Regions – Page 3289 – Prologue Journal

Ukrainians Shun a Church Seen as a Kremlin Tool

New York Times The village parishioners’ decision to oust their priest reflects a broader push within Ukraine to reduce the influence of an Orthodox church that answers to Moscow. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/03/world/europe/ukraine-orthodox-church.html

Niger Coup: Here’s What to Know

New York Times Amid an unpredictable military coup, neighboring countries have threatened to go to war — some to scuttle the coup, and others to ensure its success. https://www.nytimes.com/article/niger-coup-military-explainer.html

Japan’s rote learning blamed for 15-year-olds failing English tests: ‘not effective’

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Over 1 million students failed a series of spoken questions in English, despite the government making changes to try to improve children’s verbal skills. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/people/article/3229773/japans-rote-learning-blamed-15-year-olds-failing-english-tests-not-effective?utm_source=rss_feed

South Korean Ferry Disaster Figure Yoo Hyuk-kee Is Extradited

New York Times Yoo Hyuk-kee’s family company ran the Sewol ferry, whose sinking off the South Korean coast left hundreds dead. Prosecutors have charged Mr. Yoo, a U.S. resident, with embezzlement. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/02/world/asia/yoo-hyuk-kee-south-korea-ferry.html

Elon Musk’s Tesla gains speed in India EV race as China’s BYD gets throttled

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Tesla has fast-tracked talks with Indian officials on plans to build a low-cost US$24,000 electric car, while its Chinese rival faces deeper scrutiny from New Delhi. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/south-asia/article/3229808/elon-musks-tesla-gains-speed-india-ev-race-chinas-byd-gets-throttled?utm_source=rss_feed

Istanbul orders unregistered Syrians to leave by September: is politics at play?

Jerusalem Post Unregistered Syrians have been ordered to leave Istanbul, a move seen as politically motivated in light of Turkey’s recent elections and growing discontent with the refugee population. https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-753488

Australia mulls banning WeChat from government devices amid ‘national security risks’

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. WeChat has rejected the findings it is a ‘high-risk’ app, but said it would continue working with the Australian government to iron out security concerns. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3229772/australia-mulls-banning-wechat-government-devices-amid-national-security-risks?utm_source=rss_feed

Indonesian K-pop fans accuse Ganjar Pranowo of using them as ‘political tool’ ahead of 2024 election

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Ganjar had mulled inviting K-pop stars to Jakarta and sought suggestions from fans on social media, prompting some netizens to slam his ‘political agenda’. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3229779/indonesian-k-pop-fans-accuse-ganjar-pranowo-using-them-political-tool-ahead-2024-election?utm_source=rss_feed

‘Kill the Boer’ Song Fuels Backlash in South Africa and U.S.

New York Times Right-wing commenters claim that an old anti-apartheid chant is a call to anti-white violence, but historians and the left-wing politician who embraces it say it should not be taken literally. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/02/world/africa/south-africa-kill-boer-song.html

In India, using a public toilet is a ‘traumatic experience’ for trans people

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. India’s Supreme Court ruled in 2014 that trans people should be recognised as the ‘third gender’ but prejudice and social marginalisation persists. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/south-asia/article/3229774/india-using-public-toilet-traumatic-experience-trans-people?utm_source=rss_feed