Weekly Quiz Answers

1. Defense Secretary Austin announced THIS new operation in the Red Sea bringing together navies of at least ten nations to defend international shipping that has been subject to missile and drone attacks from Yemen-based Houthi militias.

A. Operation Freedom of Navigation
B. Operation Prosperity Guardian   
C. Operation Maritime Shield
D. Operation Earnest Will

Correct Response: B. Operation Prosperity Guardian  
https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3624836/ryder-gives-more-detail-on-how-operation-prosperity-guardian-will-work/

 

2. A mass shooting at a university in THIS city left 14 dead and 20 wounded. Mass gun murders are rare in Europe compared to the United States, but this country is alone in the EU as having legal gun ownership rights for citizens.

A. Stockholm
B. Budapest 
C. Berlin
D. Prague

Correct Response: D. Prague
https://www.semafor.com/article/12/21/2023/prague-mass-shooting-university

 

3. Egypt reelected THIS strongman as President with about 90 percent of the vote as his main rival was blocked from running and indicted on what opposition figures called politically motivated charges. The former general took power in a 2013 coup.

A. Mohamed Morsi
B. Bashar al-Assad 
C. Kais Saied
D. Abdel Fatah El-Sisi

Correct Response: D. Abdel Fatah El-Sisi
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/12/18/egypt-presidential-election-sisi-economy-gaza

 

4. The Rapid Security Force, a renegade military group at war with the government of THIS country, captured Wad Madani, the country’s second largest city and the nation’s breadbasket. Over 300,000 people fled the city in advance of the takeover as humanitarian officials called the situation a “nightmare.”

A. Mali
B. Sudan
C. Libya
D. Zimbabwe

Correct Response: B. Sudan  
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/12/19/sudan-madani-rsf-war/

 

5. THIS body reached a milestone agreement on immigration policy that tightens asylum rules and makes deportations easier to pursue. The agreement is seen as an effort to defuse anti-immigrant right-wing parties’ advances.

A. Security Council
B. European Union 
C. ASEAN
D. NATO 

Correct Response: B. European Union  
https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-migration-deal-roberta-metsola-refugees-migration-asylum-rules/

 

6. The newly elected president of THIS country, Javier Milei, has begun his promised shakeup of the struggling economy with industry deregulations and privatizations and an auction of $3.7B of government debt. Thousands took to the streets of Buenos Aires in protest.

A. Brazil
B. Argentina
C. Ecuador
D. Peru 

Correct Response: B. Argentina
https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/argentinas-milei-signs-decree-boost-exports-deregulation-2023-12-21/

 

7. Russia threatened to sever relations with the United States over THIS possible move. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said the U.S. “must not act under an illusion … that Russia is clinging with both hands to diplomatic relations with that country.

A. Congressional passage of supplemental aid package
B. Supplying Ukraine with long-range cruise missiles 
C. Building an ABM system in Estonia
D. Confiscation of frozen Russian assets

Correct Response: D. Confiscation of frozen Russian assets
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/russia-ukraine-war-live-putin-drones-mouse-fever-b2468200.html

 

8. Caracas released ten wrongfully detained Americans and extradited a fugitive wanted in Pentagon bribery case in exchange for Alex Saab, a notorious criminal held in the United States. Saab is known as a personal operative of THIS Venezuelan ruler.

A. Nicolás Maduro
B. Daniel Ortega
C. Jair Bolsonaro
D. Daniel Noboa

Correct Response: A. Nicolás Maduro
https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-maduro-saab-detained-americans-biden-d7148a34dd009d5bab3d5f50c28ed93e

 

9. Leaders in THIS nation’s parliament, from the governing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) suspended a total of 141 lawmakers from the upper and lower houses in part due to calls for investigation of a security breach. The BJP is expected to take advantage of the purge to push through contentious legislation.

A. Malaysia
B. India 
C. Pakistan
D. Indonesia

Correct Response: B. India  
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/12/19/why-141-india-opposition-mps-suspended-from-parliament

 

10. The presidential election in THIS nation, the second largest in Africa, was extended as voting irregularities and disruptions led opposition candidates in Kinshasa to call for a new vote.

A. Sierra Leone
B. Democratic Republic of Congo 
C. South Africa
D. Chad

Correct Response: B. Democratic Republic of Congo  
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-12-21/voting-snafus-spur-congo-opposition-to-demand-fresh-elections

1. The European Council agreed to open accession negotiations with THESE countries, a decision Ursula von der Leyen called "strategic" and "a day that will remain engraved in the history" of the European Union.

A. Turkey and North Macedonia 
B. Moldova and North Macedonia
C. Ukraine and Moldova
D. Ukraine and Albania

Correct Response: C. Ukraine and Moldova
https://www.cnn.com/2023/12/14/europe/eu-council-accession-talks-ukraine-intl/index.html

 

2. The lawyer for THIS leading Russian opposition figure said he had disappeared within the penal system. The Kremlin ignored requests for information and waved off Washington’s criticism of his treatment. 

A. Vyacheslav Gimadi
B. Alexei Navalny
C. Kira Yarmysh
D. Dmitry Peskov

Correct Response: B. Alexei Navalny 
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/putin-alexei-navalny-missing-russia-opposition-jail-rcna129903

 

3. Authorities arrested seven people in Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands over THESE charges of terrorism.

