Militia Occupies U.S. Federal Wildlife Refuge

  An armed group is occupying a federal building on a wildlife refuge in the western United States. The anti-government militia broke into the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service building in Oregon on Saturday. The group’s leaders said they are ready to stay for years. The Federal Bureau of Investigation said it is working to bring the occupation of the wildlife center “to a peaceful resolution.” The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said its staffers are all safe. But it said on its website that the center is closed until further notice. The group says it acted to protest prison sentences given to two cattle farmers. A court found Dwight and Steven Hammond guilty of setting fire on federal land in Oregon. The ranchers had used the land used for grazing by their cattle. The group posted a sign at the occupied center that accused the government of abusing its power. “We will be here as long as it takes,” said Ammon Bundy, a leader of the occupying group. He said the group has no plan to use force against anyone. But he said, “If force is used against us, we would defend ourselves.” Harney County Sheriff David Ward said the group’s claim of working to support local ranchers is false. He said it wants to overthrow the local and federal government to start a movement across the U.S. Bundy and his family led a 2014 armed standoff over grazing rights on federal lands in Nevada. The government ended the standoff by permitting Bundy and his family to continue to use the federal land for grazing. Bundy at first won Republican Party support for his 2014 battle. He described it as a case of people fighting over-regulation by the federal government. But Republicans later criticized Bundy after he said in an interview that African-Americans were better when they were slaves. The case that touched off the current protest centers on Dwight Hammond, who is 73 years old, and his son Steven Hammond, 46. The Hammonds were given short sentences after their arrests for setting fire to federal land. The Hammonds said that they set the fire on their own property to kill off “invasive” species and that the fire spread to the federal land. But an Oregon jury convicted them of arson in 2012. In October, a federal appeals court ruled the judge made an error in his sentencing. The appeals court said the Hammonds should have served five years each. The judge had given a one-year prison sentence to Dwight Hammond and a three-month sentence to Steven Hammond. A statement from the Hammonds said the two men are ready to turn themselves in and serve out their longer prison terms. The family said “no patriot group or individual has the right or authority to force an armed standoff…against their wishes.” The U.S. government’s ownership of land is a big issue, mostly in western states. Ranchers have used the land for grazing since the mass migration west following the War of 1812. But the U.S. Department of Land Management said some grazing hurts habitat and must be regulated. I’m Caty Weaver. Chris Hannas reported on this story for VOANews.com. Bruce Alpert adapted this story for Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   militiamen – n. a group of people who are not part of the armed forces of a country but are trained or act like soldiers rancher – n. a person who lives or works on a ranch occupation – n. a situation in which the military of a foreign government goes into an area or country and takes control of it grazing – v. to eat grass or other plants that are growing in a field, pasture, etc. recreation – n. something people do to relax or have fun : activities done for enjoyment livestock – n. farm animals (such as cows, horses, and pigs) that are kept, raised, and used by people environment – n. the conditions that surround someone or something intention – n. the thing that you plan to do alternative – adj. offering or expressing a choice motive – n. a reason for doing something standoff – n. an argument, contest, etc., in which there is no winner regulation – n. an official rule or law sentence – n. time in prison authority – n. the power to make decisions We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or share your views on our Facebook Page.  

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Oregon Protesters Mocked on Social Media

  This is What's Trending Today: Over the weekend, protesters with guns took control of a U.S. wildlife refuge in the state of Oregon. They are protesting the sentencing of two ranchers in the state found guilty of arson.  The armed protesters say they are anti-government.  They say the ranchers’ punishment is too harsh, and that the government is not respecting land rights. One of the protest leaders is Ammon Bundy. He wrote on Facebook that the goal of the protest is to “restore the rights to the people here so that they can use the land and resources. All of them.” In a press conference on Monday, the group named themselves “Citizens for Constitutional Freedom.” Ammon Bundy told the media, “Our purpose, as we have shown, is to restore and defend the Constitution.” Government officials have not said how they planned to respond to the occupation of the wildlife refuge. As the standoff continues, social media is mocking the protesters. One viral hashtag is #YallQaeda, with Twitter users comparing the cowboy-hat wearing gunmen to Islamic terror organizations. The hashtag combines the al Qaeda terrorist group name and the American English contraction y’all. Y’all is often used by rural Americans. Twitter user PatOndabak wrote, “whoever coined the hashtag #YallQaeda is brilliant. Redneck terrorism has descended on Oregon.” Twitter user Annie Post wrote, “If your master plan is to overthrow the world's most powerful government and you attack a remote bird sanctuary you might be #YallQaeda.” Other hashtags like #VanillaISIS and #YeeHawd mocked the protesters in a similar way. The hashtag #whiteprivilege also trended in connection to the protests in Oregon. “White privilege” is a term for social privileges that benefit people who are identified as white. The Oregon protesters are all white. Some Twitter users questioned why the response by the government to a large group of heavily armed people was not stronger.  Others questioned why the “Citizens for Constitutional Freedom” is considered protest group, not a terrorist group. Twitter user Nia Girma wrote: “Protesters carry signs. Terrorists carry guns.” And that’s What’s Trending Today. I'm Ashley Thompson.  ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   rancher - n. a person who lives and works on a large farm, known as a ranch arson - n. the illegal burning of a building or other property : the crime of setting fire to something redneck - adj. (informal) a white person who lives in a small town, especially in the southern U.S., who typically has a working-class job, and who is seen by others as being uneducated and having opinions and attitudes that are offensive mock - v.  to criticize and laugh at (someone or something) for being bad, worthless, or unimportant

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January 4, 2016

A look at the best news photos from around the world.

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Saudi Arabia Ends Diplomatic Ties With Iran

Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Sudan have cut off diplomatic relations with Iran. On Saturday, Saudi Arabia executed a well-known Shi’ite Muslim leader. The cleric had publicly criticized the leaders of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. In response, angry demonstrators in Tehran attacked the Saudi embassy Saturday. The demonstrators set fire in the building, destroyed furniture and threw papers off the roof. At least 40 protesters were arrested. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani called the attack “totally unjustifiable,” but he criticized Saudi Arabia for executing the cleric, Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr. Saudi Arabia executed 46 other prisoners on the same day as Nimr. It was the largest number of executions in one day in Saudi Arabia in 30 years. Many countries protested the executions. Some critics threatened the Saudi royal family. Large protests have taken place since Saturday in many countries, including Bahrain, where police used tear gas on the protestors. Demonstrations also took place in India and at the Saudi embassy in London. Late Sunday, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir ordered all Iranian diplomats to leave Saudi Arabia. He said “the continued attacks on diplomatic missions (are) a flagrant violation of all international treaties.” He said Saudi Arabia -- a Sunni-majority country -- would not let Shi’ite-led Iran weaken the security of Saudi Arabia or the Middle East. Sunnis and Shi’ites are Muslim groups. “We want to make it very clear that there is no space in the community of nations for a country that condones terrorism, that supports terrorism and that engages in terrorism,” he said. Late Sunday, the Iranian state news agency reported comments from Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister. It said he criticized Saudi Arabia’s decision to end diplomatic relations with his country. He said Saudi leaders were trying to move attention away from executing Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr. On Monday, an Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman said Iran was helping its diplomats leave Saudi Arabia. But he said none had left the country yet. He criticized Saudi Arabia for ending diplomatic relations with his country. He said Saudi Arabia is causing tension in the Middle East. On Monday, Bahrain also ended diplomatic relations with Iran. Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are close allies. The state news service BNA reported Bahrain’s government had ordered Iranian diplomats to leave the country within 48 hours.  Sudan also ended diplomatic relations with Iran on Monday. And the United Arab Emirates said it was ordering some Iranian diplomats to leave the country. Sudan called the attack on the Saudi embassy in Tehran “barbaric.” The UAE criticized what it called Iran’s “continuous interference in the internal affairs of Gulf and Arab states, which has reached unprecedented levels.” Sunday, Iranian state television reported that Iran's Supreme Leader -- Ayatollah Ali Khamenei -- said Nimr did not urge “people into armed action,” and did not plot against the Saudi government. He said “the only thing he did was utter public criticism rising from his religious zeal.” In a statement on Sunday, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said Nimr’s execution would lead to the “downfall” of Saudi Arabia's monarchy. It called the execution a “medieval act of savagery.” Iraq’s Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani called the execution an "injustice" and an act of "aggression.” Nimr was found guilty of plotting against the state, and other charges, in 2014. He was one of the leaders of Shi’ite protests in eastern Saudi Arabia in 2011. Human rights groups have for many years criticized Islamic courts in Saudi Arabia for sentencing people to death even for non-violent crimes. The groups say trials in Saudi Arabia are secretive and unfair. ​U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he was “deeply dismayed” by the execution of Nimr and called for “calm and restraint in reaction” to the killings.   In a statement, the U.S. State Department said the Obama administration “will continue to urge leaders across the region to take affirmative steps to calm tensions.” It also said the administration believes “diplomatic engagement and direct conversations remain essential” to ending the unrest. The State Department said the execution of Nimr would add to the tensions between religious groups in the Middle East. Iran and Saudi Arabia have been competing for leadership of Muslims since the 1979 revolution in Iran. Conservative Shi-ite Muslim religious leaders took power during that revolution. I’m Mario Ritter. VOANews.com and VOA News Writer Chris Hannas reported this story from Washington. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted it into VOA Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section, or visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story unjustifiable – adj. not able to be defended, excused or accepted; not justifiable royal – adj. of or relating to a king or queen tear gas – n. a gas that makes people unable to see by causing their eyes to be filled with tears and that is used especially by the police or military to separate large groups of people mission – n. a place or building where diplomatic work is done; smaller than an embassy flagrant – adj. very bad; too bad to be ignored condone – v. to forgive or approve (something that is considered wrong); to allow (something that is considered wrong) to continue barbaric – adj. very cruel unprecedented – adj. not done or experienced before befall – v. to happen to utter – v. to say something zeal – n. a strong feeling of interest and enthusiasm that makes someone very eager or determined to do something downfall – n. a sudden loss of power, happiness, success, etc monarchy – n. a form of government in which a country is ruled by a monarch medieval – adj. informal or figurative very old; too old to be useful or acceptable; of or relating to the Middle Ages; of or relating to the period of European history from about A.D. 500 to about 1500 savagery – n. a cruel or violent act or action dismayed – n. a strong feeling of being worried, disappointed or upset region – n. a part of a country, of the world, etc., that is different or separate from other parts in some way affirmative – adj. saying or showing that the answer is “yes” rather than “no” engagement – n. the act or state of being involved with something; involvement essential – adj. extremely important and necessary

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Sweden, Denmark Block Borders to Stop Migrants

Sweden imposed border controls Monday to manage refugees and migrants seeking new lives there. Travelers passing from Denmark into Sweden must show photo identification. The move by Sweden is an attempt to stop the flow of undocumented migrants into the country.  The border checks between the two countries mean travelers will have to show their passports for the first time in more than 50 years. Thousands of daily commuters will be affected by the new order. The Local, Stockholm’s English newspaper, reported “short” delays, and lines were “moving swiftly” on the first day of enforcement.   Travelers were warned to expect long lines on the Danish side of the Oresund Bridge. That bridge is a major entry point for migrants wishing to enter Sweden. The Swedish border controls will continue for three years, according to the New York Times. Following the Swedish border checks, Denmark started its own security checks at the German border, according to the New York Times.  The Danish border checks will last for 10 days, the Times reported, and an extension is possible. Some 160,000 migrants came to Sweden in 2015. Europe and the Mideast are facing the largest refugee crisis since World War II. More than 1 million migrants from Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq sought asylum in Europe in 2015, according to the United Nations. I'm Dan Friedell. The staff at VOA News wrote this story for VOAnews.com. Jim Dresbach adapted it for Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. Should migrants and refugees be checked at the Swedish and Danish border? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or visit our Facebook page. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   undocumented migrants – n. a foreign citizens present on the territory of a state, in violation of the regulations on entry and residence and having crossed the border in an illegal manner swiftly – adv. moving or able to move very fast commuters – n. someone who travels regularly to and from a place and especially between where they live and where they work

