Beware speeders, Italian police will rock you with their Huracán

Traffic police in Italy have a new weapon against speeders on the roads around Bologna. A special issue, 610-horsepower, all-wheel-drive Lamborghini Huracán. The Italian two-seater, the base version of which can go from zero to 100 kilometers per hour (62 mph) in 3.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 201 mph, sells in the United […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2017/03/31/beware-speeders-italian-police-will-rock-you-with-their-huracan/

Trump just kicked off NAFTA renegotiation. Here’s what history tells us about how that’ll go.

On the campaign trail, Donald Trump hated NAFTA. Hated it. “NAFTA has been a disaster for our country,” he said. “NAFTA has to be totally gotten rid of. Something has to happen with NAFTA.” But President Trump seems to have softened on the deal. In a muted letter to Congress, the administration outlined the tweaks it […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2017/03/31/trump-just-kicked-off-nafta-renegotiation-heres-what-history-tells-us-about-how-thatll-go/

It’s hard to be Chinese in Paris. Sometimes, it can be deadly.

Shaoyo Liu, 56, was preparing dinner for his family, cutting up some fish with a pair of scissors, when the knocks came. What happened next is a matter of debate. Police, responding to a call from a neighbor, say Liu tried to attack one of the officers on his doorstep and that police shot and killed him […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2017/03/30/its-hard-to-be-chinese-in-paris-sometimes-it-can-be-deadly/

The judge who cleared a man of raping a teen because he lacked ‘carnal intent’ got suspended

Mexican Judge Anuar Gonzalez Hemadi has a strange definition of rape. This week, he dismissed rape charges against Diego Cruz, 21, who allegedly forced 17-year-old Daphne Fernandez into a car, then sexually assaulted her with three friends. It wasn't because Hemadi didn't believe her story. Instead, the judge said Cruz should not be punished because "an incidental […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2017/03/30/the-judge-who-cleared-a-man-of-raping-a-teen-because-he-lacked-carnal-intent-got-suspended/

What you need to know about Turkey and the Trump administration

Want smart analysis of the most important news in your inbox every weekday along with other global reads, interesting ideas and opinions to know? Sign up for the Today's WorldView newsletter. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson heads to Ankara this week for a trip loaded with geopolitical significance. The two countries share an important, long-standing alliance — Turkey […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2017/03/30/what-you-need-to-know-about-turkey-and-the-trump-administration/

‘Courageous but not reckless’: The tragedy of an American U.N. worker slain in Congo

An exceptionally bright and driven son of the Midwest was killed this month in the Congo — his remains, along with those of a colleague, were found in a shallow grave on Monday — and to those who knew him, it is the unfairness of his death that is most crushing. It's not that anyone else might […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2017/03/29/courageous-but-not-reckless-the-tragedy-of-an-american-u-n-worker-slain-in-congo/

An Indonesian man disappeared. Villagers found his body inside a 23-foot-long python.

The gruesome discovery unfolded inch by inch, as the villagers on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi gathered around a misshapen python and began to slice it open. First appeared the bottom of one boot. Then a pair of legs. In a widely shared nearly six-minute video published online by the Tribun Timur, bystanders yelp and point flashlights […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2017/03/29/an-indonesian-man-disappeared-villagers-found-his-body-inside-a-23-foot-long-python/

A Mexican man was cleared of raping a 17-year-old girl because he didn’t enjoy it

For months after he learned in 2015 that his 17-year-old daughter was kidnapped outside a club and raped by some former classmates, Javier Fernández said, he refused to go to the police. That's not to say he didn't want justice. It's all the single father wanted for Daphne, his youngest child. “I wanted to kill them all,” he […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2017/03/29/a-mexican-man-was-cleared-of-raping-a-17-year-old-girl-because-he-didnt-enjoy-it/

Britain’s Theresa May wants a good Brexit deal. Could European security become a ‘bargaining chip’?

