Leaders
‘Like living in a parallel universe’: Some fear the contested election in Georgia could lead to a political crisis
The Republic of Georgia, located in the center of the Caucasus, and with Russia on its northern border, is a polarized nation. Over the weekend, Georgians went to the polls to vote in parliamentary elections. The result: a contested election that could plunge the country into a political crisis.
The number of Americans studying in China is a fraction of what it once was
The US and China want more foreign exchange students between their two countries. But politics and bureaucracy often complicate the process, and far fewer Americans are going to China to study than before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Venezuelans head to the polls on Sunday with many hoping for a change in leadership
This Sunday, there’s a crucial presidential election in Venezuela that has brought high hopes for change. The country’s authoritarian President Nicolás Maduro is seeking reelection. During his 11-year rule, the country’s economy collapsed, repression escalated and millions of people left, contributing to a migrant surge across Latin America and the United States. According to most polls, Maduro is not a popular president, but it’s not clear if he will give up power if he loses.
Israeli PM Netanyahu defends the war in Gaza on Capitol Hill
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the goal for his visit to Washington is to shore up bipartisan support for Israel and its war in Gaza. But his trip has been met with protests, with many Democratic Party lawmakers deciding not to attend his speech on Wednesday.
US authorities arrest a former Syrian official in Los Angeles
Samir Ousman al-Sheikh, an ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, was arrested at the airport on his way out of the US this week. The World’s host Carolyn Beeler discussed the significance of the move with Mouaz Mustafa, who played a key role in his detention.
Syrian refugees in Lebanon face growing restrictions and deportation
Thirteen years since Syria’s civil war broke out, Lebanon remains home to the largest Syrian refugee population per capita in the world: roughly 1.5 million people. Now, Lebanese politicians say they must be sent home. Many employers have stopped hiring Syrians for menial jobs. And municipalities have issued new restrictions, even evicting Syrian tenants, according to recent news reports.