What in the World? Weekly Quiz – Dec 28, 2020-Jan 3, 2021

The Israeli Parliament was dissolved last week after the unity government gave in to infighting. The development will force a new election, fourth in the last two years. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, head of THIS party, and Benny Gantz blamed each other for the failure.

A new mutation of the COVID-19 virus has appeared worldwide, apparently originating in THIS country. This variant is more transmissible than previous forms of the virus but is no deadlier. The new variant has caused new travel restrictions.

Recent attacks in southern Niger that killed 28 people and burned 800 homes are attributed to THIS jihadist, militant group affiliated with the Islamic State. The group, whose name means non-Islamist education is forbidden, is known for its kidnappings and terrorism in Nigeria but appears to be extending its reach. [“Daily Chatter” Question]

The Biden Administration plans to reengage the parties to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the so-called Iran nuclear deal but it has a narrow window for dealing with Iran. The country shuts down for two-weeks in March for Nowruz, the Persian new year followed by presidential campaigning for the June 18^thelection. THIS incumbent Iranian President, who oversaw the JCPOA process, will not be on the ballot due to a two-term limitation. [USIP Question]

Loujain al-Hathloul was sentenced to a five-year prison sentence for seeking to change the political system and harming national security. Rights groups and her family said she was an activist pushing for women’s right to drive and the end of the male guardian system, and that she had been tortured in confinement. The case may be an early test between the President Biden administration and THIS crown prince in Riyadh.

The United Nations has announced that every year on February 4th, the International Day of Human Fraternity will be observed. This international day was inspired by the friendship between Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al Azhar in Cairo. THIS country submitted this proposal that was approved unanimously by the UN?

The Taiwan Assurance Act of 2020 and Tibetan Policy and Support Act of 2020 was part of a package signed by President Trump on Sunday. The legislation, which angered Beijing as interference in its affairs, among other provisions, threatens sanctions against Chinese officials who obstruct the selection of a successor for THIS spiritual leader, exiled from Tibet.

Argentina has recently approved the Sputnik vaccine and has received nearly 300,000 doses, expecting more in early 2021. Sputnik was developed in THIS country.

THIS island country in East Asia has banned non-resident foreign nationals from entering the country and Prime Minister Suga urged people to stay home. The travel ban has been put in place after a new more transmissible COVID-19 was detected in the country.