- It takes some skill to turn a story about the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan into wry, witty comedy without ever making light of the war itself, yet that's what the brilliant 2007 feature Charlie Wilson's War achieved, thanks in large part to Philip Seymour Hoffman's performance (strong language). He will be missed.
- Why China's Li Na did not thank the homeland after wining the Australian Open.
- Long essay on the incredibly rapid changes facing China's women.
- 'There are 193 member states of the UN and they all bring their own sense of style'. Follow @undiplomatstyle to keep up-to-date on diplomatic fashion trends at UN HQ. (Thanks Stephanie.)
- There's an energy price gap opening up between Europe and the US, but Europe's clean energy ambitions are not to blame.
- Is Abenomics working? Too soon to tell, but the worst fears of Abenomics' critics have been proven wrong.
- As Russia moves centre stage for the Olympics, the Economist takes a look at the state of the nation. 'Stagnation' seems to be the key word.
- China's military is much weaker than you think.
Monday links: Li Na, Philip Seymour Hoffman, UN fashion, energy, Abenomics and more
Published 3 Feb 2014
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