Instant Divorce, North Korea, Afghanistan: Your Wednesday Briefing
Here’s what you need to know: • Our Washington team looked at how President Trump developed his new strategy for Afghanistan, one
that would require thousands more American troops but place more conditions on the Afghan government.
_____ • The Trump administration imposed new sanctions on China
and Russia as part of its campaign to pressure North Korea to stop its development of nuclear weapons and missiles.
_____ • In a major victory for women’s rights, India’s top court voted to outlaw a legal provision
that allowed Muslim men to instantly divorce their wives by saying the word "talaq" — Arabic for divorce — three times.
[The New York Times] • In Australia, a new chemical treatment could help wombats from scratching themselves to death
because of a skin disease that is decimating populations.
The episode drew more attention to a new state law
that has disappointed Australians and tourists alike by requiring that their identification be scanned to get into certain bars after 10 p.m. What you need to know to start your day in Asia, delivered to your inbox.
There had been speculation in recent weeks about whether the pope’s visit, which would precede his trip to Bangladesh, would include a side trip to Rakhine State —
and how hard-line Buddhist nationalists such as Ashin Wirathu might react.
The State of Franklin, in what is now eastern Tennessee, adopted a constitution with power divided
among three branches, like the national government that its leaders hoped one day to join.
