How Lu Xun, a Famous Chinese Writer, Became a Cute Communist Mascot
The Chinese Communist Party has turned Lu Xun, a Mao-era hero who excoriated the establishment, into a bland, Disney-style character.
Propaganda
How Pakistan Is Trying to Reshape Its Image Abroad
New, friendly media operations and expanded state-run television are pushing Pakistan’s message while independent news outlets face repression.
Hacked App Part of US/Israeli Propaganda Campaign Against Iran
Wired has the story:
Shortly after the first set of explosions, Iranians received bursts of notifications on their phones. They came not from the government advising caution, but from an apparently hacked prayer-timing app called BadeSaba Calendar that has been downloaded more than 5 million times from the Google Play Store.
The messages arrived in quick succession over a period of 30 minutes, starting with the phrase ‘Help has arrived’ at 9:52 am Tehran time, shortly after the first set of explosions. No party has claimed responsibility for the hacks…
Russia Celebrated Him. Now He’s Accused of Having Troops Shoot Themselves.
A lieutenant colonel is on trial after being accused of skimming payments for battlefield injuries. He denies the specifics of Russia’s accusation but acknowledges engaging in a payouts scheme.
U.S. Allies Are Drawing Closer to China, but on Beijing’s Terms
As Washington unsettles its partners, Beijing is reaping diplomatic gains, without backing down on human rights, trade or security.
A Russian Videographer Reveals How Putin Shapes the Next Generation
Pavel Talankin was a school events coordinator and videographer. When Russia overhauled the curriculum to make students into patriotic soldiers, he kept his camera rolling. The footage became a film that is shortlisted for an Oscar.
Schools in Occupied Ukraine Aim to Turn Children Into Russian Nationalists
Required lessons are heavy on militarism and pro-Russian, anti-Ukrainian propaganda. Some people make an arduous escape, partly to avoid the indoctrination.
Russian Propaganda Ramps Up After U.S. Raid in Venezuela
A network of websites known as “Portal Kombat” is spreading messages about U.S. military hardware, according to tracking firms.
Bondi Beach Shooting Is a Reminder of ISIS’s Power to Inspire Attacks
ISIS is too weakened to seize territory, experts said, but its ability to churn out propaganda aimed at provoking violence against the West persists.
China Fans Patriotic Sentiment as Trade War With U.S. Heats Up
Chinese state media is rallying the public and posting old propaganda footage, but officials are also careful to leave room for talks with President Trump.