May 20, 2013:
A series of bomb attacks across Iraq killed over 70 people. Many Shia Muslim districts were targeted as the explosions hit bus stations, markets, and other crowded areas. Many believe this to be another rise in sectarian violence, as was seen in 2006 and 2007; however, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has sworn to keep such a re-emergence impossible. Read more at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-22593345
May 21, 2013:
In England, the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill has passed through the House of Commons in a vote of 366 to 161. If passed through the House of Lords, the bill will allow same-sex couples to marry legally but not necessarily religiously. The Church of England and Church in Wales, for example, are banned by law to offer marriage to same-sex couples. The passing of the bill has created a lot of tension, and it is predicted that it will create a lot of debate in the House of Lords. Read more at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-22605011
In an effort to enhance Nigerian peace efforts, Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan ordered the release of women who are currently being held for connections to what the government has deemed “terrorist activity.” The Nigerian government is currently fighting against the militant Islamist group Boko Haram, who abducted women and young girls earlier this month when security forces arrested the relatives of Boko Haram fighters. Women who were detained for terrorist activities would be transferred to state governments, which would handle their rehabilitation, before they are released. Read more at:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-22618420
May 24, 2013:
A major explosion rocked the city of Kabul, where Taliban insurgents continued to clash with Afghan security forces for hours afterwards. A guesthouse used by the International Organization for Migration is believed to have been the target. The Taliban have admitted that they were attempting to attack CIA trainers. Officials believe this to have been a pre-planned, coordinated attack. Read more at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-22656758
The Russian foreign ministry has stated that Syria has agreed to attend an international conference to discuss the state of the Syrian conflict. The conference is set to find a political solution to the conflict in order to bring a peaceful end to the violence. Earlier this week, the outgoing main opposition leader in Syria developed a detailed plan for the transition of power in the Syrian government, calling for President Assad to leave office, while providing a safe exit for the president if he steps down. This plan will most likely be rejected. Read more at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-22652106