The situation in Sudan continues to spiral out of control. In Afghanistan, a family decided to try and make the 10-year-old girl a suicide bomber. And liberal Catholics may be disappointed the more they consider the political leanings of the current pope. In this edition of the Global Scan, everyone is taking sides.
Dennis Rodman's controversial relationship with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un turned another page this week. The former NBA star was in North Korea this week to select and train a North Korean basketball team that will take part in an exhibition game in honor of Kim's birthday. Plus Egyptian activists are thrown in jail and elves — yes, elves — halt a highway project in Iceland, in today's Global Scan.
A gay Sikh man created a social media stir when he posted a photo on Facebook that was taken down by the network. The posting, which Facebook said violated its terms, created a firestorm within the Sikh community and outside. Also, a US presidential commission has made 46 recommendations for reining in the NSA, and we introduce you to a Czech treat likely coming to a bakery near you soon. All that and more, in today's Global Scan.
It's apt timing that The Orphan Master's Son, a story of love and defection set in North Korea, won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction this week.
North Korea's young ruler has a singular mission, experts say, preserve the family dynasty. And in that context, Kim Jong Un's sabre-rattling and his invitation to have Dennis Rodman visit the isolated country all makes sense.
Behind Rodman's recent antics in North Korea is the backing of VICE Media, a group with a reputation for stunt journalism. Anchor Marco Werman discusses the controversial Rodman trip and stunt journalism with New York Times reporter Brian Stelter.
Many ordinary Americans are already making the trip to North Korea. Americans have been able to travel there since 2002. Anchor Marco Werman talks with Korya tour director Nick Bonner who has been taking tourists to North Korea for more than a decade.
Charlie Herman looks at what lawmakers need do this week, as well as how much this downgrade will likely end up affecting consumer competence. Callie Crossley talks about what the president needs to do this week before he heads out on this tour.