Pakistan’s surprisingly candid readout of Trump’s phone call with prime minister

Pakistan's Press Information Bureau on Wednesday released a readout of a phone call between Pakistan's prime minister, Nawaz Sharif, and the American president-elect, Donald Trump. The readout is unusual in that it focuses almost entirely on Trump's contributions to the conversation, and reproduces them in a voice that is unmistakably his. The readout is reproduced […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2016/11/30/pakistans-surprisingly-candid-readout-of-trumps-phone-call-with-prime-minister/

Italy’s Brexit moment? The complex constitutional referendum that could rock Europe.

On June 23, a referendum in Britain produced a dramatic result: The United Kingdom would become the first European Union member to leave the supranational institution that some credit as the glue that has kept postwar Europe together. This weekend, another less-heralded referendum could mark another blow to Europe's status quo. Italians will go vote Sunday on whether to amend the Italian […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2016/11/30/italys-brexit-moment-the-complex-constitutional-referendum-that-could-rock-europe/

He says he wanted to help his family escape war. But Hungary thinks he is a ‘terrorist.’

In a trial that has been condemned as “shameful” by human rights organizations, a Hungarian court sentenced a man to 10 years in prison on Wednesday. Ahmed Hamed was involved in clashes between Hungarian border guards and migrants last year. Hamed, however, was not sentenced as a rioter but as a “terrorist,” according to the court decision. Images of […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2016/11/30/he-says-he-wanted-to-help-his-family-escape-war-but-hungary-thinks-he-is-a-terrorist/

Coming soon to Indian movie theaters: court-mandated displays of nationalism

Per supreme court orders, cinema halls across India will soon be required to play the national anthem before every screening, accompanied by an image of the Indian flag. Moviegoers must stand for the anthem, and theater exits should be shut for its duration so as to avoid “disrespectful milling.” The ruling by the two-judge bench echoes […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2016/11/30/coming-soon-to-indian-movie-theaters-court-mandated-displays-of-nationalism/

Police in Canada have a new punishment for suspected drunk drivers: Listening to Nickelback

Authorities in Canada are willing to do what it takes to crack down on drunken driving during the holiday season. That includes threatening people with Nickelback. In a Facebook post earlier this month, police in Kensington, a town in Prince Edward Island, encouraged those attending social gatherings to make sure they had a designated driver, […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2016/11/30/police-in-canada-have-a-new-punishment-for-suspected-drunk-drivers-listening-to-nickelback/

Sudan’s dictator cheers Trump’s electoral victory

Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir, who has a warrant out for his arrest issued by the International Criminal Court, joined the chorus of autocratic leaders expressing optimism in the wake of President-elect Donald Trump's victory. In an interview with Emirati daily al-Khaleej, Bashir suggested dealing with a Trump administration would be more “straightforward” and “much easier” than […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2016/11/30/sudans-dictator-cheers-trumps-electoral-victory/

Researchers may have ‘found’ many of China’s 30 million missing girls

Academics often talk about between 30 and 60 million “missing girls” in China, apparently killed in the womb or just after birth, thanks to a combination of preference for sons and the country’s decades under a repressive one-child policy. Now researchers in the United States and China think they might have found many — or […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2016/11/30/researchers-may-have-found-many-of-chinas-30-million-missing-girls/

Hungary’s right-wing leader hopes Trump will bring him in from the cold

Before President-elect Donald Trump called for a clash of civilizations and suggested banning all Muslim arrivals to the United States, Hungary's prime minister, Viktor Orban, was leading the chorus. The right-wing nationalist leader was bitterly opposed to Syrian refugees seeking to enter Europe. He declared migrants to be “poison” and fretted that the refugee exodus would threaten […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2016/11/30/hungarys-right-wing-leader-hopes-trump-will-bring-him-in-from-the-cold/

Sweden’s unsent letter to a President-elect Hillary Clinton: ‘It is a milestone for the world’

