In The News

Reuters: China’s Xi and the World

Peter Marino February 28, 2018
China plans to scrap term limits for its president, consolidating Xi Jinping’s power and reducing power for others in the Communist Party. Some in China contend the move promotes stability, but Peter Marino, writing for Reuters, suggests that assessing political events could become more challenging for insiders or outsiders assessing the country: “Xi has fractured what remains of global models...

The Economist: Netanyahu Fights for Political Survival

February 27, 2018
Police officers informed Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu in February that impending charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust would come his way. Netanyahu addressed the nation the same day, recounting his 50 years of service, including experience with the Special Forces and as ambassador to the United Nations. Israel’s police chief, Robi Alsheikh had been selected by Netanyahu out...

EUROPP: The Italian Election

Andrea Lorenzo Capussela February 27, 2018
Italians head to the polls on Sunday March 4 and polls suggest that a center-right coalition led by former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi may win the most seats in parliament. Economic growth has lagged in Italy, at 1.3 percent, and the country’s unemployment rate stands at 11.4 percent. Immigration and European integration are also concerns for Italy’s voters. Andrea Capussela summarizes Italy...

Straits Times: Mixed Reactions Over Xi’s Expanded Power

Lim Yan Liang February 26, 2018
China’s Parliament plans to remove the term limits for China’s presidency. The rationale is to support reforms and a 30-year modernization plan. State-run media expressed approval for the plan to allow Xi Jinping to serve beyond 10 years while the response was mixed between criticism and support for stability on social media, reports Lim Yan Liang for the Straits Times. China's censors...

The Guardian: Gazans Rush as Egypt Opens Crossing

Hazem Balousha and Oliver Holmes February 26, 2018
Egypt opened its Rafah border, a rare occurrence since 2013. Gazans in need of medical treatment or refuge from Israeli military incursions hope to leave. Hazem Balousha and Oliver Holmes report for the Guardian: “Some 30,000 Gazans including medical patients, students and businesspeople are on a waiting list to travel through Rafah. But not all are guaranteed.” Under the joint control of the...

Quartz: US Tightens H1B Visa Process

Ananya Bhattacharya February 23, 2018
Skilled workers applying for the US H1B visa will face more scrutiny. Applicants will be expected to fill specialty roles in a specialty occupation, explains US Citizenship and Immigration Services. “Previously, the adjudicating officers did not have to review third-party contracts or the exact dates and place of third-party work,” reports Ananya Bhattacharya for Quartz. Workers will be required...

BBC: UN Tussles Over Syria Ceasefire

February 23, 2018
Russian-backed Syrian forces are pounding the rebel-held city of Ghouta with airstrikes that have left hundreds of people dead. About 400,000 people are reported to be trapped. The UN Security Council is considering a 30-day truce to allow aid and evacuations, but Russia called for changes in the draft proposal that will be voted on today. The Syrian government claims to be targeting terrorists....