A. Suspicion of artificial intelligence espionage 
B. Suspicion of planning attacks on Jewish institutions 
C. Conspiracy to bomb COP28
D. Conspiracy to overthrow the German government

Correct Response: B. Suspicion of planning attacks on Jewish institutions 
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/copenhagen-police-danish-intelligence-make-arrests-suspicion-preparations-attack-2023-12-14/

 

4. Washington will continue to urge Israeli restraint in the war in Gaza with the visit of THIS U.S. Secretary of Defense who is said will urge PM Netanyahu to scale back the attacks and move on to the next phase of the campaign.

A. Mark Milley
B. Lloyd Austin
C. John Kirby
D. Charles Brown

Correct Response: B. Lloyd Austin
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/live-blog/israel-hamas-war-live-updates-gaza-death-toll-pressure-lloyd-austin-rcna130202

 

5. The trial of iconic publishing figure Jimmy Lai opened in THIS regional city. Lai ran the pro-democracy paper “Apple Daily” which was shut down in 2021 as a result of a draconian national security law. Lai, charged with “colluding with foreign forces,” faces life imprisonment.

A. Singapore
B. Taiwan 
C. Hong Kong
D. Luzon

Correct Response: C. Hong Kong
https://www.reuters.com/world/britain-calls-jimmy-lais-release-hong-kong-trial-begins-2023-12-17/

 

6. Four of the largest global container ship companies announced a pause in sailings through the Red Sea and Suez Canal where 30% of global container traffic passes. The outbreak of anti-ship attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen, backed by Iran, has increased the danger of sailing through THIS global maritime chokepoint.

A. Strait of Hormuz
B. Malacca Strait 
C. Bab el-Mandeb
D. Strait of Gibraltar

Correct Response: C. Bab el-Mandeb
https://www.cnbc.com/2023/12/15/shipping-giants-hapag-lloyd-and-maersk-pause-red-sea-travel.html

 

7. The year end, highly choreographed, marathon program "Results of the Year with Vladimir Putin” included all of these comments from the Russian ruler except THIS one.

A. Peace will come to Ukraine “when we achieve our objectives.”
B. Moscow is talking with Washington about wrongfully detained journalist Gershkovich and former Marine Whelan.
C. Putin will meet with President Biden at the next G-20 meeting.
D. Russian forces are improving their positions “practically along the whole line of contact” in Ukraine. 

Correct Response: C. Putin will meet with President Biden at the next G-20 meeting.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-67718655

 

8. The European Union’s rules for unanimous decisions allowed THIS Putin leaning leader, experienced in extortion and blackmail of his EU partners, to kill a $52B aid lifeline to Ukraine.

A. Donald Tusk
B. Klaus Iohannis
C. Zuzana Čaputová
D. Victor Orban 

Correct Response: D. Victor Orban
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/17/world/europe/hungary-ukraine-eu.html

 

9. The prospect of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was rejected in an interview with THIS Israeli official who said, “Absolutely, no,” in response to a question about a Palestinian state, just as President Biden had said, “You cannot say no Palestinian state,” to bring peace.

A. Foreign Minister Eli Cohen
B. Ambassador to the UK Tzipi Hotovely 
C. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
D. Ambassador to the US Michael Herzog

Correct Response: B. Ambassador to the UK Tzipi Hotovely  
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-777902

 

10. The U.S. and China are in a “competitive relationship” when it comes to economic and military issues according to a recent statement by THIS U.S. Ambassador to China. He said the U.S. expects China to refrain from interference in next month’s presidential election in Taiwan. 

A. Nicholas Burns
B. William Burns
C. William Hagerty
D. Antony Blinken

Correct Response: A. Nicholas Burns
https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2023/12/17/2003810736

1. This year is on track to be the hottest year of climate temperatures ever on record. Among the worrisome trends are warmer ocean waters feeding stronger, more frequent storms. THIS Eastern Pacific climate pattern is making that problem worse.

A. El Niño
B. Taylor’s Thermocline
C. El Sierra Cucapa
D. El Pinta Maria

Correct Response: A. El Niño
https://www.reuters.com/graphics/CLIMATE-UN/WEATHER-EXTREMES/zdvxrmeakvx/

 

2. The Congress faces a fast-approaching holiday recess as negotiations continue on a Ukraine aid package, as U.S. resources for the embattled nation are running out. The hitch is an effort to tie THIS measure to funding for Kyiv.

A. Changes in southern border policy
B. Amount of aid to Israel
C. Restrict DoD policy on reproductive healthcare travel for service members
D. Reduction to funding for United Nations activities

Correct Response: A. Changes in southern border policy
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/democratic-us-senator-says-republican-border-security-demands-are-currently-2023-12-10/

 

3. The year 2024 will be a reelection year for THIS autocrat who is seeking his sixth term in office after changing the constitution in 2020 permitting him to serve through 2036.

A. Victor Orban
B. Vladimir Putin 
C. Aleksandr Lukashenko
D. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan

Correct Response: B. Vladimir Putin  
https://www.cnn.com/2023/12/08/europe/putin-president-election-2024-intl/index.html

 

4. The Constitutional Court of THIS country essentially reinstated a 2017 pardon of former President Fujimori who had been sentenced to a 25-year prison term for human rights abuses during his decade-long rule in the 1990s.

