Recently, Sweden “reintroduced a military draft for both men and women because of what Defense Minister Peter Hultqvist called a deteriorating security environment in Europe and around Sweden” (Time, March 2, 2017). A major reason for this move was the ominous threat to the Baltic nations from Russia and its increasingly aggressive activity across Europe (ibid.). Sweden is just one nation of many that are concerned with deteriorating stability across Europe and the globe.

The Economist reports, “This year’s [French] presidential election, the most exciting in living memory, promises an upheaval” (March 4, 2017).

A recent study published by researchers from Carnegie Mellon University indicates that married people experience lower stress levels (on average) than those not yet married or previously married (Time, February 16, 2017). Basing their conclusions on lower cortisol levels among married couples, researchers hypothesize that the lower cortisol levels may lead not only to lower stress, but also to lower levels of heart problems, cancer, diabetes, and improved immunity (ibid.).

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was warmly welcomed on a recent visit by Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. During the visit Mr. Turnbull expressed a great deal of praise and support for Mr. Netanyahu and Israel. “Mr Turnbull received a round of applause after denouncing a recent UN resolution condemning settlements in the occupied West Bank.

The concept of a two-speed Europe is back in the news again (Wall Street Journal, March 2, 2017). This week Joseph Muscat, the Prime Minister of Malta and current EU president revived the call for a two-speed Europe where nations ready to move forward without the others can do so! At the same time, he called for greater involvement from the Roman Catholic pope in determining the future Europe (EU Observer, February 27, 2017). Mr.