LONDON — The E.U. divorce papers filed Wednesday by Britain's prime minister were mostly about crafting a breakup both will like. Sprinkled throughout the six-page letter, however, was a bit of pre-negotiation hardball: raising the prospect of reduced security cooperation with Europe if Britain doesn't get the trade deals it wants. Political opponents of Prime […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2017/03/29/britains-theresa-may-wants-a-good-brexit-deal-could-european-security-become-a-bargaining-chip/

Trump’s climate change shift is really about killing the international order

President Trump has done what he promised: kneecapping America's efforts to fight climate change. In a sweeping executive order Tuesday, the president rolled back rules limiting carbon emissions and regulating fossil fuel producers. Trump explained this dramatic shift in economic terms, saying he wants to put coal miners back to work and make manufacturing cheaper. His […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2017/03/29/trumps-climate-change-shift-is-really-about-killing-the-international-order/

Good news for Africa’s elephants: China is losing its taste for ivory

  BEIJING — China will close 67 ivory carving factories and retail shops on Friday, roughly one-third of the total, as it moves to implement a pledge to end all domestic ivory sales by the end of the year. The news will foster hopes that an end to the elephant poaching crisis in Africa might be […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2017/03/29/good-news-for-africas-elephants-china-is-losing-its-taste-for-ivory/

New Google Translate app now available in China as company tries to edge back in

  BEIJING — Google launched an updated Translate app Wednesday aimed partly at Chinese users and accessible in the country, in what could be a sign of the company’s continuing efforts to explore a partial re-entry into the market here. Google pulled its search engine from China in 2010 after refusing to submit to Chinese […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2017/03/29/new-google-translate-app-now-available-in-china-as-company-tries-to-edge-back-in/

As Scotland relaunches its independence bid, Catalonia has its own plan

Want smart analysis of the most important news in your inbox every weekday along with other global reads, interesting ideas and opinions to know? Sign up for the Today's WorldView newsletter. The Scottish Parliament has backed a second bid for secession from Britain, approving a motion that supports making a formal request to Westminster for the powers to […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2017/03/29/as-scotland-relaunches-its-independence-bid-catalonia-has-its-own-plan/

A Ukrainian filmmaker imprisoned in Russia just won a Freedom to Write Award

It's an honor that comes with a heavy dose of irony — PEN America just awarded its Freedom to Write Award to the acclaimed Ukrainian writer and filmmaker Oleg Sentsov, imprisoned in Russia. Sentsov, a filmmaker, has been an outspoken critic of Russia's intervention in Ukraine. He joins a distinguished list of other imperiled honorees, including Khadija Ismayilova, […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2017/03/28/a-ukrainian-filmmaker-imprisoned-in-russia-just-won-a-freedom-to-write-award/

Independence movements are a sign of European strength, not discord

LONDON — It was less than three years ago that Scotland's bid for independence fizzled, with a much-hyped referendum failing by 10 points and Scotland's pro-independence party left embarrassed. But the drive for self-determination in Scotland is as strong as ever. On Tuesday, the Scottish parliament backed First Minister Nicola Sturgeon's attempt to seek another independence vote. And, much to […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2017/03/28/independence-movements-are-a-sign-of-european-strength-not-discord/

What a murdered former Russian lawmaker said in one of his final interviews

KIEV — On Thursday, Denis Voronenkov, a former Russian lawmaker facing corruption charges in Moscow who fled to Ukraine and became a critic of President Vladimir Putin, was shot twice in the head and killed outside a posh hotel here in the country's capital. Less than 72 hours earlier, he had given one of his final […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2017/03/28/what-a-murdered-former-russian-lawmaker-said-in-one-of-his-final-interviews/

From Brexit to ‘Legs-it’: Daily Mail disgusts Britain with ‘sexist’ front page

The Daily Mail is no stranger to allegations of being uncouth. But the British tabloid's front page on Tuesday, which jauntily accosted readers with a photograph of Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and British Prime Minister Theresa May — arguably Britain's two most powerful politicians — next to the headline “Never mind Brexit, who won Legs-it!” prompted […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2017/03/28/from-brexit-to-legs-it-daily-mail-disgusts-britain-with-sexist-front-page/

The post-fascism of Donald Trump

Want smart analysis of the most important news in your inbox every weekday along with other global reads, interesting ideas and opinions to know? Sign up for the Today's WorldView newsletter. “An analogy is haunting the United States,” writes American political scientist Sheri Berman, “the analogy of fascism.” Before last year’s election — and even […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2017/03/28/the-post-fascism-of-donald-trump/

Here’s what I saw at the huge Moscow anti-corruption protest

MOSCOW -- The young man with the sign had looked so confident, striding by the cheering crowd and seemingly indifferent to police, his poster decrying official corruption held high, like a home-made flag. Then, in an instant, five riot police in full body armor dragged the man down, picked him up and carted him away as the cheers […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2017/03/27/heres-what-i-saw-at-the-huge-moscow-anti-corruption-protest/

