300: It will cost $300 billion to rebuild Syria, according to the UN. Even as the carnage continues, Iran and Russia are already quietly waging an uncivil war to get in on those lucrative construction contracts.
55: A majority of global executives (55%) say protectionist policies would benefit domestic businesses by helping them compete against global rivals. In part this reflects increased competition from Chinese firms, which are advancing globally with firm state backing that businesses in other countries often lack.
7: Railway police in China nabbed 7 criminal fugitives since beginning the use of facial-recognition glasses to screen passengers during the Lunar New Year travel rush. Developers of the glasses say they can identify individuals from a database within one-tenth of a second. Would you trade a ticket scan for a facial scan?
2.6: South Korea will pay $2.6 million to cover travel, lodging, and cheerleading expenses for North Koreans attending the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. Money well spent? Maybe not. South Koreans are lukewarm on the North-South Olympic goodwill show, and North Korea’s Kim Jong-un will still want a nuclear ICBM after closing ceremonies.
Zero: Not a single US state saw improvement in its physical, financial, or social health last year, according to the Gallup-Sharecare Well-Being Index. Red states and Blue States are both seeing gray these days — and that will play in the mid-term elections this fall.
