In The News

Why Billions Do Not Have Glasses: BBC

Tim Harford November 23, 2019
As many as 2.5 billion people worldwide need but do not have eyeglasses. The Vision Council of America suggests that 75 percent of adults need eyeglasses to read, drive and work. Glasses, often taken for granted in developed nations, support worker productivity and safety. Yet millions worldwide lack access to eyewear. “And many of those people may have no idea glasses could help them,” explains...

Impeachment and the World: Project Syndicate

Carl Bildt November 22, 2019
US diplomacy is under a cloud as details emerge from US impeachment proceedings. The investigation focuses on efforts to persuade Ukraine’s new president to announce an investigation into activities of a US politician's son. Ukraine, at war at Russia, depends on a show of US support, including a meeting with President Donald Trump and release of military aid approved by Congress. Witnesses...

Netanyahu Indicted: Times of Israel

Raoul Wootliff November 21, 2019
Israel’s attorney general announced that charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust will be filed against Benjamin Netanyahu. This comes as both Netanyahu and opponent Benny Gantz failed to form a coalition government. Netanyahu describes the charges as false, calling for an independent commission to investigate the investigators. “He brushed off calls for him to resign so he can deal with his...

Postponed Drills as Peace Attempt: Washington Post

Simon Denyer November 21, 2019
The United States and South Korea have postponed military drills planned for late November. This action was not a concession, but “a good-faith effort” to promote peace in Korea Peninsula, according to Mark Esper, US defense secretary. Since the Singapore summit between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in 2018, joint military drills have been scaled back, though smaller...

Quid Pro Quo on Ukraine Aid: Washington Post

Aaron C. Davis November 20, 2019
President Trump is described as “the boss,” who issued orders and demands, at times vague and other times specific, with little interest in details or how his cowed staff carried out the orders. That was according to congressional testimony by US Ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland for the presidential impeachment inquiry. Official US policy supports Ukraine in its war with Russia....

US Bills South Korea $5 Billion: Korea Times

Do Je-hae November 20, 2019
South Korea hosts US bases and more than 25,000 troops, contributing to the costs. The Trump administration wants the country to pay $5 billion for maintaining that presence. South Korea suggests that the request lacks specifics, showing a lack of respect for allies. “Such concerns were greatly magnified by a recent meeting between U.S. Ambassador Harry Harris and a high-profile Korean lawmaker,...

Hong Kong Standoff: South China Morning Post

Sum Lok-kei, Karen Zhang, Gary Cheung, Chris Lau and Danny Mok November 19, 2019
Hong Kong’s peaceful protests over one law, allowing extradition of those charged with crimes to China, began in June and has since disintegrated into use of force, violence and resentment over any Chinese control at all. Riot police have surrounded Polytechnic University, trapping protesters and other occupants inside, using teargas. Police warn all will face punishment. Parents urge a peaceful...