1) What Libyan strongman was killed last week after ruling the country for over 40 years?
c) Muammar Gaddafi
Gaddafi was shot by Libyan rebels. https://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44971257/ns/world_news-mideast_n_africa/?GT1=43001
2) President Obama confirmed last week that all Americans troops will leave what country by December 31, 2011?
d) Iraq
All American combat troops left the country in the summer of 2010. The non-combat troops will levae by the end of the year. Critics of the plan – including many Republicans – believe that withdrawal is dangerous because it will allow Iran to exercise more influence in the region. https://www.politico.com/news/stories/1011/66573.html
3) American seniors received good news last week. What was it?
a) They will be receiving an increase in their Social Security benefits.
On the other hand, Medicare premiums are set to increase. https://www.usatoday.com/money/perfi/retirement/story/2011-10-19/social-security-cola/50822994/1
4) What Republican presidential candidate’s New Hampshire campaign staff quit last week?
c) Michele Bachmann
The staffers were frustrated because they believe that Bachmann cares more about winning the January Iowa caucus than the January New Hampshire primary.
https://www.reuters.com/article/2011/10/21/us-usa-campaign-bachmann-idUSTRE79K4EY20111021
5) What Republican presidential candidate put forth a “flat tax” proposal last week?
b) Rick Perry
Under a flat tax, the same income tax rate would apply to all Americans. Under the current progressive system, Americans with more income are taxed at a higher rate. The plan appears to be a response to Herman Cain’s popular “9-9-9” tax plan, which also includes a flat income tax component. https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/presidential-candidate-perry-proposes-a-flat-tax/2011/10/19/gIQAvP8iyL_story.html
6) Last week, the Palestinians agreed to release an Israeli prisoner in exchange for Israel’s release of some Palestinian prisoners. How many Palestinians were released in exchange for the one Israeli soldier?
d) 1027
The released Israeli prisoner - Sgt. Gilad Shalit -- was captured in 2006. https://news.yahoo.com/israel-palestinians-begin-prisoner-exchange-084531463.html
7) What country held a legislative election Sunday after overthrowing their long-time leader during last year’s “Arab Spring?”
b) Tunisia
The elections are for a 218 seat assembly that will be charged with drafting a new constitution for Tunisia. The last few months have seen robust debate between supporters of the Ennahada Party – who advocate a greater role for Islam in public life – and more secular Tunisians. https://www.cnn.com/2011/10/22/world/africa/tunisia-elections/index.html?hpt=hp_t2
8) The Crown Prince of this country died last week. What country?
b) Saudi Arabia
Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud was the octogenarian, younger brother of Saudi King Abdullah. It is now unclear who will become king upon Abdullah’s death. https://www.cnn.com/2011/10/22/world/meast/saudi-arabia-prince-dead/index.html?hpt=hp_t2
9) In a recent study, an experimental vaccine protected large numbers of children from what disease?
c) Malaria
Malaria kills approximately 800,000 people a year, mostly children in Africa. Scientists have struggled to develop a vaccine for malaria because it is caused by a parasite as opposed to a virus. https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/experimental-malaria-vaccine-protects-many-children-study-shows/2011/10/17/gIQA5NyguL_story.html
10) What country won this year’s Rugby World Cup?
a) New Zealand
The “All Blacks” defeated the French 8-7 in the final. https://sports.in.msn.com/othersports/article.aspx?cp-documentid=5536150