Former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak dead, Age 91

9 years after Hosni Mubarak stepped down as Egyptian president, Hosni Mubarak has died. The cause of death was due to an unspecified surgery complication. Before his death, Mubarak had been admitted into a military hospital in Cairo, housed in the intensive care unit. On Tuesday, his son, announced the news of his father's death. On Wednesday, a military funeral procession was held for Mubarak, with the current Egyptian president Abdel Fatah el-Sisi leading the procession. He is survived by his two sons, Gamal and Alaa, as well as his wife, Suzanne.

9 years ago, President Mubarak had stepped down as president due to rising Arab Spring protests, which had spread to Egypt. This was known as the Egyptian revolution. Some causes of the revolution was the growing corruption within the government under his lead and abuse of power. While many had a negative view of him, Mubarak had also maintained peace between Egypt and Israel. He was also an ally of the US.

After he had stepped down, Mubarak was arrested and put on trial on charges of corruption, abuse of power, as well as being the mastermind behind several assassinations of Egyptian leaders that led the opposition against him. Though the death penalty was recommended, he was sentenced to life in prison. He had already been reported to have stomach cancer and heart problems in the prison, even falling into a coma, requiring doctors to use a defibrillator to revive him. He was acquitted of most of his charges except the corruption charges in 2017. Many of his supporters were also recently acquitted of charges, resulting in growing fears that another regime like Mubarak's may rise again.

Questions:
1. How might Mubarak's death impact relations with Israel and the US?

2. Could another Mubarak-like regime rise again in Egypt?

3. Why do you think that Mubarak received a military funeral procession, even though he was ousted by the Egyptian military and people?

Sources:
https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/25/middleeast/hosni-mubarak-egypt-obituary-intl/index.html
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/02/egypt-president-hosni-mubarak-dies-91-200225105344417.html

SFPD Arrests Suspect Related to Robbery and Assault of Asian Man in San Francisco

On February 22, 2020, an Asian man (68) was assaulted on Osceola Lan, San Francisco while collecting recycling cans. An investigation under the San Francisco Police Department was thus implemented with the intention of finding out the the truth behind that evening. Videos of the incident have spread throughout the media, raising awareness for the incident and racism in general. Conveying implications of assault and robbery, the video showed that the victim withstood a hit on the head from a shovel, along with mocking. The majority of bystanders mocked him or did nothing. Meanwhile, the victim proceeded to cry as he was teased, further highlighting the impact and severity of racism. Moreover, on February 27, 2020, the SFPD arrested Dwayne Grayson (20), a young man who allegedly filmed and posted the shocking video. He has been charged for robbery, elder abuse, a probation violation for a prior crime, and a hate crime enhancement. Further investigation is occurring to find other suspects involved. The tensions and miscommunications between races are thus exemplified, tying into the ongoing conflict of racism, a prejudice that has been the cause for oppression in the past.

1. Racism has always been an ongoing conflict, what do you think drives the dispute and tensions between people?
2. Social media has impacted incidents both negatively and positively; what are some examples regarding this one and why does it have that particular effect? 
3. Bystanders that are stagnant due to fear are common throughout history; what are other reasons compelling passiveness/joining in?  Is fear the main catalyst of not speaking up?

https://www.ktvu.com/news/sfpd-arrest-made-in-assault-robbery-of-elderly-chinese-man-collecting-recyclables-in-bayview

https://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2020/02/26/new-video-elderly-asian-man-recycling-theft-security-guards/

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/san-francisco-police-arrest-man-accused-filming-attack-asian-man-n1144621

https://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2020/02/24/san-francisco-police-investigate-racially-charged-attack-recycling-video-can-collector/

https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/san-francisco-police-make-arrest-in-robbery-case-captured-in-viral-video/2243510/

https://www.sanfranciscopolice.org/news/san-francisco-police-make-arrest-bayview-district-recycling

Iranian Vice President Masoumeh Ebtekar tests positive for coronavirus.

Amidst growing concerns about the infectious COVID-19's spread through Iran, Iranian Vice President Mousameh Ekhtebar has tested positive for coronavirus and has been placed under quarantine.

Iran has officially reported 26 deaths from the coronavirus as of February 27th. However, much speculation has occurred over the accuracy of these numbers; a member of the Iranian parliament reported that his city, Qom, and the epicenter of coronavirus in Iran, has already experienced 50 deaths from the coronavirus. Additionally, the city of Qom is a popular pilgrimage site for those of the Islamic faith, due to the holy shrines within the city. Iranian officials have refused to place a quarantine over Qom, and instead actually encouraged people to visit and "heal."

