EGYPT
Valarie Wu, Senior Reporter
Politics: As ISIS is cornered on the mountains of Qalamon, Syrian troops prepare for a final showdown on the frontline in Lebanon,
Economics: After Syria introduced a 2,000-pound bank note to the economy, statistics show that the nation's GDP has plummeted by more than half its original value.
Culture: An LGBTQ unit, officially named The Queer Insurrection and Liberation Army (TQILA), has now been created to fight against ISIS in the Syrian war effort.
SYRIA
Valarie Wu, Senior Reporter
Politics: At the National Youth Conference, President Al-Sisi called on the voices of youth in the discussion on urban expansion and national development, which has been a main focus of the country's policy-making for the past decade.
Economics: In a recent seminar organized by the Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture, India and Egypt discussed their roles in the global economy and goals of sustainability in the future of economic reform.
Culture: Nubian activists in Egypt are leading demonstrations to protest the rights to their villages in Forklund--land that the government is selling to establish an agricultural project.
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AUSTRALIA
Politics: Australian program “Four Corners” broadcasted an investigation into major water theft in the Murray Darling Basin, one of Australia’s prime agricultural areas.
Economy: China banned Australian meat imports from selected abattoirs, citing labelling inconsistency. Australian officials are scrambling to audit the businesses, as concern grows for one of Australia’s largest exports.
Culture: Dr G Yunupingu, an Aboriginal Australian musician, died on Tuesday. His advocacy for Aboriginal music and culture will be missed by many.
AUSTRALIA/OCEANIA
Lucy Arundell, Reporter
AFRICA