SUMMARY
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- Power politics in South Korea
It was President Obama’s first visit to the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea, a weekend stop before he joined more than 50 other world leaders in a nuclear security summit meeting. Mr. Obama asked North Korea to stop its plans to launch a satellite next month. Also Monday, South Korea warned the North against rocket tests. Concerns about North Korea and Iran are expected to dominate the talks.In Seoul, Mr. Obama’s private statements to Russian President Dmitri Medvedev were inadvertently caught on camera Monday. President Obama was overheard asking for “space” on missile defense issues. He then says it would be better to wait after elections. “After my election, I have more flexibility,” he said.Full quote:President Obama: On all these issues, but particularly missile defense, this, this can be solved but it’s important for him to give me space.
President Medvedev: Yeah, I understand. I understand your message about space. Space for you…
President Obama: This is my last election. After my election I have more flexibility.
President Medvedev: I understand. I will transmit this information to Vladimir.
Read more about the Koreas on the New York Times.
Read more and watch the overheard remarks on Foreign Policy.
- Former IMF Head Charged with “Aggravated Pimping”
Former International Monetary Fund chief Dominique Strauss-Khan faces a slew of sex-related charges. He was charged with “aggravated pimping” Monday in French courts, prosecutors say, for his alleged participation in a prostitution ring. While having sex with a prostitute isn’t illegal in France, suspicions have been raised that IMF money may have been used. On Wednesday in the United States, the case which catapulted him to the headlines last May (when a hotel maid accused him of forcing her to have sex with him) goes to court.
Read more on Rappler.
- Dealing with HIV
The Palace expressed alarm over a 72% rise in case of HIV in the Philippines in the past year – from February 2011 to February 2012. Meantime, a study finds that the female condoms, while more expensive than male condoms, are cost-effective when it comes to preventing HIV.
Read more about the increase of HIV cases on Rappler and more about the study on female condoms on NPR.
- Pacquiao Fights the BIR
Manny Pacquiao threatens to file a case against certain officials at the Bureau of Internal Revenue because a tax case filed against him has allegedly cost him millions in endorsements.
Read more on Rappler - Coping with Disaster … 3 Months Later
Iligan City was hardest hit during typhoon Sendong. Immediately after, the DSWD offered “windows of assistance” – cash for ten days of work. It took three months before residents were paid because of bureaucratic issues.
Watch Open Windows, a Rappler short story.
- Corona Changes His Story
Chief Justice Renato Corona, in the middle of an impeachment trial, initially denied a blog post by journalist Raissa Robles saying he owns at least 2 properties in the United States. Corona insisted the properties cited by Robles – one located in Tampa, Florida and another in an upscale community in Mountain View, California – are owned by a friend. He said they stayed there during their previous visits and used them as temporary mailing addresses. On Monday, Corona says the California property is owned by his daughter.
Read Raissa Robles original blog post citing US public records here and his latest turn-around in the Inquirer.
- US stocks gained Monday
Rebounding from the year’s biggest weekly declines, US stocks rose Monday after Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said in a speech Monday that low interest rate policies may be needed to create jobs.
Read more on the Wall Street Journal.
- Turkey Closes Syrian Embassy
Turkey closed its embassy in Syria Monday after deteriorating security conditions there. It’s not the first embassy to close down, following the United States and several other European and Arab nations. Still, Turkey – until last year – was one of Syria’s closest allies and is a key regional player. This marks another milestone for conflict-ridden Syria.
Read more on the Christian Science Monitor.
- Filipino Fascination with the Boob Tube
A recent Nielsen study shows the Philippines taking top spots when it comes to video consumption: the Philippines is #1 in Asia in the amount of time Filipinos spend watching television; #1 in mobile video consuption; #3 in terms of TV reach; and #5 in the world in Home TV use.
Read more on Rappler.
- Social Media for Social Change
Social Media Exchange in Lebanon is offering a 6 month course specifically designed for women on digital storytelling and social media. It’s the group’s attempt to balance the gender ratio: Arab women are outnumbered by men 2:1 on social media.In the Philippines, a 4 day workshop organized by the British Council and Rappler ends Tuesday. Its goal is to provide more tools to 40 selected Filipino youth leaders to help empower them and amplify their reach through social media.
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