Chris Woolf
Pope Benedict XVI: First Pope to Resign in 600 Years
Pope Benedict XVI has announced his resignation. He’s the first Pope to quit in almost 600 years. Anchor Marco Werman gets context from Father James Bretzke, professor of moral theology at Boston College.
Swiss Rage over Rail Tickets
The Swiss love their trains. But that love affair may be souring, thanks to a new ticketing system that imposes fines on the apparently innocent. Victims include the BBC’s Imogen Foulkes who shares her story with anchor Marco Werman.
Algeria Gas Facility Attack May Have Been an Inside Job
Algeria has allowed journalists to visit the gas facility attacked by Islamic militants last month. The BBC’s Richard Galpin was among them, and describes the scene to anchor Marco Werman, and brings us up to date on the investigation.
China’s Alleged Cyberattack on the New York Times
The New York Times says it has fended off cyberattacks from China. China denies it. Anchor Marco Werman gets details from cybersecurity expert, Mikko Hypponen.
Inside Syrian Rebels’ Bomb Factory
Rebels in Syria are making bombs and improvized explosive devices to assist in their struggle against government forces. The BBC’s James Reynolds went to see a rebel bomb-making factory and training center, and describes it to anchor Marco Werman.
Mali Conflict Shifts to Timbuktu
French and Malian forces reportedly entered the historic city of Timbuktu, and Islamist militants who had been in control of the city may have fled.
Kabubble: Kabul’s Looming Collapse
A recent article in Harper’s highlights the huge distortions in the economy of Afghanistan. Scenes of crass conspicuous consumption, alongside highly inflated prices for land and goods and services are unsustainable, the article argues.
Jake McNiece, D-Day Paratrooper Dies, the Last of the ‘Filthy Thirteen’
Jake McNiece died Monday aged 93. McNiece was the last of a group of paratroopers who jumped into Normandy on D-Day. In 2002 The World’s Chris Woolf helped reunite McNiece with one of his comrades, who’d been reported lost on D-Day.
How War Should Be
Across the world, a sub-set of men will settle down this week to watch clips or perhaps the whole of the movie, “Zulu,” pegged to the anniversary of a battle long ago, Jan 22-23, 1879 [...]
British Soldiers, American War – Book Review
War is full of dirty little secrets. The World’s History Editor, Chris Woolf reviews “British Soldiers, American War: Voices of the American Revolution.”
General Stanley McChrystal Optimistic on Afghanistan
As Barack Obama formally begins his second term, most eyes are on the domestic agenda. But the nation is still at war in Afghanistan. Anchor Marco Werman discusses the direction and conduct of the war with retired General Stanley McChrystal, former commander in Afghanistan.
British Soldiers of the American Revolution
The common British soldier of the American Revolution has a certain image in the popular imagination. The scum of the earth, pressed into service as an alternative to jail or the gallows, then disciplined brutally with constant floggings to become a mindless killing machine. But recent research is telling quite a different story.
Australia’s, and America’s, Convict Pioneers
January 18th is the day the first European settlers arrived in Australia, 225 years ago. They were convicts, deported from Britain. You may be surprised to hear this was not a new practice for the Brits.
Gun Violence: Russia’s Dichotomy
As President Obama pushes Congress to pass measures to curb gun violence, The World continues to explore how the issue of gun control plays out in other countries.
Russian Soldiers Ordered to Use Socks
Russia’s defense minister called Monday for Russian soldiers to use socks. Yes, socks. Until now, Russian military tradition has been to use cloths carefully rapped around the foot.
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