Gates of Vienna News Feed 9/1/2012

Jang Song-taek, the uncle of Kim Jong-un, paid a visit to Beijing on behalf of the North Korean dictator. North Korea has experienced a series of natural disasters, and Mr. Jang had hoped to receive financial aid from China. He went home empty-handed, however — all he received for his troubles was a lecture from Chinese Trade Minister Chen Deming on how a free market works.

In other news, recent polls indicate that the popularity of Russian president Vladimir Putin has dropped significantly. Last spring 69% of Russians held a favorable view of Mr. Putin, but by August that number had fallen to 63%.

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Thanks to C. Cantoni, Fjordman, Insubria, JD, JP, McR, and all the other tipsters who sent these in.

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