The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning about the possible explosive growth of the Zika virus to perhaps as many as four million cases. The virus is carried by mosquitoes and it leads to a specific birth defect known as microcephaly which leads to babies borne with abnormally small heads and brains. The virus has spread rapidly throughout South America and there have been several cases in North America carried by tourists. As of now, there is no known vaccine and the danger to pregnant women and their babies is acute globally.
Germany, Finland, and Sweden have moved to toughen their rules governing the entry of refugees. The changes come about as the costs of addressing the needs of the refugees continues to grow at a rate that is perhaps unsustainable. The crisis is a clear indication that there are no solutions at the nation-state level; the only possible effective response to the overwhelming need has to be found in a coordinated international response. Relying upon purely national responses will undoubtedly bring about xenophobic backlashes.
Satellite information suggests that North Korea could be preparing a long-range missile test. The test comes on the heels of the disputed North Korean claim it had developed a hydrogen bomb–a technologically difficult feat. A long-range missile will expand the ability of North Korea to hit a wider number of targets if it were so inclined. Its sole purpose, however, is more likely to deter actions by the US that it regards as hostile. Unfortunately, the security dilemma prevents the US from accepting that more benign interpretation.
World Politics News 
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