Religious Diversity Under Threat

Religious diversity is under threat in the Middle East according to a new report by the U.S. State Department. The threat is coming mainly from ISIS. The report recounts the ways ISIS, or the Islamic State, is threatening and attacking Christians and other minority groups. The State Department says these groups are being targeted, sold into slavery or killed. Some want the US. to call these attacks genocide. The U.S. has a special team working on this, acknowledging there is no magic button to fix these issues. Listen to hear about these increased attacks on religious diversity and what it means for the future of the Middle East.

Tweet Share on Facebook

Want to Listen?

TEACHERS: Access our entire library of lessons and current events!

With a free teacher account, you get:

Our lesson collections for Social Studies, ELA, and Science
Authentic audio news stories curated for the classroom
Teaching resources to check for understanding
And new Current Events every school day

Already a Member? Login Now

Story Length: 2:24

Listen to the Story:

Listening Comprehension Questions

What was one of Malala Yousafzai’s first experiences with the dangers of religious extremism?
After miraculously surviving her attack, what has Malala focused her work on?
What is the message that Malala is trying to send to those in power?
What does Malala want to do in the future?
What are the goals of Malala’s mission to support girls?

Discussion Themes

What is your opinion on Malala’s message about the power of education?
Why do you think that ISIS might want to silence people like Malala?

Socrative users can import these questions using the following code: SOC-1234

Related Current Events

October 19, 2015

5:44

Israel 2013 jerusalem temple mount dome of the rock chain 02

Israeli Palestinian Conflict Goes Back Centuries

Israelis and Palestinians have had conflicts for centuries. Recently the violence and death toll on both sides has dramatically increased. The focus of the dispute is on one site in the Holy Land that is sacred to both Jews and Muslims. It’s known as Temple Mount to Jews and the Noble Sanctuary to Muslims. According to an agreement in 1967, Muslim religious authorities administer the site, Israel controls security, and non-Muslims are not allowed to pray there. Jewish activists have recently decided that this is a holy place where Jews should pray, and their mass visits have caused protests. Listen to hear how control over Temple Mount has led to violence and threatens stability in the country.

October 2, 2014

3:50

Understanding ISIS

The United States and its allies are currently bombing terrorist strongholds in Iraq and Syria after the group ISIS, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, stepped up its violence against non-Sunni muslim Iraqis and Western hostages. ISIS now controls territory in both Syria and Iraq. The terrorist group is moving towards the goal of creating a unified Islamic State. This public radio story helps explain who this group is, what their goals are and how they are different from al-Qaida.

July 15, 2014

3:53

Deadly conflivt between israel and the palestinians throws daily life into chaos

Deadly Conflict Between Israel and the Palestinians Throws Daily Life into Chaos

The tension between Israelis and Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip has been going on for years. However despite peace talks, the tension has escalated into bomb attacks following the deaths of teenagers from Israel and the Gaza Strip. Residents from both sides are deeply affected by constant rocket attacks. Listen to this radio story to learn how the conflict has affected daily life.