Hampton Roads World Affairs Council What in the World? Weekly Quiz – Dec 27, 2021-Jan 2, 2022

Russian President Putin ratcheted up tensions over an invasion of Ukraine by saying he was ready to take “military” measures, a possible use of force. Russians and Americans will meet in January to discuss the crisis but Putin is demanding THIS guarantee which President Biden says is not negotiable.  (#WACquiz)

The James Webb Space Telescope observatory lifted off on Christmas morning on a voyage of cosmological discovery in deep space to unveil mysteries of space and the origins of the universe. Webb was launched from THIS spaceport location. (#WACquiz)

The November 29^th travel restrictions imposed against eight countries from THIS region as a result of the Covid Omicron variant emergence are to be lifted by New Year’s Day according to the White House. (#WACquiz)

A German warship, on the first deployment to the Indo-Pacific in 20 years, is set to patrol waters in THIS region claimed mostly by China, marking European concerns about Beijing’s military buildup and territorial expansion. The German Navy chief, aboard the frigate Bayern in Singapore, said the Chinese military growth was “explosive” and cause for concern. (#WACquiz)

Another American firm is facing pushback from China after citing Xinjiang Province, home to Muslim Uyghur people, as a source for products or labor to be avoided. Washington has accused China of genocide against the Uyghurs. THIS tech giant issued a statement saying, "We apologize for the trouble caused to our respected Chinese customers, partners and the public.” (#WACquiz)

Moon Jae-in, President of THIS nation pardoned his predecessor, Park Guen-hye, who was in prison for corruption, despite his promise not to pardon such cases. Moon, up for reelection in March, may have heard conservatives’ calls for Park’s release (#WACquiz)

In a political about face THIS right-wing President of Brazil jumped to the Liberal party, his ninth party in his political career. He is polling 20 points behind former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and needs new support for his 2022 reelection prospects. (#WACquiz)

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met with THIS Prime Minister of Israel to discuss the Iran nuclear deal and negotiations that were to resume December 27^th. The PM said the negotiations had “profound ramifications” for Israeli security (#WACquiz)