Because of all the political chaos, economic turmoil, and widespread government distrust currently occurring in Iran, the COVID-19's spread is especially concerning. Many are worried that already-stressed Iranians could be thrown into mass panic. The Iranian government's handling of the virus has also been heavily criticized for being incompetent and insufficient.

Ekhtebar has also admitted she had a meeting with the Iranian president and his entire cabinet yesterday, potentially infecting all of Iran's senior leadership.  

Questions:

1. How would you handle the coronavirus if you were Iran's government right now? Do you agree or disagree with their decision not to quarantine Qom?

2. How is the threat disease different in countries that are already experiencing instability?

3. Do you think Iran's government will be able to stop the spread of the coronavirus? Additionally, what effect do you think the disease will have on Iran's already unstable political climate?

Sources:

https://www.usnews.com/news/world-report/articles/2020-02-27/irans-vice-president-tests-positive-for-coronavirus

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/02/iran-cannot-handle-coronavirus/607150/

Trump Hands Over Coronavirus Responsibilities to the Vice President.

The Coronavirus has reported to have nearly 83,740 people infected all over the world. Although there are little to none cases known in the United States, President Trump is sure that the virus will "remain a low risk to American people". On Wednesday at the White House, President Trump made an announcement during a news conference regarding the spread of the Coronavirus. He announced that he would hand over the responsibilities of the Coronavirus disease to Vice President Mike Pence. Trump says that the United States is "Very very ready" for the outbreak, it is inevitable for it to be stopped from spreading. He claims that Vice President Mike Pence has a talent for taking care of situations like this and is "uniquely qualified". Many people don't believe that Pence should be in charge due to his history in medical crisis. Pence hasn't had a good record in public health even amongst his own state. In 2015, Indiana had an outbreak of HIV under the governing of Pence. People were reusing needles to inject opioids. Health officials stated that if new needles were put in place then the state could fight off the outbreak. Pence delayed his response for about 2 months to declare a public health emergency. After a while, feeling pressured, Pence reluctantly agreed to the needle exchange program. The number of HIV infections decreased after it was put in place. Similar to the crisis in 2015, Pence has had similar judgment years before. In 2000, Mike Pence said that smoking doesn't kill. Health officials say that Mike was captured by the money tobacco companies made. they don't want others to know that some products do kill. Some officials say that Pence's reason for saying this was because of a tobacco shop that his parents owned when he was younger. For now, CDC officials will keep an eye on Pence's efforts towards Coronavirus.

Questions:
1. Based on Pence's past history, do you think that handing him responsibility was a good or bad thing?
2. Why do you think Trump willingly handed over the responsibility of the disease?
3.  Should the government be concerned about the disease spreading now that pence is in charge?

Sources:
https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/27/politics/coronavirus-donald-trump-politics-mike-pence-democrats/index.html

How Los Angeles is remembering Kobe Bryant

 

It has been nearly a month since the terrible helicopter crash in a Calabasas hill on a foggy Sunday morning. On board were family members, friends, coaches, parents and their children, including Lakers legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna. Shock and disbelief spread worldwide and people set to grieve collectively and individually. Paint dried, ink settled into skin, and a city speckled purple and gold to honor a legend. On Monday the 24th, thousands of mourners were assembled at the Staples Center, “the house that Kobe built”, in Los Angeles to honor and celebrate the lives of Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna.  Since Bryant’s death, murals have popped up in New York, Massachusetts, Texas, and in the Philippines. Beneath them, fans have placed candles, flowers and personalized notes. The tears and remembrances from fans, fellow players and those he lifted up haven't stopped and will continue to grow as he will forever live on in all of them.

