This week in the news: Dem Debate breaks record viewership, U.S. airdrops more ammunition to Syrian rebels, conflict escalates between Israel and Palestine, and Taliban launched more attacks, U.S. decides to keep troops stationed.
1. Dem Debate breaks record viewership
The first democratic debate set a record-breaking 15.3 million viewers, becoming the most watched Democratic debate in history. Earlier this summer, the first GOP debate set a record 24 million viewers as the most watched primary.
2. U.S. airdrops more ammunition to Syrian rebels
On Tuesday, U.S. government airdropped 50 tons of ammunition to Syrian rebels, while Russia continued its air campaign to support Syrian government. Syrian rebels fired at least two shells at Russian Embassy stationed in Damascus during a pro-government rally.
3. Conflict escalates between Israel and Palestine
A group of Palestinians set fire to Joseph’s Tomb Thursday night, continuing the month-long clashes. Joseph’s Tomb, located in the West Bank, is a scared site revered by the Jews. The site appeared to be unharmed, but the act incited rage amongst Israelis. So far, eight Israelis and 31 Palestinians have been killed due to the recent conflict.
4. Taliban launched more attacks, U.S. decides to keep troops stationed
Taliban fighters attacked Ghazni, another provincial capital in Afghanistan, on Monday. The clashes underlined a weakening of Afghanistan security. As a result of the Taliban’s recent attacks on Kunduz and Ghazni, President Obama declared his change in plans Thursday to keep American troops stationed in Afghanistan. No longer will all soldiers be withdrawn from the country by 2017 when President Obama leaves office.
