Judge Orders 5 Freed From Guantanamo
The judge said there was no evidence to justify the detention of the Algerians, who have spent seven years in detention. They could be sent to Bosnia, where they were arrested in connection with an alleged terrorist plot.
(read more)Afghan Official: Engaging Taliban 'Necessary Evil'
Said Jawad, Afghan ambassador to the U.S., defended talks between his country's government and the Taliban. Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher said he thinks the way to achieve stability is by reaching out to the Afghan people.
(read more)Argentine Farmers Try To Weather Economic Woes
Until just a few months ago, farmers in Argentina were thriving like never before. Now, they are facing the pressures of a worsening international economy, as well as drought. Demand for crops is plummeting as costs for fertilizers, herbicides and other necessities have gone up.
(read more)Mexico A Leading Danger Zone For Journalists
Last week, Mexican journalist Armando Rodriguez was brutally murdered by gunfire outside his home in Juarez. Rodriquez is the 24th journalist to be murdered in Mexico since 2000, making Mexico one of the most dangerous countries for reporters. Journalist Arturo Chacon and Monica Campbell, from the Committee to Protect Journalists, discuss the situation.
(read more)'The Obama Effect' Prompts Europeans To Confront Racism
President-elect Barack Obama's historic win is the source of much discussion overseas. Many Europeans hope that the election of an African American president in the US will spur their own countries to re-examine their own racial dynamics. Steven Erlanger,
New York Times' Paris Bureau Chief, and author Mely Kiyak explain the phenomenon of "The Obama Effect."
(read more)English To Become Official Language In Rwanda
Since the genocide in Rwanda in 1994, the Rwandan government has worked to unify the country's conflicted Hutu and Tutsi heritages and rebuild the economy. As part of that effort, the Rwandan government says that schools must begin to conduct classes in English, an effort to help Rwanda become a part of the global economic community.
Toronto Globe and Mail correspondent Stephanie Nolen explains the effort.
(read more)Books Tells Of Women's Hope For Middle East Peace
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the founding of the state of Israel. For most Israelis and for many Jews around the world, it marks a time of celebration. But for many Palestinians, it was the 60th year of Naqbeh, also known as "the catastrophe". A new book,
Sixty Years, Sixty Voices: Israeli and Palestinian Women highlights the struggle for peace in the words of women.
(read more)Why Do Pirates Have Us Hooked?
Americans are fascinated by pirates: swashbuckling, salt-soaked seafarers who sport blousy shirts, spiffy vests, leather boots, eye patches, peg legs and the occasional parrot on the shoulder. But will the recent hijackings by Somali pirates make them not so lovable?
(read more)For A Price, Security Company Wards Off Pirates
A former British army pilot recently launched a business called Anti-Piracy Maritime Security Solutions. For $30,000, Nick Davis will arrange a team of three private guards to travel on a boat and scare away potential pirates. He has teams now on seven ships in the Gulf of Aden. Davis tells Steve Inskeep that the guards do it all without guns.
(read more)U.S. Admiral: Ships Must Do More To Combat Piracy
Pirates have attacked at least 10 ships near the Horn of Africa over the past two weeks. Vice Adm. Bill Gortney, who commands the U.S. 5th Fleet, says patrols can't be everywhere in the vast seas, so companies have to take more responsibility for protecting their own ships.
(read more)Debate Rages Over Those Still At Guantanamo
So far, more than 500 Afghans, Pakistanis, Europeans, Saudis and others have been released. But 101 Yemeni detainees are still held at Guantanamo. They represent the single largest contingent at the camp.
(read more)Plugging Afghanistan's Brain Drain
Khaleeq Ahmad, who was educated in the U.S. and London, says he returned to Afghanistan as director of a telecom company because he owed it to his home country. He's hopeful that other professionals will return and help improve the country's diminished infrastructure.
(read more)Uighur Mummies Stir Debate In China
DNA tests on mummies raise new questions about China's Uighurs, many of whom claim western heritage. China insists the Uighurs have East Asian heritage.
(read more)In Spain, Divorce Adds Another Side To Bad Economy
Spain's economy took a huge hit when the housing market collapsed. Now unemployment, poverty and homelessness are on the rise there. In bygone days, the extended family took care of any member needing help. But the legalization of divorce means families are often less able to care for everyone.
(read more)Pirate Attacks On The Rise Off East African Coast
A Saudi supertanker carrying $100 million of crude oil was hijacked by pirates off the coast of Africa on Monday. Derek Reveron of the Naval War College outlines the story, and Peter Gwin, a
National Geographic staff writer explains what he learned from pirates he met in Southeast Asia.
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