>><!--top1-->Myanmar<!--top1End--> - <!--top1Content-->The ruling junta belittled foreign aid in the wake of the cyclone as "chocolate bars" and stated that the 2.4 million victims could "stand by themselves" in an editorial in the state-run newspaper. The junta simultaneously accused the international community of being stingy as the UN's $201 million flash appeal hasn't been filled by donor nations. Meanwhile, the NY Times reports that an "economy warped by years of misrule" is hindering aid delivery.<!--top1ContentEnd-->

>><!--top2-->Nepal<!--top2End--> - <!--top2Content-->Yesterday, a special assembly elected in April abolished Nepal's 239-year-old Hindu monarchy. The king's palace will be turned into a museum; he has 15 days to vacate.<!--top2ContentEnd-->

>><!--top3-->Iran<!--top3End--> - <!--top3Content-->Yesterday, Ali Larijani, a rival to president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and the former nuclear negotiator, was elected as the speaker Iran's parliament. He is conservative and a supporter of Iran's nuclear program, but is seen as being more pragmatic and open to diplomacy. However, his election is more likely due to butter issues, discontent with Ahmadinejad's management of the economy.<!--top3ContentEnd-->

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