A slice of tropical rain forest becomes a thing in France’s presidential election

“What's been happening in French Guiana over the past few days is serious,” said the man most likely to be France's next president, Emmanuel Macron. He was referring to his country's largest overseas département, which has been brought to a standstill by a strike led by labor unions. “My first response is a call for calm, because […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2017/03/27/a-slice-of-tropical-rain-forest-becomes-a-thing-in-frances-presidential-election/

Congolese rebels behead 42 police officers in dramatic escalation of conflict

Violence in the Kasai region of Congo appears to be escalating significantly, as reports emerged over the weekend of the decapitation of 42 police officers tasked with fighting a regional militia known as Kamuina Nsapu. The group is also suspected of having kidnapped an American man, a Swedish woman and four Congolese working with the United Nations to investigate recent clashes between the […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2017/03/26/congolese-rebels-behead-42-police-officers-in-dramatic-escalation-of-conflict/

Italian judge tosses sexual assault case because woman didn’t scream during alleged attack

Italy's justice minister has requested an investigation into whether a judge rightfully acquitted a man of a sexual assault charge because the woman did not scream. Italian news agency ANSA reported Thursday that Justice Minister Andrea Orlando, a member of the Democratic Party, wants to revisit the case in which a 46-year-old Red Cross employee was accused […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2017/03/26/italian-judge-tossed-sexual-assault-case-because-woman-didnt-scream-during-alleged-attack/

Belarus had a huge protest today. Is it the beginning of a movement, or the end?

It was an unusual sight in Minsk: About a thousand people gathered in the capital Saturday to protest the authoritarian government. Activists, some wrapped in the red-and-white flag of the opposition, shouted "fascists!" at riot police. The rally was unsanctioned, and officials reportedly warned the demonstrators to stay home. But they came out anyway and were […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2017/03/25/belarus-had-a-huge-protest-today-is-it-the-beginning-of-a-movement-or-the-end/

The far right turned this Muslim woman into a ‘monster’ online. That’s despicable.

In the hours after Wednesday’s attack on Parliament, a picture began to circulate on social media. It was shot just after terrorist Khalid Masood ran an SUV through a crowd on Westminster Bridge, killing four. The image showed a man on the ground; frantic bystanders look on. The group happened to include a woman in a hijab. […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2017/03/25/the-far-right-turned-this-muslim-woman-into-a-monster-online-thats-despicable/

The London attacker lived among them. Now, Birmingham’s Muslims worry about Now, Birmingham’s Muslims worry about the consequences.

BIRMINGHAM, England — When alerts went off Wednesday, breaking the news of the devastating London terrorist attack, many in Birmingham hoped that the trail would not lead to their city which is approximately 100 miles to the north of the capital. But the next morning, helicopters circled over Birmingham, and residents there immediately suspected the reason. […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2017/03/24/the-london-attacker-lived-among-them-now-birminghams-muslims-worry-about-now-birminghams-muslims-worry-about-the-consequences/

‘Why must we keep saying sorry?’: After the London attack, Muslims react with fear and anger

LONDON — Even before authorities named the assailant in the Westminster attack as 52-year-old Khalid Masood, the word “Muslims” began trending on Twitter. Despite limited details on the attacker's faith and hours before ISIS claimed responsibility, Muslims almost instantly came under fire on social media. As more details on the attack outside Parliament unfolded, many people expressed their concerns about the dangers of […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2017/03/24/why-must-we-keep-saying-sorry-after-the-london-attack-muslims-react-with-fear-and-anger/

One way to fix bullying: Appoint a citywide ‘ombudsman’

It was a tragedy that unfolded New Year's Eve, when a 13-year-old died of emaciation in Norway. But the story begins years earlier. In 2012, the girl's mother went on television to talk about the bullying her child faced because of her eating disorder. The school had been informed but did little to address the […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2017/03/24/one-way-to-fix-bullying-appoint-a-citywide-ombudsman/

Venezuelan troops invaded Colombia this week. But just a little bit.