Discussion questions:

1. Do you think this event should have been bigger than it already was and how?  
2. Because he was important to people, what importance do role models have in your lives? 
3. What would you have done if it was someone you knew and loved? 
   https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/23/us/kobe-bryant-memorial-service/index.html

Methane's Growing Impact on Global Warming

While carbon dioxide is still the top contributor to the ongoing issue of global warming, recent studies have shown that methane gas is a close competitor. Methane is the main constituent of natural gas and is highly flammable. The chemical compound's ability to effectively trap heat is a bad sign for the problem of global warming. Research has shown that methane emissions from fossils fuels are 25-40% larger than we had thought before. To put this into perspective, atmospheric methane has been reported to make up about 25% of the global warming caused by humans today. The heat-trapping properties allow a singular molecule of methane to have a global warming potential that is 20 times greater than carbon dioxide. It can be released naturally in our environment or through human activity and extractions. Huge amounts of methane have been released from oil and gas facilities throughout the US and have continued to leak even after being closed down. Methane has the ability to create a massive impact on global warming in an extremely short amount of time, and we must address this issue before it is out of our control.

WORKS CITED:
https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/19/world/methane-emissions-humans-fossil-fuels-underestimated-climate-change/index.html

1. In what ways do we contribute to global warming?

2. Do you think that our generation has been taught enough about the severity of this situation?

3. What might be the long term effects of global warming if many of us continue to ignore the issue?

Hottest Temperatures Ever Recorded In Antarctica

     
By Alex Errington


     As of February 9th, the Antarctic Peninsula experienced a heatwave, reaching temperatures in the high 60s, the highest being 69.3 degrees Fahrenheit (20.75 Celsius). The early warmth comes against the background of increasing temperatures, due to climate change. The quick flash of heat resulted in the melting of 20% of the island's snow cover in days, causing "melt ponds" to form, which only hastens the progress of melting. Researchers at Esperanza Base state that the temperature records were aided in part by downsloping winds, or "foehn winds," which are created by turbulent mixing of air, as it goes over mountains sweeping down low over water. NASA released data showing the impacts of the Antarctic warmth on Eagle Island, on the tip of the Peninsula. In the short term, these consequences may seem small, but these short term heat-waves can have extremely long-lasting consequences.

Works Cited:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2020/02/24/antarctic-heat-wave-melted-20-percent-an-islands-snow-cover-days-caused-melt-ponds-proliferate/
https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/learn-about/weather/types-of-weather/wind/foehn-effect

Discussion Questions

1. How might the flashes of heat in Antarctica affect wildlife?
2. Do you believe world governments should make an effort to preserve and slow the melting in Antarctica? How do you propose they do this?
3. What other long-lasting affects can climate change have on any ecosystem?

Israel Strikes Islamic Jihad Sites in Gaza and Syria

On Sunday, Israel military said that it launched an air strike against Palestinian militant group, Islamic Jihad, in Southern Damascus and the Gaza Strip. This was in response to rocket fire. Islamic Jihad, which is backed by Iran, is one of the strongest militant groups in Gaza. Allied with Hamas, it has fought in a number of wars against Israel in recent decades. The conflict began when Israel killed a Palestinian man, part of Islamic Jihad, in the Gaza Strip on Sunday morning, claiming he had attempted to plant an explosive device. Many Palestinians were outraged at this, and hours later, a barrage of twenty or so rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip, setting off air raid sirens. Islamic Jihad took responsibility for these, claiming that Israel had no right to kill one of their men. Because of this, Israel launched attacks targeting these areas. Such violence has a history of repeating itself. For example, in November, Israel targeted two senior Islamic Jihad commanders in a simultaneous attack, killing one in the Gaza Strip and missing the second in Syria. In addition, a missile attack blamed on Israel in mid-February killed three Syrian and four Iranian fighters in the Damascus airport area, according to the Syrian Observatory.
aljazeera.com/news/2020/02/israel-claims-air-strikes-syrian-capital-damascus-200223232221593.html
1) Who is in the wrong in this specific situation? Why?
2) Is this ongoing conflict a battle over territory or religion? Why do you think so?
3)What are the obstacles to peace? Is peace possible?

Japan Establishes New Guidelines for the Coronavirus

Japan is reported to have the second-largest outbreak of the coronavirus, now known as Covid-19, from Wuhan, China. The Japanese health ministry enforced harsher, and stricter guidelines for the people experiencing even slight symptoms such as feeling sluggish or shortness of breath. They are advising that employees work from home and refrain from using any public transit. Japan has stepped up its efforts in order to prevent more than 606 cases previously recorded. Recently, the Diamond Princess Cruise Ship was quarantined in Tokyo Bay, yielding 88 new cases and a loss of an elderly woman. Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, had major concerns for the health status of their nation, so he and the health minister arranged meetings with one another to warn citizens that Japan was still in stages of infection and that all safety precautions should be taken seriously. Japanese airlines have also reduced the number of flights arriving from mainland China, as did other nations. There have been restrictions on the predicted highly populated events of the year due to the spread of the virus. For example, the long-awaited Tokyo marathon is now limited to only elite athletes' attendance, as well as Emperor Naruhito's birthday celebration has been canceled.

