Prologue Journal – Page 32575 – Understanding current events through the lenses of the past and future.

Erdogan criticizes US over meeting with opposition ahead of elections

Jerusalem Post Analysts say Turkey’s relations with the West will quickly improve if the opposition wins. https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-738657

Counting the Omer: Jewish spring ritual now translated to 49 languages

Jerusalem Post The daily counting of the Omer is an old ritual being given new life this season by the Jewish Language Project at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. https://www.jpost.com/judaism/jewish-holidays/article-738655

Your Friday Briefing

New York Times A war documents leak. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/06/briefing/documents-leak-protests-france-israel.html

Readout of the U.S.-Singapore Mid-Term Defense Review

Defense.gov Assistant Secretary of Defense Ely Ratner and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Lindsey Ford hosted Singapore Ministry of Defense Deputy Secretary for Policy Kelvin Fan and Ambassador Ashok Mirpuri for the 7th U.S.-Singapore Mid-Term Defense Review at the Pentagon. https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3356231/readout-of-the-us-singapore-mid-term-defense-review/

Helicopter debris found as Japan hunts for missing troops in Okinawa

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. The UH-60JA, carrying 10 people, disappeared from radar while on a reconnaissance mission in southern Okinawa’s Miyako island. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3216276/helicopter-debris-found-japan-hunts-missing-troops-okinawa?utm_source=rss_feed

‘We gave it our all … nobody is talking about that’: Hong Kong men’s hockey team bemoans anthem blunder, fears for future if funding cut

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. ‘If our own government does not even support us, the sport will die out,’ says 20-year-old player. https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3216235/we-gave-it-our-all-nobody-talking-about-hong-kong-mens-hockey-team-bemoans-anthem-blunder-fears?utm_source=rss_feed

Who was ‘affected’ by Hong Kong’s national security law? More than 30 of us, Mr Lam

Hong Kong Free Press I understand why Hong Kong officials feel the need to respond to every adverse or critical report or comment from overseas bodies on their doings. Silence may be misinterpreted as indicating agreement. Or at least indifference. We do, though, need to be more aware of the perils of this approach, especially…

Xi Jinping says ‘wishful thinking’ to expect Beijing to compromise on Taiwan

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Chinese leader makes first public comment since Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen’s meeting with US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3216267/xi-jinping-says-wishful-thinking-expect-beijing-compromise-taiwan?utm_source=rss_feed

IDF strikes Hamas targets in Gaza, Lebanon as over 44 rockets fired

Jerusalem Post The rocket fire and strikes come after clashes at al-Aqsa Mosque and Hamas rocket fire from both Gaza and Lebanon. https://www.jpost.com/arab-israeli-conflict/gaza-news/article-738651

Death penalty easing a step towards ‘new Malaysia’ but worry over free pass for criminals remains

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Malaysia’s move has raised hopes other Southeast Asian countries can follow suit. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/people/article/3216240/death-penalty-easing-step-towards-new-malaysia-worry-over-free-pass-criminals-remains?utm_source=rss_feed