Obama’s national security strategy

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The Obama administration released its formal strategy on national security today. The document reflects some changes from the Bush era, but for some of the President’s supporters on the left, it fails to go far enough. The World’s Matthew Bell reports. Download MP3

• BBC coverage
• White House blog
• Full document (pdf)

Philippe Cousteau dives into the Gulf oil spill

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Anchor Marco Werman speaks with explorer and environmentalist Philippe Cousteau, grandson of famed underwater pioneer Jacques Cousteau. Earlier this week, the younger Cousteau went for a dive in the waters affected by the oil spill off the Louisiana coast. Download MP3

• Philippe Cousteau’s blog
• Video of Philippe Cousteau dive
• Philippe Cousteau’s post-dive reaction video

Impact of Gulf oil spill on migratory birds

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The World’s environment editor Peter Thomson reports on the possible impact of the Gulf oil spill on birds that range far beyond the region. (image: USFWS) Download MP3

• USFWS Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Response
• American Bird Conservancy information on bird impacts from oil spill
• Impact of spill on marine life
• Environment coverage on The World

Digging for Chinese culture in Kenya

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Scientists from China are on the way to East Africa in June, to prepare for a massive archaeological excavation. The Chinese government is funding a three year search for Chinese cultural heritage on the coast of Kenya, in some half-dozen sites both underwater and on land. China is highlighting the ancient cultural ties between the two countries as its commercial power blossoms across the region. Matthew Brunwasser reports from Lamu, Kenya. (Photo: Matthew Brunwasser) Download MP3

• China pledges funds for Kenya infrastructure
• UNESCO World heritage site: Lamu, Kenya

Racial tensions in Zimbabwe’s farmland

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A decade after the first violent clashes that forced thousands of Zimbabwe’s white farmers out of the country, there’s a new twist in the tale. Some of them are quietly returning to farm again – attracting anger and controversy from whites and blacks alike. Laura Lynch reports from just outside the capital Harare. (Photo: Laura Lynch) Download MP3

• Photo gallery
• BBC Zimbabwe coverage
• Laura’s coverage from Southern Africa

US missile defense plans for Europe

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Anchor Marco Werman speaks with the BBC’s Nick Childs about the Obama administration’s progress on its NEW missile defense plans for Europe.

Fake Saddam video plot

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Before the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, the CIA tossed around various ideas for discrediting Saddam Hussein. One involved producing a fake Saddam sex video. Anchor Marco Werman speaks with Washington Post columnist Jeff Stein about some of the plans and why they were scrapped.

The trial of Liberia’s former leader

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Anchor Marco Werman speaks with human rights lawyer Alpha Sesay, a human rights lawyer from Sierra Leone who has been monitoring the trial of former Liberian president Charles Taylor. Taylor stands before the Hague on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity during his presidency.

Geo Quiz

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Where will we go today?

Geo Answer

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For today’s Geo Quiz we are looking for the name of the biggest island in the Philippines. The answer is Luzon. That island was once home to ousted former president Ferdinand Marco. But his family is still there and still going strong in politics. Sunshine de Leon reports on the enduring appeal of the Marcos family.

Global Hit: Here Lies Love

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Musicians David Byrne and Fat Boy Slim have written a musical about Imelda Marcos, the ousted former first lady of the Philippines. Anchor Marco Werman has today’s Global Hit. Download MP3

The enduring appeal of the Marcos family

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The Philippines provide the setting for today’s Geo Quiz. 7,000 plus Pacific islands make up the Philippines… Download MP3

Entire program May 26, 2010

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Today on The World: Why North Korea might have torpedoed a South Korean ship in March, also, what technology experts are doing to make sure that 20 years from now, you can read today’s digital files and photos,
and, the ancient city of Rome opens its first national museum dedicated to modern art.

North Korea’s agenda

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Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says the international community must respond in the growing crisis over the sinking of a South Korean warship. She said there was “overwhelming” evidence that North Korea was to blame, and urged Pyongyang to halt its “policy of belligerence”. But why would North Korea torpedo a South Korean ship and kill dozens of sailors? Matthew Bell is exploring Pyongyang’s agenda. Download MP3

• BBC coverage
• No easy options
• North Korea discussed in US-China talks

The price of digging for diamonds

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Zimbabwe’s government says the country’s economy may grow 7% this year. Most of that comes from foreign investment and some aid. The African country is also hoping to raise money through diamond sales. Yesterday, we brought you the story of Zimbabwe’s diamonds fields. Today in part 2 of her report, Laura Lynch looks at claims that the diamond fields have also become killing fields. Download MP3

• Part One: Zimbabwe’s ‘blood diamonds’
• Photo gallery
• Laura’s coverage from Southern Africa