Michael Rass
Story of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao’s Wealth Challenges Popular Image
China has blocked access to The New York Times website after it posted an investigative piece claiming that the family of Premier Wen Jiabao had amassed some $2.7 billion through a series of investments made after Wen came to power in 2002. The claims challenge the popular image of the humble official known by many Chinese as “Grandpa Wen”.
Where is ‘South Detroit’?
The Geo Quiz is looking for a place that may or may not exist: South Detroit.
Big Hass Brings ‘True’ Hip Hop to Saudi Arabia
Marco Werman speaks with passionate radio host, Big Hass who has made it his mission to bring the “true” Hip Hop to Saudi Arabia.
Debates 2012: Foreign Policy Issues That Were Not Addressed
There’s a long list of foreign policy issues that got little or no mention during the Obama-Romney foreign policy debate. Anchor Marco Werman asks our editors Peter Thomson, William Troop and Clark Boyd to name three of those issues: climate change, Mexico’s drug war and Europe’s economic crisis.
Another Green Party Triumph in Germany
In Germany, environmental issues are taken seriously by almost all political parties, reflecting genuine concerns among voters. This is dramatically different in the United States [...]
L’Aquila Earthquake: Italian Scientists Guilty of Manslaughter
A regional court in Italy found six Italian scientists guilty of multiple manslaughter over the earthquake in L’Aquila in 2009, which killed 309 people. Reporter Megan Williams speaks to anchor Marco Werman about this verdict which has alarmed the scientific community.
EU Nobel Prize: The Greatest Honor in the Darkest Hour
I grew up in that European Union when it was still called the European Economic Community or EEC, later shortened to EC before turning into the European Union in the 1990s. Like many Europeans, I have been taking European integration for granted over the years [...]
Day of Prayer for Malala Yousafzai in Pakistan
People in Pakistan observed a day of prayer on Friday for the recovery of a 14-year-old girl shot in the head by Taliban gunmen. Malala Yousafzai was transferred to a military hospital in Rawalpindi.
Saudi Blogger Ahmed Al Omran Discusses Human Rights Case
Marco Werman speaks with 27-year old Saudi journalist and blogger Ahmed Al Omran, about the ongoing trial of two human rights activist and how the mainstream Saudi media is ignoring the story.
Investigation Continues Into Attack on US Consulate in Benghazi
FBI investigators have finally been able to search the site in Benghazi, Libya, where Ambassador Chris Stevens and other US personnel were killed last month.
Devalued Rial Prompts Many Iranians to Exchange Money into Dollars, Other Currencies
Iran’s currency, the rial, has lost a third of its value against the dollar in just ten days. That has prompted protests among shopkeepers and money changers in Tehran’s bazaar and has many Iranians frantically exchanging their rials into more stable currencies like dollars.
With Miami Consulate Closed Venezuelan Ex-Pats Head to New Orleans to Vote
Venezuelans in Miami who want to vote in their country’s election this weekend must travel to New Orleans to do so.
Complaints Prompt Curbs on Saudi Religious Police
The head of Saudi Arabia’s notorious religious police has told the media he will curb his force’s powers in a bid to clamp down on excesses.
Aleppo Souk Destroyed Amidst Fighting
Over the weekend, violence in the city of Aleppo, Syria, continued to claim lives. It also claimed a piece of Syria’s cultural heritage, its centuries-old covered market. Hundreds of shops were destroyed by fire in the souk, which UNESCO recognizes as a World Heritage Site.
Iranian News Agency Apologizes for Reprinting Onion Satire as Fact
Iran’s official news agency FARS may have run an American parody piece as real news, but Kelly Niknejad of the Tehran Bureau says most Iranians aren’t so irony-deprived.
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