News

Saudi Arabia and Egypt will build a massive bridge over the Red Sea, connecting their two countries. “Saudi Arabia regards Egypt as a crucial partner in efforts to build a bloc of friendly Sunni Muslim states as a bulwark against growing regional influence of Shia-led Iran” (BBC News, April 8, 2016). Saudi King Salmon and Egyptian President Sisi agreed that this historic step could ultimately connect the continents of Asia and Africa.

With all the troubles facing Israel and the Middle East, newsreaders could easily miss—or ignore—an argument over posters. But, quite often, “little” issues highlight big human interest stories. One Jewish outreach group’s clash with the United Nations over a Jewish history display might do exactly that.

“The unthinkable is happening” said one Indian power plant operator in reaction to the severe drop in water levels on the Ganges River that closed his plant for ten days (BBC, March 27, 2016). For the second year in a row in India, monsoon rains have been scarce, snowmelt limited, and ground water levels have fallen. The falling river level has caused power plants to go offline, stranded river barges and caused shortages of drinking and washing water (ibid.).

“Lulu, a six-year-old Argentine child who was listed as a boy at birth, has been granted new identification papers by the Buenos Aires provincial government listing her as a girl” (Christian Post, March 22, 2016).

Iran has become emboldened since the recent nuclear deal and is challenging U.S. foreign policy. “Iranian Army Commander Maj. Gen. Ataollah Salehi… announced that Iran intends to deploy warships and destroyers in Latin America… to expand its military cooperation with countries opposing the US” (Israel National News, April 3, 2016).