Power Hour 48 How Countries Solve Problems by Susan LaBella

Jamal and his mom were watching TV. The news came on. The reporter described a problem between two countries. The countries' leaders disagreed about who could have fishing boats in one part of the ocean.

"How will they figure this out, Mom?" Jamal asked. "Are they going to have a war?"

"I hope not," Jamal's mom responded. "There are peaceful ways countries can work out problems. One way is if a third country that both countries trust helps them come to a fair solution."

"That is like what happens at school," said Jamal. "Sometimes when kids argue, a teacher steps in. She tries to help them work it out."

"That is right," Jamal's mom replied. "Another way would be if the countries take their argument to the United Nations. The U.N. The UN was created to help solve these kinds of problems. Countries can present their case. The U.N. hears both sides and decides how to settle the dispute."

"That sounds like a trial!" said Jamal.

"Yes, it is like that," his mom answered. "What is important is that both countries talk instead of fight. While it does not always work, talking is a much better way to solve problems!"