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Migrating Birds Can't Find Their Way Home

Scientists say a huge percentage of bird species are in danger because their habitats, or homelands, are disappearing. Traditional migration paths take birds through countries that are not protecting locations to stop, rest and feed. The scientists studied the migration, or flight, paths, of almost 1,500 species. They decided that 91 percent of them passed through dangerous areas. The major danger for migratory birds is development. Building and paving has covered over nature where birds stop and feed as they move from one part of the world to another. For example, a bird called the bar-tailed godwit migrates from its breeding grounds in the Arctic. It flies all the way to the southern hemisphere in Australia and New Zealand. Along the way, the small birds stop at Yellow Sea mudflats in China, North Korea and South Korea. One of the scientists who worked on the study says “many of these critical sites have been lost to land reclamation owing to urban, industrial and agricultural expansion.” The problem, according to investigators, is that many of these small birds die along their migration because they don’t have a safe place to eat and rest. There is no place to restore their energy for the next leg of their journey. “They simply perish along the way,” says one of the scientists. Countries in North Africa, Central Asia and those along the coasts of East Asia are having the most difficult time conserving land. The scientists say these countries do not have enough areas that are safe for birds. In addition, many of the sanctuaries do not overlap enough with the paths of migrating birds. One species that is now extinct is the Eskimo curlew. “Our world gets poorer every time we lose a species,” one of the scientists says. The researchers say countries need to work together and come up with safe stopover areas for birds that pass through their boundaries. For example, one country might have preserved safe zones for migrating birds. But a neighbor country might not. A bird might perish. One scientist who is not involved in the report tells the Los Angeles Times that while some habitats are changing, more work can be done to make urban areas safe for birds. He says small changes – like planting more native plants or keeping cats out of areas birds would be likely to use – could make a big difference. The journal Science published an article in early December by researchers from the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions in Australia. I’m ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Dan Friedell.   Dan Friedell wrote this story for Learning English based on reporting from Reuters and The Los Angeles Times. Kathleen Struck was the editor. Do you think migrating birds would be safe in your country? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section or on our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   breeding ground – n. a place where animals go to breed conservation – n. the protection of animals, plants, and natural resources extinct – adj. no longer existing habitat – v. the place or type of place where a plant or animal naturally or normally lives or grows perish – v. to disappear or be destroyed : to cease to exist sanctuary – n. a place where someone or something is protected or given shelter species – n. a group of animals or plants that are similar and can produce young animals or plants : a group of related animals or plants that is smaller than a genus

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China's State Companies Must Employ Soldiers

State-owned companies must employ soldiers who will seek work when the Chinese military is reduced. In September, President Xi Jinping announced the military would drop in size from 2.3 million troops to 2 million. The official People’s Liberation Army Daily newspaper noted a central government agency said “resettling and receiving ex-servicemen is connected to the overall picture of military construction and social harmony and stability.” The order would hurt state-owned companies. Some have reduced their workforce to be more competitive as the Chinese economy slows. Almost all of the country’s oil, coal, electricity, steel and cement companies are state-owned. They have suffered heavy losses over the past two years. Geoffrey Crothall is the communications director of the China Labor Bulletin in Hong Kong. He said he believes some state-owned companies will refuse to employ the returning soldiers. He says many of them do not have enough money to hire any new workers. Experts believe the government expects some of the state-owned companies will refuse to hire the soldiers. State media report that the government has already made plans to deal with the resistance. The PLA Daily newspaper said state-owned companies should not take actions that may hurt the former soldiers. They should not limit how many of them they employ. Some of the leaders of the state-owned companies have been watched closely in recent years as China investigates and punishes corruption. This means that the leaders of the companies are not likely to refuse jobs to former soldiers. But Crothall said many state-owned companies are hiring temporary contractors rather than employees. He said many companies stopped being profitable months or years ago. They have had to ask for money from local governments so they can continue to operate. If the companies are forced to employ former soldiers, they would likely need even more financial help from the government. That would mean the government is still paying the wages of the former soldiers, even though they are no longer in the military.   Correspondent Saibal Dasgupta reported this story from Beijing. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted it into VOA Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section, or visit our Facebook page. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   harmony – n. living together in a peaceful and friendly way. workforce – n. the group of people who work for a particular organization or business competitive – adj. as good as or better than others of the same kind; able to compete successfully with others resistance – n. effort made to stop or to fight someone or something

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Is Zika Virus in Brazil Causing Brain Damage in Babies?

