PLEASE NOTE:  This is the last Tuesday’s World Events post for December. Regular “Tuesday’s World Events” will resume after the Christmas break on Tuesday, Jan. 12.  Look for our “2015 Year in Review Quiz” in January as well.

Students: before answering the questions below, read the information under “Background.”

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.
NOTE: If WorldFactBook appears outdated for any country, go to Wikipedia – search there for “Religion in ___” or “Politics of ____” for the leaders.  Or do an internet search for “Population of ___.”

2. For TANZANIA:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) Why did President Magufuli take this action?
c) What other issues has he promised to address as president?

3. For JAPAN:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) Why are police using nets with the drones?
c) Do you think U.S. police should invest in similar drones? Explain your answer.

4. For SYRIA:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) What is the most important non-negotiable point for the opposition groups?
c) If they agreed to a permanent truce, the country should be safe for its citizens to return. What would you think of the U.S. and Europe helping the Syrian refugees who have been taken in by Europe and the U.S. return home to Syria? Should we help them travel back to their homes? Should the 10,000 that President Obama has brought to the U.S. be allowed to stay if peace is restored in their country?