Syria

The combined death toll of Syrian government forces, opposition forces, and civilians amid unrest in October 2012 topped 30,000. Lakhdar Brahimi, current Joint Special Representative of the United Nations and the League of Arab States on the Syrian crisis, in October 2012 began meeting with regional heads of state to assist in bringing about a cease-fire.  Read More

North Korea

North Korea, slightly smaller than Mississippi, lies on the Korean Peninsula between China and South Korea. Following World War II, Korea was split with the northern half coming under Soviet-sponsored Communist control. After the Korean War (1950-53), North Korea's founding President, Kim Il Sung, adopted a policy of ostensible diplomatic and economic "self-reliance" as a check against outside influence. The US was demonized as the ultimate threat.  Read More