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Politics
Tension rises between South and North Korea over Gaesong complex
North Korea expelled South Korean workers from the Gaeseong Industrial Complex (GIC) and froze all South Korean-owned property there, Thursday, retaliating against the South’s decision to shut down the complex the previous day. Pyongyang also designated the area an off-limits military zone, and cut off communication lines between the two…
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West Asia
World powers sign on Syria ceasefire
US secretary of state John Kerry and Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov have announced that peace talks in Munich aimed at reaching resolution on the conflict in Syria have brokered a deal that could see a ceasefire “within a week”. Military action against Islamic State fighters would continue, but humanitarian…
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West Asia
UAE appoints ministers for happiness and tolerance
The prime minister of the United Arab Emirates has announced the creation of a minister of state for happiness, as part of a major government shake-up. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is also the ruler of Dubai, said the minister would drive policy “to create social good and…
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West Asia
European Parliament to vote on genocide in Middle East
The European Parliament is set to vote on a resolution addressing the plight of Christians and other religious minorities in Syria and Iraq. “What we witness in the Middle East is clearly genocide aimed at the destruction of Christians and other religious minorities. This vote gives the European Parliament the…
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South Asia
India, Afghanistan sign pact for visa-free travel
India and Afghanistan have signed a pact for visa-free travel by their diplomats following Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah’s recent meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during which they discussed key bilateral issues. “Sustained engagement with Afghanistan. Chief Executive Abdullah meets the Prime Minister… Promoting stronger diplomatic ties… India and…
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Politics
South Korea call on North Korea to stop their attempted rocket launch
As North Korea revealed its plans for what it called a satellite launch, the South Korean government has warned that it would have to pay a severe price if it proceeds with the move. After a National Security Council(NSC) meeting Wednesday morning, First Deputy Director of the top office’s National Security Office Cho…
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South Asia
Afghan religious scholars issue fatwa against peace talks
Maulana Mufti Mehmood Zakiri, chief of the Ittehad-e-Ulema-e-Afghanistan, has issued a fatwa, declaring peace negotiations in the presence of foreign forces as “against Islamic injunctions”. “Americans want to force the valiant Afghan nation to surrender under the excuse of peace. We hope our Mujahideen will not be deceived through these…
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Politics
Sweden and Finland plan to deport thousands of migrants
Finland joined Sweden on Thursday in announcing plans to deport tens of thousands of failed asylum seekers in a bid to contain the migrant crisis. As at least 31 more people died attempting to reach the European Union, the two Nordic countries are both struggling to cope with an influx of…
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Politics
Muslim women must learn English or be deported: British PM
British Prime Minister David Cameron announced on Monday that Muslim women who fail to learn English to a high enough standard could face deportation from the country. Cameron’s comments came as his centre-right Conservatives launched a £20 million ($28.5 million, 26 million euro) language fund for women in isolated communities…
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Politics
“Wednesday Demonstrations” in condolence with Comfort Women continue
On the 1212th anniversary of the weekly “Wednesday Demonstrations,” numbers exceeded the usual and the atmosphere was different. The weekly demonstrations became the main outlet for the victims of Japan’s war crimes to vent their anger. On January 6, 2016, dozens of protesters gathered, sitting on the ground, surrounded by…
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