Stuff YOU Should Know
ISIS Continues Threat
In March, btw brought you news of the Islamic State (ISIS or ISIL) engaging in “cultural vandalism.” The terrorist group continues its threat in Iraq and Syria, inching closer to the city of Palmyra, where the UNESCO World Heritage is located. Dating back to the 1st century, this site is considered one of the most important cultural centers of the ancient world. The area is also considered to be “strategically important” because of its proximity to gas reserves.
ISIS has seized control of eastern and northern parts of the city of Tadmur, as well as Ramadi in Iraq. More than 500 people were killed. Iraqi forces have fled Ramadi, reportedly abandoning its Anbar Operations Center. Meanwhile, troops in Syria continue to fight back, despite the fact that the terrorist group has executed 23 family members of the Syrian government. ISIS’s advance toward UNESCO has raised international concern, particularly those committed to preserving the sacred treasures of Palmyra.
Dig Deeper Do some research and find out what strategies the ISIS opposition is putting into place to save its cultural treasures. Will they be able to fend off ISIS in the long-term? Why or why not?
Jeb Bush Struggles to Answer on Iraq
During election season, it is not uncommon for potential candidates to be scrutinized and asked difficult, hypothetical questions about how they would govern. Florida governor Jeb Bush, who has not officially declared his candidacy for the Republican nomination but is expected to, is already facing a wave of inquiries over his take on the Iraq War. On being asked if, “knowing what he knows now, would he have done the same thing as his brother,” Bush initially answered yes. Over the course of the next five days, however, he changed his answer.
Operation Iraqi Freedom. DoD photo by Airman 1st Class Kurt Gibbons III, U.S. Air Force.
Bush’s ambivalence in answering the question has caused considerable debate. On one side, critics say that given his relationships (as President Geeorge H.W. Bush’s son and George W. Bush’s brother), he should have been prepared for the question and that his inability to formulate a solid answer reflects poorly on his ability to lead. On the other, some commentators say it was a “no win” situation for Jeb Bush. He is in a position to want to appeal to both voters (70 percent of whom, according to a recent poll, believe going into Iraq was not worth the effort) as well as the members of his significant fund-raising network–who supported his father and brother.
What Do You Think? Was the question posed to Jeb Bush regarding the Iraq War a fair one? Why or why not? How should he have handled it? Back up your answer with an opinion column.
Simpsons Voice Actor to Leave Show
Harry Shearer, one of the original cast members of The Simpsons, announced that he will leave the show after this season ends. There are conflicting reports over the reason. Representatives from The Simpsons say that the voice actor turned down a new contract. The show has had a long history of salary negotiations between the show’s producers and its six primary voice actors. Shearer has said it was not about money and that he wanted to move on and do other things.
Shearer, 71, is a former cast member of Saturday Night Live and appeared in the cult film “This Is Spinal Tap” in the 1980s. His characters on The Simpsons include Principal Skinner, Mr. Burns, Waylon Smithers, Ned Flanders, Reverend Lovejoy and Scratchy (the cat of in-show animated show “The Itchy and Scratchy Show”). Unlike snarky schoolteacher Edna Krabappel, who was retired after actress Marcia Wallace’s death, Simpsons producers plan to recast Shearer’s characters with new voice talent. The show was renewed for a 26th season, with no end in sight for the longest running animated series in history.
What Do You Think? Do you watch The Simpsons? If so, who are some of your favorite characters and why? Do you think it will be easy for producers to find a replacement for Shearer? Explain you answer.
Location, Location, Location
A team of Harvard University researchers is studying to see if how you live is based on where you live (or rather, where you were raised). The aim of the Equality of Opportunity Project is to use data as a way to identify the role that geography plays in people’s lives. One of the studies follows patterns in people who were a.) raised in particular areas and b.) moved to other areas to see how likely they are to marry. Being raised in New York, Boston, Chicago Washington D.C., and San Francisco (more traditionally liberal cities) makes one less likely to marry than anywhere else in the country. Another study from Harvard scientists focused on the impact of where one grows up on his or her “economic mobility.”