Discussions
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.
Discussion: How Drones Change Everything
The World reporters Jason Margolis and Arun Rath join our partners at NOVA to discuss the future of unmanned aerial vehicles for both military and civilian use.
Rape in India Triggers More Awareness in the US
Talk of harassment and violence in India has prompted discussions among South Asian immigrants about how that violence is sometimes exported to the United States.
Subterranean Stories: What’s Your Tube Tale?
Subways around the globe are often where remarkable travel memories take place. We want to know your subterranean tale, whether it’s about the London Underground or about any other the world’s subway systems.
Could Car Sharing Work in a Place Like China?
As millions of more Chinese enter the middle class, many are demanding a key passport to that lifestyle: a car. Millions throughout the developing world have the same demand. The world can’t sustain this. One possible solution: car sharing.
David Bowie Breaks Decade-Long Musical Silence
After a 10-year musical silence David Bowie is back. Early this morning he released a new single and video online. A new album is on its way in February. The news comes on the British singer’s 66th birthday.
Sampling the ‘Cubano’ Sandwich in Little Havana
Reporter Steve Dolinsky samples the best Cuban sandwich in “Little Havana,” Florida and gives his recommendations.
Why British Police Continue to Use Cassette Tapes
The cassette tape has basically taken its place alongside the 8-track tape, and essentially vanished into the audio abyss. Almost. In Britain, there’s one group that still relies on the trusty cassette — the police.
Britain Named Most Prolific Invader
A new book claims that Britain has invaded more countries than any other. In fact, according to “All the Countries We’ve Ever Invaded: And the Few We Never Got Round To”, by Stuart Laycock, there are only 22 nations which never suffered British attack. Anchor Aaron Schachter discusses the claim with the World’s News Editor and resident history buff, Chris Woolf.
The VP Debate and Foreign Affairs
Foreign policy issues are expected to come up at Thursday’s vice-presidential debate between Paul Ryan and Joe Biden. Anchor Marco Werman explores the foreign policy credentials of both candidates with James Traub, a fellow at the Center on International Cooperation, and Ted Bromund, a senior research fellow at the Heritage Foundation.
Your Comments On Chinese Food
Following yesterday’s interview with food consumer writer Mitch Lipka, anchor Lisa Mullins combs through some of your thoughts on food products from China.
Forum: The science of kissing
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Why do we kiss? And why does it make us feel so good? Find out in our latest online Science Forum discussion. We’re discussing the science of kissing with Sheril Kirshenbaum, author of the new book “The Science of Kissing: What Our Lips Are Telling Us.” Kirshenbaum recently spoke with the The World’s science correspondent, Rhitu Chatterjee. Listen to that interview in the latest World Science Podcast. And join the online conversation with Kirshenbaum. Download MP3Click here to add your questions
Fighting for Darfur
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Marco Werman interviews Rebecca Hamilton, about her new book Fighting for Darfur: Public Action and the Struggle to Stop Genocide. Download MP3
How do we win the future?
In his State of the Union address, President Obama told Americans that “the first step in winning the future is encouraging American innovation.” The President said, maintaining leadership “in research and technology is crucial to America’s success.” What do you think? What’s your take on how America can win the future? Post your comments here
Self-immolation as protest
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The World’s Alex Gallafent reports on the history of politically-motivated self-immolation, a protest technique that has recently emerged in Tunisia and Algeria. Download MP3
We’re interested in what you think about these extreme acts of protest. Is is morally justifiable to commit an act of self-immolation? Share us your thoughts here.
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