From VOA Learning English, this is the Health & Lifestyle report. Health officials in Brazil have declared a state of emergency in several states. They are also warning women to not get pregnant. These extreme actions are the result of a recent rise in birth defects. About 2,400 babies in Brazil were born recently with extremely small heads. The babies have a condition called microcephaly. Microcephaly causes severe brain damage. To date, 29 of these babies have died. The number of microcephaly cases in Brazil is about 10 times higher than what the country usually sees in a year. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) explains on its website that there many causes of microcephaly. And the World Health Organization (WHO) said in a statement that the cause of the microcephaly outbreak in Brazil had yet to be determined. However, the CDC says the link between a virus infection and microcephaly is being investigated. The virus is called Zika. Zika is spread by mosquitos. Some babies in Brazil with microcephaly have tested positive for the Zika virus while others have tested negative. The CDC says that Brazil reported its first case of Zika virus in May 2015. Since then, the virus has spread and has caused infections in many Brazilian states and other countries in Latin America. According to other news agencies, health officials have reported many cases of microcephaly in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. Reuters news agency reports that the Zika virus has been confirmed this year in Panama, Venezuela, El Salvador, Mexico, Suriname, Colombia, Guatemala and Paraguay. Zika is also found in Africa and Southeast Asia. The CDC has a webpage with information on Zika. It says that because the “mosquitoes that spread Zika virus are found throughout the world, it is likely that outbreaks will spread to new countries.” Symptoms of Zika The CDC says the common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, headache, joint pain and red eyes. Zika causes mostly mild symptoms in adults. However, in newborns the disease can cause severe brain damage. There is no vaccine or medicine to prevent or treat Zika. Travelers and especially pregnant women are advised to protect themselves by avoiding mosquito bites. Health officials around the world are watching the situation closely. I’m Anna Matteo.   VOA News reporters wrote this story. Anna Matteo adapted it for Learning English with additional reporting from other news outlets. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   microcephaly – n. medical : a condition of abnormal smallness of the head usually associated with mental defects birth defect – n. medical : a physical or biochemical defect that is present at birth and may be inherited or environmentally induced

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Zimbabwe Switches to Yuan as Reserve Currency

