Converting used bamboo chopsticks by the million into furniture and art.

Iranian forces seized a South Korean oil tanker in the Persian Gulf.

Both Biden and Iran's leaders have said they want to reestablish the non-nuclear deal as soon as possible. So why seize a tanker? That won't help Iran get what it wants.

When the wrecker engages in violent acts toward Iran, we understand this as trying to thwart renewal of the agreement.

When someone in Iran engages in violent acts toward the US, we must speculate that it is someone who has some power and is trying to thwart renewal of the agreement.

The judge in Assange's extradition case, who had appeared persistently prejudiced against him, ruled against extradition.

This would be an occasion to celebrate, but the decision is not final. The UK government will appeal it.

Additionally, the judge cited as reasons only the cruelty of the US prison system. This means there will be no protection in the UK from US efforts to criminalize journalism.

Background.

Assad's regime makes prisoners' families pay heavily to get the prisoners released, or even to visit them.

US prisons make the relatives pay heavily even for phone calls with the prisoners — and since those relatives are often very poor, this may be as hard for them as thousand-dollar bribes are for Syrians.

There are signs the conman may be planning to flee the US before Jan 20.

If his first stop is Scotland, that doesn't mean he will stay there. It would be natural for him to flee to a country that would protect him, such as Russia.