International news in brief

Germans protest trade deal

BERLIN—Nearly 150,000 protesters marched on the streets last Friday, protesting a trade deal proposed between the U.S. and Germany. Critics say that the deal could to saturate the German market with U.S. goods. A growing fear also exists of powerful multinational conglomerates endangering the market.

Source: Reuters

White House seeks out in Syrian War

WASHINGTON — Since the escalation of the Syrian Civil War, the Obama administration has sought to quell the violence. That is, until now, when the White House announced on Friday that it would end its training of Syrian opposition forces in the region. The government now only performs screening processes that evaluate existing rebel commanders.

Source: New York Times

Tunisian Quartet given Peace Prize

OSLO — This year’s recipient of the esteemed Nobel Peace Prize is a relatively unknown organization: the Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet. The award accentuates the fact that within a region of growing tensions and violence, Tunisia has managed to emerge as an area of “relative stability.” The famous “Arab Spring” actually originated in Tunisia.

Source: Wall Street Journal

Japan reels over UN Nanjing documents

TOKYO—UNESCO recently archived documents describing the Nanjing Massacre—a massacre of Chinese civilians by the Japanese army in World War II —in its “Memory of the World Register.” The Japanese government called for the documents to be reformed and condemned UNESCO for releasing them, still refusing to accept the massacre as an act of genocide.

Source: Le Monde

Twin bombings disrupt protests

ANKARRA—Peaceful protests were cut short on Saturday by two improvised explosives. Citizens and families of the victims blame the attacks on the lack of government protection. Prime Minister Ahmet Devatoglu cited political upheaval in the area as the cause of the violence, claiming that the Islamic State is most likely responsible for the attack.

Source: The Guardian

Congress seeking new house speaker

WASHINGTON—Paul Ryan (R–Wisc.) became the most likely candidate to run for Speaker-of-the-house after Kevin McCarthy withdrew his bid for the position last week. Doubts exist as to whether Ryan can manage the polarizing Tea Party.

Source: Foreign Policy