Prologue Journal – Page 119 – Understanding current events through the lenses of the past and future.

South Africa denies illegal miners food and water to force them out

Washington Post Officials are blocking access to basic supplies for hundreds of people underground in a northwest mine shaft as part of a crackdown on miners. https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/11/16/south-africa-illegal-miners-stilfontein/

Taiwan Sao Paulo office head impeached over procurement scandal

Taipei, Nov. 16 (CNA) A Taiwanese diplomat stationed in Brazil was impeached by the Control Yuan on Friday for suspected procurement violations and neglect of duties, following the apparent suicide of a subordinate last year. https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202411160010

German opposition criticises Scholz for “showing weakness” towards Putin

Pravda Ukraine Jürgen Hardt, a member of the Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) opposition bloc in Germany, has criticised Chancellor Olaf Scholz for calling Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin. Source: Tagesschau, citing Hardt, as reported by European Pravda Details: Hardt believes that Putin will perceive Scholz’s move “as a sign of weakness, not strength”. He…

Social media skits encourage Americans to sip Chinese tea

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. American fan of Chinese crosstalk comedy finds that cultural connection helps attract customers to online teahouse. https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3286756/social-media-skits-encourage-americans-sip-chinese-tea?utm_source=rss_feed

Satisfying vs. Productive

New York Times Weekends are, ostensibly, for relaxation. But the impulse to make every moment productive can make guilt-free leisure a challenge. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/16/briefing/satisfying-vs-productive.html

Mainland China frees Taiwanese fishing boat and skipper held near Quemoy in July

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Beijing’s Taiwan Affairs Office says the boat and its captain were released after penalties, as Taiwanese media reports a fine was imposed. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3286873/mainland-china-frees-taiwanese-fishing-boat-and-skipper-held-near-quemoy-july?utm_source=rss_feed

Iraq’s missing Yazidis: Inside the long search for Islamic State captives

Jerusalem Post A decade after the Islamic State’s categorical assault on the Yazidis, families are fighting to reunite with loved ones long thought dead. https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-829366

Russian troops liberate DPR’s Leninskoye, Makarovka

Disclaimer: TASS is Russian government propaganda, and not a reliable news source. Russian army hits Ukrainian energy facilities https://tass.com/defense/1873401

Estonia sends new military aid package to Ukraine

Pravda Ukraine The Estonian government has approved Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur’s proposal to send a new military aid package to Ukraine. Source: European Pravda, citing Estonian Defence Ministry Details: The aid package will be drawn from the reserves of the Estonian Defence Forces, tailored to meet Ukraine’s needs while ensuring Estonia’s defence capabilities remain intact. …

Two Palestinian inmates die in Israeli custody due to ‘slow death’ policy

Disclaimer: PressTV is affiliated with the state broadcasting agency of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and is not a reliable news source. Two Palestinian prisoners from the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip have died in Israeli custody, a pair of Palestinian prisoners’ rights groups say. https://presstv.ir/Detail/2024/11/16/737321/Two-Palestinian-prisoners-die-in-Israeli-jails-due-to-%E2%80%98slow-death%E2%80%99-policy–Rights-groups