Monday Briefing | November 21
An Albanian special policeman taking part in a security briefing before the 2018 World Cup qualifying football match between Albania and Israel in Elbasan on November 12 | Photo courtesy of GENT SHKULLAKU/AFP/GETTY
An Albanian special policeman taking part in a security briefing before the 2018 World Cup qualifying football match between Albania and Israel in Elbasan on November 12.
Stories to Follow
ISIS launches Bosnian magazine to attract fighters
An ISIS-linked Bosnian language website published copies of the three editions issued since September. Bosnia garnered particular interest as it is a mainly Muslim country in Europe, and has a youth unemployment rate of approximately 60 percent. ISIS-affiliated terrorists continue to be a threat across the Balkans: police arrested 19 people across Kosovo last week under suspicion of planning terrorist attacks in Kosovo and Albania. It is believed the suspects all operated under the direction of Lavdrim Muhaxheri, a Kosovo Albanian fighter for ISIS blacklisted from the US.
Merkel announces fourth term candidacy
Chancellor Angela Merkel announced her stand for a fourth term in Germany’s coming elections. Her pro-immigrant policies—which allowed more than one million asylum seekers into Germany in 2015— led to backlash and support for the populist, right-wing Alternative for Germany Party (AfD). Similar populist upsurges have been seen across Europe, including in Sweden, Austria, Finland, and France. These movements gained momentum in the wake of Drumpf’s victory in the US presidential election on Nov 8.
Thousands take to Istanbul streets in protest
Resistance swelled in reaction to a proposed bill that would overturn men’s convictions of sexually assaulting a minor if they marry the victim. The bill will be voted on again on Nov 22; if passed, it will fall on President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for approval. Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim fired back that the bill’s intent is to address the consequences of child marriage in the country. This is the latest remark to spark protests, as Erdogan’s comments about abortion as “murder” and that a woman’s life is “incomplete” without children.
Happening This Week
13th Annual after Thanksgiving Hike
November 25 at 10:00am | Greenbelt Nature Center
Join the Greenbelt educators for their annual day after Thanksgiving hike in the Greenbelt’s serene woods, including a brief visit to the LaTourette house! This hike is over 2.5 hours and is moderately paced. Dress appropriately for hiking and for the weather conditions. Registration is required: call (718)351-3450 or email naturecenter@sigreenbelt.org.
La Yegros, Star of the Buenos Aires Underground
November 22 at 7:30pm | David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center
Splicing together the cumbia with electro and hip-hop, La Yegros draws equally on the folklore of Argentina and modern rhythms. Her vibrant, unique voice and stage presence will draw you in. Seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Trivia Night
November 22 at 8:30pm | Joshua Tree
Sunnydale survivors unite! Test your knowledge of the Watchers’ Council, demonology and bunnies at this trivia battle covering all 144 episodes of one of TV’s most legendary series. Register a team of up to four Scoobies online. Pull on your leather pants, and don’t forget to pack some holy water and Mr. Pointy. Joshua Tree has trivia nights every Tuesday from 8:00pm to 9:30pm.
In your Free Time
While enjoying a bit of free time from work or school, now’s the perfect time to pick up one of the outstanding new books being released on Tuesday. With new releases about family legends and adventure, being on the set of Star Wars and The Daily Show, the strength and enigma of women, dystopian futures, and our favorite, un-killable man, there’s something for every reader to enjoy while traveling or winding down.
This week’s Monday Briefing is brought to you by Stephanie Sugars.
