Tuesday's World Events - February 15, 2005
1. An encyclopedia is a general information source containing information on a variety of (topics) terms, persons, and events. This information may be supplied in short paragraphs or in lengthy articles that include citations to other works on the same topic. Encyclopedias can be general, covering all topics, or specialized, focusing on a particular discipline such as art or philosophy. Until recently, encyclopedias were in book form - a set of books found in the reference section of the library. Today, many people use online encyclopedias such as www.Wikipedia.org. For a brief history of Zimbabwe, check an encyclopedia.
2. Locate Zimbabwe on a map. List the countries that share its borders. (you can use www.worldatlas.com)
3. What did president Mugabe do that led to the drastic economic decline in Zimbabwe? (para. 2 and 9) What are the results of his actions?
4. List 5 things Mugabe's government has done to eliminate free and fair elections in Zimbabwe. (para. 3)
5. What do opponents of Mugabe believe is the only way to restore true multi-party elections? Do you agree? Explain your answer.
6. Whites make up 1% of Zimbabwe's population. What percentage of the country's population has fled Zimbabwe so far? What is the percentage rate of unemployment? What is the inflation rate? (How does this compare to the rest of the world?) What do these numbers tell you about Mugabe's real motive for his forced land redistribution program?
7. What has Mugabe done to address the crisis in Zimbabwe? (para. 13)
8. Why aren't other African countries putting pressure on Mugabe to stop his destructive tactics? Is it vital that they do something? Explain your answer.
9. What, in your opinion, is the best way for the crisis in Zimbabwe to be solved?