A. Thailand
B. Peru
C. Japan
D. Korea

Correct response: C. Peru
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/perus-ex-president-fujimori-awaits-release-prison-after-contentious-pardon-2023-12-06/

 

5. Following a referendum on the issue, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has threatened to annex nearly three-quarters of THIS oil-rich neighbor.

A. Columbia
B. Guyana
C. Ecuador
D. Brazil

Correct response: B. Guyana
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/12/07/venezuela-guyana-esequibo-map-border-dispute/

 

6. Moody’s ratings agency downgraded THIS country’s credit outlook to negative, citing the country’s lower than expected economic growth and an ongoing property crisis.

A. Germany
B. The United Kingdom
C. The United States
D. China

Correct response: D. China
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/china/moodys-cuts-chinas-credit-outlook-negative-2023-12-05/

 

7. A group of 117 countries rejected the final agreement on climate at THIS annual summit, hosted by petrostate Qatar, over failure to call for phasing out of fossil fuels.

A. Cop 28 UN Climate Summit
B. Paris Accord Summit 
C. UN Summit on Global Warming
D. Conference on Climate Change Measures

Correct Response: A. Cop 28 UN Climate Summit
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/dec/09/failure-to-agree-to-phase-out-fossil-fuels-at-cop28-will-push-world-into-climate-breakdown

 

8. An election is certain to return the autocratic president of THIS Arab Spring disrupted nation who took power in a 2013 coup. His advice to his countrymen who have seen food prices rise 70% in a year, “If the price of the nation’s progress and prosperity is hunger and thirst, then let us not eat or drink.”

A. Tunisia
B. Syria 
C. Egypt
D. Morocco 

Correct Response: C. Egypt
https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20231210-egypt-election-offers-more-of-the-same-despite-crisis

 

9. The Supreme Court in New Delhi upheld a government decision to remove the special status – semi-autonomy and a separate constitution – of THIS Muslim majority region that has been central to conflicts between nuclear armed India and Pakistan.

A. Jammu and Kashmir
B. Mayotte 
C. Chagos
D. Ilemi Triangle

Correct Response: A. Jammu and Kashmir
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/india-supreme-court-upholds-decision-remove-kashmir-special-status-rcna128982

 

10. Beijing’s 2019 national security law for the Hong Kong special administrative unit included prohibitions on opposition electoral candidates, allowing “patriots” only. The crackdown goes against the 50-year 1997 agreement for the region’s autonomy when it was handed over by THIS colonial power.

A. Belgium
B. Portugal 
C. Japan
D. The United Kingdom

Correct Response: D. The United Kingdom
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/hong-kong-patriots-only-election-falls-flat-with-record-low-turnout-2023-12-11/

1. The ceasefire that facilitated an exchange of hostages in Gaza for detainees in Israel ended with renewed intense ground combat around THIS major city in the Strip where Palestinian civilians in the north had previously been directed to find shelter.

A. Rafah
B. Jalia   
C. Khan Yunis
D. Deir al-Balah 

Correct Response: C. Khan Yunis
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67607243

 

2. Prosecutors in the U.S. charged a national of THIS country with attempting to arrange the assassination in New York of a leading proponent of a separate state for Sikhs. The target, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, is one of the leaders of the Khalistan movement.

A. China
B. India
C. Pakistan
D. Saudi Arabia

Correct Response: B. India 
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/nov/29/india-assassination-attempt-american-citizen

 

3. World leaders attended the COP28 global climate summit in THIS city but the event was criticized for being hosted by a petrostate and chaired by a national oil company CEO.

A. Riyadh
B. Singapore
C. Kuwait City
D. Dubai

Correct response: D. Dubai
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/12/01/climate/cop28-climate-change-summit?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare 

 

4. The U.S. Navy guided missile destroyer USS Carney and several merchant vessels were attacked by Yemen-based, Iranian-armed Houthi rebels in the Red Sea near THIS major global maritime chokepoint, an escalation in conflict in the region. 

A. Hormuz
B. Malacca
C. Bab el-Mandeb
D. Dardenelles

Correct Response: C. Bab el-Mandeb
https://www.politico.com/news/2023/12/03/pentagon-us-warship-attack-red-sea-00129789

 

5. The White House warned Congress that it would “kneecap” an American ally if THIS action wasn’t taken.

A. Approve export of F-16 fighters to Ukraine
B. Approve U.S. based-launch of a South Korean spy satellite 
C. Approve additional aid funding to Ukraine by the end of the year
D. Approve export of four U.S. built destroyers to Taiwan

Correct Response: C. Approve additional aid funding to Ukraine by the end of the year

https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/4340410-white-house-warns-it-will-run-out-of-money-for-ukraine-unless-congress-acts-by-end-of-year/

 

6. Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger died at age 100 leading to a flurry of laudatory and critical commentary over his complicated impact on U.S. foreign policy. Kissinger was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for THIS development.

