Afghanistan mission could “result in failure”

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The US mission in Afghanistan will “likely result in failure” unless troops are increased within a year, the top general there has said in a report. General Stanley McChrystal made his assessment in a copy of a confidential report obtained by the Washington Post. He recently called for a revised military strategy in Afghanistan, suggesting the current one is failing. Laura Lynch reports. Download MP3

• BBC coverage
• Washington Post article
• American Influence podcast: Tough Choices for US in Afghanistan
• Background Brief: Taliban insurgency

Argentina’s desaparecidos

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Film Director Juan Mandelbaum is a native of Argentina. After learning that an old girlfriend of his was among the thousands of people who “disappeared” during the Argentinian dictatorship, Mandelbaum decided to investigate what happened to her and to some of his old friends during that time. The result is the documentary “Our Disappeared” which debuts on Public Television’s Independent Lens series tonight. Marco Werman talks with Mandelbaum. Download MP3

To hear another excerpt of Marco Werman’s interview with filmmaker Juan Mandelbaum (including a discussion about the US’s position on the Argentinian dictatorship of the time) click here:

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• Independent Lens: ‘Our Disappeared’
• ‘Our Disappeared’ homepage

Players: An interview with author Tim Harris

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Later today on the program, anchor Marco Werman speaks with author (and possible contender for world’s greatest sports nerd) Tim Harris. Harris has written a book called Players: 250 Men Women and Animals who Created Modern Sport. Amongst other things, he tells Marco about a vaudeville star who reinvented swimming and the man who worked out how best to jump over objects while riding a horse. Download MP3

• Who is your unsung sports hero?
• More information on the book
• Listen to Tim Harris on BBC Radio 4′s ‘Today’ program

How green is my stimulus package?

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In February, the federal government injected $787 billion dollars to stimulate the economy. Governments throughout the world took similar steps to jumpstart their economies. A lot of that money went to “green” projects, many of which help combat climate change. The World’s Jason Margolis looks at where those green dollars are going and just how green those dollars are. Download MP3

• Subscribe to Jason Margolis’ Global Economy podcast
• Recovery.gov

Entire program – September 21, 2009

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Today on The World: How Lebanon’s conservative banks are attracting investment now; Also, how a move by India to limit its own greenhouse gas emissions could break the stalemate at UN climate talks; And a documentary that sheds a personal light on Argentina’s “disappeared.”

Grim assessment on Afghanistan

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The World’s Laura Lynch reports on a leaked grim strategic assessment from the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan.

Warnings dire from leaked report

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The leak of the report from General Stanley McChrystal warning of failure in Afghanistan is certain to add fuel to the debate over the future of the US mission there. Anchor Marco Werman discusses the political situation with Richard Fontaine, a former foreign policy adviser to Senator and candidate John McCain. Fontaine is now a senior fellow at the Washington-based Center for a New American Security.

Investors find safety in Beirut

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Lebanon is enjoying a boom in its real estate and banking industries. The World’s Aaron Schachter reports that the country’s success is due to smart banking practices and the the high price tag for land.

“Our Disappeared”

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Anchor Marco Werman speaks with documentary filmmaker Juan Mandelbaum about his new film, “Our Disappeared.” It tells the story of his personal investigation into the political kidnappings and murders of many of his college friends in Buenos Aires in the 1970s. More information

The destination of green stimulus dollars

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In February, the federal government injected $787 billion dollars to stimulate the economy. Governments throughout the world took similar steps to jump start their economies. A lot of that money went to so-called “green” projects. The World’s Jason Margolis looks at where those green dollars are going and just how green those dollars are.

India’s environment proposal

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A move by India to limit its own greenhouse gas emissions could help break the stalemate at UN climate talks this week. Anchor Marco Werman speaks with India’s Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh.

Elephants threatened in Kenyan drought

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One of the worst droughts in living memory is taking its toll on both people and wildlife in Kenya. Clashes over land and water lead to the deaths of 32 people last week. Meanwhile, at least 24 elephants have either starved or been shot by poachers looking for food. The BBC’s Peter Greste has the story.

Geo Quiz

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Our daily geography puzzler.

The changing history of sports

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Anchor Marco Werman speaks with author Tim Harris about some influential (and little-known) men, women and animals responsible for changing the face of sports around the world.

Geo answer & global hit

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A singer from Tajikistan — the answer to our Geo Quiz — has become an unlikely celebrity in Russia. He’s been dubbed Tajik Jimmy and he’s made the move to St. Petersburg to try his hand at stardom. Anchor Marco Werman tells us about the latest You Tube sensation.