| Why Malaysia is refusing to return Kim Jong Nam’s body to North Korea Posted: 18 Feb 2017 01:52 PM PST ![Why Malaysia is refusing to return Kim Jong Nam's body to North Korea]( "Why Malaysia is refusing to return Kim Jong Nam's body to North Korea") The investigation into the death of Kim Jong Nam is still ongoing. Malaysian authorities said Friday that they would conduct a second autopsy on the body of Mr. Kim, half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, after the first one yielded no definitive conclusions about the cause of his death. Malaysian police also say they will not return the body to North Korea until a family member claims the body – with a matching DNA sample to prove the relationship.
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| Can Tony Blair stop Brexit? Posted: 18 Feb 2017 12:41 PM PST ![Can Tony Blair stop Brexit?]( "Can Tony Blair stop Brexit?") Earlier this month, British members of Parliament (MPs) overwhelmingly voted to back Brexit, citing deference to the will of the people. Speaking at an event for Open Britain, which wants Britain to maintain access to the single market, Tony Blair declared that the Brexit discussion was far from over. The task for voters who want to remain in the EU, Mr. Blair said, is to persuade Leave voters to change their minds, thus forcing a reversal on Britain's vote to leave the European Union.
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| Romania’s lesson in public integrity Posted: 18 Feb 2017 07:09 AM PST ![Romania's lesson in public integrity]( "Romania's lesson in public integrity") Since early February, tens of thousands of people in Romania have held almost daily protests against corruption in many cities. This persistent and peaceful outcry on Romania's streets for honest governance began after the ruling party tried to roll back anti-corruption efforts that have already led to thousands of officials being put on trial since 2013. People were shocked at how easily their progress in suppressing corruption could be eroded by politicians.
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| Kim Jong-nam’s death: Latest test of tense China-North Korea relations Posted: 18 Feb 2017 06:47 AM PST ![Kim Jong-nam's death: Latest test of tense China-North Korea relations]( "Kim Jong-nam's death: Latest test of tense China-North Korea relations") Despite being North Korea's biggest ally, China has seen its alliance with the regime repeatedly tested in recent years – and the past week is no exception. With a ballistic missile test this past Sunday, and the apparent assassination of Kim Jong-nam, the exiled half-sibling of Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un, the relationship between the two nations is growing increasingly tense. On Monday, Kim Jong-nam died en route to the hospital from Kuala Lumpur International Airport after he claimed he was sprayed with a chemical.
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| Readers write: Trump editorial coverage Posted: 18 Feb 2017 03:00 AM PST ![Readers write: Trump editorial coverage]( "Readers write: Trump editorial coverage") Recommended: What do you know about Donald Trump? Milton Love's remarks in your Readers Write column regarding the Monitor's political coverage highlighted one of the things I love about the Monitor: namely that, while it may constructively criticize actions, opinions, and policy, I have not seen the Monitor defame someone's character, even slightly.
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| Can decriminalizing marijuana improve public safety in Houston? Posted: 17 Feb 2017 03:35 PM PST ![Can decriminalizing marijuana improve public safety in Houston?]( "Can decriminalizing marijuana improve public safety in Houston?") Following decades of rising incarceration and diminishing public safety returns, America's fourth most-populous city is embarking on a new approach to drug crime. On Thursday, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg announced that Houston would decriminalize possession of less than 4 ounces of marijuana, beginning March 1. The new county policy means offenders without warrants for other crimes will soon have a route to bypass court appearances and jail time. Under the Misdemeanor Marijuana Diversion Program, they can opt instead to pay $150 and take a 4-hour drug education class.
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