Tag Archives: Russia

The New York Times — Sunday, September 24, 2023

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Gold Bullion and Halal Meat: Inside the Menendez Investigation

Senator Robert Menendez and his wife, Nadine, were charged in what federal prosecutors describe as a sprawling corruption scheme.

Federal prosecutors have accused Senator Robert Menendez of New Jersey and his wife, Nadine, of accepting bribes in exchange for official actions by Mr. Menendez.

A Day Care Death and the Dilemma Over How to Crack Down on Drugs

The exterior of the Bronx building where a 1-year-old child died on Sept. 15, possibly from fentanyl exposure.

Fentanyl use is increasingly out in the open, and increasingly fatal. But New Yorkers are divided over what to do: decriminalize it or make more arrests.

Gold’s Deadly Truth: Much Is Mined With Mercury

Ten years after an international treaty to ban mercury, the toxic metal continues to poison. The reason might have to do with your wedding ring.

TV Networks’ Last Best Hope: Boomers

Viewers have fled prime-time lineups for streaming outlets, with one notable exception: people over 60.

The New York Times — Saturday, September 22, 2023

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Menendez Accused of Brazen Bribery Plot, Taking Cash and Gold

The corruption indictment of Senator Robert Menendez follows a lengthy investigation by federal prosecutors in Manhattan.

The governor of New Jersey called on Senator Robert Menendez to resign. The senator stepped down from his chairmanship of the Foreign Relations Committee.

Mexico Feels Pressure of Relentless Migration From South America

People wait along rail lines in hopes of boarding a freight train north from Huehuetoca, Mexico, on Wednesday.

The surge of migrants trekking north mostly from South America has placed increasing pressure on Mexico as the country applies a range of tactics to quell arrivals.

Inside the Deal to Free 5 American Prisoners in Iran

U.S. negotiators say the release of the prisoners is proof that even fierce adversaries can sometimes find their way to an agreement. But the deal almost didn’t happen.

For South Korea’s Senior Subway Riders, the Joy Is in the Journey

The fare is free for those older than 65, and so some retired people spend their days riding the trains to the end of the line.

News: Poland-Ukraine Weapons Dispute, Rupert Murdoch Steps Down

The Globalist Podcast (September 22, 2023) – Poland has decided to stop sending weapons to Ukraine: how did it get to this point?

Plus: Rupert Murdoch steps down as chair of Fox and News Corp, Estonian filmmaker Ilmar Raag explains why saunas are being sent to the Ukrainian frontline and a flick through today’s papers.

The New York Times — Friday, September 22, 2023

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In Washington Visit, Zelensky Tries to Shore Up Critical Support

President Biden met with President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine in the Oval Office on Thursday.

President Volodymyr Zelensky told lawmakers that Ukraine would lose the war to Russia if the United States curtailed the flow of aid and weapons.

Biden Faces Competing Pressures as He Tries to Ease the Migrant Crisis

How to deal with the border is at the heart of the funding debate in Congress, and is certain to be central to the debate between President Biden and his Republican opponent in the 2024 campaign next year.

The situation provides ammunition to conservative Republicans who are vowing to shut down the government unless Congress agrees to harsh new anti-immigration measures.

As Armenia and Azerbaijan Clash, Russia Is a Distracted Spectator

In the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, Russia, drained by the war in Ukraine, seemed incapable of acting as the indispensable power capable of knocking heads together.

What Happens When Wall Street Buys Most of the Homes on Your Block?

Investors were largely uninterested in wealthier enclaves. Instead, they targeted middle-income neighborhoods, many with larger Black and Latino populations. 

Previews: History Today Magazine – October 2023

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HISTORY TODAY MAGAZINE (OCTOBER 2023) – This issue features Turkey and the end of the Ottomans; When Inca mummies came to Europe; How Henry II survived the Great Rebellion, and more…

Turkey and the End of the Ottoman Empire

Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, photographed by Orthmar Pferschy c.1930.

The Republic of Turkey is 100 years old. Built on the ashes of an old empire, what place is there for the Ottoman past in the secular state?

Will Putin Get His ‘Nuremberg Moment’?

Vladimir Putin in an orange jumpsuit behind bars.

As new crimes are committed, new laws must be written to punish them. When it comes to crimes committed by states like Putin’s Russia, who decides?

