Turkey downs Russian military jet
On Nov. 24, 2015, a Turkish Air Force F-16 fighter jet shot down a Russian Sukhoi Su-24M. According to Vecdi Gonul, Turkey’s Minister of National Defence, the Russian aircraft was given 10 warnings over the span of five minutes, before the plane flew into Turkish airspace for 17 seconds—travelling approximately 2 kilometres into Turkey.
The Russian jet was flying to Khmeimim Air Base—a Russian base located near Latakia, Syria.
“This goes beyond the normal struggle against terrorism,” said Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to a Nov. 24, 2015 BBC News article. “Our pilots and our plane did not in any way threaten Turkey. It is quite clear.”
The Turkish and Russian governments remained in contact throughout the day, and statements were released reassuring the public that neither country would declare war.
As of Nov. 27, 2015, tensions appear to be low. On Nov. 27, Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu published a conciliatory essay in the Times of London, stating that “Turkey will work with Russia and our allies to calm tensions.”
Pope Francis visited Central African Republic
On Nov. 25, 2015, Pope Francis began an historic trip through the African continent, culminating in the Central African Republic on Nov. 30, 2015.
The Holy See began his journey in Kenya, where he met with local political and spiritual leaders. Visiting the Kangemi slums in Nairobi, the pontiff delivered a speech criticizing the local elite for the negligence in providing care and support for the poor.
“Our world has a grave social debt toward the poor who lack access to drinking water, because they are denied a life consistent with their inalienable dignity,” said Pope Francis on Nov. 27, 2015.
His Holiness continued to Uganda, and then the Central African Republic, where he delivered a speech at the Bangui Cathedral in the Central African Republic’s capital city.
In a local mosque in Bangui, the Pope addressed the crowd with the aim to unify Christians and Muslims, reminding attendees that “Christians and Muslims are brothers and sisters.”
—Compiled by Sameer Chhabra