A. For concluding a peace agreement after the Middle East “Yom Kippur” war
B. For jointly having negotiated a cease fire in Vietnam
C. For negotiating a peace treaty between North and South Korea
D. For bringing peace to the conflict in East Timor 

Correct Response: B. For jointly having negotiated a cease fire in Vietnam
https://thehill.com/opinion/international/4339155-kissinger-offered-absolution-for-the-sins-of-american-foreign-policy/

 

7. An assault on a military barracks and jail in Freetown, the capital of THIS country, killed 20 people, including 13 soldiers, and freed 2,000 inmates. The country’s information officer depicted the attack as a failed coup directed by bodyguards loyal to the former president.

A. Algeria
B. Guinea
C. Liberia
D. Sierra Leone

Correct Response: D. Sierra Leone
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/sierra-leones-leader-says-most-behind-the-weekend-attacks-are-arrested-but-few-details-are-given/ar-AA1kA3HN

 

8. On the occasion of the COP28 climate summit U.N. Secretary General António Guterres said the world is “minutes to midnight” in its goal of limiting warming to THIS Paris Climate Agreement target.

A. 5 degrees Celsius
B. 3 degrees Celsius
C. 2 degrees Celsius
D. 1.5 degrees Celsius

Correct response: D. 1.5 degrees Celsius
https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2023/12/01/cop28-climate-summit-dubai-world-leaders/

 

9. An embattled Chinese property giant and its biggest foreign creditors sought to negotiate an 11th hour deal to prevent a liquidation of the company’s offshore businesses.  THIS Guangdong-based company has $300B in liabilities and has led the drag on China’s real estate economy. 

A. China Resources Mixc Lifestyle Services
B. China Evergrande Group
C. Longfor Group Holdings
D. CBRE Realty

Correct response: B. China Evergrande Group
https://www.wsj.com/articles/evergrande-negotiating-11th-hour-restructuring-deal-to-avoid-liquidation-b03329b0

 

10. The first military spy satellite from THIS nation that faces threats from its neighbor was launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

A. Australia
B. South Korea
C. Philippines
D. Indonesia

Correct response: B. South Korea
https://www.npr.org/2023/12/02/1216703493/south-korea-launches-first-spy-satellite

1. Israel and Hamas agreed to a four-day pause in fighting to facilitate the freeing of hostages in the Gaza Strip in exchange for Palestinian women and children held in Israeli prisons. The deal, brokered by THIS Persian Gulf state, will also allow more aid into Gaza. 

A. Iran
B. Qatar 
C. Saudi Arabia
D. United Arab Emirates

Correct Response: B. Qatar 
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/23/israel-hamas-deal-what-makes-a-truce-lead-to-lasting-peace

2. Over 30 rioters were arrested THIS capital following the arrest of a man, incorrectly identified as an immigrant, in connection with a stabbing of four, including three children, in a school.

A. London
B. Dublin
C. Berlin
D. Paris 

Correct response:  B. Dublin
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/11/24/ireland-dublin-riots-stabbing/

3. Russia launched its largest barrage of Iranian-made drones at Kyiv with all but one being shot down by Ukraine air defenses. The attack came on the commemoration of the 1932-1933 Holodomor famine, brought on by THIS Soviet leader, which killed several million Ukrainians.

A. Leonid Brezhnev
B. Nikita Khrushchev 
C. Joseph Stalin
D. Yuri Andropov 

Correct Response: C. Joseph Stalin
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-67529571

4. The expected addition of THIS African country to the East African Community (EAC), a bloc that is both a forum for diplomacy and a market for business, will add more than 3,000km of coastline to the EAC, which officials say will boost trade with the Arabian Peninsula.

A. Somalia
B. Ethiopia
C. Sudan
D. Mozambique

Correct response: A. Somalia
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-67522844

5. Investors pulled nearly $1 billion from the world's largest crypto exchange service, THIS company, after its chief, Changpeng Zhao, pleaded guilty to settle a years-long U.S. illicit finance probe.

A. Robinhood
B. Dogecoin 
C. Coinbase
D. Binance

Correct Response: D. Binance https://www.reuters.com/technology/crypto-exchange-binance-sees-outflows-956-mln-last-24-hours-nansen-2023-11-22/

 

6. Eccentric candidate Javier Milei became THIS South American country's first libertarian president, winning 56% of the vote. The self-styled "anarcho capitalist" has pledged to "blow up" the status quo to fix the soaring inflation and rising poverty. 

A. Argentina
B. Bolivia
C. Chile
D. Panama

Correct Response: A. Argentina
https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/argentina-presidential-election-key-takeaways-mileis-win-2023-11-20/

 

7. Right wing candidate Geert Wilders’ Freedom Party won 37 of 150 seats of Parliament in THIS country, partly based on his controversial views on restricting immigration.  This puts him in a strong position to become Prime Minister.

A. Belgium
B. The Netherlands
C. Austria
D. Switzerland

Correct response: B. The Netherlands
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/wilders-dutch-victory-sends-tremors-around-europe/ar-AA1kq8An

 

8. A court in THIS country declared Olaf Scholz’ spending plans unconstitutional; so the government froze public spending for the rest of the year. The ruling dealt a blow to Europe’s economic recovery, efforts to reduce carbon emissions and plans to beef up its defenses.

A. France
B. Germany
C. The United Kingdom
D. The Netherlands

Correct response: B. Germany
https://www.wsj.com/world/europe/germany-freezes-public-spending-in-new-setback-for-europe-42c9b50e?page=1

 

9. North Korea launched its first spy satellite, and South Korea responded by partially suspending a 2018 military agreement. Pyongyang followed suit. THIS North Korean leader considers spy satellites essential to countering military threats from the U.S. and its allies.

