Daily Global Issues Brief - May 2, 2016 (headlines)

Good morning, May 2. My top 5 news on global issues for today are from #Syria, #Iraq, US/Europe, #Italy and #Japan.

• SYRIA: There are unofficial whispers of a detailed map drawn up by US and Russia to establish “safe zones” clear from fighting. Would Assad’s government accept such plan – does Russia have the power of persuasion?

• IRAQ: The country is facing existential crises on multiple levels – politically, economically and security-wise. Will Iraq unite or split along sectarian divides?

• ITALY: Interesting experiment to make the 3 million Chinese tourists that visit Italy annually feel safer – have Chinese policemen patrol the streets. How about recruiting police officers from immigrant communities? Create jobs, build relations and trust?