Sludge spill in Hungary

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The BBC’s Nick Thorpe is in Kolontar, in southwestern Hungary, where caustic sludge broke through a waste reservoir at an alumina plant and appears to be headed toward the Danube River. The event is being called Europe’s worst environmental disaster in decades.

Germany low key on terrorism threats

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Germany is suggesting that recent security warnings following the discovery of a plot to attack major cities across Europe are overblown. Correspondent Anita Elash reports.

Pakistani view of US

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Anchor Lisa Mullins speaks with Foreign Policy Magazine contributor Mosharraf Zaidi about Pakistani perceptions of US intentions in Pakistan.

English soccer club

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In the Geo Quiz we’re looking for the home-town of one of the most famous sports teams in the world. No, not the Yankees, not even the Red Sox – although the Sox are involved in this story. Their owner, John Henry, is making a play for an English soccer club. Where is this team from? Download MP3

Entire program – October 5, 2010

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Today on The World: An update on the terrorism alerts in Europe; Also, a profile of the most persecuted religious minority group in Pakistan; Plus, trying to encourage a gentler kind of parenting in Poland

The terrorist threat to Europe

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The US continues to warn that al-Qaida may be planning to attack targets in Europe. The warning seems to be based largely on intelligence about a German-based group of militants. Yesterday, a US missile strike in Pakistan killed eight militants, including four suspected German nationals. And today, French police detained 12 people, suspected of links to Islamist extremism. Lisa Mullins gets an assessment from the BBC’s defense and security correspondent Nick Childs is in London. Download MP3
>>>BBC analysis: The German connection

A gesture of peace

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There was an attack yesterday on a West Bank mosque near Bethlehem. A carpet and a dozen Korans burned in a fire. And the attackers spray-painted Hebrew words and slogans on the walls. Palestinians say extremist Jewish settlers were responsible. The World’s Matthew Bell visited the mosque today as a group of rabbis paid their respects. Download MP3
>>>Multimedia: Rabbis deliver Korans

Provocative Chinese art in Missouri

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Reporter Sylvia Gross tells us of two Chinese brothers who’ve unveiled a provacative art exhibit in the United States that would have landed them in jail back home in China. Download MP3
>>See more images of the GAO brothers work

Norman Wisdom big in Albania

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British comic actor Norman Wisdom has died. His portrayal of bumbling characters won fans not only in Britain but in the unlikeliest of places. Wisdom’s movies were huge in Albania, at a time when few other Western imports were permitted. Bill Hamilton was the first BBC correspondent to get into the Balkan nation during the Communist regime. We reached him at his home in Saint Albans, England. Download MP3
>>>BBC audio slideshow

Cuba: My Revolution

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Cuban artist Inverna Lockpez initially threw herself into Fidel Castro’s revolution jettisoning her plans for art school, studying medicine instead. She later ran afoul of the regime and fled to the US in the late 60s. Now she’s telling her story with the help of illustrator Dean Haspiel. The two created a graphic novel titled “Cuba: My Revolution.” Anchor Lisa Mullins interviews Inverna Lockpez about her story. Download MP3
>>See excerpts of “Cuba: My Revolution”

Religious minority under threat in Pakistan

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Madiha Tahir reports on the Ahmadis, a minority group in Pakistan that has been violently attacked recently. The Ahmadis consider themselves Mulsim, but Pakistan’s mainstream Muslim groups consider them heretics.

US ready to welcome Cuban exiles

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The US is extending an invitation to dozens of Cuban political prisoners now exiled in Spain to come live in America. Senator Chris Dodd of Connecticut met with Cuban officials in Havana this past weekend. Anchor Lisa Mullins speaks with the BBC’s Michael Voss in Havana.

Geo Quiz

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Our daily geography puzzler.

Rethinking parenting in Poland

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The traditional way of raising children in Poland emphasizes strict discipline and preparing the youngsters for hardship. Dave McGuire reports on how some younger Polish parents are going for a softer, gentler approach. (Photo:Dave McGuire) Download MP3

Geo Answer

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The answer to today’s Geo Quiz is Finland. That’s where the Espoo Museum of Modern Art has just opened an exhibit about the history of silk called “100 percent Silk.” The silk artifacts in the exhibit are on loan from China.