Originally published by Foreign Policy
Test yourself on the week of May 2: The U.S. announces a drawdown in Germany, Taiwan’s president concludes a foreign visit, and Sudan lobs accusations at Ethiopia.
Obviously, we all spent this week watching highlights from Shakira’s weekend performance in Rio de Janeiro. But did you remember to follow along with this week’s newsier stories? Find out with our international quiz!
Have feedback? Email[email protected]to let me know your thoughts.
Obviously, we all spent this week watching highlights from Shakira’s weekend performance in Rio de Janeiro. But did you remember to follow along with this week’s newsier stories? Find out with our international quiz!
- On Saturday, U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States will significantly reduce its military presence in Germany. Trump’s remark came several days after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Washington was being humiliated by what?
Its inability to totally halt Iranian oil shipping
Its failure to destroy Iran’s nuclear facilities
Iran’s ability to hack U.S. government databases
Its failure to advance peace talks with Iran
The war in Iran reveals that middle powers’ cooperation does not lead to much influence on the global stage, FP’s C. Raja Mohanargues.
- This week, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a two-day cease-fire in his country’s war in Ukraine for May 8 and 9 to mark the anniversary of what?
The establishment of the Soviet Union
Nazi Germany’s defeat in World War II
Russian Tsar Peter the Great’s birthday
Putin’s first national electoral victory
Ukraine and its European partners are holding their breath on the future of U.S. military aid to Kyiv, which now appears dependent on the war in Iran, FP’s Sam Skovereports.
- Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te on Monday concluded a trip to which African country? (Hint: It’s the only nation that Taipei has diplomatic relations with on the continent.)
Lai’s trip comes a month after a visit to China by the chair of Taiwan’s opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party—the first such visit by a KMT sitting leader in a decade, Deng Yuwenwroteat the time.
- Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo appointed a new attorney general on Tuesday to replace Consuelo Porras, who had been sanctioned by 40 countries for doing what?
Trafficking narcotics
Obstructing anti-corruption efforts
Making illicit business deals with Chinese officials
Trying to overturn the country’s 2023 election
Arévalo won the country’s election in 2023 despite efforts by the outgoing government to derail a democratic transition of power, former FP staff writer Robbie Gramerreportedin 2024.
- What did Sudan accuse Ethiopia of doing in an allegation made on Tuesday?
Cutting off Sudanese access to the Nile River
Sending Ethiopian troops to fight the Sudanese military
Hosting regiments of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces
Launching drone strikes in the country
Alongside Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates has funneled resources to the Rapid Support Forces in its ongoing war against the Sudanese military. Washington must confront Abu Dhabi over its role in prolonging the conflict, Suha Musaarguedin November.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed on Wednesday that three patients with suspected hantavirus infections were being evacuated from a cruise ship that originally departed from Argentina last month. How is hantavirus usually transmitted to humans?
Drinking untreated water
Inhaling contaminated rodent droppings
Eating contaminated meat
Officials said on Tuesday that Argentina had recorded 101 infections since last June, roughly twice as many as the year before, FP’s Catherine Osbornreportsin Latin America Brief.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that “no terrorist has immunity,” a day after what happened?
Israeli forces said they killed a Hezbollah commander
Israeli forces struck a military facility in Iran
Israel attacked an Iranian-flagged ship
An Israeli airstrike targeted a suspected Hezbollah office in Syria
The precision strike in Lebanese territory was the first such attack on Beirut’s southern suburbs since the Israel-Hezbollah cease-fire went into effect last month, FP’s Alexandra Sharpreportsin World Brief.
- On Friday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer insisted that he would not resign despite major losses by his Labour Party in local elections the day before. Which political party made major gains in those elections?
Green Party of England and Wales
Starmer’s administration reflects decades of backbiting and pettiness, resulting in a dysfunctional and unpopular government, John Kampfnerarguedin February.
- On Saturday, South Korea hosted a contest featuring nearly 200 attendees who competed to see who was the best at doing what?
Brewing a pot of tea
Completing jigsaw puzzles
Drawing cartoon characters
Contestants were judged based in part on how well they could stay asleep when faced with distractions, such as being tickled with a feather and hearing mosquito sounds, theKorea Heraldreports.
- Colombian singer Shakira performed her biggest show ever at the Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday. What was the estimated turnout for the free show?
Mega-shows in Rio have drawn other high-profile artists such as Madonna and Lady Gaga in recent years, Reutersreports.
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Drew Gormanis a deputy copy editor atForeign Policy.
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