Ahead of the U.S. presidential election on Nov. 8, Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven drafted two letters. One was addressed to Hillary Clinton, the Democratic nominee who enjoyed broad approval among Swedes. The other was to Republican Donald Trump, the upstart candidate who was viewed negatively by many in Sweden. The letters were intended to congratulate the […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2016/11/29/swedens-unsent-letter-to-a-president-elect-hillary-clinton-it-is-a-milestone-for-the-world/

Netherlands and Belgium to end lawless border oddity by swapping land peacefully

Throughout history, disputes over international borders have led to long, bloody wars. Even today, there are dozens of border disputes around the world that threaten to spark conflict. But an unusual agreement reached in Europe this week proves that not all potential border changes are quite so contentious. During the state visit of King Philippe of Belgium to […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2016/11/29/netherlands-and-belgium-to-end-lawless-border-oddity-by-swapping-land-peacefully/

In wake of cyberattack, German spy chief points finger at Russia, warns of attempts to disrupt election

BERLIN — Following allegations of Russian interference in the U.S. elections, officials here fear that an attempt to undermine German democracy may be next. Germany’s top spy cautioned Tuesday that Russian hackers may seek to disrupt national elections next year, a warning that comes a day after a massive cyberattack targeted the routers of nearly […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2016/11/29/in-wake-of-cyberattack-german-spy-chief-points-finger-at-russia-warns-of-attempts-to-disrupt-election/

Many Islamic State recruits who have returned to Europe remain committed to militant ideology, report says

Earlier this year, the case of Harry Sarfo made headlines around the world. The former Islamic State militant from Germany had returned to Europe, where he was arrested and started to collaborate with the authorities. He also gave interviews to numerous media outlets in which he portrayed himself as an innocent bystander. A Washington Post investigation, […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2016/11/29/many-islamic-state-recruits-who-have-returned-to-europe-remain-committed-to-militant-ideology-report-says/

For one shining season, Brazil’s Chapecoense tasted glory before tragedy

The home city of the Brazilian soccer club Chapecoense is better known as the heartland for poultry farming rather than sporting glory. The team’s home stadium has just 22,000 seats — many of which were often empty until this year’s remarkable run to the finals of one of South America’s premier tournaments. On the Chapecoense […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2016/11/29/for-one-shining-season-brazils-chapecoense-tasted-glory-before-tragedy/

Why a black swan statue in a Beijing mall triggered a wave of anxiety

It was soon decided that a sculpture of a black swan pointing at China's stock market regulator was a bad idea. https://t.co/2lrgqY3RmY pic.twitter.com/TnOXTnUmkg — Chris Buckley 储百亮 (@ChuBailiang) November 28, 2016 As far as statues go, the one of a black swan that graced — ever so briefly — a Beijing shopping mall Monday was lovely. […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2016/11/29/why-a-black-swan-statue-in-a-beijing-mall-triggered-a-wave-of-anxiety/

How Fidel Castro was at the heart of Middle East politics

Over the weekend, Algeria declared eight days of mourning to honor the passing of Cuban leader Fidel Castro, who died on Friday. In a statement, ailing President Abdelaziz Bouteflika said Castro’s death “is a great loss for the Algerian people.” Though he ruled a small island nation thousands of miles from North Africa, Castro was a […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2016/11/29/how-fidel-castro-was-at-the-heart-of-middle-east-politics/

He was a nurse’s aide in Maryland. Now he’s a tribal king at the center of a bloody conflict in Uganda.

