Close observers commonly interpreted this ------- in the Rewandese context to mean that largest scale ethnic violence against civilians was likely if the civil war renewed as seemed likely in early 1994. a) information b) early response c) communication d) early warning

The sentence describes a situation in Rwanda in early 1994 where observers foresaw large-scale ethnic violence if the civil war renewed. This foresight was based on interpreting something that indicated future danger.

• a) information: While observers interpreted information, this term is too general. The specific type of information being referred to is one that signals impending danger.
• b) early response: An early response is an action taken after a warning or information is received. The sentence describes what was interpreted as a sign of future violence, not an action.
• c) communication: Communication is the process of conveying information. Similar to "information," it's too broad and doesn't capture the predictive nature of the observation.
• d) early warning: This term specifically refers to the detection of potential threats or crises before they occur, providing notice that allows for preventive action. Interpreting signs that indicate likely future violence perfectly aligns with the concept of an early warning. The Rwandan genocide is often cited as a case where early warnings were present but not heeded.

The phrase "interpreted this... to mean that largest scale ethnic violence... was likely" directly points to the function of an early warning system or signal, which is to predict future negative events.

The correct option is d) early warning.