August 29, 2018

Weekly World News Update

Remembering John McCain; Rohingya Crisis One Year On; Uganda's Crackdown; Land Reform in South Africa; Australia's New PM; Taiwan’s Allies Dwindle; Macron’s Call for European Defense; U.S. Foreign Aid Rollback?

Quotes of the Week

"We weaken our greatness when we confuse our patriotism with tribal rivalries that have sown resentment and hatred and violence in all the corners of the globe. We weaken it when we hide behind walls, rather than tear them down, when we doubt the power of our ideals, rather than trust them to be the great force for change they have always been."

-- Sen. John McCain’s former presidential campaign manager and family spokesperson Rick Davis, reading aloud the text of the senator’s farewell statement at the Arizona State Capitol.

“At that time I liked him personally for his toughness and strong stance. Later on, when he became a U.S. Senator, he and Senator John Kerry greatly contributed to promote Việt Nam-U.S. relations so I was very fond of him. When I learnt about his death early this morning, I feel very sad. I would like to send condolences to his family. I think it’s the same feeling for all Vietnamese people as he has greatly contributed to the development of Việt Nam-U.S. relations."

-- Colonel Trần Trọng Duyệt, the man in charge of the prison where John McCain was held as a POW, speaking with Viet Nam News having learned of Senator McCain's death on Saturday.

Remembering John McCain

“Obituary: John McCain” Editorial Board -- The Economist, August 26, 2018

“The Death of Political Courage” Richard Fontaine -- The Atlantic, August 26, 2018

"Great-Heart Is Gone" Eliot Cohen -- The Atlantic, August 26, 2018

"McCain Honored By Best Friend Graham In Emotional Senate Speech" Kelsey Snell -- NPR, August 28, 2018

The Rohingya Crisis, One Year Later

“Myanmar: Shameful Anniversary Highlights Lack of Accountability for Atrocities Against Rohingya” -- Human Rights Watch, August 23, 2018

“Rohingya: UN Calls for Myanmar Generals to Be Prosecuted for Genocide, War Crimes, and Crimes Against Humanity” Adam Withnall and Jane Dalton -- The Independent, August 27, 2018  

“Rohingya Crisis: 132 MPs Across Region Call for Myanmar to Be Referred to ICC” Hannah Ellis-Petersen -- The Guardian, August 24, 2018

“Aung San Suu Kyi Stripped of Edinburgh Honour” BBC, August 23, 2018

Crackdown in Uganda

“A Pop Star, a Protest, and a Likely Case of Torture in Uganda” Anonymous Author -- The Atlantic, August 25, 2018

“Ugandan Pop Star, Government Critic Bobi Wine Free on Bail” Rodney Muhumuza -- The Kansas City Star (AP), August 27, 2018

“Uganda: Who is Bobi Wine and Why Is He Creating Such a Fuss?” Editorial Board -- News24, August 27, 2018

Land Reform in South Africa

“Land Redistribution in South Africa, Trump’s Tweet, and U.S.-Africa Policy” Witney Schneidman and Landry Signé -- Brookings, August 27, 2018

“Trump Tweets About White Farmers While Indigenous Peoples Face Annihilation” Raj Patel -- The Guardian, August 26, 2018

“What's Behind Trump's Concern for White Farmers in South Africa?” Z. Byron Wolf -- CNN, August 23, 2018

Leadership Change in Australia

"The Rise and Rise of Scott Morrison" Deborah Snow -- The Sydney Morning Herald, August 25, 2018

“Meet Australia's New Prime Minster, One-Time Attack Dog Scott Morrison” Ruth Pollard -- Bloomberg, August 24, 2018

“Scott Morrison Is a New Kind of Australian Prime Minister: An Evangelical Christian” Rick Rojas -- The New York Times, August 27, 2018

“The Fall Out from Australia’s Leadership Shake Up” Anthony Fensom -- The Diplomat, August 28, 2018

Taiwan’s Allies Dwindle

“China Seeks Domination, U.S. Says, After El Salvador Dumps Taiwan" Steve Holland, Yimou Lee -- Reuters, August 23, 2018

“Taiwan Prepares for the Day When It May Have No More Friends” Asia Times Staff -- Asia Times, August 27, 2018

"Ikea Is the Latest Big Brand to Feel the Heat in China Over Taiwan" Daniel Shane -- CNN Money, August 29, 2018

Macron’s Call for European Defense

“France’s Macron Urges Europe to Take Charge of Own Defense” Sylvie Corbet -- AP News, August 27, 2018

“Macron Says Europe Can No Longer Rely on U.S. for Security” Editorial Board -- The Local France, August 27, 2018

“French President Emmanuel Macron Insists EU Can No Longer Rely on U.S. to Guarantee Its Security” Editorial Board -- South China Morning Post, August 27, 2018

Trump Flip Flops on Foreign Assistance

"U.S. Aid Community Braces for 'Rescission' Fight" Michael Igoe -- Devex, August 24, 2018

"Administration Decides Not to Roll Back Foreign Aid Funds" Carol Morello and Erica Werner -- The Washington Post, August 28, 2018

"Palestinians Blast Trump’s Aid Cut as Political Blackmail" Isabel Kershner -- The Sydney Morning Herald, August 26, 2018