1. Do you believe there are other factors contributing to the spread of the virus, specifically in Japan? If so, why?

2. What else can the health ministry announce or provide that can further protect the citizens and their health?

3. Do you think the guidelines established are logical and will have a long term effect on the people?

https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/18/asia/japan-health-guidelines-coronavirus-hnk-intl/index.html

Locust Outbreak in South Sudan

About three months ago, locust swarms began entering east Africa from Yemen. In
January, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia experienced the worst locust infestations
they’ve had in over 25 years. The locusts destroy crops and damage food supplies.
On Tuesday, February 18, the swarms reached South Sudan, whose economy is
struggling from an ongoing civil war that began in 2013. Since 60% of Sudan’s
population already faces food insecurity, the damage caused by locust swarms is not
something the country can afford to deal with. Many of the East African countries are
attempting to take action, but Sudan is heavily reliant on foreign aid- the UN has called
for countries to fund the spraying of insecticide in affected areas, and US Secretary
of State Mike Pompeo has pledged $8 million to help fight off the swarms.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-51547573

1. What actions can Sudan take to try and fight off the locust invasions?
2. Should other countries be providing Sudan with more help? If yes, how?
3. If the locust swarms can not be contained, how will Sudan’s economy be affected?

Bloomberg, through spending millions of dollars, rises in popularity

As of a few days ago, Bloomberg had spent $386 million solely on advertisements, and he entered the race only two months ago. This amount is far more than any of the other candidates, doubling billionaire Tom Steyer’s spendings. And, as shown by various polls, this money does not seem to be in vain. Bloomberg, as of Monday, rose to second place in a national poll, allowing him to qualify for his first 2020 Democratic primary debate, this Wednesday in Nevada. Bloomberg appears to be attracting previous Biden supporters - while Bloomberg’s vote percentage rose, Biden’s has been falling. According to national polls, Bloomberg has been attracting moderate Democrats, older voters, small-town and rural voters (regardless of his experience being a mayor of New York, a huge metropolitan city), and non-college educated white voters. Overall, it is appearing more and more likely that Bloomberg, who will be on the Democratic ballot on Super Tuesday (March 3) may prove to be the most prominent moderate Democratic candidate, going up against Biden, Klobuchar, and Buttigieg. Regardless, he will have a major effect on who will receive the nomination and face Trump for the Presidential election.

Discussion Questions:

1. Does Bloomberg stand a chance at receiving the Democratic nomination, even though he is entering the “playing field” later than the rest?
2. Should candidates be able to spend an unlimited amount of money on their campaigns? Should it depend on whether it is their own money or from donors/supporters?
3. How do you think this year’s candidates compare to those of the 2008 or 2016 Democratic primaries? Are they more or less qualified? More or less moderate or extreme?

https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/15/politics/election-2020-campaign-finance-mike-bloomberg-trump/index.html

https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/18/politics/michael-bloomberg-surge-2020-democrats/index.html

Srebrenica survivors still living in camps

In July of 1995, Srebrenica, a Bosnian town, fell victim as a site of mass ethnic cleansing. More than 8100 people were killed. Despite the cruel circumstances they’ve faced already, Srebrenica survivors have been ignored and abandoned by the government. Although forces such as the United Nations (UN) have implemented refugee camps, only 7,000 of the almost 100,000 displaced people live in these temporary or collective shelters. A family of five would only receive a 400 euro pension, barely enough to even support one person adequately. Because of the bad conditions inflicted on the survivors, Srebrenica has been a prime example of transgenerational trauma, where the pain of suffering of survivors have passed on to their descendents which will in turn pass on to their children. Srebrenica is truly a horrific byproduct of terrorism and anarchy.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/17/theyve-abandoned-us-srebenica-survivors-still-living-in-camps

1. What are some ways to improve conditions of refugees in Bosnia?
2. Why has the government ignored these refugees?

Three men steal 600 toilet paper rolls in Hong Kong amid fears of coronavirus shortages

