Both the Syrian government and the Syrian rebels are reporting a poison gas attack. There are videos of people suffering what appears to be a gas attack, and there are reports that Chlorine gas has been used. At this time, it is unclear exactly who used the weapons, and it will likely be difficult to pin down responsibility. We will have to wait for verification of the reports. If true, the international community should take swift action against a clear violation of the laws of war.
Gunfire has erupted between Russian-leaning separatists and the Ukrainian government in eastern Ukraine. The separatists have taken control of government buildings and police stations, and the situation has continued to deteriorate. US Vice-President Biden is scheduled to visit Ukraine on 22 April in an effort to show Western solidarity with Ukraine. It’s unclear what tangible support Biden will be able to offer.
There were large protests in Paris and Rome against the austerity programs being implemented to address the sovereign debt crisis of several European states. Austerity programs (cutting budgets and reducing the number of government workers) are designed to create conditions for renewed economic growth. However, many of the programs have depressed the countries in which they were implemented, and it does not appear as if growth is going to return to those countries any time soon.
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