These articles have been analyzed by experienced, national-circuit Extempers to allow our Extemp audience a glimpse into how we might answer questions about these topics. Each analysis includes an Extemp question over the article’s topic and a mock Extemp flow answering the question with three points. You can find our full list of Extemp questions, released weekly, here.
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Tracking the Environmental Consequences of the War in Iran
The U.S. and Israel’s actions in Iran in the past two weeks have released five million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. The war is actively draining the global carbon budget faster than 84 countries combined.
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Cuba’s Energy Crisis Continues
The Cuban government has attributed the collapse to the US-imposed oil blockade, which has effectively halted energy imports to the country. As of now, Cuba can only domestically produce 40% of the country’s pre-blockade energy demand.
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What an Iranian Future Looks Like After Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei himself reportedly selected three candidates who could take his place during last June’s 12-day war. Yet, their names have not been made public.
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The Death of “America First” Through Trump’s Waging War on Iran
Though it has been speculated that if a recession ensues, the Trump Administration could utilize resources from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, the current inventory of the reserve is only roughly 415 million barrels of oil, which would likely be outstripped by these…
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India Steps Into Global AI Policy
Last week, the India AI Impact Summit 2026 took place in New Delhi, bringing together world leaders, tech CEOs, and researchers to discuss the future of artificial intelligence. It was one of the largest global gatherings on AI ever organized.
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The Next Kim: North Korea’s Leader Eyes Potential Successor
North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un appears to be eyeing his 13-year-old daughter, Kim Ju Ae, for the lofty position. It would be a surprisingly progressive move for an extremely socially conservative nation.
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Social Media Powerhouses Face Juries in Landmark Trial: “It’s Not Addiction”
On February 18, Meta founder and chief executive Mark Zuckerberg began testifying in the now-infamous landmark social media trial rooted in protecting American youth against dangerously addictive algorithms that may be specifically targeting adolescents.
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Has AIPAC Influence Gone Too Far?
AIPAC has fallen under intense scrutiny by the Democrats due to accusations of covert campaigning, who report that they’ve seen a rapid increase in ads focusing on critical political issues like immigration and healthcare.
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Kenyan Aviation Worker Strikes Finally Over
Earlier this week, the Kenya Aviation Workers Union and the government of Kenya were able to come to an agreement to raise wages and ensure better regulation for workers in the industry after a disruptive 2-day strike.
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Munich Conference Updates
At this year’s 62nd Munich Conference, an international meeting held annually in February, heightened tensions between America and foreign powers were palpable. Topics discussed ranged from China’s Indo-Pacific policy to America’s security guarantees for Ukraine.
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US-Iran Nuclear Talks Progress
President Trump has suggested that his top priority is for Iran to scale back its nuclear program and that it would be “traumatic for Iran” if they refused to comply.
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Bangladesh Nationalist Party Dominates General Election
International observers praised improvements in transparency compared with previous contests. However, economists say the incoming government will face immediate challenges, including foreign exchange pressures and job creation for a young populace.
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The American Responsibility to Cut the UAE’s Involvement in Sudan
The civil war in Sudan is often framed as an internal power struggle. In reality, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has played a large role in aiding the RSF militarily and financially.
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Trump Administration Repeals 2009 Endangerment Finding
The 2009 endangerment finding, which determined that six key greenhouse gases (GHGs) harm human health, was passed during the Obama administration and was the legal and scientific basis that allowed the government to regulate GHGs.
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Bondi Hearing Goes Off The Rails Over Epstein Files
The hearing was one of the most combative in recent memory, with Attorney General Pam Bondi arguing with both Democrat and Republican members of Congress in what could only be described as extraordinary political television.
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Here’s What Democrats Are Demanding in Exchange for DHS Funding
Recent criticism of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has created a Congressional crisis over the department’s funding. Since their budget expires February 10th, the Trump administration is confronting a number of Democratic demands for reform.
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Trump Signs EO Limiting Large Investors from Buying Single-Family Homes
Donald Trump’s new executive order “Stopping Wall Street From Competing With Main Street Homebuyers” aimed to prevent large companies from buying single-family homes. Yet, some doubt its actual effectiveness…
