ISIS Strikes Beirut and Paris
Last Friday, November 13, terrorists conducted several attacks in Paris. There were also terrorist attacks the day before in Beirut, Lebanon. In both cases, the Islamic State (ISIS or ISIL) has assumed responsibility for targeting innocent bystanders in busy, public places. The terrorist group also officially claimed responsibility for the Russian airliner that had been […]
UN Creates Global Goals
Each year, the United Nations General Assembly (a division within the UN) meets for a three-day meeting called a summit. In its most recent summit, representatives from 193 countries formally adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The agenda is made up of 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) to be used by all participating governments […]
The Struggle to Combat ISIS
Last fall, btw brought you a story about President Obama’s address to the nation regarding a strategy to combat the Islamic State. A year later, the threat remains as strong as ever, as world leaders continue to struggle over the best way to defeat the militant extremist group. What’s Going On Again? Unlike conflicts that […]
A Closer Look at the Syrian Refugee Crisis
Thousands of people have died fleeing war-torn Syria since conflict intensified in 2011. But it was the haunting image of a lifeless, three-year-old boy washed up on the coast of Turkey that has intensified the conversation about what is happening and what can/should be done. What is a Refugee? For as long as there have […]
YOU DECIDE: Is the Iran Deal Good for the United States?
As btw reported back in April, many countries have viewed Iran’s nuclear ambitions as a considerable threat. In 2006, a diplomatic group made up of six world powers calling themselves P5+1 (named for the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council plus one non-member), gathered together to strategize on the best way to […]
Helping Nepal to Recover
Earlier this month, btw reported on the massive earthquake that shook Nepal, killing more than 4,000 people and affecting 8 million more. Homes and businesses have been destroyed, along with infrastructure like roads and bridges, and essential services have been disrupted. Last year, btw provided an overview on what happens After the Disaster. It highlighted […]
School Around the World
So it’s that time of year again: time to wrap up the school year, attend an end-of-the-year graduation tradition, have a little party, and maybe take some time to reflect on what you have learned and experienced these last many months. But not all students everywhere will be out of school for the summer. In fact, the […]
A Plan for Iran’s Nuclear Future
Iran’s nuclear program has been a global concern for decades. The United States as well as the EU-3 (France, Germany, and the United Kingdom) tried to put a halt to Iran’s nuclear development in the past. Several Iranian leaders in the past have publicly threatened the United States and Western nations. For this reason, it […]
The Economics of Terrorist Groups
Last month, btw published news of “cultural vandalism” committed by the Islamic State (which is variously referred to as IS, ISIS, and ISIL). The extremist group appeared to have destroyed ancient artifacts in the Middle East because the objects were viewed as religiously offensive. However, there is growing evidence to suggest that ISIS has been […]
Where Was Putin?
Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi on March 5, and then wasn’t seen or heard from again for eleven days. This is highly unusual because the Russian leader typically maintains an almost-daily presence in the lives of the Russian people. News of his visits, meetings, and general daily activities are […]