Regions – Page 3338 – Prologue Journal

US envoy’s ‘Barbie’ post further angers Japanese offended by ‘Barbenheimer’ meme

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. The Japan opening of the blockbuster faced more backlash after a voice actor called out the viral meme used in the marketing campaign and diplomat Rahm Emanuel drew flak for promoting the film online.…

Thursday Briefing

New York Times The future of U.S. politics after Donald Trump’s indictment. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/03/briefing/trump-niger-ukraine.html

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