2010 March | PRI's The World

Archive for March, 2010

Entire program – March 31, 2010

By The World ⋅ March 31, 2010 ⋅ Post a comment ⋅ Transcript

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Today on The World: Why Russia’s state-run media is so slow to report major news — like the subway attacks in Moscow; Also, China’s currency and the pro’s and con’s of devaluation; Plus the monumental task of dismantling US military bases in Iraq.

The logistics of withdrawing from Iraq

By The World ⋅ March 31, 2010 ⋅ Post a comment ⋅ Transcript

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The US military is currently closing down operations on several forward operating bases and handing them over to the Iraqis. It’s not an easy task: the Logistics Brigade at FOB Q-West in northern Iraq is currently figuring out what to keep and what to leave behind. They’ll be the last Americans to leave the FOB this summer. Ben Gilbert reports. Download MP3 (Photo: Ben Gilbert)

Russia’s media and terrorism

By The World ⋅ March 31, 2010 ⋅ Post a comment ⋅ Transcript

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Russia remains on alert after suicide attacks in Dagestan today and the suicide bombings on the Moscow Metro on Monday. Russia’s state-run TV did not initially tell viewers about Monday’s bombings but news consumers did find ample live coverage of the attacks on the Web. Moscow based journalist Masha Gessen says Russians don’t expect much from TV news. Download MP3 (flickr image: Dr Cook)

Decentralizing Haiti reconstruction

By The World ⋅ March 31, 2010 ⋅ 2 comments ⋅ Transcript

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Haitian representatives are meeting with potential donors at the UN in New York today. They’re presenting a report on the physical toll of the January 12 earthquake, as well as a plan for rebuilding. An essential component of that plan involves building infrastructure and creating jobs in Haiti, but outside of Port-au-Prince. Many hope that a popular dream of decentralization will finally be realized. The World’s Amy Bracken has more. Download MP3

Amy Bracken’s Haiti journal
Amy’s other Haiti stories

Iceland volcano

By The World ⋅ March 31, 2010 ⋅ One comment ⋅ Transcript

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A volcano in Iceland features in our Geo Quiz. It’s near a glacier and has been erupting for a few days now. Some nearby residents have been evacuated. But so far, the volcano’s spectacular displays of smoke and lava have mostly been a boon for tourism. Bjorn Eriksen manages a hotel within sight of the volcano, and he gives host Marco Werman the answer to the Geo Quiz. Download MP3

Gambling in Russia, Taxing Canadian Carbon, and Returning from War in a Weak Economy

By Jason Margolis ⋅ March 31, 2010 ⋅ One comment ⋅ Transcript

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It’s hard enough to go to war. Imagine coming back home to look for work in a weak economy. On this edition of the global economy podcast, U.S. military veterans looking for work at home in Wisconsin.

Also gambling in Russia, preparing for the 2014 Winter Olympics, and taxing British Columbians at the gas pump to prevent climate change. And live like a hamster in France!

Rail security in US

By The World ⋅ March 31, 2010 ⋅ One comment ⋅ Transcript

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In light of this week’s subway bombings in Moscow, The World’s Katy Clark looks at why there haven’t been more attacks on subways and trains in the United States.

Revaluing China’s currency

By The World ⋅ March 31, 2010 ⋅ Post a comment ⋅ Transcript

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The US government wants China to revalue its currency. So far, though, China has been reluctant to take that step. The World’s Mary Kay Magistad reports on China’s reluctance, and what a change in value might mean for China’s economy.

Serbia apologizes for massacre

By The World ⋅ March 31, 2010 ⋅ Post a comment ⋅ Transcript

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Anchor Marco Werman talks to Ljiljana Smajlovic, president of the Journalists Association of Serbia, about the news that Serbia has officially apologized for the 1995 massacre of thousands of Bosnian Muslims in Srebrenica.

Colombian hostage released after 12 years

By The World ⋅ March 31, 2010 ⋅ Post a comment ⋅ Transcript

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In Colombia, leftist FARC rebels have released one of their longest held captives, a soldier kidnapped twelve years ago when he was just a teenager. Pablo Emilio Moncayo became a household name in Colombia after his father walked across the country to call attention to his son’s plight. Correspondent John Otis reports from Columbia.

No more fast food for US soldiers in Afghanistan

By The World ⋅ March 31, 2010 ⋅ 3 comments ⋅ Transcript

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Anchor Marco Werman speaks with reporter Derek Stoffel about the impending loss of fast food restaurants at American bases in Afghanistan following an order from the top U-S commander in Afghanistan, General Stanley McChrystal.

Photos: T.G.I.Friday’s in Kandahar

Geo Quiz

By The World ⋅ March 31, 2010 ⋅ Post a comment ⋅ Transcript

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Our daily geography puzzler.

Jordi Savall

By The World ⋅ March 31, 2010 ⋅ 4 comments ⋅ Transcript

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Correspondent Betto Arcos brings us the latest work by Catalan musician Jordi Savall. The early music master turned to a dark chapter in medieval history for his latest project. It’s called “The Forgotten Kingdom – The Cathar Tragedy.” Download MP3

Music Heard On Air for Weds, March 31, 2010

By Stephen Snyder ⋅ March 31, 2010 ⋅ Post a comment ⋅ Transcript

Tunes spun on The World between our reports for March 31, 2010. Artists featured are V. Didulya, Mario Grigorov, Kila, Kerekes Band, and Ali Farka Toure with Ry Cooder.

Afghanistan’s history from the Tajbeg

By The World ⋅ March 31, 2010 ⋅ One comment ⋅ Transcript

Multimedia photojournalist and filmmaker John McHugh traveled to Afghanistan in February 2010. He was there to cover the conflict, but during the trip he managed to gain rare access to the off-limits Queen’s Palace – a former seat of Afghanistan’s royal family – also known as Tajbeg. He says the building and its turbulent past represents the sad history of Afghanistan.

Watch his audio slideshow here
BBC Afghanistan coverage