Zimbabwe announced last week that it would shift to the Chinese yuan as its reserve currency. A reserve currency is a foreign currency held in large quantities by governments and financial institutions to pay international debts. “Reserve currency is held in order to support the value of national currencies,” writes Justin Kuepper, international investing expert, on the website International Invest. Patrick Chinamasa is Zimbabwe’s Minister of Finance and Economic Development. He said China agreed to cancel about $40 million of Zimbabwe’s debts this year.  He also said the move was a sign of the friendship between China and Zimbabwe, a poor country in southern Africa. It is also a sign of the growing economic ties between China and Zimbabwe. China is Zimbabwe’s largest foreign investor, with interests ranging from construction and energy to telecommunications. China has also become the largest exporter of Zimbabwean products – mainly tobacco and minerals, such as gold and diamonds. Local economists said Zimbabwe is flooded with foreign currencies since the inflated Zimbabwean dollar collapsed in 2009. In 2014, the nation’s central bank permitted traders to use the U.S. dollar, the South African rand, Botswana’s pula, the British pound, the euro, the Australian dollar, the Indian rupee, the Japanese yen and the Chinese yuan. Business consultant Phillip Chiconi says this announcement is unlikely to change things for the businessmen with whom he works. “I don’t think it will make much difference to anyone, as we’re already using foreign currencies,” he said. Zimbabwe has allowed the yuan as a legal currency for two years. But Chiconi said he has not seen it used. Instead, most traders prefer the stability of the U.S. dollar, which is being used as the country’s major currency. Zimbabwe suffered economic collapse after years of government mismanagement. That caused the Zimbabwean dollar to inflate above 230 million percent. Although the central bank printed a 100-trillion-dollar bill, it didn’t buy much. A loaf of bread cost $300 billion. The currency was done away with in 2009. The market has stabilized by the U.S. dollar. But Zimbabwe’s cost of living is still about 60 percent higher than that of neighboring South Africa. BancABC chief economist James Wade says the yuan increases Zimbabwe’s options. “It’s not like we’re forcing people to use the Chinese yuan,” he said. “… we are expanding options that they can use.” And, he notes, the context matters. China’s president made a state visit to Zimbabwe this month, and signed many economic agreements. This included a billion-dollar loan for a thermal power plant. If this action brings in more Chinese investment and more development, Zimbabweans will profit, no matter what currency they use.     I’m Mary Gotschall.   Anita Powell and Sebastian Mhofu reported on this story for VOANews.com. Mary Gotschall adapted this story for Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. What do you think of China's yuan gaining strength in Africa? Let us know what you think in the Comments section below, or on our Facebook page. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story construction – n. the act or process of building something (such as a house or road) telecommunications – n. the technology of sending and receiving signals, images, etc., over long distances by telephone, television, satellite, etc. inflate – v. to increase prices, costs, etc., in a way that is not normal or expected collapse – v. to fail or stop working suddenly : to break down completely stability – n.  the quality or state of something that is not easily changed or likely to change loaf – n. an amount of bread that has been baked in a long, round, or square shape option – n.  the opportunity or ability to choose something or to choose between two or more things context – n.  the situation in which something happens : the group of conditions that exist where and when something happens thermal – adj. of, relating to, or caused by heat

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Wishes and Resolutions for the New Year

What do you wish for 2016? At the beginning of the new year, it is common to say what we will do better in the coming year, or what we hope will happen to improve our lives. We asked callers on Skype about their wishes for 2016. We learned that they want to live in peace and improve their English. They all said it was important to set a goal and do all they could to achieve it. Abdul Kareem in Saudi Arabia says, “The world is going on in a bad situation these days. Like war ... I pray for the world to live in in peace, to become united again. Also, I’m praying [for] my situation to become good.” Studying online for a better job Kareem says he plans to work on an online master’s degree in technology and improve his English in 2016. He says, “Right now I’m doing a distance learning master’s degree in IT and trying to finish it by November 2016, I’m hoping that later on I find a better job.” Nadeem Rohani in Afghanistan says "I wish to have peace in our country, to be happy – all the people in our country. I wish just this.” Rohani is studying and hopes to improve his vocabulary in the coming year. He studies computer science using English textbooks. “I want to read English for university, and I want to be [as good as] a native speaker.” Keep trying to meet a goal Ibrahim Haid is from Afghanistan. He is studying for a master’s degree in political science in India. “I would like to visit the U.S.A. Sometime, I want to improve my English like an American accent and like my native language. … I want to take TOE FL exam, and one day I want to come and visit the U.S.” He says he lives by this motto: “Try, try, try, and one day you will fly. So I’m always trying.” Tamim Bakhshi is a secondary school student in Sweden. After he finishes school he plans to go to college. He would like to be a football player, too. “I wish to reach my goal next year. … I’m the kind of person who has a great, or high goal. I never give up about something. I will try, try to reach it.” What is your goal for 2016? Write to us in the Comments section and on our Facebook page. Dr. Jill Robbins wrote this story for Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   achieve – v. to get or reach (something) by working hard distance learning – n. a method of study where teachers and students do not meet in a classroom but use the Internet, e-mail, mail, etc., to have classes accent – n.  a way of pronouncing words that occurs among the people in a particular region or country secondary school - n. (U.S.) high school; (Brit) a school for children between the ages of 11 and 16 or 18

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Victories Noted in Fight Against Islamic State Group

