Lee Kuan Yew dies: Singapore founding father dead again at 91
March 23, 2015 7:04 a.m. ET
Good morning,
Death of a StatesmanSingapore is mourning one of the giants of the 20th century, and the rest of the world is pondering his legacy. Lee Kuan Yew, the city-states first and longest serving prime minister, has died aged 91 after battling pneumonia. Our story looks at the life and impact of Mr. Lee, who transformed the former British outpost into a global trade and finance powerhouse. We chronicle how he led the tiny state in just a few decades from poverty to the top rank of wealthy nations. Along the way, we note that the country was criticized by human rights groups for limiting civil liberties, such as the freedom of expression. Our former Asia Editor John Bussey reflects on a meeting he had with Mr. Lee almost a decade ago that offered lessons on how the leader had propelled his nation forward. Meanwhile, tributes from world leaders have poured in for Mr. Lee, speaking to the way the tiny state has punched above its weight in world affairs. And we look at what comes next. Singaporeans have been quietly preparing for a future without the steadying influence of the republics founding father.
Yemen DissolvesThe Middle East is descending through new levels of chaos, and now Yemen is teetering on the brink of a civil war involving the besieged president, a former president and a patchwork of militant groups. We find that turmoil in the country has thwarted U.S. counterterror operations as the militant group that controls the capital moves to extend its reach. The U.S. withdrew its remaining 100 military personnel from a base in southern Yemen, officials confirmed yesterday, halting for now efforts to train Yemeni troops and help with operations against al Qaeda militants in the country. Its a very unstable situation, a U.S. defense official said. The risk that the country spreads the tendrils of terror through the region and beyond is rising sharply. We note that some fear Yemen is in imminent danger of becoming another Iraq, Syria or Libya, mired in a conflict fueled by sectarian violence and warring terrorist networks. At an emergency meeting in New York, the United Nations Security Council condemned the unilateral actions taken by the Houthi militant group and blamed it for jeopardizing the countrys stability.
Born to RunAdidas was once a keen competitor in the U.S. sportswear market. Now the German company cant seem to regain its footing. Our story examines the hurdles facing the sports-equipment maker and takes a look at how Mark King, Adidass new North America president, aims to end its slump in the U.S. We note that his challenge is that Adidas isnt cool in America, and cool is what sells sports gear. At stake are huge U.S. sales and the hearts of sports fans around the world, who increasingly look to American pop culture. The U.S. is 40% of the worlds sneaker market and 100% of the worlds sneaker culture, noted an analyst. To win the world, you need to win the U.S. Mr. King says that Adidas is working to shorten product cycles and bring more American flavor to products, among other changes. This year, it introduced the Yeezy Boost, a sneaker designed with rapper Kanye West. Check out other things that Adidas wants to change in the U.S.
Bowled OverIn 1982, Hall of Fame bowler Glenn Allison notched up 36 consecutive strikes over three consecutive games. His 900 series was to have been the first ever recordedonce it had been accredited by the American Bowling Congress. But turns out, it didnt officially count. Officials cited non-compliant lane oil. We look at how fans havent given up hope of getting his 1982 run into history books. Elsewhere in sporting improbabilities, March Madness continues: Wichita State toppled instate rival Kansas and Michigan State is making another runonce again at the expense of Virginia. Kentucky and Duke both won their round-of-32 games by double digits over the weekend, and now a marquee matchup between the two powerhouses is more than a mere possibility as we get into the Sweet 16. Meanwhile, the NCAA tournament has already busted everyones bracketand the basketball itself is questionable at bestyet it continues to entertain, writes Jason Gay. Here are the updated results of the tournament.
Compiled by Khadeeja Safdar
Source: http://www.wsj.com/articles/the-10-point-gerard-baker-on-the-death-of-singapores-lee-kuan-yew-yemen-chaos-the-future-of-adidas-and-more-1427108699
