Tennessee World Affairs Council What in the World? Weekly Quiz – August 9-15, 2021

The Tokyo Summer Olympics has closed. Athletes from around the globe competed in 339 medal events in 33 sports in a competition delayed a year by Covid-19. The next Summer Olympics is set for THIS city in 2024. (#WACquiz)

There’s a new president in Iran. THIS hardline cleric, possible successor to Supreme Leader Khamenei, takes office from Hassan Rouhani as the country faces a battered economy and new tensions with the U.S. And the UK over a drone strike in the Arabian Sea. (#WACquiz)

A year after a major blast in the port of Beirut, THIS country continues to struggle against its corrupt state institutions as inflation rates continue to rise to the point that citizens can no longer afford basic foods and medicines, forcing some families to flee on rafts across the Mediterranean. Much like neighboring Syria, many analysts are beginning to refer to this country’s as a ‘failed state’ due to its deteriorating economic situation. (WACA WWNU)

A series of wildfires recently broke out in THIS country, starting on the country’s second largest island, Evia, and the fires eventually even burned at ancient Olympia in the Peloponnese, the home of the first Olympic games. (#WACquiz)

A provisional government is set to replace the military council, led by Min Aung, that has run THIS southeast Asian country since the military coup on February 1^st of this year. This transition of power is said to be in preparation for the process of international recognition of the country’s governance, but many criticize that it will not be any less oppressive than the current military leadership in place. (#WACquiz)

A new report on climate change is a “code red for humanity” according to UN Secretary General Guterres who said, “If we combine forces now, we can avert climate catastrophe. I count on government leaders and all stakeholders to ensure COP26 is a success. COP26 is a global summit set for THIS city in November. (#WACquiz)

The Taliban offensive continued to sweep across Afghanistan with government forces losing control of a major provincial capital, seven border crossings and other territory. The rapid advances of Taliban forces has THIS northern neighbor worried, leading to increased military drills and closer relations with Moscow. (#WACquiz)

Families of victims of the 9/11 attacks called on President Biden to declassify documents they claim show a role of THIS country’s leaders. The families and first responders sent a letter to Biden calling on him to stay away from 20^th anniversary observances if he doesn’t release the material. (#WACquiz)

Fox News host Tucker Carlson visited Budapest to broadcast his show last week featuring conversations with THIS authoritarian government leader. Carlson’s rosy appraisal of his rule is at odds with European Union critics who cite his backsliding on democracy and corruption. (#WACquiz)