Global Updates

Re-elected Prime Minister of Israel: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was re-elected this month. The right-wing Netanyahu has traditionally opposed a two-state solution to the tensions between Palestinians and Israelis, and in the final days of this campaign, he reiterated that there would be no Palestinian state if he was re-elected. Since the election, he has said that a two-state solution would be impossible with the present conditions.

Slowing down withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan: On March 24, President Obama announced that the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan would be slowed down, due to Afghan requests to keep American military forces in the area. U.S. military will maintain a presence of 9,800 troops in Afghanistan for the remainder of 2015, while still planning to have a complete evacuation in 2017. The troops are to maintain security and assist Afghan forces.

Ted Cruz announces presidential bid: The Texas Senator became the first Republican candidate for the 2016 election last week. He made his announcement at Liberty University in Virginia and included plans to repeal the Affordable Care Act and oppose gay marriage if he were elected.

Sources: New York Times, NPR.org