PRI’s The World: 02/11/2013 (Ecuador, Ethiopia, Israel)

Pope Benedict XVI announces he will resign citing his advanced age. Danish newspaper exposes double-agent that provided intelligence on US drones. And a Frenchman who preserved the music of Ethiopia in the Ethiopique series.

Pope Announces Resignation

Pope Benedict XVI surprises the world by becoming the first pontiff to resign in nearly 600 years.

PRI’s The World: 02/08/2013 (Latvia, South Africa, Japan)

The conflict in Mali escalates with a suicide bombing Friday in the northern town of Gao. Also, a new Israeli lawmakers from the controversial Jewish settlement in Hebron. Plus, why Latvians don’t want to give up their currency in favor of the euro.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles Face Burkina Faso’s Cinderella in Cup of Nations

The final of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in South Africa will feature Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Burkina Faso’s Stallions. The World’s Anders Kelto gives the rundown to host Marco Werman.

PRI’s The World: 02/07/2013 (Uganda, Tunisia, Albania)

Why Algeria is a key player in the fight against Islamist extremists in North Africa. Also, Spain offers citizenship to descendants of Jews kicked out of the country during the Inquisition, but there is a hitch. Plus, the retro-jazz sound of Dutch singer Caro Emerald.

PRI’s The World: 02/06/2013 (Mali, Israel, Mexico)

New fighting in Mali even as French troops contemplate an exit. Also, what Israelis expect from President Obama’s visit next month. Plus, why mariachi music is making inroads in schools in Texas.

PRI’s The World: 02/05/2013 (Mexico, Mali, Jamaica)

A Justice department memo makes the legal case for killing American cities who are senior al-Qaeda leaders. Also, we speak with the actor who played Osama Bin Laden in the film “Zero Dark Thirty.” Plus, we meet Mexico’s premier bat biologist and hear why he thinks bats need more protection in his country.

Intervention in Mali

The euphoria greeting French troops who entered Mali this month after Islamist militants threatened to invade the south of the country has given way to a wariness among some who wonder what will follow.

PRI’s The World: 02/04/2013 (Ecuador, Libya, France)

Palestinians set up their own tent camps to protest expanding Jewish settlements in the West Bank. The Israeli government responds by taking them down. Also, how identifying the bones of England’s infamous King Richard III could lead to a re-thinking of his legacy. Plus, how a presidential vote could affect press freedom in Ecuador.

How Libya Reclaims its Forgotten Past

For the Geo Quiz, we’re searching for a modern Libyan city with an ancient past. It’s located in the northwest corner of country along the Mediterranean coast.

Rise of the Drones

Since his re-election, President Obama has given no indication that he would change anything about the drone program, which he embraced in his first term to kill al-Qaeda and Taliban militants in Pakistan and Afghanistan without risking American lives.

The drone attacks are highly unpopular among many Pakistanis in particular, who consider them a violation of sovereignty that cause unacceptable civilian casualties. Now, the UN is launching an investigation into the impact of drone strikes and so-called targeted killings on civilians.

But drones aren’t just for warfare. The Federal Aviation Administration predicts there will be thousands of drones over domestic skies within the next decade, doing everything from watching traffic to delivering packages. And this doesn’t even take into account the thousands more worldwide that will be used to do things like watch borders or deter rhino poaching. This raises numerous questions about cost, privacy and safety.

The World looks at the implications of America’s so called drone war in Asia, and the proliferation of drones worldwide and here at home.

PRI’s The World: 02/01/2013 (Ireland, Turkey, Romania)

Human rights groups allege abuses in Mali during the French-led invasion. Also, using drones to protect Africa’s endangered species. And a bid in Ireland to loosen drunk driving laws to boost business at pubs.

PRI’s The World: 01/31/2013 (Mexico, China, Canada)

Pentagon nominee Chuck Hagel, a Vietnam veteran, faced fierce questioning on Capitol Hill on Thursday. We hear from Vietnam veteran and author Tim O’Brien about a possible Vietnam-vet world-view in the new Obama administration. Also, the New York Times says it was hit by cyber attacks from China. And a look at rain-water harvesting in Mexico City.

PRI’s The World: 01/30/2013 (Portugal, Switzerland, Guinea-Bissau)

As Congress holds its first hearings on gun violence since Newtown, we hear about gun laws in Switzerland where gun ownership is high and crime is low. Also, more “crazy bad” pollution in Beijing has the Chinese talking about Clean Air Act. Plus, Carla Bruni sings again. The former first lady of France releases a new CD.

PRI’s The World: 01/29/2013 (Sweden, Mali, Egypt)

Egyptian women organize to protect themselves from sexual violence during protests in Cairo’s Tahrir Square. Also, how farming fits into the immigration reform equation. Plus, a dose of rock music from Swedish band Graveyard.