With the second week of the semester, which was undoubtedly filled with parties, lectures and impromptu homework sessions, flashing by, it’s easy to lose track of current affairs. Luckily Tabula RASA is here to provide you with the biggest, baddest and most interesting headlines of the past week. Every piece is accompanied by a link to a full article to provide some background.
Mother Teresa declared a saint
Defending the unborn, sick and abandoned, Mother Teresa also held world leaders accountable for poverty in their countries. Critics say portray her as a sinner and hypocrite, while her supporters challenge the critics to walk in her shoes before criticizing her. Read more here.
“son of a …”
After Filipino President Rodrigo Duterte calling the American President ‘a son of a bitch’, Obama has cancelled their meeting. Read more here.
G20 was a success, but no major decisions
Surrounded by distractions (North Korea’s missiles, U.S and Russia fighting over Syria, protectionism), there was an agreement reached about the delicate world economy and a need for policies to keep it under control. Read the full article here.
The Great Wall of France
In an attempt to stop refugees coming into the port of Calais and to protect traffic into the ports, British and French authorities will begin the construction of a 4-meter-high concrete wall. Read the details here.
No elections yet
The Palestinian Supreme Court suspended municipal voting for an undetermined amount of time. Abbas has received calls from within his party to abandon elections, as it could lead to a rise of power for Hamas. Read the full story here.
French IS women linked to failed Notre Dame attack
Three French women have been arrested after attempting an attack in Paris. One of the women has previously been engaged to two men who were responsible for deadly attacks in France. More details on the matter here.
Ceasefire?
The U.S. and Russia have agreed on a ceasefire in Syria. This new deal allows for humanitarian help, and paves the road for a new, joint U.S – Russian air campaign against IS and other extremist parties. Read more here.
Annick Wijnstra, Class of 2017, is a History and Literature major from The Netherlands.
