ASIA
Politics: With the recent protests sparking throughout Iran, it is clear that many Iranians desire change in their country. However, despite the protests causing no political reform, the Iranian Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, is reportedly in poor health. The next Supreme Leader may provide Iran with the change they desire and still avoid violent revolution.
Economics: Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, has ordered that the Revolutionary Guard loosen their grip on the Iranian economy in response to the protests sparked by the poor state of the economy.
Culture: The Iranian Film Festival will be held in Mumbai, India to promote cultural exchange between Indians and Persians as well as to create a platform to start a conversation between two countries on creative collaboration.
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IRAN
Fatima Yousuf, Senior Reporter and Design/Layout Editor
SOUTH KOREA
Valerie Wu, Reporter
Politics: During the International Institute for Strategic Studies' forum in Singapore on January 29, South Korea's Minister of National Defense Song Young-moo stated that the world's most serious threat is currently North Korea's nuclear threats. He also announced that South Korea will work towards fostering peace with continued negotiations.
Economics: A recent report shows that due to the Beijing-imposed travel ban of package tour sales to South Korea, there has been a significant decline in the tourism sector. Only a few Chinese have agreed to attend the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang.
Culture: A hospital fire killed at least thirty-seven people in what many call the country's "deadliest" blaze in decades. The fire occurred in the city of Miryang, about 168 miles southeast of Seoul.
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RUSSIA
Jeffrey Che, Senior Reporter
Politics: At a rally in support of a presidential election boycott, Alexei Navalny, the anti-corruption leader in opposition to President Vladimir Putin, was detained by police. He was later freed.
Economics: An increase in oil prices is helping the Russian economy, despite Anti-Russian sanctions imposed by the European Union against Russia due to the Ukrainian crisis.
Culture: Russia’s Culture Ministry banned the highly controversial film 'Death of Stalin' from box offices. The film was deemed “extremist” and a “provocation” to the Russian people.
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