By Anthony Zurcher
In a letter
published by the state run newspaper Granma, Fidel Castro wrote that “we don’t need
the empire to give us anything”
following Obama’s historic visit to Cuba. Breaking silence for the first time
since the U.S. president’s visit, Castro reminded readers of events such as the
Bay of Pigs invasion, and suggested that Obama not “develop theories about Cuban politics.” Although officially retired from public
office, Castro does wield significant influence over the Cuban population,
casting a shadow of doubt over both countries’ willingness to bury the past.
By Anthony Zurcher
China’s State
Council released a directive this week barring the creation of any “bizarre
architecture.” The
government has decided to no longer allow “unusual” building plans to come to
fruition, following up on “past pledges to end the trend of outlandish
architecture.” Many buildings in the country have been criticized as “oversized, xenocentric, and weird” (e.g. the Guangzhou circle, the
headquarters of CCTV, the Gate of the Orient, or the Kempinski Hotel to name a
few). Under the new directive, buildings are to be “economical, functional,
aesthetically pleasing, and environmentally friendly.”
By Anthony Zurcher
Researchers are
suggesting an extreme measure to save koala populations in many parts of
Australia: a widespread culling. Over half the koala population is
infected with the chlamydia disease, with antibiotics providing little help. As
the disease continues to spread, scientists have come up with a controversial
strategy. Systematic targeting and culling could “paradoxically lead to an
increase in population size” of koalas over the next ten years by removing
those koalas spreading the disease. As one researcher puts it, “these
koalas are in a lot of pain and the humane thing to do is probably to euthanize
them.” Killing koalas will undoubtedly provoke a reaction, but it may be
the only chance at saving this endangered species.
By Anthony Zurcher
Famed adventurer
Henry Worsley has died, succumbing to exhaustion and severe
dehydration while attempting to cross over 900-miles of the Antarctic shelf. He
was only 30 miles from completing what would have been a remarkable record: the
first unaided and solo crossing of the Antarctic. Worsley’s hope was to
symbolically accomplish Shackleton’s unfinished journey to the South Pole, yet
with no opportunity to resupply, polar explorers remarked that he had
undertaken “the hardest form of travel on the
surface of the earth.”
By Anthony Zurcher
The World Health
Organization has issued a report suggesting a possible
rapid spread of the Zika virus across North and South America. The infection, generally carried by
mosquitoes, has caused thousands of babies to be born with underdeveloped
brains and also causes symptoms in adults such as fever. No current treatment
is available to help combat the disease, and the Pan American Health
Organization has urgently advised people to protect themselves with insect
repellant. The governments of some South American countries, notably Brazil and
Colombia, are even asking women to avoid pregnancy until daily inspections are conducted.
By Anthony Zurcher
In response to
Turkey shooting
down a Russian jet last week, President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree putting
into effect a set of harsh economic sanctions. In addition to covering
imports from Turkey and limiting Turkish companies/nationals located in Russia,
the sanctions also will end charter flights between the two nations and forbid
tourist packages to Turkey. These provisions are expected to have a
considerable effect, as Turkish exports to Russia are worth more than $1.52B
each year. Neither side is showing any signs of backing down following the
controversial jet shooting, which Turkey claims was a violation of its
airspace. Mr. Putin has firmly maintained that the jet was in Syrian territory
and is expecting a formal apology that has yet to materialize.
By
Anthony Zurcher
EDF Energy, one of the United Kingdom’s larger energy
companies,
reached an agreement with China General Nuclear Power Group
(CGN) to build a new nuclear power plant in Somerset. With a final cost of
18-24 billion pounds, the Hinkley Point plant is estimated to generate more
than 25,000 jobs and enough energy to provide for 6 million homes. However, it
will also be the most expensive plant in the world, leading many to criticize
the decision to pursue the project. Chinese President Xi Jinping is
expected to formally seal the deal after having met with British Prime Minister
David Cameron throughout the week.
By Anthony Zurcher
Anthony Foxx,
U.S. Secretary of Transportation, has officially called for the creation of a national
register of drones and their owners. In a statement this Monday afternoon,
Foxx said that a register is “urgently needed” and would help foster a “culture
of accountability and responsibility.” However, in recent months, groups have
been successfully
campaigning against the implementation of any such drone laws. The National
Press Photographers’ Association (NPPA) was particularly critical of Foxx’s
comments, casting doubt into the effectiveness of any upcoming legislation.
By Anthony Zurcher
Palmyra, an ancient city in central Syria, presents one of the more stunning
exposés of ancient Semitic life. Distinct in both architecture and style, the
city attained prominence in the 3rd century BCE as an important
caravan stop and regional center. Built on an oasis, Palmyra provided a central
point for main trade routes throughout the Middle East and effectively
connected Rome to Mesopotamia. The ruins of Palmyra have long fascinated
archeologists and historians alike, and they were designated a UNESCO World
Heritage site in 1980. Early age Christian churches, temples devoted to the
Aramean deities of the epoch, statues and arches representing phenomenal feats
of architecture, and a Roman amphitheater have been uncovered among other
artifacts. Historians often suggest that the city’s prosperous nature directly
contributed to the establishment of such a notable historic site. And although
history has reduced it to nothing more than a small village, Palmyra’s
archeological site provides a vivid if not complete picture of the once
bustling metropolitan city.
By Anthony Zurcher
Shortly after
acquiring the rights to Daraprim, a 62-year-old AIDS medication, Turing
Pharmaceuticals increased its price from $13.50 to $750. Turing CEO Martin Shkreli, a former
hedge fund manager, defended the decision even though the pill costs only $1 to
produce. The company insists it will use the additional proceeds to fund
research in the field, and Shkreli has argued that marketing and distribution
costs are often not taken into account when criticizing such decisions.
Nonetheless, the criticism has been quite intense, with many calling the cost “unjustifiable”
and “unsustainable.” Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton even weighed in,
pledging to take action against firms hiking prices of specialty drugs like
Daraprim.
By Anthony Zurcher
In an upset of
incomprehensible proportions, Japan’s rugby team defeated the heavily favored South Africans in their first match of the Rugby World
Cup. Only four teams have ever beaten South Africa in a World Cup match: the
New Zealand All Blacks, Australia, England, and … Japan. Standing among these
monsters of the rugby pitch is no small feat in a sport notorious for its
unbalanced competition and “heavyweight” teams consistently winning year after
year. Pundits are already dubbing Japan’s victory a “miracle” comparable to the
US hockey team beating the Soviets in 1980, Buster Douglas knocking out Mike
Tyson in 1990, or even the Giants defeating the Patriots in the 2007 Superbowl.
Japan faces Scotland in their next match, and interestingly hosts the next
Rugby World Cup in 2019.
By Anthony Zurcher
Thai police arrested a suspect and matched his fingerprints to potential bomb-making equipment today. The August 17 attack on Erawan shrine in Bangkok, which killed 20 people, is still under investigation as claims of responsibility have yet to surface. Over eight arrest warrants have been issued in connection with the bombing.