Hong Kong police have arrested two men and are searching for a third after the group stole about 50 packs of toilet rolls(each pack containing 12), in a robbery likely sparked by coronavirus fears. The robbery most likely caused from heightened fears of supply shortages in Hong Kong as the coronavirus outbreak continues to spread. Formally known as Covid-19, coronavirus has infected more than 71,000 people globally, with 57 confirmed cases in Hong Kong. In an attempt to limit the virus, Hong Kong's government announced it would close some borders with mainland China -- causing rumors that supply chains from China would be cut off. Unsurprisingly, residents rushed to supermarkets to stock up on supposedly endangered goods such as toilet paper rolls, rice, hand sanitizer, and other cleaning products. CNN spoke with Wellcome, a major supermarket chain, along with other major suppliers that denied any rumors of supply shortages. To prevent further panic buying, Wellcome - along with other supermarkets - have implemented limits on how many units of an item shoppers can buy at a time.

https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/17/asia/hong-kong-toilet-roll-robbery-intl-hnk-scli/index.html

1. How has the virus in mainland China and Hong Kong impacted the economy and stock market?
2. If you lived in China right now with its current situation, would you have stolen 600 rolls of toilet paper?

Jeff Bezos pledges $10b. to climate change fight

Amazon CEO and owner of the Washington Post Jeff Bezos has joined the list of billionaires, including names such as Bill Gates, that have pledged resources to further the research and prevention of climate change. This is following his announcement last year that Amazon would strive towards the goal of becoming a net carbon neutral retailer by 2040, and to buy 100,000 electronic cars from vehicle design startups in order to promote and sell them. Using his platform on Twitter, Jeff Bezos has called climate change "the biggest threat to our planet", expressing his desire to contribute in the fight against it, and calling all people to action, stating that it would take collective action from big companies, nation states, small companies, and individuals to solve this issue. Amazon has been the subject of scrutiny from environmental activists for a while, and faced pressure from even their employees. While these groups have welcomed funding from Jeff Bezos, they also point out that it does not completely make up for the fossil fuel consumption of Amazon itself.

https://www.jpost.com/International/Amazon-CEO-Jeff-Bezos-pledges-10-bln-to-climate-change-fight-617905

Questions

1. How much is Amazon to blame for their effect on their environment?
2. How will donations like this and the efforts of companies like Amazon to fight climate change affect the situation globally?
3. How might pressure from activist groups affect companies' decisions in the future?

2020 Democratic Candidates

While Joe Biden stays optimistic that he will win Nevada and South Carolina, he also attempts
to correct doubt in his leadings after two surprising losses. On wednesday morning Andrew Yang drops
out of the presidential race and notes he is looking into other political routes for his career to continue.
Bernie Sanders took the New Hampshire primaries in a very close turn of events and caused major
setbacks for both Joe Biden and Elizabeth Warren, while Pete Buttigieg comes in at a close second. 

https://www.politico.com/news/2020-elections

Why are the poles seemingly unpredictable for democratic candidates ?

Who do you think will eventually come out as the front runners ? Is there a candidate that stands out to you ? 

Where does it look like moderates will fall in the voting polls ?

Coronavirus Disease named Covid-19

On February 11, 2020 the World health Organization released the official name for the disease caused by
the new coronavirus called Covid-19. The word “coronavirus” refers to the group of viruses it belongs to.
Researchers have been calling for an official name for the virus, to avoid confusion of any group or
country. In order to create a name for the virus the name, “could not refer to a geographical location,
an animal, and individual or a group of people, and which is also pronounceable and related to the
disease,” the WHO chief said. The importance of creating a name for the virus would be to prevent the
use of other names that could be inaccurate and gives a standard format to use for any coronavirus
outbreaks. The new name comes from the words “corona”, “virus” and “disease”, with 19 representing
the year that the virus emerged. 

Discussion Questions:

1. What are your thoughts on the creation of the name for the virus?
2. Do you think researchers approached the naming the virus wisely?
3. If you could name the virus, what would you name it and why?

