1. For each of the 3 countries, give 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 for the Visegrad Group at: Wikipedia's Visegrad Group page
and the others 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NOTE: If WorldFactBook appears outdated for any country, go to Wikipedia – search there for “Religion in ___” or “Politics of ____” for the leaders.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 ___.”]

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

2. For THE VISEGRAD GROUP:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) What demand did the V4 make?
c) What point do they make about why their countries cannot accept large numbers of Syrian migrants?
d) Consider the size and ethnic and religious makeup of these countries, along with the fact that they are not wealthy Western European countries and that they do not have extensive social welfare economies. Do you think they should still be required to accept migrants they are not equipped to accommodate because they are members of the EU, or should EU countries still have autonomy about the refugees they accept from non-EU countries? Explain your answer.

3. For ISRAEL:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) What was Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s purpose/motive for meeting with Russian President Putin?
c) What is Russia doing that makes this agreement necessary?
d) What does Israel do that makes this agreement necessary?

4. For BURKINA FASO:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) Why did the coup leader agree to step down?
Coup leader Gen. Gilbert Diendere said the compromises were necessary to avoid further bloodshed. The risk of clashes could lead to “chaos, civil war and massive human rights violations,” he said.
c) What relationship does Burkina Faso have with France?