1. Unrest deepens in Syria. The rebellious spirit pervading the Middle East hit Syria’s harsh dictatorship this week. Tens of thousands took to the streets to oust repressive president Bashar al-Assad and were met by brutal crackdowns. Many were killed from police firing into the crowds and violence between pro- and anti-government demonstrators. These demonstrators are demanding an end to the 48-year emergency law, an increase in civil liberties and an end to government corruption.
2. Libyan intervention contested; rebels make key gains. This week, U.S. and European forces struck Libyan air defenses in a unilateral effort to uphold the United Nations’ no-fly zone. Despite internal dispute over the goals and the reach of the operation, NATO has agreed to take the reins as the U.S. phases out its involvement. Early in the week, Gaddafi’s forces appeared to be holding up against the bombardment, but momentum now appears to be behind the rebel forces, which overtook several key strategic cities.
3. Nuclear crisis in Japan worsens. The Fukushima nuclear power plant, damaged by Japan’s tsunami disaster, is leaking radiation into the environment, according to recent tests. In water released to turbines, officials found radioactive substances  about 10 million times the level normally found, leading to the conclusion that the plant is leaking. Elevated amounts of radioactive iodine have also been found in nearby seawater.
4. Violence between Israelis and Palestinians. This week, Hamas bombarded southern Israel with rockets, in response to Israeli missiles killing three Palestinian youths and one elderly man in Gaza. Israel retaliated with killing four militant members of the Islamic Jihad, allegedly intending on shooting more missiles. A bombing at a bus stop in Jerusalem  on Wednesday killed one and wounded 24.
5. Portugal is expected to seek international bailout. Portugal Prime Minister Jose Socrates resigned Wednesday after his socialist government could not pass efforts to shore up their sinking economy. With a looming debt – Portugal needs to borrow $14 million just to refinance it – and a shrinking credit rate, it is predicted they will seek financial aid from the European Union and the International Monetary Fund.

All information gathered from The New York Times