A group of about 60 Venezuelan soldiers crossed the border into Colombia this week, set up camp on a banana plantation and flew their national flag for a few days, an incident Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos called “a totally unacceptable” violation of national sovereignty. Santos said Thursday he spoke personally to Venezuelan President Nicolás […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2017/03/24/venezuelan-troops-invaded-colombia-this-week-but-just-a-little-bit/

Giving Italian women ‘menstrual leave’ may backfire on their job prospects

MILAN — Italy might soon become the first Western country with an official “menstrual leave” policy for working women. The lower house of Italy's Parliament has started discussing a draft law that, if approved, will mandate companies to grant three days of paid leave each month to female employees who experience painful periods. The proposed […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2017/03/24/giving-italian-women-menstrual-leave-may-backfire-on-their-job-prospects/

London’s mayor reassures a city that says it needs no reassurance

LONDON — Sadiq Khan, the mayor of a bustling city that on Wednesday was hit by a deadly attack, came Thursday evening to a public square that commemorates a British naval triumph, the Battle of Trafalgar. But his visit had little to do with celebration. Instead, he was there to reassure his fellow Londoners.   With the […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2017/03/23/londons-mayor-reassures-a-city-that-says-it-needs-no-reassurance/

‘I immediately recognized him.’ What we know about London attacker Khalid Masood.

BIRMINGHAM, England — British authorities have identified the man responsible for Wednesday’s terrorist attack in London as 52-year-old Khalid Masood. Originally from Kent, he had been living in Birmingham, Britain’s second-largest city, where neighbors said Thursday they had last seen him several months ago. Marjoli Gajecka, 26, frequently visited her mother's house next to Masood’s […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2017/03/23/i-immediately-recognized-him-what-we-know-about-london-attacker-khalid-masood/

‘Our family is heartbroken’: American killed in London attack was celebrating wedding anniversary

They had been married for 25 years. This week was supposed to be a chance to celebrate their anniversary, as well as chance for Kurt and Melissa Cochran to visit Melissa's parents, who work on a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints mission in England. As they walked across London's Westminster Bridge near the […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2017/03/23/our-family-is-heartbroken-american-killed-in-london-attack-was-celebrating-wedding-anniversary/

In the aftermath of London attack, some Brits praise their strict gun laws

LONDON — Britain was rocked by a terrorist attack at the center of its capital Wednesday, but there was also a widespread sense that things could have been worse. Four people, including the perpetrator, were killed in the attack, while a further 29 were wounded. But the toll was lower than in other similar recent attacks. […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2017/03/23/in-the-aftermath-of-london-attack-some-brits-praise-their-strict-gun-laws/

What we know about the victims of the London terrorist attack

Keith Palmer was unarmed and at his normal post outside Parliament.  Like many of his fellow officers in the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Squad, he become a friendly face to the politicians, journalists and tourists who visit Westminster every day. On Wednesday, the 48-year-old father lay mortally wounded from a stab wound as rescuers tried in […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2017/03/23/what-we-know-about-the-victims-of-the-london-terrorist-attack/

A horrific murder has awakened Brazil’s transgender community

SÃO PAULO, Brazil — Dandara dos Santos, a 42-year-old transgender woman from a northern Brazilian slum, begged for mercy as a group of men bashed her over the head with rocks. In a video shot on Feb. 15, dos Santos crouched on the ground, her ripped clothes hanging from her slender frame. Blood trickled down […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2017/03/23/a-horrific-murder-has-awakened-brazils-transgender-community/

This is what it’s like to be the token American journalist on Russian state TV

MOSCOW — I’m standing in a glistening TV studio that evokes “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” crossbred with “Fox NFL Sunday.” The stage is a large, brightly lit clock face that occasionally flashes random, live-action video images. Metallic shards of blue, red, and white light coruscate across the reflective steel and glass backdrop. From a massive screen behind the stage, Russian President […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2017/03/23/this-is-what-its-like-to-be-the-token-american-journalist-on-russian-state-tv/

Я узнал, как чувствует себя американец на российском телевидении

МОСКВА - Я стою в сверкающей телевизионной студии, которая напоминает одновременно «Кто хочет стать миллионером» и воскресную спортивную программу Фокс НФЛ («Фокс НФЛ в воскресенье»). Сцена представляет собой большой, ярко освещенный циферблат, на который проецируются различные видеосюжеты. Металлические лучи синего, красного и белого света сверкают и быстро перемещаются на стальном и стеклянном фоне. С массивного […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2017/03/23/rus-i-found-out-what-its-like-to-be-the-token-american-on-pro-russian-tv/