A. Kim Il-Sung
B. Kim Jong Il
C. Kim Jong Un
D. Ho Chi Minh

Correct response: C. Kim Jong Un 
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/nuclear-armed-north-korea-quits-military-pact-with-south-as-tensions-soar/ar-AA1kq6uJ

 

10. In a critical election in THIS Asian country that some say could be the difference between war and peace, competing candidates from the Kuomintang and TPP parties, bucked the nation-wide hope they would form a coalition and instead decided to go after each other on the presidential ticket.

A. Taiwan
B. Indonesia
C. The Philippines
D. India

Correct response: A. Taiwan
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/24/world/asia/taiwan-president-opposition-collapse.html

1. Israeli Defense Force troops surrounded THIS hospital in Gaza which they say Hamas has been using as a command center. The IDF showed press the entrance to what they say is a network of Hamas tunnels under the complex. 

A. al Raffa
B. al Shifa
C. al Gaza
D. al Mansour

Correct response: B. al Shifa
https://www.economist.com/leaders/2023/11/16/the-rights-and-wrongs-of-israel-and-hamas-at-al-shifa-hospital

 

2. Chinese leader Xi Jinping met with President Biden at the APEC summit in San Francisco.  Biden said the meeting included “some of the most constructive and productive discussions we’ve had.”  Xi agreed to help curb the production of THIS deadly illicit drug component afflicting the United States.

A. Sudafed
B. Fentanyl
C. Arsenic
D Methamphetamine

Correct response: B. Fentanyl
https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-xi-jinping-takeaways-c8384d40661a32aa276ec8ca97f35003

 

3. After decades of falling short of the NATO alliance’s 2% of GDP expectation of military spending, THIS European country will meet that target and announced it will double military aid to Ukraine in 2024. It has been surpassed only by the United States in military support to Kyiv.

A. France
B. Spain
C. Germany
D. Italy

Correct response: C. Germany
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-11-11/germany-set-to-double-its-ukraine-military-aid-under-scholz-plan

 

4. The newly elected populist government in THIS country is bucking the European trend by publicly announcing an end to “lethal” support to Ukraine. The previous government in Bratislava was a solid backer of Kyiv and was the first country to send fighter jets to Ukraine.

A. Croatia
B. Slovakia
C. Romania
D. Poland

Correct response: B. Slovakia
https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20231026-slovakia-announces-halt-of-military-aid-to-ukraine

 

5. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is a regional economic forum established in 1989 to leverage the growing interdependence of the Asia-Pacific.  THIS country is NOT among the 21 members.

A. India
B. Russia
C. Vietnam
D. Mexico 

Correct response: A. India
https://www.apec.org/about-us/about-apec

 

6. The leaders of THESE countries met in San Francisco to discuss regional security issues, bilateral economic relations, and the tension over the release of radioactive wastewater from a damaged nuclear power plant.

A. Japan and China
B. China and the Philippines
C. Japan and South Korea
D. The Philippines and Indonesia

Correct response: A. Japan and China
https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/APEC/Kishida-and-Xi-agree-to-seek-ways-to-end-Fukushima-wastewater-spat

 

7. The Supreme Court in THIS country ruled that the government’s plan to fly asylum-seekers to Rwanda was unlawful.

A. Italy
B. Greece
C. Poland
D. The United Kingdom

Correct response: D. The United Kingdom
https://www.economist.com/britain/2023/11/15/the-supreme-court-rules-against-britains-rwanda-policy-what-next

 

8. In a move aimed at decolonizing the Soviet Union’s era in THIS country, the Prosecutor-General in Astana plans to open secret service archives containing the records of thousands of people convicted during the repressive regime of Joseph Stalin.

A. Kazakhstan
B. Uzbekistan
C. Kyrgyzstan
D. Tajikistan

Correct response: A. Kazakhstan
https://www.rferl.org/a/kazakhstan-opens-kgb-archives-russian-criticism/32681381.html

 

9. Pedro Sanchez was re-elected Prime Minister of THIS EU country after months of political uncertainty and widespread protests after the center-left politician promised amnesty for Catalan separatists in exchange for their support.

A. Peru
B. Venezuela
C. Portugal
D. Spain 

Correct response: D. Spain
https://apnews.com/article/spain-sanchez-government-catalonia-amnesty-5dbc03d49474e0a12647afce86980c86  

 

10. President Biden and THIS leader agreed to work together against security threats to the United States and Mexico on the final day of the APEC summit. 

A. Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador
B. Daniel Ortega
C. Alberto Fernandez
D. Gustavo Petro 

Correct response: A. Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador
https://apnews.com/article/biden-immigration-migrants-mexico-fentanyl-d39861ee91b91656be23e8d1068ec993

1. U.S. forces carried out a so-called “self-defense strike” against a weapons storage facility and a command-and-control center in THIS country after recent attacks by Iranian proxies in the region that have wounded dozens of American troops. 

