1. For each of the 3 countries, give the following information:

1. capital
2. location/the countries that share its borders
3. the religious breakdown of the population
4. the type of government
5. the chief of state (and head of government if different) If monarch or dictator, since what date has he/she ruled? – include name of heir apparent for monarch
6. the population

Find the answers at the CIA World FactBook website. For each country, answers can be found under the “Geography” “People” and “Government” headings.

Or, go to Wikipedia – search there for “Religion in ___” or “Politics of ____” for the leaders.  Or do an internet search for “Population of ___.”

NOTE to students: Before answering the questions below, read the information under “Background.”

2. For HONDURAS:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item (ANSWER FOR HONDURAS FOUND IN 3RD PARAGRAPH)
b) What is the goal for having U.S. special ops forces train the Tigres? Be specific.
c) How did the homicide rate in Honduras compare to the U.S. in 2012? How has it changed since then?
d) What do you think of the special training we are giving Honduran police?
e) The Wall Street Journal reports: “The Honduran mission is part of a broader global security campaign by U.S. special-operations troops deployed in more than 80 countries, from Chad to Ukraine, Bangladesh to Peru. The commandos usually train foreign armies in a strategy to maintain U.S. military dominance using a limited footprint.” What is your reaction to this? (surprise, approval, dismay…) Explain your answer.

3. For BELARUS:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) For what reasons do European Union officials say they are lifting the 5 year old sanctions against Belarus?
c) What is most likely the real reason?
d) What is believed to be President Lukashenko’s motive for attempting to appear to work with the EU?
e) Ask a parent or grandparent: do you think the EU’s decision to drop sanctions against Belarus was the best decision? Explain your answer.

4. For SYRIA:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) How many Assyrians were kidnapped? For how long were they held?
c) Why does the Assyrian church want to keep the terms of the ransom secret?
d) ISIS terrorists kill Muslims and Christians. However, no Christian is safe in these areas. Many call on the U.S. government to give special preference to Arabic and Assyrian Christians seeking asylum here. Do you agree? Explain your answer.