Why did people cross the the Mediterranean?

Over 400, 000 people have crossed the Mediterranean during 2015, undertaking unthinkable journeys from countries like Syria, that have been torn apart by war and persecution. These families are fleeing for their lives, risking the treacherous sea and land crossings.

Used clothing, toiletries and gifts worth no more than $ 100 — for a decade, these were among the few Iranian products allowed into the U. S. , thanks to crippling international sanctions. But when the Iran nuclear deal went into effect in January, Iran was suddenly allowed to resume exports of its famous Persian carpets and pistachios. Iranians also looked forward to reviving the country’s oil industry and gaining access to tens of billions of dollars in previously frozen petroleum revenues, which would provide a much-needed boost to the economy.