U.S. airstrikes in Iraq, film adapted from the theater, defeat of Spanish Armada, Weekend Passport

The United States has launched airstrikes in Northern Iraq. President Obama says the strikes are meant to protect American citizens in Erbil and to aid the tens of thousands of minority refugees who are stranded on Mount Sinjar. The move comes as the Islamist group ISIS continues to capture more territory inside Iraq, including the Christian town of Qaraqosh, where hundreds have been slaughtered. Christians in the area have been given the option of converting to Islam or face death. Beth Murphy of St. Pius V parish, and Rihab Mousa, a counselor at Heartland Alliance who is originally from Qaraqosh, join us to talk about what is happening to Iraq’s Christian community.
And, two films adapted from the theater are set to open in Chicago. “A Master Builder,” the filmed play by Henrik Ibsen, directed by Jonathan Demme, opens at the Gene Siskel Film Center this week. Roman Polanski has also adapted Davis Ives’ play “A Venus in Fur,” which opens at the Music Box Theater next Friday, August 15th. Film contributor Milos Stehlik joins us to tell us whether either director has succeeded in taking the theatre to the big screen.
Then, on August 8, 1588, the Spanish Armada was defeated. Beginning in the 1560s, Spain and England were involved in a power struggle. For many years, Spain had been getting rich by exploiting its colonies. England now wanted to get in on the game. Historian John Schmidt joins us to tell us what happened next.
And, every week global citizen Nari Safavi helps listeners plan their international weekend. This week we’ll tell you about an art exhibit with a focus on Brazilian labor movements, a Mexican-American singer, and a cabaret-style performance.

(photo: President Barack Obama speaks about the situation in Iraq in the State Dining Room at the White House in Washington, Thursday, Aug. 7, 2014. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak))