Stop the World: It’s the World Cup

Memo to the leaders of Russia, China, Pakistan, Sudan, and any other country that has designs on recapturing disputed regions, islands, or principalities: If you are planning on some unwise military action, late next week would be a good time to have your forces nip in unnoticed. If you schedule your incursion for late afternoon, Eastern Standard Time, on Thursday, June 12th, you can rest assured that the eyes of the world will be elsewhere—focussed on the brand-new Arena de São Paulo, where Brazil will play Croatia in the first game of the World Cup.

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