Что значит быть ведущим российского телевизионного ток-шоу

МОСКВА: Евгений Попов – соведущий программы «60 минут» - российского политического телевизионного ток-шоу. После того, как я принял участие в 4-х программах, я попросил Евгения рассказать о его ток-шоу. Каков жанр Вашей программы? Считаете ли Вы ее новостным шоу или политическим театром? Неприличный вопрос, учитывая, что вы участвовали в одной из передач. Программа 60 минут […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2017/03/23/heres-what-its-like-to-be-a-russian-tv-talk-show-host/

Here’s what it’s like to be a Russian TV political talk show host

Evgeny Popov is the co-host of "60 Minut,” a Russian political TV talk show. After appearing on his show four times, I asked him to describe the show in his own words. Do you consider your show a news show, or is it political theater? This is an inappropriate question, given that you are on with […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2017/03/23/heres-what-its-like-to-be-a-russian-tv-political-talk-show-host/

In the London attack, one MP tried desperately to save a police officer

The MP's had been told to shelter inside. Just feet from London's parliament building, a grisly scene was unfolding. An attacker had mowed into a crowd of people on Westminster bridge. Then, knife in hand, he charged the building's guards. The ensuing scuffle left at least one police officer gravely wounded. Shots had been fired; […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2017/03/22/in-the-london-attack-one-mp-tried-desperately-to-save-a-police-officer/

As the London attacks show, the sedate sedan can be turned into a deadly, unpredictable weapon

LONDON — Wednesday's attack in London involved one of terrorists' new favorite tactics: driving a vehicle into a crowd. In July, a terrorist in Nice drove a truck into a crowd of people celebrating Bastille Day in the French Riviera, killing 84. And in December, a man rammed a vehicle into a Christmas market in Berlin, […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2017/03/22/as-the-london-attacks-show-the-sedate-sedan-can-be-turned-into-a-deadly-unpredictable-weapon/

Disney’s hit ‘Beauty and the Beast’ is banned in Kuwait for its ‘gay moment’

CAIRO — What does Kuwait have in common with Alabama? “Beauty and the Beast” has been banned from theaters there. The international blockbuster, Disney’s live-action remake of the animation classic, is under fire for a scene widely seen as alluding to homosexuality. In Kuwait, censors have pulled the movie from all theaters, and in a […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2017/03/22/disneys-hit-beauty-and-the-beast-is-banned-in-kuwait-for-its-gay-moment/

Germany’s new strategy for terror suspects? Kick them out, even if they’re born there

The German government plans to deport two men investigated for allegedly planning a terrorist attack — even though both were born in Germany and they were not charged. Arrangements are now being made for the two suspects to be deported separately to Algeria and Nigeria, where their parents are from. Neither men are German citizens and […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2017/03/22/germanys-new-strategy-for-terror-suspects-kick-them-out-even-if-theyre-born-there/

Eleven countries signed a letter slamming China for torturing lawyers. The U.S. did not.

BEIJING — When 11 embassies signed onto a joint letter criticizing China over “credible  claims” that lawyers and human rights activists have been tortured while in detention, there were two notable absences. One was the entire 28-nation European Union, although some E.U. members joined the letter. The other was the United States. There have been several […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2017/03/22/eleven-countries-signed-a-letter-slamming-china-for-torturing-lawyers-the-u-s-did-not/

India’s new state leader, Yogi Adityanath, launches ‘anti-Romeo squads.’ Is it moral policing?

NEW DELHI — The hardline Hindu politician Yogi Adityanath — known for his polarizing rhetoric against India’s Muslims — has only been serving as the leader of India’s largest state for a few days, but his presence is already being felt. Police have raided and shuttered illegal slaughterhouses suspected of trafficking in beef — anathema to Hindus […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2017/03/22/yogi-adityanath-the-extremist-leader-in-india-launches-anti-romeo-squads-to-protect-women-is-it-moral-policing/

There are now 3 rivers that legally have the same rights as humans

Just a few weeks ago, the idea that a river could be legally recognized as a human would probably seem unlikely. But in a remarkably short  time, separate legal systems halfway around the world have decided that in some cases, a river should have human rights. The first decision took place last week in New Zealand, where Parliament passed […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2017/03/21/there-are-now-3-rivers-that-legally-have-the-same-rights-as-humans/

What is the logic behind Trump’s new ‘electronics ban’? People are stumped.

