Introduces middle school readers to the issues that affect the global society. Combining geography, history, science, social studies, and economics, this title examines the topics and their importance to the United States and to the world. It shows how the policies and actions of a particular group or region affect others.

Despite the heinous atrocities committed during the 20th century by Hitler, Pol Pot, Stalin, and other virulent dictators, human rights policies have also moved forward at a pace previously unknown in earlier times. This title provides a path for understanding these complex events and the issues facing us today as citizens.

Once at the center of one of the world's most ancient civilizations, Syria has seen its share of turmoil. Occupied by many empires throughout its history, Syria became part of the vast Ottoman Empire in 1516. Following the breakup of the Ottoman Empire during World War I, Syria was put under French mandate by the League of Nations. It became independent in 1946, but continued to experience political instability until Hafez Assad gained power in a bloodless military coup on November 13, 1970. Since then, Syria has played a part in the Arab conflict in Israel and continued involvement in...