What's Happening in September 2011?

What's happening in Libya?  Where is Libya on the map?  (Ghadafi overthrown, what will be the next government?)

What's happing in Syria? Find Syria on map? (violent repression of protests) How are USA/other countries reacting?  Also Yemen.

What's happening in Afganistan? (drawdown continuing?)

What's happening in Iraq? (troops remaining at Iraqi "request", immunity for US soldiers)

What's happening in Egypt?  (still waiting for military to move on forming new government)

Who are the Republican candidates for president?

How is the economy doing?

How is Europe's economy doing?  Which countries are struggling?  What solutions are being considered?

Class approval rating for Obama?

Palestinians applying to UN to be recognized as a state -- vote slated for Sept 20. article

week of Sept 25

Saudi Arabia grants women the right to vote.  theblaze
Saudi woman sentenced to 10 lashes for driving.  theblaze (later overruled)

Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy, founded in 1932 by Abdul Aziz al Saud.  Rule has passed through his sons, and the Saud family occupied most major government posts.  There are estimated to be over 7,000 princes in the family currently.

10 myths about Afghanistan

Anwar al-Awlaki killed by drone attack, Sept 30.  Should we question this because he is an American citizen?  No public judicial review.  Info on secret "kill list".
Consider 5th amendment.

No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

quiz question

Who has nukes?  The current list is USA, Russia, England, France, China, India, Pakistan, Israel, and most recently, North Korea.

Most recent new country?  South Sudan.  (Autonomous since 2005, recognized immediately on July 9, 2011 but most other countries.)