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) The French government says it does not have definite proof that Assad’s regime has used the chlorine. Although they do not yet have definite proof, why do they believe it is so?
c) Assad’s government says it is the al Qaeda linked Jabhat al-Nusra who used the poison. What do you think? Explain your answer.

3. For SAUDI ARABIA:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) What issues are Saudi citizens complaining about through YouTube videos?
c) How has the royal family responded to these criticisms and complaints?
d) Should the citizens of the Saudi monarchy have an expectation of receiving a share of the country's oil wealth?  Explain your answer.

4. For NIGERIA:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) What word would you use to describe the parents who are going into a dangerous area in the forest to search for their daughters?  Explain your answer.

(brave, ig