The city of Kasese in western Uganda suffered through another spasm of violence in recent days as police came under attack and then retaliated against the bodyguards and followers of a local king. At least four dozen people were killed. The king’s name is Charles Wesley Mumbere, and he is the leader of the Bakonzo […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2016/11/29/he-was-a-nurses-aide-in-maryland-now-hes-a-tribal-king-at-the-center-of-a-bloody-conflict-in-uganda/

27% of Europeans say rape may be acceptable in some circumstances

LONDON — A rape victim was drunk? He or she flirted beforehand or wore “revealing” clothing? In some European countries, up to 55 percent of the population says such circumstances would make sexual intercourse without consent justifiable or acceptable, according to a survey conducted on behalf of the European Commission. Overall, about one-fourth — 27 percent — of […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2016/11/29/27-of-europeans-think-rape-may-be-acceptable-in-some-circumstances/

“I can’t take it anymore” — Ohio State attacker said abuses of Burma’s Muslims led to “boiling point”

The Ohio State University student who carried out a knife attack on campus Monday wrote in a Facebook post shortly before the rampage that the abuse of a little-known Muslim community in Burma had driven him to the “boiling point,” writing “I can’t take it anymore,” CNN reported. “Seeing my fellow Muslims being tortured, raped […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2016/11/29/i-cant-take-it-anymore-ohio-state-attacker-said-abuses-of-burmas-muslims-led-to-boiling-point/

A Japanese theme park thought it was a good idea to freeze 5,000 dead fish in a skating rink

An amusement park in southwestern Japan has closed its ice-skating rink after public outrage over the rink's key feature: 5,000 dead fish frozen into the ice itself. Space World, a theme park in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka prefecture, had opened its new attraction on Nov. 12. The rink was packed with 25 types of fish purchased from the […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2016/11/28/a-japanese-theme-park-thought-it-was-a-good-idea-to-freeze-5000-dead-fish-in-a-skating-rink/

This startling video shows a battered woman reversing the effects of domestic abuse

The video shows a woman, bruised and battered, with blood leaking from her nose. She closes her eyes tight, squeezing out a tear, and words flash across the screen: "Violence against women is one of the most prevalent human rights violations. One in three women will experience violence in their lifetime." Then the scene runs in rewind — showing her erasing […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2016/11/28/this-startling-video-shows-a-battered-woman-reversing-the-effects-of-domestic-abuse/

Italy prohibits last-minute voter polls, but bloggers find creative ways to publish them anyway

MILAN — On Sunday, Italians will head to the polls to vote in a referendum that could change the political course of their country. But they won't be compulsively checking polls while they wait: In Italy, it's illegal to publish polls during the final two weeks before a vote. The referendum is about changing Italy's […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2016/11/28/italy-prohibits-last-minute-voter-polls-but-bloggers-find-creative-ways-to-publish-them-anyway/

One surefire way to be called ‘scum’ in Russia: Expose a heroic World War II story as a myth

MOSCOW — History is a sensitive subject in Vladimir Putin's Russia, where the search for a national identity is accompanied by an effort to smooth out the rough parts of a long and difficult past. And the history of the Red Army's heroics in World War II is considered sacrosanct. So when one of the most enduring and […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2016/11/28/one-surefire-way-to-be-called-scum-in-russia-expose-a-heroic-world-war-ii-story-as-a-myth/

Fidel Castro, African hero

Following his release after 27 years in prison, Nelson Mandela made sure one of his first trips abroad was to Havana. There, in the Cuban capital in 1991, Mandela lavished his host, Fidel Castro, with appreciation. Castro, said Mandela, was a “source of inspiration to all freedom-loving people.” The scene might seem paradoxical in some corners of […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2016/11/28/fidel-castro-african-hero/

‘Holocaust on ice': Performance by Putin spokesman’s wife sparks outrage

MOSCOW — With fewer and fewer voices to recall the horrors of Auschwitz, the question of how to keep the memories of it alive has become more pressing. In Russia, a reality television show has chosen a highly controversial way. Dressed in striped inmates' clothing with yellow Stars of David tagged to it, two dancers were shown performing an […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2016/11/28/holocaust-on-ice-performance-by-putin-spokesmans-wife-sparks-outrage/