How Henry II Survived the Great Rebellion

Angevin family tree showing Henry II and his children. From left: William, Henry, Richard, Matilda, Geoffrey, Eleanor, Joan and John.

In 1173 the Angevin empire looked set to fall, facing rebellion on all sides. Against incredible odds Henry II won a decisive victory, silencing kings, lords – and his own children.

Previews: The Economist Magazine – Sept 23, 2023

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The Economist Magazine (September 23, 2023): The latest issue features ‘Ukraine faces a long war’ – A change of course is needed; Its backers should pray for a speedy victory—but plan for a long struggle.

Ukraine faces a long war. A change of course is needed

Its backers should pray for a speedy victory—but plan for a long struggle

The war in Ukraine has repeatedly confounded expectations. It is now doing so again. The counter-offensive that began in June was based on the hope that Ukrainian soldiers, equipped with modern Western weapons and after training in Germany, would recapture enough territory to put their leaders in a strong position at any subsequent negotiations.

If India ordered a murder in Canada, there must be consequences

Hardeep Singh Nijjar

Western countries have for too long acquiesced to the Indian government’s abuses

For years, India objected to Western strategists lumping it together with its violent and chaotic neighbour in the phrase “Indo-Pakistan”. Now recognised as a fast-growing giant and potential bulwark against China, India claims to have been “de-hyphenated”. Yet the explosive charge aired this week by Justin Trudeau suggests that diplomatic recalibration may have gone too far. Canada’s prime minister alleges that Indian agents were involved in the murder in Vancouver of a Canadian citizen sympathetic to India’s Sikh separatist movement

News: India And Canada Diplomatic Row Deepens, Guatemala Political Crisis

The Globalist Podcast (September 21, 2023) – India and Canada’s diplomatic row over the killing of a Sikh leader continues to heat up.

Plus: a look at Guatemala’s deepening political crisis, fashion news and a flick through the latest issue of Monocle magazine

The New York Times — Thursday, Sept 21, 2023

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Biden and Netanyahu Meet to Try to Soothe Tensions, With Some Success

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, left, with President Biden Wednesday in New York. The meeting was the first in-person encounter for the two men since Mr. Netanyahu returned to office last December.

The president put aside his frustrations with the Israeli prime minister over his “extremist” government to focus on issues of mutual interest, like Iran and Saudi Arabia.

Garland Rebuffs Republicans’ Efforts to Reveal Details on Hunter Biden Inquiry

The soft-spoken attorney general struck a sharper tone during testimony before the Judiciary Committee, saying prosecutors won’t be “intimidated” by threats from Trump allies.

Navigating a Perilous Mountain Pass After a Devastating Earthquake

A stretch of lonely road across Morocco’s Atlas Mountains has long been known for its stunning views and perilous turns. After the earthquake, it became a lifeline for dozens of destroyed villages.

Zelensky Tells U.N. Security Council It’s Useless While Russia Has a Veto

The Ukrainian president joined many world leaders in calling for changes at the Security Council, where five permanent members wield veto power — a high barrier to taking action.

The New York Times — Wednesday, Sept 20, 2023

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Biden Aides and Saudis Explore Defense Treaty Modeled After Asian Pacts

President Biden and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Saudi Arabia last year. U.S. officials have made numerous trips to the kingdom since May as part of the push on normalization.

Despite U.S. fatigue over Middle East wars, the White House sees a security agreement resembling those with Japan or South Korea as an incentive for Saudi Arabia to normalize relations with Israel.

Biden, in U.N. Speech, Calls for Action on Ukraine and Other Crises

President Biden addressed the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday.

As other major leaders skipped the annual opening session of the General Assembly, Mr. Biden used his address to try to counter war fatigue both at home and abroad.

Anti-Affirmative Action Group Sues West Point Over Admissions Policy

The Supreme Court ruling barring race-conscious admissions at civilian colleges should apply to the U.S. Military Academy as well, the lawsuit argues.

Canada’s Startling Claim Punctuates Tension With India Over Separatists

The allegation that India was involved in the killing of a Sikh leader in Canada came after New Delhi had accused Western countries of inaction on secessionist groups.

News: Conflict In The South Caucasus, Sahel Region, EU ‘Inner Circle’

The Globalist Podcast (September 20, 2023) – Is the South Caucasus heading for war? Plus: an update on the Sahel region, France and Germany desire a new ‘inner circle’, and we go troll hunting in America.