The Campaign to Retake Mosul Gets Intense

On October 17, Iraqi-led forces began marching towards Mosul, determined to take back the Iraqi city which has been under ISIS rule for two years. Mosul was once a home to 2.5 million people, yet was deeply traumatized after being seized by Islamic State terrorists.. The fight surrounding Mosul is receiving worldwide attention since the city is the most critical population center and ISIS’ last stronghold in Iraq. According to Iraq’s prime minister, military forces keep pushing towards the town and the mission to retake Mosul is going faster than planned. It’s believed that there are still approximately one million residents in Mosul, most of whom are rushing to flee from the approaching violence.

Philippine’s President Announces Separation From the United States

After harshly criticizing President Obama, Philippine’s newly-elected president Rodrigo Duterte once again expressed his anti-American attitude during his state visit in China, saying that: “I announce my separation from the United States…both in military, but also in economics.” At the same time, addressing the Chinese people, Duterte said: “I will be dependent on you.” According to Duterte, by creating a closer relationship with China and alienating himself from the United States, Filipinos will be better off and gain more advantages globally.

The Last Rwandan Dies at  80

Kigeli V, who ruled Rwanda for less than two years as the last king of the dynasty, passed away on October 16 in Washington at the age of 80. The dynasty Kigeli belonged to ruled Rwanda for almost one millennium and was ended in 1961 when the country  adopted the Republic government and achieved its independence from Belgium. After that, Kigeli lived in neighboring African nations for three decades. He moved to the United States in 1992. Before his death, Kigeli claimed that he was still waiting for the chance to go back to his own country.