‘Fidel was a friend’: Elián González remembers Castro as a father figure

Elián González, the little boy who found himself at the center of a controversial custody battle between his father in Cuba and his relatives in the United States 16 years ago, praised Fidel Castro, who, he said, made it possible for him to return to his home country. González appeared on a government-run television program on Sunday and said […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2016/11/27/fidel-was-a-friend-elian-gonzalez-remembers-castro-as-a-father-figure/

The urban-rural divide that bolstered Trump isn’t just an American thing; it’s prevalent in Europe, too

LONDON — What shaped European politics over the past two years might appear to some like a revolution of rural Europe rising up against the establishment and economic winners. Support for Britain leaving the European Union was highest in rural areas in the June referendum. It is also “rural France” that might empower far-right politician Marine Le Pen next year. In […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2016/11/27/the-urban-rural-divide-isnt-just-evident-in-american-politics-its-prevalent-in-europe-too/

Venezuela’s currency is so devalued it no longer fits in ordinary wallets

CARACAS, Venezuela — It’s not so easy to find someone who still uses a wallet in Venezuela, where inflation is expected to reach 720 percent this year and the biggest bill — 100 bolivars — is worth about 5 U.S. cents on the black market. The currency has dropped dramatically in value as Venezuela’s oil-based economy has […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2016/11/27/venezuelas-currency-is-so-devalued-it-no-longer-fits-in-ordinary-wallets/

Russia’s establishment bids farewell to a thorn in America’s side

MOSCOW — Even after the Soviet Union was long dead and gone, many Russians still saw him as their man in Havana. In a bygone time, Fidel Castro was Moscow’s communist ally in America’s back yard, a persistent reminder that the Soviet Union had friends in the West, just 90 miles off the coast of Florida. He was greeted by […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2016/11/26/russias-establishment-bids-farewell-to-a-thorn-in-americas-side/

Trudeau called Castro a ‘remarkable leader.’ Twitter imagined what he would say about Stalin.

In America,  President-elect Donald Trump and Cuban American senators all but cheered Fidel Castro's death. A little farther north, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he was mourning "a larger than life leader who served his people for almost half a century." “While a controversial figure, both Mr. Castro’s supporters and detractors recognized his tremendous dedication […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2016/11/26/trudeau-called-castro-a-remarkable-leader-twitter-imagined-what-he-would-say-about-stalin/

Part of Fidel Castro’s legacy in Europe: A Caribbean island he once gave to East Germany

When Europe woke up Saturday morning to the news of the death of Fidel Castro, at least some in eastern Germany likely felt a sense of nostalgia: 27 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, memories of that time are not entirely negative. Neues Deutschland summarized those sentiments in its obit on Saturday, calling Castro one of the […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2016/11/26/part-of-fidel-castros-legacy-in-europe-a-caribbean-island-he-once-gave-to-east-germany/

Before ‘fake news,’ there was Soviet ‘disinformation’

On July 17, 1983, a small pro-Soviet Indian newspaper called the Patriot published a front-page article titled “AIDS may invade India: Mystery disease caused by US experiments.” The story cited a letter from an anonymous but “well-known American scientist and anthropologist” that suggested AIDS, then still a mysterious and deadly new disease, had been created by the […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2016/11/26/before-fake-news-there-was-soviet-disinformation/

Vladimir Putin just made it official with actor Steven Seagal’s Russian passport

MOSCOW — In an ending fit for Hollywood, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday presented American action star Steven Seagal with a freshly-minted Russian passport, consummating an odd-couple bromance that has blossomed despite years of dark relations between the two men's respective countries. Seagal is the latest of an aging generation of movie stars and sportsmen to take Russian […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2016/11/25/vladimir-putin-just-made-it-official-with-actor-steven-seagals-russian-passport/

Syrian baby named ‘Angela Merkel’ refused asylum in Germany

Late last year, a Syrian woman gave birth to a girl at a former hospital that had been repurposed into a refugee shelter in Duisburg, Germany. She and her husband had only recently arrived in Germany and wanted to honor their new home. So, they named their daughter Angela Merkel. “We want to thank you for […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2016/11/25/syrian-baby-named-angela-merkel-refused-asylum-in-germany/

