Deaths of Legends
The opening weeks of 2016 were marked with the consecutive deaths of men who helped shape the art landscape: specifically, David Bowie, Alan Rickman, and Glenn Frey. All of them, with their own unique and defining contributions across the industry, passed away at the relatively young ages of 69, 69, and 67.
Deteriorating Relations in the Middle-East
Two of the prominent regimes in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia and Iran, have axed diplomatic ties in the aftermath of a Saudi execution. Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr, a Shia cleric who was a vocal critic of the authoritarian Saudi government, was put to death for “terrorism related” charges, a move that sparked protests and riots in neighbouring Shia-ruled Iran. This killing only further deepened the divide and heightened the sectarian struggle between the Sunni-majority Saudi Arabia and the Sunni-governed Iran, at a time when unity in the Middle-East is essential in the fight against Isis.
El Chapo
The notorious Mexican drug lord Joaquín Guzmán, better known as “El Chapo”, was captured by Mexican authorities following an intense manhunt. Guzmán, who had escaped a maximum security prison in July, is known as the “godfather” of the Mexican drug trade, having amassed a wealth exceeding 1 billion dollars. The mainstream Canadian audience has become familiar with “El Chapo” following his undercover interview with actor Sean Penn, prior to his arrest.
BY: Mack Blydt-Hansen