Friday, Nov. 13, 2015 was a day just like any other in Paris, until it wasn't. Crowds gathered for events meant for entertainment and fun, and then AK-47s and bombs were let loose across Paris in six locations, including the Bataclan and the Stade de France, where a soccer match was occurring between France and Germany. Attacks happened in four other locations, including some restaurants and inside and right outside of the Capital, killing over 128 people in total. ISIS claimed responsibility for these attacks the day after.

Following these terrorist attacks, the entire world has been on high alert and sending France their support and condolences through social media. Facebook created a French flag-themed filter for your profile pictures to express your support, like they have for so many other causes. Many people have voiced their criticisms of this social media act.

“Social media has made it too easy to change a profile photo or "like" someone else's posting and feel like you have done something,” said one Facebook user. Maybe changing your profile picture doesn't physically do anything, but emotionally, it can have a positive impact. Despite the criticism, some Parisians have spoken out with gratitude for our signs of solidarity. “I thought it was a heartwarming show of solidarity. Just as the French showed the U.S. after 9/11. Our two countries are inextricably linked, and always will be,” said one French citizen.

Now, nearly a week after the attacks in Paris, ISIS has struck again, this time in Mali. According to Daily Mail, Islamist militants stormed the Radisson Blu hotel in Bamako, Mali and took 170 people hostage for seven hours. 27 people were killed, including a Belgian diplomat and an American. Apparently, this particular extremist group, known as Mourabitounes, claimed responsibility and stated that they wanted "fighters to be released from Mali's prisons and for attacks against northern Malians to stop." The leader of this group is a one eyed jihadist, who often goes by the name of "Marlboro Man," because he funds his 'activities' by smuggling cigarettes across the desert.

"We should yet again stand firm and show our solidarity with a friendly country, Mali," said French president Francois Hollande.

Mali, a former colony of France, has been struggling with terrorist groups for several years. In March/April of 2012, Northern Mali was overcome by Al Qaeda-linked jihadist groups. They were later kicked out by a French-led military operation that began in early 2013. Though this was a victory, there are still many parts of Mali that the government has not been able to regain control over.