By Rakhi Kundra ’17, News Writer
1) Denmark: On February 15, a gunman attacked a free speech convention in Copenhagen. This convention featured a controversial cartoonist who was known for depictions of the Prophet Mohammad and who had been previously targeted by Islamist extremists because of his work. Two civilians died in the attack, and 5 Danish police officers were wounded.
http://www.cnn.com/2015/02/15/europe/denmark-shooting/
2) ISIS: In early February, ISIS released a video of the brutal killing of a Jordanian Pilot being burned alive. The enraged Jordanian government has responded quickly and fiercely to this act of terrorism by executing airstrikes on ISIS training centers, arms, and ammunition depots. This is just part of the continuing efforts of many countries to destroy the radical terrorist group.
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2015/02/07/jordan-vows-to-completely-wipe-out-isis/
3) Measles: The measles outbreak that began in December in the United States is not slowing down. As of now, there are more then 155 cases in 16 states, including one case in New Jersey. This recent outbreak has brought up questions and debates over the measles vaccine itself as some parents refuse to have their kids vaccinated.
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/measles-outbreak-debate-among-moms-over-vaccinations-turns-ugly/
4) Ukraine: The leaders of Russia, Ukraine, Germany, and France plan to meet in the capital of Belarus to discuss a peace plan for Eastern Ukraine. Since the conflict began last April, more than 5,300 people have been killed in the fighting between Ukrainian forces and pro-Russia rebels.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-31242403
5) Yemen: The president and his cabinet have resigned due to the Houthi insurgency group who have overthrown the national government. Rebel gunmen control the streets, and they say that they want to set up a new regime. Fighters from Al Qaeda captured the military headquarters, and there is fear that Yemen is headed for disintegration.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/07/world/middleeast/yemen-rebels-take-over-a-struggling-country.html
6) Keystone Oil Pipeline: Congress has asked President Obama to approve of a bill that permits the construction of the Keystone XL oil pipeline from Canada. President Obama is not in favor of this pipeline, as it has potential to release some of the dirtiest fuel on the planet into the air.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/13/opinion/mr-obamas-easy-call-on-keystone-bill.html
7) NBC NEWS: Brian Williams, the decades-long face of NBC news, has been suspended from the network for 6 months. His credibility as a news anchor was brought into question after he told a false story about being in a helicopter that was shot down in Iraq.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2015/02/13/us/ap-us-brian-williams-embellishment.html
8) Taiwan: TransAsia Flight GE235 crashed in Taipei, the capital of Taiwan on February 4, killing at least 40 of the 58 people on board. Investigations of the crash suggest that it was due to multi-engine failure, but nothing is concrete yet.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-31204059
9) Cuba/US Relations: The United-States has announced plans to restore economic and diplomatic ties with Cuba. The announcement came with the abrupt release of an American government contractor who had been imprisoned in Cuba for 5 years. Plans show the possibility of more relaxed travel, banking and commerce restrictions, and the eventual opening of an American embassy in Cuba.
10) SONY: Amy Pascal announced on February 5th that she would be resigning from her post as the top film executive at Sony Pictures Entertainment. After hackers in December made available private correspondence in which she made disparaging remarks about President Obama’s presumed preference for black-themed movies, and the pressures of the hacking crisis itself, she decided to step down.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/06/business/amy-pascal-leaving-as-sony-studio-chief.html?_r=0
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