US foreign policy with Iran

Host Marco Werman talks about the US and Iran with Raymond Tanter, who served on the National Security Council under President Ronald Reagan. Tanter has joined John McCain and others in criticizing President Obama for not being tough enough on Iran. Listen

Eastern European economic ills

The World’s Jason Margolis explains why unhealthy Eastern European economies could spell more trouble for the West. Economists say the U.S. and Western Europe should pay close attention. Listen

Russian dolls bailout

Jessica Goloher reports from Moscow on the Russian government’s promise to bail out one of its iconic but troubled industries. Sales of the colorful wooden nesting dolls known as ‘Matrioshka,’ are plummeting, and their makers are looking for support. Listen

Collateral damage in Mexico’s drug war

The World’s Lorne Matalon reports from Mexico on rising complaints about human rights abuses by the military. Civilians are getting caught in the crossfire as the Mexican army battles drug lords. Listen

Few nations fighting bribery

Twelve years after many Western nations agreed to fight bribery of foreign officials, only four countries are actively enforcing the ban. That’s according to a progress report released today by an anti-corruption watchdog group. David Hecht reports from Berlin. Listen

Arrests in multi-million dollar jewellery heist

Host Marco Werman speaks with reporter Agnes Poirier in Paris about the arrests of 25 suspects in what’s been described as the biggest heist in French history–a 120-million dollar jewellery store robbery last December. Listen

Geo Quiz

Listen Our daily geography quiz.

Surf’s up for prize-winning Australian novel

Host Marco Werman reports on this year’s winner of Australia’s top literary prize. It’s called “Breath” by Tim Winton, and it’s a rarity, a world class novel about surfing. Listen

Johnny Hallyday calls it a day

Host Marco Werman reports on the retirement of the enduring French pop singer Johnny Hallyday. Listen

Geo Quiz answer and Global Hit

The answer to today’s Geo Quiz is central Java, in Indonesia. That’s the location of the city that locals call Solo, officially known as Surakarta. Around the world in the city known as New York, the Indonesian consulate is holding classes in traditional Javanese Gamelan music. The World’s Alex Gallafent paid a visit. Listen

Javanese Gamelan

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Solo is home to the Javanese Gamelan tradition. But you don’t need to visit Java to play the instrument. Once a week, the Indonesian consulate in New York throws open its doors to amateur musicians. The World’s Alex Gallafent has today’s Global Hit.

Entire program – June 22, 2009

Today on The World: Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warns demonstrators against further protests — we’ll have an update on the situation in Tehran; Also, Russia’s declining birthrate has the Kremlin offering financial incentives to encourage larger families; And, the Mexican business community reacts to US calls for using stimulus dollars to “buy American”. Listen

Protests continue in Iran (4:30)

Listen Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has warned against further street protests over the presidential election. But protests continue. Anchor Marco Werman speaks with New York Times reporter Nazila Fathi, who’s in Tehran.

The death of one Iranian woman (2:45)

A young Iranian woman named “Neda” was shot dead on Saturday. Video footage of her killing has been widely distributed on the web. Her fiance spoke to the BBC’s Persia Service about what Neda was doing just before she was shot. Anchor Marco Werman has details. Listen

The BBC’s Persian channel (4:00

The Iranian government has clamped down on foreign media coverage. But it’s particularly targeting the BBC’s new Persian language TV channel. The World’s Laura Lynch looks at why the satellite station is so influential. Listen