This week in the news: Paris attacked violently by terrorists, high possibility that ISIS terrorist “Jihadi John” killed in airstrike, angry protestors in Afghanistan demand greater security against terrorists, protests over racial slurs erupt in University of Michigan, and Myanmar’s National League for Democracy wins ruling majority.
1. Paris attacked violently by terrorists
Terrorists attacked Paris on Friday, killing scores of people in multiple locations across Paris through explosions and gunshots. Police say as many as 100 people were killed in just the theater alone.
2. High possibility that ISIS terrorist “Jihadi John” killed in airstrike
The Pentagon announced late Thursday night that a drone strike had targeted a high-ranking ISIS terrorist Mohammed Emwazi, also nicknamed “Jihadi John.” He was the English speaking voice behind many ISIS videos, and also appeared in many videos that beheaded Western hostages. The United States had been tracking him since Wednesday. On Thursday as Emwazi got into the car, U.S. drones followed the vehicle and fired two missiles. A U.S. military source stated that there was a “high possibility” that Emwazi was killed during the strike.
3. Angry protestors in Afghanistan demand greater security against terrorists
Protests in Kabul, Afghanistan flared after ISIS terrorists beheaded seven members of the Hazara minority. Thousands of demonstrators gathered near the presidential compound, protesting the government’s lack of ability to protect citizens from Taliban and ISIS attacks.
4. Protests over racial slurs erupt in University of Michigan
Former President Tim Wolfe of the University of Missouri resigned from his position on Monday due to pressure from the black community and officials. Racial tensions have been escalating on the campus; many black students experienced racial slurs and threats, leading them to protest and even hold a hunger strike. The black student leaders expressed their dissatisfaction with the lack of response from Wolfe and other officials regarding the persecution. Near the end of the hunger strike, Wolfe stepped down, followed by Chancellor R. Bowen Loftin.
“This is just a beginning in dismantling systems of oppression in higher education, specifically the UM system,” said Marshall Allen, a member of the protest group Concerned Student 1950
5. Myanmar’s National League for Democracy wins ruling majority
The country’s election committee announced Friday that Suu Kyi’s Democracy party won majority in the election and has enough seats to choose the new president. This historic victory ends decades of military-backed rule, although the constitution still ensures that the parliament reserve a quarter of their seats for the army.