A. Iraq
B. Syria
C. Jordan
D. Iran

Correct response: B. Syria
https://abcnews.go.com/International/us-launches-3rd-strikes-iran-backed-groups-amid/story?id=104834330

2. British PM Rishi Sunak bolstered the stability of his government with the appointment as foreign minister THIS former prime minister whose time in office was marked by the decision to move forward with Brexit.

A. Boris Johnson
B. David Cameron   
C. Theresa May
D. Tony Blair

Correct Response: B. David Cameron 
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-11-13/sunak-brings-ex-pm-david-cameron-into-uk-cabinet-in-shock-move

 

3. Joe Biden will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of THIS annual APEC meeting in San Francisco to seek stability in the relationship. 

A. 21 member Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation
B. 8 member Asia Petroleum Exporting Countries
C. 16 member Asia-Americas Peaceful-Coexistence Community
D. 35 member Association of Pacific Ecological Concern

Correct response: A. 21 member Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation
https://apnews.com/article/biden-xi-apec-china-taiwan-cfd0b5a708a3506c4438e43b1b26c93d

 

4. In a move underscoring the current nadir of the bilateral relationship, the National Zoo in Washington, DC returned THESE animals to THIS country.

A. Jaguars to Mexico
B. Bengal Tigers to India
C. Grey Wolves to Turkey
D. Pandas to China

Correct response: D. Pandas to China
https://www.reuters.com/world/washingtons-national-zoo-says-bye-bye-beloved-giant-pandas-2023-11-08/

 

5. Prime Minister Orban, Prime Minister of THIS country said the EU must not start membership negotiations with Ukraine, signaling a veto as EU leaders plan to consider a European Commission recommendation to invite Kyiv to membership talks. Orban has been openly anti-Ukraine and pro-Russia.

A. Hungary
B. Slovakia
C. Croatia
D. Romania

Correct response: A. Hungary
https://www.cnbc.com/2023/11/10/ukraine-war-live-updates-latest-news-on-russia-and-the-war-in-ukraine.html

 

6. Hamas leaders consulted with officials in THIS country which has launched a propaganda campaign against Israel. However, they have not yet recalled their ambassador from Israel over the war in Gaza.

A. South Africa
B. Turkey
C. Chile
D. Russia

Correct response: Russia
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/these-8-countries-have-pulled-ambassadors-from-israel-amid-hamas-war/ar-AA1jv7Jd

 

7. The prime minister of THIS country is escalating censorship in this troubled democracy to counter criticism of him and the ruling BJP party and tighten his grip on power.   

A. Slovenia
B. Tunisia
C. Malta
D. India

Correct Response:  D. India 
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/11/08/india-twitter-online-censorship/

 

8. Russia made final its withdrawal from THIS treaty signed a year after the fall of the Berlin Wall which aimed to limit certain categories of weapons held by NATO and the then-Warsaw Pact. Moscow blamed NATO expansion for their decision to withdraw.

A. Battlefield Weapons Limitation Treaty
B. Conventional Forces in Europe Treaty       
C. Intermediate-Range Forces Treaty
D. Peace in Europe Disarmament Treaty

Correct response: B. Conventional Forces in Europe Treaty 
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-formally-withdraws-key-post-cold-war-european-armed-forces-treaty-2023-11-07/

 

9. The Prime Minister of THIS country extended amnesty to Catalan separatists in exchange for political support. This will likely allow him to stay in power but cause turmoil throughout the country and concern in European capitals.

A. Spain
B. France
C. Portugal
D. Germany

Correct Response – A. Spain
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/09/world/europe/spain-catalonia-separatists-pedro-sanchez.html

 

10. A series of earthquakes has rattled THIS country, and its government has ordered the evacuation of one town fearing a major volcanic eruption around the Reykjanes peninsula.

A. Greenland
B. Italy
C. Iceland
D. Indonesia

Correct response: C. Iceland
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-67387827

 

1. President Vladimir Putin signed a law revoking Russia's ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty leaving only THIS suspended nuclear weapons pact between Russia and the U.S. in place. 

A. INF Treaty
B. New START Treaty 
C. Start I Treaty
D. Strategic Offensive Reductions Treaty 

Correct Response: B. New START Treaty 
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/02/world/euro699pe/russia-nuclear-test-ban-treaty.html

2. The House of Representatives passed a $14.0 billion aid package for Israel with funding offset by cuts to the IRS. A Senate version, expected to pass, includes funding for THIS country as well as support for Taiwan and humanitarian aid to Gazans.

A. South Korea
B Ukraine
C. Haiti
D. Poland

Correct response: B Ukraine
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/4294264-graham-expects-senate-to-pass-israel-ukraine-aid-package-despite-house-bill/

 

3. Israeli forces intercepted a drone and missile attack on the port of Eilat launched by THIS Iranian-proxy group in Yemen. They have been fighting a civil war in Yemen against a Saudi-backed coalition since 2014.

A. Hezbollah
B. Houthis
C. Haqqani network
D. Mujahideen

Correct response: A. Houthis
https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-yemen-houthis-iran-34eab8bc1d3cf3606d874166fef2f018

 

4. Turkey’s parliament is taking up Sweden’s NATO membership application leaving just THIS nation to consider adding the alliance’s 32nd member. President Victor Orban’s government has claimed Swedish politicians have told “blatant lies” about their commitment to democracy. 

