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United Arab Emirates

Barcelona's Lionel Messi (L) and Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos.

How Gulf nations are using soccer to distract from their poor human rights records

Conflict

High-profile acquisitions of two European soccer clubs fit into a soft power strategy for the two Gulf states: project them favorably on the international stage; garner empathy among huge global fan bases; and distract attention from poor human rights records

Aviation ordinancemen organize 1000 pound MK-83 JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munition) bombs on their racks on the flight deck of the USS Kitty Hawk aircraft carrier in this archival photo taken in the northern Persian Gulf March 18, 2003.

The US is dropping bombs quicker than it can make them

Conflict
A mountain of grain in a Chinese warehouse. China is importing more of its supply of thirsty and land-intensive crops like corn and soy, often from leased or purchased land that guarantees a supply outside of the regular international market.

Guaranteed lunch? China’s food ‘pipeline’

Environment