What in the World? Weekly Quiz – November 16-22, 2020

Forces in the Tigray region of Ethiopia have expanded fighting beyond its conflict with the national government by launching a rocket attack on an airport in THIS neighboring country, formerly part of Ethiopia and sparking concern of wider war in the Horn of Africa.

The number two among Al Qaeda leaders, nom de guerre Abu Muhammad al-Masri, was killed in a drive-by shooting on a street in Tehran, Iran in August according to news reports last week. Suspicion fell on Israeli operatives working at the request of the United States to kill Masri who is believed to have been mastermind of THIS Al Qaeda operation.

The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh region has been resolved through peace-making efforts of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Moscow’s solution, which locks in gains by Azeri forces positions 2,000 Russian peacekeepers in the region, effectively checked the advance of influence in the Caucasus by THIS country.

Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey said he hoped there will be a “spirit of goodwill” with the EU about THIS issue.

“The rapidity of the escalation of violence between Tigray and Addis Ababa is concerning in itself, given the stakes for [THIS COUNTRY’S] peace and stability. This conflict has the potential to quickly become more polarized and increase violence throughout [THIS COUNTRY’S] society, according to USIP’s Susan Stigant. 

[USIP Question of the Week]

America’s election attracted international attention beyond the competition for President of the United States. In Maryland Sarah McBride’s win of a State Senate seat was reported on due to THIS.

China forced out four Hong Kong lawmakers last week resulting in the mass resignation of 19 other members of the Legislative Council, leading observers to conclude the demise of THIS so-called status of the former British colony that was supposed to provide Hong Kong autonomy through 2047.

The United States is following up THIS normalization agreement between Israel and the UAE with sales of F-35 advanced fighters and drones as well as munitions which has raised concerns in Congress about Israel maintaining its “qualitative military edge” and the potential for technology transfer to China and Russia.

Brahim Ghali, Secretary General of the Polisario Front, announced last week, “the resumption of armed struggle in defense of the legitimate rights of our people,” ending a 30-year ceasefire between Morocco and THIS region.

Crown Prince Akishino was proclaimed next in line to the throne of THIS Asian nation following a series of ceremonies delayed because of COVID-19. Akishino is younger brother to Emperor Naruhito who became monarch last year when his father Akihito abdicated for health reasons.