A. Poland
B. Germany
C. Greece
D. Hungary

Correct response: D. Hungary
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/turkeys-erdogan-submits-swedens-nato-bid-parliament-ratification-presidency-2023-10-23/

 

5. Americans, other third country nationals and wounded Palestinians have been evacuated from Gaza to Egypt by way of THIS departure point. 

A. Rafah
B. Allenby
C. Golan
D. Khan Yunis 

Correct response: A. Rafah 
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2023/11/04/gaza-american-citizens-rafah-hamas/

 

6. Attacks by THIS insurgent group seeking to establish Sharia law in northern Nigeria killed 37 villagers. The group shot 17 people and then using a landmine to kill 20 more who were heading to a burial.

A. The Taliban
B. Boko Haram
C. Hezbollah
D. Hamas 

Correct response: B. Boko Haram
https://www.france24.com/en/africa/20231102-boko-haram-attack-on-northeast-nigerian-village-leaves-37-dead

 

7. Secretary of State Blinken asked THIS country that owns the widely viewed Al Jazeera satellite media network to tone down the rhetoric in coverage of the Israel-Gaza war. The Doha government is intermediary and host to the political office of Hamas, designated a terrorist group by many Western nations.

A. Iran
B. Qatar
C. Bahrain
D. Saudi Arabia

Correct response: B. Qatar
https://www.axios.com/2023/10/25/tony-blinken-qatar-israel-hamas

 

8. Trade ministers from THIS group of advanced democracies called for an end to unnecessary trade restrictions in a statement at the end of their meeting in Osaka. The group made specific reference to Chinese restrictions on Japanese food exports, in response to the release of water from the stricken Fukushima nuclear reactor. 

A. UNESCO
B. IMF
C. ASEAN
D. Group of Seven

Correct response: D. Group of Seven
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231029_12/

 

9. In a highly publicized trip THIS American politician met Chinese President Xi Jinping to promote cooperation on climate change.

A. California Governor Gavin Newsom
B. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer
C. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken
D. New York City Mayor Eric Adams

Correct response: A. California Governor Gavin Newsom
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/25/world/asia/gavin-newsom-china-xi.html

 

10. The Beatles released THIS new song 61 years after their first single. AI audio restoration technology was credited with improving the quality of a John Lennon demo from the 1990s to produce the new song.

A. Now and Then
B. Love Always
C. John’s Song
D. Old Bailey

Correct response: A. Now and Then
https://news.sky.com/story/the-beatles-last-song-now-and-then-becomes-their-18th-number-one-single-13001532

1. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to Washington may have prepared the way for a meeting between President Biden and THIS leader at the upcoming APEC summit in San Francisco.

A. Xi Jinping
B. Hu Jintao
C. Li Xiannian
D. Jiang Zemin

Correct Response: A. Xi Jinping
https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/blinken-sullivan-meet-chinas-top-diplomat-wang-yi/story?id=104347466

 

2. Following the Hamas October 7th attack, Israel launched a massive bombing campaign in Gaza ahead of a widely expected ground campaign focused on eliminating Hamas’ leadership.  THIS leader who lives in Qatar is the current head of Hamas.

A.  Yasser Arafat
B.  Ismail Haniyeh
C.  Mohammed bin Salman
D.  Hibatullah Akhundzada 

Correct response: B. Ismail Haniyeh
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2023/10/meet-hamas-key-leaders-many-israels-target-list-gaza

 

3. The U.S. struck two Iran-linked targets in THIS country in retaliation for attacks on American military positions, after having warned Tehran that it would respond to direct or indirect provocations.

A. Iran
B. Syria
C. Iraq
D. Lebanon

Correct response: B. Syria
https://apnews.com/article/syria-airstrikes-iran-revolutionary-guard-af3c7a0f069b8c8b08f6feaa0e165d6a 

 

4. A China Coast Guard vessel collided with a resupply boat from THIS country, as Beijing continues to exert control over disputed Islands in the South China Sea?

A. South Korea
B. Japan
C. Philippines
D. Vietnam

Correct response: C. Philippines
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/philippines-tells-china-stop-provocative-actions-south-china-sea-2023-10-23/

 

5. Maria Corina Machado won the primary election of the Venezuelan opposition party, and she will run against THIS authoritarian president next year. An agreement with Washington lifts economic sanctions in exchange for elections, lifting bans on the opposition, and releasing political prisoners and wrongfully detained Americans.

A. Gustavo Petro
B. Nicolas Maduro
C. Guillermo Lasso
D. Daniel Ortega

Correct response: B. Nicolas Maduro
https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/us-easing-venezuela-oil-sanctions-response-election-deal-official-2023-10-18/

 

6. THIS south-east Asian country picked a new king last week:

A. Indonesia
B. Laos
C. Malaysia
D. Thailand

Correct Response: C. Malaysia
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/27/malaysian-sultans-choose-new-king-in-unique-rotational-monarchy

 

7. The United States cut off non-humanitarian financial aid to THIS country after the Biden administration concluded that the August military takeover that ousted the incumbent president was indeed a coup.

A. Gabon
B. Myanmar
C. Sudan
D. Pakistan 

Correct response: A. Gabon
https://www.africanews.com/2023/10/24/us-suspends-all-aid-to-gabon-in-response-to-coup-detat/

 

8. The embassy of THIS country in Canada will resume visa services in the coming weeks. It’s a move that aims to reduce tensions between the two nations made difficult when Prime Minister Trudeau charged it with murdering a Sikh activist, a Canadian citizen, in British Columbia. 