5 creative ways Indians are laundering money during currency crisis

NEW DELHI — India’s monetary system was thrown into a crisis Nov. 8 when the government unexpectedly scrapped its high-value rupee notes for new bills as a way to target millions of tax evaders and their presumed stashes of “black money,” which is income not reported to the government. About a quarter of India’s gross […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2016/11/25/5-creative-ways-indians-are-laundering-money-during-currency-crisis/

The most chilling word in Brazil

Last weekend, in the City of God community in Rio de Janeiro — the neighborhood made famous by the movie of the same name — a police helicopter crashed, killing four officers. Shortly thereafter, another news story broke: Seven bodies had been found in the forest nearby. To an outsider, the two events would have seemed unconnected, […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2016/11/25/the-most-chilling-word-in-brazil/

Over 1,000 African skulls in Berlin are a reminder of Europe’s dark colonial history

This week, the German public broadcaster ARD obtained information regarding the existence of thousands of human skulls and other remains of African people in the possession of the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation, which presides over state museums in Berlin. According to Deutsche Welle, ARD identified about 1,000 skulls that originated from what is now Rwanda and about 60 from […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2016/11/25/over-1000-african-skulls-in-berlin-are-a-reminder-of-europes-dark-colonial-history/

Nigel Farage, Trump’s British ally, enjoys lavish party with wealthy, establishment elites

Right-wing nationalist politicians spent the past year hammering away at ideological monsters: the political establishment, the metropolitan “elites,” and the very idea of globalization itself. But after stunning electoral wins on both sides of the Atlantic — the success of President-elect Donald Trump preceded by the shock victory of the pro-Brexit crowd in Britain — […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2016/11/24/nigel-farage-trumps-british-ally-enjoys-lavish-party-with-wealthy-establishment-elites/

Five countries help Israel fight massive fires

JERUSALEM — Israel has called on at least five countries, including Russia and Turkey, to assist in fighting massive fires that have broken out in recent days around the country, including in the northern city of Haifa on Thursday. Israeli officials said that some 10 firefighting planes from Greece, Italy, Croatia and Cyprus, as well […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2016/11/24/five-countries-help-israel-fight-massive-fires/

Trump won, and for his Argentine partners, that may be good for business

BUENOS AIRES — Donald Trump’s business partners in Argentina hadn’t made much headway on their plans for a 35-story, $100 million Trump Tower in the heart of Buenos Aires. Then, just days after Argentine President Mauricio Macri called to congratulate Trump on his Nov. 8 win, the American businessman's Argentine partners began promoting their project, […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2016/11/24/trump-won-and-for-his-argentine-partners-thats-good-for-business/

After Brexit and Trump’s victory, Europeans are beginning to like the E.U. again

LONDON — Europe appears to have gotten used to crises by now. The war in Ukraine, the influx of refugees and the Greece's debt woes have divided the continent. Surprisingly, two very different events that are being perceived as catastrophic in Europe could now help glue the political union back together. First, Britain voted to leave the European Union […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2016/11/24/europeans-start-liking-the-e-u-again/

Indian pilots say government’s proposed rules may force them to fly sick and endanger air safety

NEW DELHI — Indian pilot unions are angry with the government. They say the authorities have now proposed new rules that may force them to fly sick. Earlier this month, India’s civil aviation ministry proposed changes to create stricter rules on pilots reporting for flight duty. When pilots report being sick, according to the new government proposal, […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2016/11/24/indian-pilots-say-governments-proposed-rules-may-force-them-to-fly-sick-and-endanger-air-safety/

The battle for Aleppo, explained

BEIRUT — Syrian and Russian forces are engaged in an all-out blitz to retake the eastern districts of Aleppo, the northern Syrian city that has become a major flash point in the country's five-year civil war. Here's what you need to know. Why is Aleppo so important? Aleppo was a key economic hub for the […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2016/11/24/the-battle-for-aleppo-explained/

Here’s what’s involved in impeaching a president in South Korea

There's a decent chance the National Assembly will vote to impeach Park Geun-hye, but it's far from clear that the conservative-leaning Constitutional Court would uphold a motion to force her from office.

