1. For each of the 3 countries, give the following information:

1. capital
2. location/the countries that share its borders
3. the religious breakdown of the population
4. the type of government
5. the chief of state (and head of government if different) If monarch or dictator, since what date has he/she ruled? – include name of heir apparent for monarch
6. the population

Find the answers at the CIA World FactBook website. For each country, answers can be found under the “Geography” “People” and “Government” headings.

NOTE to students: Before answering the questions below, read the information under “Background.”

2. For KUWAIT:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) Why did the Kuwaiti government give this warning to their citizens? Be specific.
c) This Reuters report notes: “The Gulf Arab OPEC oil exporter is a key U.S. ally and a member of an international alliance led by the United States which is fighting against Islamic State in Syria.” Considering this, do you think Kuwait should warn travelers to get rid of any Islamist extremist material on their smart phones? Do you think Kuwaitis who are opposed to the goals of radical Islamists would have that material on their phones? Should the Obama administration discuss this with the Kuwait government? Explain your answers.

3. For SOUTH KOREA:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) Why have dozens of Hanjin ships around the world been stranded?
c) What type of merchandise do the cargo containers on the ships contain?
d) Approximately how much is it worth?
e) How is Hanjin addressing the problem of payment to creditors after declaring bankruptcy?

4. For SYRIA:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) The Syrian civil war began 5 years ago. Read about the rebel groups in Syria under “Background” below, then watch the news report under “Resources.” What did President Assad say about all of those fighting his troops?
c) What action will the U.S. and Russia take if the cease-fire holds for a week?