The changes in the lake have contributed to local lack of water, crop failures, livestock deaths, collapsed fisheries, soil salinity and increasing poverty throughout the region. All of this has turned the region into a hotbed of tribal violence and terrorism.  Read more »

The large-scale bombing of civilian targets became part of warfare during the Second World War. Early in the War both Britain and Germany refused to attack civilian targets. Then, in May 1940, as a result of a communications error, the Luftwaffe bombed Rotterdam, killing about 1,000. The next day British sent 100 bombers to attack […]  Read more »

The old Soviet Empire came to an end in 1989. In February of that year, Soviet troops were pulled out of Afghanistan, signalling the end of Russia’s last attempt to expand its influence; in August, Hungary opened its borders with Austria; and on 9 November, East Berliners were allowed to pass freely through the Berlin […]  Read more »