Citing unspecified threats, the U.S. government told a slew of airlines based in the Middle East and North Africa that they must restrict their U.S.-bound passengers from taking any electronic items larger than cellphones in their carry-on baggage, effective immediately. The new rules affect 10 airports across the region, many of which serve as busy […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2017/03/21/what-is-the-logic-behind-trumps-new-electronics-ban-people-are-stumped/

Article 50: A guide to Britain’s untested plan for Brexit

After a lot of speculation, a big date in Britain's path to Brexit has been set: On March 29, Prime Minister Theresa May will trigger Article 50. Britons have been waiting with bated breath for this moment, which effectively starts the formal process of their country leaving the European Union. But many outsiders may be left […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2017/03/20/article-50-a-guide-to-britains-untested-plan-to-leave-the-e-u/

The World Happiness Report is out and the U.S. has fallen. Sad!

In Norway, oil prices have fallen, a threat to one of its main industries. Across much of the country, average daytime temperatures still hover around the freezing point. And yet, Norway is the happiest country on Earth, according to the 2017 World Happiness Report, an annual ranking of 155 countries published by the Sustainable Development Solutions […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2017/03/20/the-world-happiness-report-is-out-and-the-u-s-has-fallen-sad/

German Defense Ministry contradicts Trump, says it doesn’t owe U.S. money for NATO

President Trump's Saturday tweet accusing Germany of owing the United States “vast sums of money” for NATO might have been an attempt to put pressure on the European ally. But Berlin has rejected his claim while also questioning his understanding of NATO finances. On Sunday, German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen called Trump's tweets “inaccurate.” “NATO does not have a debt account,” von der Leyen […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2017/03/19/german-defense-ministry-contradicts-trump-says-it-doesnt-owe-u-s-money-for-nato/

For state leader, Modi taps firebrand politician who once advocated killing Muslims

Yogi Adityanath is saffron-robed Hindu priest, a five-term member of India’s Parliament and has more than a dozen criminal cases pending against him, including an attempted murder charge. In incendiary speeches across the sprawling and impoverished Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, he has long advocated for Hindu ideals and even exhorted his followers to kill […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2017/03/19/for-state-leader-modi-taps-firebrand-politician-who-once-advocated-killing-muslims/

No, Germany doesn’t owe America ‘vast sums’ of money for NATO

Fresh off the heels of a dust-up with Britain, President Trump attacked another key ally — Germany. At a news conference Friday with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Trump “reiterated” his “need for our NATO allies to pay their fair share for the cost of defense.” He followed up Saturday with an impolitic double-barreled tweet shot, […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2017/03/18/no-germany-doesnt-owe-america-vast-sums-of-money-for-nato/

Why Trump’s plan to slash U.N. funding could lead to global calamity

For 16 days, Stephen O'Brien traveled from one afflicted country to another, talking to people who were traumatized. Starving. Desperate for peace. Many had been displaced, the victims of airstrikes and constant fighting, of drought and imminent famine. By the time O'Brien returned to the United Nations, the humanitarian chief had committed several statistics to […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2017/03/18/why-trumps-plan-to-slash-u-n-funding-could-lead-to-global-calamity/

How did a North Korean soldier get close enough to Rex Tillerson to take a photo?

On Thursday, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson spent a couple of hours in a spot Bill Clinton once called “the scariest place on Earth.” Tillerson toured Panmunjom, a “truce village” plopped near the inter-Korean border. It's less town than terrifying hangout for soldiers from two of the world's fiercest enemies, who keep watch on each other 24 […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2017/03/17/how-did-a-north-korean-soldier-get-close-enough-to-rex-tillerson-to-take-a-photo/

Why Russia has two St. Patrick’s days this year

Informally, Russia has long marked St. Patrick's Day, joining the rest of the world in the March 17 celebration of Irish culture that includes lots of green and lots of drinking. This year, however, the Russian Orthodox Church is doing something different. It's formally celebrating St. Patrick's Day for the first time — but on March 30. […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2017/03/17/why-russia-has-two-st-patricks-days-this-year/

Trump wants to rewrite the trade landscape. But a united China and Germany may have other ideas.

BERLIN — The unstoppable force of President Trump’s rage against perceived bad trade deals may be set to encounter an immovable object: A united front by Germany and China. Trump and his emissaries have singled out the massive trade surpluses of Germany and China as evidence of unfair practices. Trump has personally thrown shade on […]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2017/03/17/trump-wants-to-rewrite-the-trade-landscape-but-a-united-china-and-germany-may-have-other-ideas/