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

a) capital:

b) location/the countries that share its borders:

c) the religious breakdown of the population:

d) the type of government:

e) 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]:

f) 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.  Go to worldatlas.com for maps and a list of continents.]

NOTE: Before answering the questions below, read the info under “Background” and “Resources.”

2. For SYRIA:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) How did Syrian President Bashar Assad explain the demolition of these specific neighborhoods?
c) What proof does Human Rights Watch provide to the contrary?
d) What action, if any, do you think the U.N. (or the international community in general, with or without U.N. action) should take?

3. For CHINA:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) What further ban is the State Council planning on implementing?
c) The Ministry of Education's ban covers kindergartens, elementary and middle schools, and vocational schools. As part of the smoking ban, what specific regulations has the Ministry placed on the schools?

4. For RUSSIA:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) Read the "Background" below. Do you think the jailed protesters will receive justice? Explain your answer.