval Office, in September 2021. Though Modi’s administration denies it, human rights organizations say discrimination against Muslims has worsened under Modi and his Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party. Officials say Biden will raise the issue of India’s human rights record and democracy backsliding, but it’s likely they will be downplayed. After all, putting human rights publicly at the heart of relations with Saudi Arabia did little more than open the region’s door to China.

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☆ Turkey general election 2023 guide: what you need to know
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-01 | by ( Nadeen Ebrahim | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

And even if Kilicdaroglu wins the election, some analysts say Erdogan may not hand over power to his successor without a struggle. Here’s what you need to know about the vote that could become a pivotal moment in Turkey’s modern history:How Turkey’s elections workTurkey holds elections every five years. Parliamentary elections take place at the same time as the presidential elections. Four candidates are running for this year’s presidential election. CHP Istanbul mayor candidate Ekrem Imamoglu then went on to win the election re-run, dealing a blow to Erdogan.

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