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2016/11/24/heres-whats-involved-in-impeaching-a-president-in-south-korea/

‘Fake news’ threatens Germany’s election, too, says Merkel

In the wake of Donald Trump's shock Nov. 8 electoral victory, attention fell on the extent to which voter opinions could have been shaped by an epidemic of “fake news” websites that masqueraded as legitimate media outlets. Their articles — invented fluff with sensationalist headlines — found the eyeballs of a huge number of (mostly right-wing) readers. […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2016/11/23/fake-news-threatens-germanys-election-too-says-merkel/

What do you give the autocrat who has everything? His name on the capital city.

Kazakhstan's parliament has unanimously voted to rename its capital, Astana, for autocratic President Nursultan Nazarbayev, who has led the country since 1989. It remains unclear whether Nazarbayev will approve the decision — he refused a similar move in 2008 — though the news agency Reuters notes that over the past few years the 76-year-old leader […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2016/11/23/what-do-you-give-the-autocrat-who-has-everything-his-name-on-the-capital-city/

Rohingya are fleeing a scorched-earth campaign in Burma. Bangladesh is sending them back.

The broad estuary of the Naf River separates Bangladesh and Burma. On both sides of the Naf, armed forces have amassed of late. The countries aren't at war — against each other at least. Rather, the soldiers are on the lookout for members of the Rohingya ethnic group. Burma wants them out. Bangladesh wants them […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2016/11/23/rohingya-are-fleeing-a-scorched-earth-campaign-in-burma-bangladesh-is-sending-them-back/

Why are South Koreans so angry about presidential ‘Choi-gate?’ Here are 4 reasons.

  SEOUL — South Korea’s president, Park Geun-hye, is fighting for her political life amid a scandal involving Choi Soon-sil, her close friend who has been dubbed “shadow president” for her role as a secret adviser. Choi, who is the daughter of a controversial religious leader and who has never held an official position, is […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2016/11/23/why-are-south-koreans-so-angry-about-presidential-choi-gate-here-are-4-reasons/

These maps show how Russia has Europe spooked

MOSCOW — The Kremlin has brushed off Western concerns about its deployment of cutting-edge missile systems in its Kaliningrad enclave, saying that NATO was the one disrupting the strategic balance with its plans to put anti-missile defenses on Russia's borders. But the Russian arsenal on the Baltic, some of which has been tested in Syria, is potentially a game-changer.   […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2016/11/23/these-maps-show-how-russia-has-europe-spooked/

Europe’s Jews are divided on Trump, Moscow’s chief rabbi says

The election of Donald Trump as president of the United States has provoked a "mixed reaction" among European Jews, said Pinchas Goldschmidt, chief rabbi of Moscow and the current president of the Conference of European Rabbis, the primary Orthodox rabbinical alliance in Europe. "I think that, in general, European Jews look at the United States […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2016/11/23/europes-jews-are-divided-on-trump-moscows-chief-rabbi-says/

Marijuana is becoming a billion-dollar business in Canada. Now all it has to do is become legal.

MONTREAL – It's been a wild ride for Canada's marijuana companies, whose stocks enjoyed an exhilarating high in recent days before mellowing out. Last week, marijuana stocks suddenly skyrocketed, leaving market analysts bewildered. The enormous upswing in stock prices was even more amazing given that the government is giving every indication it plans to go […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2016/11/22/marijuana-is-becoming-a-billion-dollar-business-in-canada-now-all-it-has-to-do-is-become-legal/