Remembrance Day, formally called Veterans Day and Armistice Day, commemorates all those who have fought, fallen and endured in World War I, which officially ended at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11, 1918. 85 years have passed since the First World War ended and the world is still very much consumed in conflicts. Here is a brief look at the various conflicts around the world.

Iraq

The total number of U.S. soldiers killed in Iraq since May 1, when the war there officially ended, has risen to 240, not to mention the countless Iraqi casualties. On Nov. 7, 2003, President Bush outlined a new direction for U.S. foreign policy, which emphasizes promoting democracy in repressive regimes such as Syria, Jordan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. President Bush is quoted as saying, “The Middle East region will either become a place of progress and peace, or it will remain a source of violence and terror.”

China

It has been a year since the ‘Stainless Steel Mouse’ was put in jail by Chinese authorities. Nov. 7, 2003 marked the one-year anniversary of the arrest. ‘Stainless Steel Mouse’, a nickname that belongs to a 23-year old Chinese university student, has become the hero for free speech in China. Her real name is Liu Di and she writes satiric commentaries on the Internet that criticize China’s Communist government. Her popularity in cyber space did not sit well with government officials and led to her arrest a year ago. The incident drew international attention from Non-governmental organizations such as Human Rights Watch, Amnesty Internal as well as the press.

Sri Lanka

In a swift move­-and without the approval of her counterpart, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe-Sri Lanka’s President Chandrika Kumaratunga suspended parliament, fired three cabinet ministers, declared a state of emergency and ordered media censorship. Sri Lanka’s Stock Exchange plummeted to a record low last week, which caused public instability. Civilians lined up for gas and food. Prime Minister Wickremesinghe was visiting Washington when President Kumaratunga made the bold move. After returning home, Prime Minister Wickremesinghe vowed that everything would be brought under control.

Palestine

74-year old Yasser Arafat is still unable to get his government together. In a power struggle with Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia, both leaders failed to come to an agreement over who should have control over security power. Former Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas faced a similar disagreement with Arafat earlier this year and resigned shortly after. The dispute is an obstacle to the renewed peace talks between Arafat and Ariel Sharon, the Israeli prime minister.

Zimbabwe

Zimbabweans are fleeing their homes in hopes of finding a less gloomy future. Plagued by political chaos, violence, hunger and other societal crises, millions have become desperate. Things have not improved since the re-election of President Robert Mugabe last year, as the last election was tainted by violence and intimidation. However, talks between President Mugabe and his opponents are in progress in an attempt to prevent any further deterioration of the country. Discussions are aimed at the possibility of a dual party government.

Philippines

A former aviation chief and another man took control of one of the busiest airports in Manila on Nov. 8. The two men, armed with explosives and guns, barricaded themselves inside the control tower of the airport. The incident was seen as a protest against the opposition party’s attempt to impeach the Philippines Supreme Court Chief Justice Hilario Davide. With the election scheduled to take place in May, this incident further heightens the tension in the country.

Afghanistan

Afghanistan drafted a new constitution last week, which would make the country a democratic Islamic state. The new constitution is similar to the U.S. constitution. The president must be a Muslim, be born of Afghan parents and is limited to two five-year terms. The draft has yet to be approved but it marks a monumental change in ideology in Afghanistan. However, many citizens are skeptical about the new constitution and many Afghans are struggling to survive. Many are dying of hunger and many cannot find jobs to support families.