1) It was recently discovered that high-ranking government officials in this country were plotting to assassinate the Saudi Arabian ambassador in Washington. What country?
b) Iran
The plot was foiled when the Iranian government’s contact in the United States hired an undercover DEA agent as the hit man. It is not clear if Iran’s Supreme Leader knew about the plot.
2) The protests that started in New York City a few weeks ago have now spread worldwide. What one word name has been given to the protests?
d) Occupy
Although more general than specific with respect to their grievances, the “Occupy” protesters appear to be anti-big business and opposed to government spending cuts. https://www.cnn.com/2011/10/15/world/occupy-goes-global/index.html?hpt=hp_t1
3) Last week, the Senate refused to take a vote on which of President Obama’s recent legislative proposals?
a) The “Jobs” bill
The president’s jobs bill proposal included an extension of the payroll tax cut, a tax cut for small businesses, an extension of jobless benefits to the unemployed, aid to states, a surcharge on incomes over one million dollars, and various government spending projects designed to stimulate the economy. President Obama is now planning to ask Congress to bring each provision to a vote separately. https://www.cnn.com/2011/10/11/politics/jobs-bill/index.html?hpt=hp_bn3
4) The Congress passed a bill last week authorizing free trade with three different countries. Which of the following countries was NOT part of the bill?
b) Chile
It is hoped that the bill will create jobs in America by increasing the number of American exports to those countries. The bill was passed by a bipartisan group of Democrats and Republicans and was then signed by President Obama.
https://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/10/12/house-oks-free-trade-bills-senate-to-vote-tonight/
5) Last week, the Senate passed a bill imposing tariffs on countries that undervalue their currency. The bill was targeted at what nation?
a) China
The bill passed the Senate with bipartisan support but Speaker of the House John Boehner is not going to allow the House to debate or vote on the bill.
https://money.cnn.com/2011/10/11/news/economy/china_currency/index.htm?hpt=hp_t2
6) Last week, President Obama decided to send 100 American troops to what nation?
d) Uganda
The troops are being sent to aid in the fight against the Lord’s Resistance Army, a rebel group that has been committing atrocities for decades. The American troops are not authorized to engage in combat, other than in self-defense.
7) A Texas pastor who is a Rick Perry supporter recently criticized the religious faith of fellow Republican candidate Mitt Romney. To what faith does Romney adhere?
a) The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon)
Specifically, Robert Jeffress – who is the pastor of the First Baptist Church in Dallas -- called Mormonism a “cult” and denied that Mormonism is a type of Christianity.
8) What Asian country was hit with massive flooding last week?
b) Thailand
To this point, the floods have not reached the capital of Bangkok. https://www.voanews.com/english/news/asia/Thailand-Floods-Foster-Unity-in-Divided-Country-131943153.html
9) What American retailer announced last week that it intends to close one-third of its stores over the next six years?
c) The Gap
The Gap has been losing business over the last few years to Old Navy, Banana Republic, and J. Crew.
10) The king of this country married a commoner last week. What country?
a) Nepal
This is expected to be the only marriage for the King -- Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck – despite the fact that males in his family traditionally have had more than one wife. The bride -- Jetsun Pema -- studies international relations in London.