Informing, engaging & connecting the people of the world. NOVEMBER 15, 2019

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VIDEO: The United States is promising not to abandon the fight to eradicate the Islamic State terror group, while pushing its coalition allies to take more responsibility for foreign fighters and rebuilding Iraq and Syria. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo welcomed visiting foreign ministers of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS to the State Department Thursday to discuss the way forward, as VOA reports.

ON THIS DAY IN AMERICAN HISTORY On November 15, 1864, Union General William Tecumseh Sherman starts his famous march across the state of Georgia. The Union troops destroyed military, industrial and personal property as they marched for six weeks from Atlanta to the port of Savannah. Sherman’s march is credited with helping break the back of the Confederacy, beginning the final chapter of the Civil War.

With public hearings now under way in the House impeachment inquiry of President Donald Trump, both sides have a key focus in mind: winning over public opinion.

In Beirut’s Martyr’s Square, protestors in crowded tents are discussing corruption, governance and civil society. They are part of an anti-corruption protest movement in Lebanon that has been holding rallies every day for nearly a month.

Britain’s ruling Conservatives are banking heavily on the star quality of their leader, Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who’s had an uncanny ability in the past to connect with voters and to cheer them up.

Somalia’s president says his government is under constant pressure to choose from among three rival Persian Gulf countries – Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. The Somali government has tried to remain neutral, despite having a good working relationship with Qatar. Analysts warns that the rivalry and competing security interests are having a negative impact on Somalia’s politics and stability.