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-51466362 

Syria War: Government shellfire kills Turkish soldiers in Idlib

 

Turkish held observation posts in Idlib (Northwestern Syria) were targeted with heavy artillery fire by the Syrian army, causing five Turkish soldier casualties and five injuries, just a week after eight other soldiers had been killed in a similar attack. The Turkish military quickly responded by opening fire on Syrian military bases and targets in the region, and the Defense Ministry claimed the Syrian attack to be an “intense assault that targeted our elements sent as reinforcement to the region with an aim to prevent clashes in Idlib, ensure our border security and stop migration and human tragedy." Turkey currently having nearly four million Syrian refugees, wants to stop migration into their home, and find a better way to stabilize Syria so that it’s people can live there. The Turkish military is now demanding that it’s military posts stationed in Northern Syria act as a barrier to the Syrian army and pro-government groups, instructing them to move back behind this “line” by the end of February, or violence should erupt and Turkey will use its army to directly push the Syrian forces back. Syria claims that this demand and Turkey's entire presence is an “illegal and a flagrant act of aggression," and over 600,000 Syrian people have now fled from the disputed zone of Idlib. With the extreme tensions between the Syrian army and the Turkish due to the ongoing civil war, peace seems far from possible.

Discussion questions:

What is the most effective way to retaliate to an attack such as the one the Syrians launched?

Is it fair for countries such as Turkey to accept millions of refugees and is it reasonable for them to demand that refugee flow stops?

What are the beneficial and potentially dangerous outcomes which can arise from making demands on another country?

Source:  https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-51447114

Trump's Middle East Plan Erupts Into Violence

In response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s two-state plan for Israel, violence broke out in

Jerusalem and the West Bank. The Israeli military claims that Palestinians began throwing firebombs

and stones in Hebron which is what lead to the deaths of at least three Palestinians including a

seventeen-year-old kid. There was a car-ramming attack in Jerusalem that resulted in seven Israeli

soldiers being injured. Violence has also been present at the Gaza border as Palestinians have sent

incendiary balloons, sporadic rockets and mortar fires to southern Israel. Following this, the Israeli

military sent warplanes to strike specific targets in the Gaza Strip. President Trump’s Middle East

plan is reported to be the cause of this rise in violence and tension as it seemingly disregards

Palestinians’ request for an independent state and allows Israel to annex approximately 30 percent of

the West Bank. Not only is this plan causing tensions between Palestinians and Israelis, but it is also

causing tension between Palestinians and Americans.

Discussion Questions:

1. How do you think Trump’s plan could be changed to be more fair towards Palestinians?
2. Do you think there would be the same reaction if there was a one-state plan? Why or why not?
3. How can the violence seemingly caused by Trump’s plan be reduced?

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/06/world/middleeast/israel-violence-trump-mideast-plan.html

Travelers Burnt to Death in Their Own Cars

The militant Islamic group Boko Haram is suspected of to have killed 30 people and abducted many women and children. 18 vehicles were also destroyed. Some of whom were found burnt to death in their cars during an overnight stay. This took place in Auno Town on a major highway in Borno State, in other words, north-eastern Nigeria. Residents claim that these travelers were on their way to the state capital, but were forced to stop overnight because the military shut the road leading into the city. The Nigerian government isn't competently sure whether Boko Haram is responsible or if a breakaway group linked to the Islamic state (IS) group is at fault.

Discussion Questions:

1. How should the Nigerian government react towards Boko Haram and the IS?

2. Is the military at fault for preventing the travelers from entering the capital?

3. Should more precautions be taken in order to ensure the safety of the Nigerian people?

Native Burial Sites Blown up for the U.S-Mexican Border Wall

Authorities have confirmed that “controlled blasting” has begun in the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument which is a Unesco recognized natural reserve. The United Nations designated the Organ Pipe as an International Biosphere Reserve in 1976 and called it “a pristine example of an intact Sonoran Desert ecosystem”.  The government did not consult the Tohono O’odham Nation and many including Raul Grijalva, a Democratic congressman, called the action sacrilegious. He visited the burial sites at Organ Pipe and was told that the O’odham people buried warriors from the rival Apache tribe at that location. One area contained artifacts that dated back 10,000 years. The aim of the project is to build a 30-ft tall steel barrier that would run for 43 miles on the national parkland. Environmental groups also say that there is damage being done to the local underground aquifer, as well as the migrating wildlife in the remote desert region, which is 115 miles west of Tuscon. A report from the National Park Sevice states that the border wall proposed by the president would destroy up to 22 archeological sites within the Organ Pipe alone.


1. Should the government have to consider these burial grounds as an obstacle to building the wall since the wall is supposed to help with national security?

2. Would building the wall be effective for what President Trump claims it will do?

3. Why has the building of the wall taken so long if it was proposed in 2016?

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-51449739