A. China
B. Thailand
C. India
D. Pakistan

Correct response: C. India
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-67201932

 

9. Fearing the rise of “parallel societies” THIS country has mandated dismantling of immigrant enclaves and compelling greater integration of immigrants into the national culture.

A. France
B. Denmark
C. Hungary
D. Greece

Correct response: B. Denmark
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/26/world/europe/denmark-housing.html

 

10. United Nations Secretary General António Guterres has been in the news because of comments on the Israel-Gaza conflict. Guterres is a former prime minister of THIS Iberian country?

A. Belize
B. Brazil
C. Mexico
D. Portugal 

Correct response: D. Portugal
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/25/israel-says-it-will-ban-un-staff-after-secretary-generals-comments

 

1. The risk of the Israel-Hamas war widening into a regional conflict increased as THIS Iran-backed group in Lebanon launched aerial attacks that were met with Israeli bombing strikes. The group said they would not be deterred from supporting Hamas by “behind-the-scenes calls with us by great powers.”

A. ISIS
B. Islamic Jihad
C. Hezbollah
D. PLO 

Correct Response: C. Hezbollah
https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2023/10/13/israel-faces-the-danger-of-fighting-on-a-second-front

 

2. The United States sent aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan to maritime interdiction exercises with Japan and South Korea as Washington accused North Korea of shipping war materials to aid THIS conflict. North Korea usually responds to such maneuvers with missile tests.

A. Hamas’ rocket attacks on Israel
B. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine 
C. Iran’s buildup in the Persian Gulf
D. Azerbaijan’s operations in Nagorno-Karabakh

Correct Response: B. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine  
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-10-10/us-sends-carrier-group-to-south-korea-for-interdiction-drills

 

3. In preparation for military operations against Hamas, the Israeli Defense Force has taken THIS step.

A. Agreed to embed Human Rights Watch monitors in ground units
B. Ordered over one million Palestinians to evacuate northern Gaza
C. Accepted U.S. special forces troops in anticipated invasion units
D. Distributed gas masks to communities near Gaza in the event of chemical weapon attacks by Hamas

Correct Response: B. Ordered over one million Palestinians to evacuate northern Gaza

https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-war-c8b4fc20e4fd2ef381d5edb7e9e8308c

 

4. The British Embassy in Yangon blamed THIS government for an artillery attack on a refugee camp near the border with China that killed 29 refugees. The government has been battling resistance groups and armed ethnic militias since it took power in a 2021 coup.

A. Bangladesh
B. Bhutan 
C. Myanmar
D. Afghanistan 

Correct Response: C. Myanmar
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/many-killed-artillery-strike-northern-myanmar-media-local-sources-2023-10-10/

 

5. An historic deal between Israel and THIS leading Arab state was almost done before Hamas’ deadly attack against Israel. The negotiations are now reported to be on hold as concerns over the fate of Palestinians have been raised.

A. Egypt
B. Saudi Arabia 
C. Kuwait
D. Jordan

Correct Response: B. Saudi Arabia  
https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-10-13/ty-article/.premium/saudi-arabia-freezes-normalization-talks-with-israel-amid-ongoing-war-with-hamas/0000018b-2a0b-d1bc-a58b-6baf83c20000

 

6. China and THIS neighbor agreed to avoid hostilities along their 2,167-mile disputed common border. Scores of troops from both of these nuclear-armed states were killed in a June 2020 skirmish and tensions between the countries remains strained over the dispute.

A. Mongolia
B. Afghanistan 
C. India
D. Kazakhstan

Correct Response: C. India
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-10-12/china-and-india-agree-to-maintain-peace-along-disputed-border

 

7. Pakistan has threatened to deport over one million citizens of THIS country who do not have legal status. Over 3.7 million of these citizens are in Pakistan and many fear returning home would lead to harassment, assault, or arbitrary detention.

A. Myanmar
B. Iran 
C. India
D. Afghanistan

Correct Response: D. Afghanistan
https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/10/12/pakistan-drop-threat-deport-afghans

 

8. In the wake of the attack by Hamas, a client of Tehran, the United States and THIS country agreed to freeze release $6 billion in previously sanctioned Iranian funds that were set to be released after a prisoner swap deal.

A. Germany
B. India 
C. Qatar
D. Turkey

Correct Response: C. Qatar
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/us-qatar-agree-not-release-iran-6-billion-prisoner-swap-rcna120135

 

9. Voters said No on a ballot in THIS country to approve recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the constitution and creation of a body called the “Voice” to advise the government on their issues

A. Chile
B. South Africa 
C. Australia
D. Canada

Correct Response: C. Australia
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-67085710

 

10. Russia sought a new three-year term, after being suspended in April, to THIS United Nations body, but despite getting 83 of 193 votes in favor, lost to Bulgaria and Albania for the Eastern Europe seats. Albania’s Ambassador said it was important to not “take an arsonist for a firefighter.” 

A. World Food Program
B. Human Rights Council
C. World Health Organization
D. UN Security Council

Correct Response: B. Human Rights Council 
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-67071697