Dennis Rodman

The wrong way to nurture a new country

Global Scan

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.

Former NBA player Ira Newble at a refugee camp on the Chad/Sudan border.

A former NBA player who knows sports activism says he’s lost respect for Dennis Rodman

Global Politics
Rodman in North Korea

So what’s wrong with Rodman’s basketball diplomacy? Plenty, says a former ambassador

Global Politics

Rodman plays ball with North Korea’s dictator

Global Scan
July day in Australia

If you are cold today, think warm thoughts … or head to Australia

Global Scan

Dennis Rodman brings his brand of basketball diplomacy back to North Korea

Global Scan

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.

What happens when you’re proudly gay and proudly Sikh?

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.

North Korea’s angry rhetoric better viewed with understanding, than comedy

Global Politics

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.

The World

Love and Defection in North Korea

Conflict & Justice

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.

Basketball Diplomacy and Stunt Journalism: The Media Outlet Behind Rodman’s Trip to North Korea

Conflict & Justice

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.