World Politics News   Articles for World Politics Course

Crowds estimated to be as high as 180,000 gathered in Hong Kong to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square protests in Beijing.  Chinese citizens on the mainland were not allowed to commemorate the event, and there was a vigorous attempt by the central government to suppress any mention of the anniversary in the media.   Several human rights activists from the mainland addressed the crowds.  The Communist Party, however, is unlikely to be moved by the event.

US President Obama gave a speech today in Brussels as leaders of many countries gathered to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the allied invasion of France.  He took the occasion to condemn Russian moves in Ukraine, referring to the “dark tactics” of the 20th Century, and declaring that “the days of empire and spheres of influence are over”.  For his part, Russian President Putin condemned US actions in the world, using very strong language:

“Speaking of US policy, it’s clear that the United States is pursuing the most aggressive and toughest policy to defend its own interests – at least, this is how the American leaders see it – and they do it persistently.

“There are basically no Russian troops abroad while US troops are everywhere. There are US military bases everywhere around the world and they are always involved in the fates of other countries, even though they are thousands of kilometers away from US borders.”

It does not appear that US-Russian relations will be repaired over chocolates in Brussels.

Ever wonder why koalas hug trees?  We’ve always believed that the animals hugged the trees because the trees provide them with food and security.  However, researchers have found that koalas hug trees to regulate their body temperatures, particularly when the temperature rises.  Scientists have found that the temperature close to trees is much lower than the ambient temperature.  One of life’s great mysteries is now solved.