Regions – Page 175 – Prologue Journal

What an Upended Mideast Means for Trump and U.S. Gulf Allies

New York Times While major ruptures are not expected, Gulf states are urging a tougher stance on Israel and a softening toward Iran, positions that differ greatly from the president-elect’s first term. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/13/world/middleeast/trump-middle-east-allies-israel-iran-oil.html

China-Russia trade surged to new heights in 2024, driven by Western sanctions

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Trade between the two powers continued to grow across a range of categories in 2024, but may face greater headwinds this year. https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3294551/china-russia-trade-surged-new-heights-2024-driven-western-sanctions?utm_source=rss_feed

Thousands of Hindu pilgrims take holy bath in river as Maha Kumbh Mela festival begins

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. India’s Maha Kumbh Mela gets under way, with thousands of Hindu devotees lining up to bathe in the waters of river they regard as sacred. https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts/article/3294544/thousands-hindu-pilgrims-take-holy-bath-river-maha-kumbh-mela-festival-begins?utm_source=rss_feed

Despite major strike, Houthis target Israel with new drone attack

Jerusalem Post Though the drone was shot down, hopes are not high for the end of attacks. https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-837277

Malaysia seeks gag order on Najib Razak’s house arrest bid

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Malaysia seeks to ban parliament from discussing Najib’s bid to serve the rest of his sentence at home, creating a headache for PM Anwar. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3294536/malaysia-seeks-gag-order-jailed-pm-najib-razaks-house-arrest-bid?utm_source=rss_feed

Tortured body of abducted Syrian cleric found in Damascus outskirts

Disclaimer: PressTV is affiliated with the state broadcasting agency of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and is not a reliable news source. The body of a moderate Sunni Muslim preacher abducted by unknown militants has been found on the outskirts of the Syrian capital. https://presstv.ir/Detail/2025/01/13/740824/Body-of-moderate-Syrian-cleric-found-in-Damascus-outskirts-over-week-after-his-abduction

South Korea to improve concrete barricades after Jeju Air crash, extend Muan airport shutdown

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. The Muan airport will remain closed until January 19 following the tragic Jeju Air crash, South Korea also plans to improve concrete landing structures at seven airports. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3294543/south-korea-improve-concrete-barricades-after-jeju-air-crash-extend-muan-airport-shutdown?utm_source=rss_feed

Malaysia ticks right boxes in Asia’s fast-growing data centre market

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. With its expanding digital economies and key role in communications infrastructure, Asia is seeing robust investment in data centre development. https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3294493/malaysia-ticks-right-boxes-asias-fast-growing-data-centre-market?utm_source=rss_feed

Meta’s US fact-checking shutdown sparks fears of disinformation crisis in Asia

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Analysts warn the decision could weaken efforts to combat hate speech and misinformation in regions vulnerable to online manipulation. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3294518/metas-us-fact-checking-shutdown-sparks-fears-disinformation-crisis-asia?utm_source=rss_feed

With South Korea in Crisis, Eight Justices Will Decide President’s Fate

New York Times The Constitutional Court, an arbiter in a polarized nation, is about to consider whether Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment for declaring martial law was justified. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/13/world/asia/south-korea-yoon-court-impeachment.html