The World
The View of the (Fiscal) Cliff from Europe
The so-called “fiscal cliff” has been dominating news headlines here in the US for weeks. Across the pond, Europeans have been paying close attention and having similar, just as heated, debates about spending and taxes. The World’s Marco Werman gets the latest European view from London-based financial analyst Louise Cooper.
PRI’s The World: 12/31/2012 (Syria, India, Israel)
Many New Year’s celebrations have been cancelled in India’s capital New Dehli, an act of solidarity with a young rape victim who died this weekend. Also, we remember late Beastie Boy Adam Yauch, who passed away this year, and his involvement in the Free Tibet Movement. And the nation of Equatorial Guinea, builds a new capital city deep in the jungle.
New Year’s Eve in a Damascus Nightclub
Through 21 months of fighting in Syria, a French ex-pat has refused to leave the country. Instead, he runs a night club in Damascus. Bar-owner Jean Pierre Duthion explains to Host Marco Werman why he will host a New Year’s celebration there in spite of the dangers and sadness of war.
PRI’s The World: 12/28/2012 (Germany, Colombia, France)
We remember General Norman Schwarzkopf, who commanded US forces to victory in the 1991 Persian Gulf war. China tightens restrictions on internet use. And Germany’s fanatic fascination with crime fiction.
China to Increase Internet Restrictions
The Chinese government has said it will impose even tighter restrictions on internet usage. This won’t just impact individual Chinese web surfers. It could also impact American companies that do business in China.
Schwarzkopf Legacy in Middle East is Mixed
General Norman Schwarzkopf, who died yesterday at age 78, is remembered in the US as the man who led allied forces to victory in the Gulf War of 1991. Americans largely see the war as liberating Kuwait from Saddam Hussein. But the view from the Middle East is a bit more complex.
PRI’s The World: 12/27/2012 (Costa Rica, Cuba, Egypt)
As time runs out for Washington to avert the “fiscal cliff,” we look at Britain, where the economy went over the cliff two years ago. Also, Costa Rica bans all sport hunting and hunters there aren’t happy about it. And a visit with the creator of the Voice of America’s “Music Time in Africa” program, who retired at the age of 91.
Judge Behind Ruling Linked to Russian Adoption Bill Speaks Out
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signaled he is likely to approve a bill which would ban adoption of Russian children by Americans.
PRI’s The World: 12/26/2012 (Nigeria, Poland, Norway)
Russia’s parliament votes to ban Americans from adopting Russian children. Also, why Western ministers, even fake ones, are in high demand for Japanese weddings. And a Polish duo performs music at the touch of their fingertips.
Russian Parliament Passes Measure Banning Americans from Adopting Russian Children
The Russian Parliament Wednesday unanimously passed a measure that bans Americans from adopting Russian children. New York Times Moscow correspondent David Herszenhorn speaks with Host Lisa Mullins about the political motivations and implications.
Islamists in Africa Destroying Religious Mausoleums
Sunni Muslim extremists recently seized control of Timbuktu and the rest of northern Mali earlier this year. Now they’re destroying the religious relics, calling them idolatrous.
Tragic Fireworks Explosion in Nigeria
There was a deadly fire Wednesday in Nigeria’s biggest city, Lagos that killed at least one person and injured 30 others.
Norway Postcard: The Gateway to the Fjords
For the Geo Quiz, we are looking for a sea that borders Britain, Holland and Denmark and has long been the site of important European shipping lanes as well as a major fishery.
PRI’s The World: 12/25/2012 (Belgium, Egypt, India)
Results of Egypt’s vote on a new Islamist-backed constitution. We get the latest from Cairo. Also, a World War II heroine is honored, thanks to the work of a Belgian historian who discovered she was still alive and well. And we explore the origins of Maggi seasoning, a condiment many cultures claim as their own.
Egypt’s Constitutional Vote
In Egypt, supporters of a new constitution are claiming victory. The country’s electoral commission announced Tuesday that the constitution was approved with 63.8 percent of the vote.
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