February 13, 2019

Weekly World News Update

Border Deal?; 40-Year Iranian Anniversary; Nigerian Election Chaos; Thai King Betrayal; Big Trial in Spain; Engagement with Central Europe; Brexit Struggles; El Chapo Convicted; Invisible Refugees

Quote of the Week

“We can’t let any unrelated, cynical partisan plays get in the way of finishing the important process of funding the government and securing the border.”

-- Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell tweeting Wednesday on the potential border deal.

Border Deal?

"'Agreement in Principle' Reached to Avoid U.S. Government Shutdown" Al Jazeera, February 11, 2019

“Take the Deal, Mr. President” Henry Olsen -- Washington Post, February 12, 2019

"Stocks Close at 2019 High on Tentative Deal to Avert Government Shutdown, Trade Optimism" Sue Chang and Chris Matthews -- MarketWatch, February 12, 2019

“Trump's Wall Symbolizes the End of American Optimism” Seth Ferranti -- Vice News, February 11, 2019

Iran Marks 40 Years Since Revolution

“The Iran Revolution at 40: From Theocracy to ‘Normality’” Thomas Erdbrink -- The New York Times, February 10, 2019

“After 40 Years, Is Iran’s Revolution Unravelling?” Suzanna Maloney -- Lawfare, February 13, 2019

“Militant Iran Taunts U.S. on Revolution's 40th Birthday” Parisa Hafezi -- Reuters, February 11, 2019

“America's Effort to Isolate Iran Will Backfire” Trita Parsi -- National Interest, February 12, 2019

Nigeria’s Election for Peace 

“Nigeria’s Election: What to Know” John Campbell -- Council on Foreign Relations, February 8, 2019

"Nigeria’s Candidates Mix Peace Pledge With Election Threats” Cara Anna and Rodney Muhumuza -- Associated Press, February 13, 2019

"The Old Men Vying to Lead Africa's Youngest Population" Stephanie Busari -- CNN, February 13, 2019

“Has Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari Honored His Promises?” Fidelis Mbah -- Al Jazeera, February 12, 2019

Thailand’s King Betrays Sister for Election 

“Thailand’s Election Season Gets Even Wilder” Joshua Kurlantzick -- Council on Foreign Relations, February 8, 2019

“Wait - What’s Going on in Thailand? Here’s the Background.” Allen Hicken and Joel Selway -- Washington Post, February 12, 2019

“In Dismissing His Sister's Ambitions, the Thai King Shows Where His Loyalty Is” Peter Hartcher -- The Sydney Morning Herald, February 12, 2019

Catalan Heads to Big Trial

“Spain’s Trial of Catalan Separatists Is an Alarming Act of State Repression” Carles Puigdemont -- The Guardian, February 12, 2019

“Global Spain vs. Catalan Separatists: The Ultimate PR Battle” Diego Torres -- Politico, February 12, 2019

“Spanish Democracy in the Dock as Trial of Catalan Separatists Starts” Paddy Woodworth -- The Irish Times, February 12, 2019

U.S.-Central Europe Ties

“Pompeo and Foreign Minister of Poland: A New Solidarity” Jacek Czaputowicz and Michael Pompeo -- CNN, February 12, 2019

“Engaging Hungary Is Good for U.S. Interests and Values” Damon Wilson -- Atlantic Council, February 10, 2019

“Mike Pompeo Must Strengthen Diplomacy with Central Europe” Dalibor Rohac -- The Hill, February 11, 2019

Brexit’s Struggles Are a Reality 

“The Past 72 Hours of Brexit Ridiculousness, Explained” Jen Kirby -- Vox, February 11, 2019

“Can a Post-Brexit United Kingdom Remain United?” John Roberts -- Atlantic Council, February 8, 2019

“Brexit's 'Project Fear' Has Just Become Reality” Ferdinando Giugliano -- Bloomberg, February 12, 2019

El Chapo Is Guilty

“El Chapo Found Guilty on All Counts, Faces Life in Prison” Alan Feuer -- The New York Times, February 12, 2019

“Door Slams on Guilty El Chapo After Old Mob Pals Line Up to Squeal” Ed Vulliamy -- The Guardian, February 12, 2019

The Invisible Refugee Problem 

“The World’s 40 Million Invisible Refugees” Johan Schaar -- IRIN, February 11, 2019