Iraqi and Kurdish forces supported by United States’ airstrikes have regained territories controlled by Islamic State militants in the past month. The U.S. military believes the loss of leadership is one of the reasons the group has lost many recent battles. Coalition airstrikes have killed 10 of the IS group leaders. Some of them planned the attacks in Paris that took place in November. Others were planning attacks on other Western targets. This week, the U.S. military confirmed that an alliance of Kurdish, Christian, Arab and other local forces recaptured the Tishrin hydroelectric dam from the militants. The dam, on the Euphrates River near Aleppo, is part of an important communications route for the IS group. The dam also provides much of the power for northern Syria. Earlier, the alliance also recaptured more than twenty cities, south of the Syrian city of Kobani, from IS militants. IS lost control of Ramadi The Islamic State group has also suffered defeat in the important Iraqi city of Ramadi. The mostly Sunni city was the center of the IS group’s control of much of western Anbar province. Iraqi military officials said Iraqi forces with some help from Sunni tribal fighters recaptured most of the city this week from the Islamic State militants. A U.S. military spokesman said there had been more than 600 airstrikes around Ramadi during the past six months to provide support. American officials, however, are not prepared to claim victory in Ramadi. One official said it is “too early to call it a total defeat” of the terrorists. The official said it is “more appropriate to call it a strategic step in the right direction.” In 2006 and 2007, Sunni tribal forces were a major reason for the success of attacks by U.S. forces on al-Qaida fighters in the area. Iraqi and U.S. officials said the Sunni fighters now controlling Ramadi had a minor role in its recapture. Experts believe local forces must be able to defend the area if the Islamic State group is to be defeated. Michael Pregent is a former U.S. military intelligence officer and advisor. He said it will not be clear who has won in Ramadi for at least another six months to a year. He said “it is not just the destruction of the city that is a victory -- you have to resettle the population and bring economic stimulus, provide security.” He added that the city has been destroyed. “There is no intact building left, there is little infrastructure that is inhabitable. You can’t go there tomorrow and open a store…” It is not known what happened to the hundreds or even thousands of civilians who were trapped in the city. Iraqi plan after Ramadi Iraqi government leaders said their forces will soon attack the Islamic State group in Mosul, Iraq’s second-largest city. Sunnis are a majority of the population there. The militants have controlled Mosul since June, 2014. At that time, IS quickly advanced on and took control of large areas of northern and western Iraq and eastern Syria. Kurdish forces have defeated Islamic State terrorists to the north and east of Mosul. But they do not want to advance beyond territory they have traditionally lived in. Iraqi Finance Minister Hoshiyar Zebari said the country needs the Kurds to help retake Mosul. He told the Reuters news agency that they are a “major force” and will be necessary in that battle. Long-term prospect for Iraq Top Iraqi politicians and experts said if the country’s Sunni Muslim population is not empowered, the Islamic State group will not be defeated. Many Sunnis do not believe Iraq’s majority Shi’ite-led government respects them. Shi’ites have led Iraq since 2005. Many Sunnis have become Islamic State militants. Ayad Allawi is a former vice president of Iraq. He said that victory will not last very long because “there has been no progress on reconciliation. The conditions fostering terrorism will remain if the government does not embark on reform and reconciliatory efforts to engage marginalized Iraqis into an all-inclusive political process based on the rule of law, justice and civil state building.” Allawi told VOA that “without a political strategy, there is only a military victory.” And that’s In the News, from VOA Learning English. I’m Mario Ritter. This report was based on information from VOANews.com. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted it for Learning English. Hai Do was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. _______________________________________________________________ Words in The News   appropriate –adj. right or suited to come purpose strategic –adj. of or related to a general plan related to a goal stimulus –n.  an action or plan that causes growth or development intact –adj. not broken, having every part, whole infrastructure –n. the basic structures and equipment needed for a country, area or organization to operate inhabitable –adj. able to be lived in foster –v. to help something or someone grow and develop embark on –v. to begin a journey reconciliatory –adj. related to causing two people or groups to become friendly after a disagreement engage –v. to get and keep someone or a group’s attention, to be involved in marginalized –adj. to put in a powerless or unimportant position all-inclusive –adj. to include everything or everyone  

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