Rwanda genocide

In the wake of the 1994 the assassination of Juvenal Habyarimana, the Hutu president in Rwanda, triggered the bloodshed of massive proportions. When President Habyarimana's plane was shot down by ground missiles, Hutu extremists seized power in the country and began a slaughter of all Tutsis and moderate Hutus. In just 100 days mass killings perpetrated by millitia took a death toll of more then 800,000 people. Men, women, and children were murdered without regard. Since bullets were expensive, most of the killing was done with machetes or clubs in a brutal manner. A large number of victims were often tortured before being killed. Thousands of Tutsi women were raped and kept as sex slaves for weeks. The international community refused to intervene and stop the violence at first. When they finally decided to react, the aftermath of genocide found in the country was absolutely horrible. Read more on Rwanda genocide here. You can also watch a documentary on the horrible event.

Cuban missile crisis documentary

Cuban Missile Crisis was the most dangerous event of the Cold War, when nuclear war or global peace appeared to hang in balance. Soviet nuclear missile bases on the island were rapidly becoming functional, while the United States naval blockade of Cuba forced the two parties to talk. This documentary shows the views on crisis from both President Kennedy and Chairman Khrushchev.

Suez Canal Crisis

In the 1956, the Suez Canal became the center of an international crisis involving Britain, France, Egypt, and Israel. The canal links the Mediterranean and Red sea, thus creating a key strategic point for the world's oil supply transport. The Suez Canal was opened in 1869, after ten years of construction financed mostly by the French and Egyptian government. Under normal circumstances, free passage was granted to all who used the canal. But Great Britain and France desired to control it for commercial shipping and to strengthen colonial interests in the region. When Egyptian President Nasser nationalized the area, a real international crisis ensued. Unable to reach an agreement with Egypt, Britain and France formed an alliance with Israel as well as a strategy to overthrow President Nasser. Read how the Suez Canal crisis unfolded here.

North Korea issue

North Korea is a communist country in East Asia which occupies the northern half of the Korean Peninsula, with population of 23.9 million inhabitants. The capital and largest city is Pyongyang. The key issue that put North Korea under the spotlight of the international community is their nuclear program activities. Back in 2002, Pyongyang reactivated a nuclear reactor and expelled international inspectors from the country. Such course of action increased tensions among the nuclear superpowers as well as neighboring countries. So far, years of international talks and negotiations regarding the nuclear activities remain unsuccessful. With an army of 9,495,000 active, reserve and paramilitary personnel they possess one of the world's largest armies. Read more about North Korea here. You can also watch a short documentary on life in North Korea on Youtube.

Darfur genocide

In February 2003 two rebel groups, the Sudan Liberation Army and the Justice and Equality Movement demanded an end to economic marginalization and started a revolution against the Sudanese government. Government answered with a decision to arm Arab militia groups in Darfur called Janjaweed. The partnership was characterized by brutal attacks on civilian population rather than on the rebel forces, trying to destroy everything that can sustain life. Livestock, food stores, wells, blankets or clothing had all been looted or destroyed. Innocent civilians died at the hands of factions, countless women and girls were raped and murdered, large numbers of men were tortured or killed as the violence escalated. Read more about Darfur genocide here. A short documentary on South Sudan current situation is also available.