Latest Editions
PRI’s The World: 05/24/2013 (India, Colombia, Niger)
How suicide bombings in Niger fit into the global fight against terrorism. Also, how Burmese students in New York feel about Myanmar’s president visiting the US this week. Plus, fans of Japanese anime bring color and quirkiness to Boston.
Attacks in Niger Underline a Spread of Islamist Extremist Groups in West Africa
Islamist militants set off two suicide bombings in Niger Thursday. About 20 people were killed in addition to the bombers. And Friday, French special forces helped Niger’s military secure the military base, where they shot dead two militants who were still hiding in a dormitory.
British Fighter Jets Scrambled to Intercept Passenger Plane
British fighter jets scrambled to intercept a passenger plane after reports of an incident on a flight from Pakistan. The plane was diverted and two passengers were arrested. But British police say the incident is not being treated as terrorism. Britain is on full alert two days after the brutal killing of a soldier on the streets of London, by men shouting Islamist slogans. Anchor Marco Werman speaks with the BBC’s Angus Crawford at the airport where the plane landed.
What Triggers Someone to Embrace Muslim Extremism?
The two main suspects in the gruesome killing of British soldier Lee Rigby are Nigerian and at least one was raised by devout Christians. Michael Adebolajo, 28, converted to Islam and embraced a particular brand of extremism.
Global Fight Against Terrorism No Longer a ‘Boundless War,’ Obama Says
President Obama says the global fight against terrorism is no longer a “boundless war,” but a more precise conflict that will eventually come to an end. Anchor Marco Werman discusses what that means in the real world with Jessica Stern, an expert in American policy on terrorism.
Ecuador’s Satellite Involved in Space Fender Bender
We’re looking for the name of satellite from Ecuador. Their satellite — their only satellite — has been involved in what Russian officials say may have been a collision with a piece of orbiting space junk from their space activities. Here’s one more hint: The satellite is named after a constellation in the northern night sky.
Myanmar’s Young Expats Consider Returning Home
As the world watches Myanmar’s fitful reforms, some of the country’s citizens living abroad are weighing a return home. Reporter Bruce Wallace talks with two Myanmar graduate students in New York City about their plans.
Cosplayers Geek Out for Japanese Anime in the United States
Boston is hosting one of the largest anime conventions in the country this weekend. Anchor Marco Werman meets author Ian Condry to talk about his new book, “The Soul of Anime” and get a guided tour of the Anime Boston convention.
Dengbej: Kurdish Storytellers Revive Their Tradition In Turkey
In Turkey, Kurdish culture is having something of a Renaissance. Public expressions of Kurdish culture are now legal. Now a new cultural center has opened for traditional Kurdish story-tellers to practice their ancient art.
Everyone Dreams of Being an Engineer in India
The field of engineering is so popular in India that it’s harder to get into a top engineering school there than to get into Harvard. For many people, engineering and medicine are the only acceptable fields. And that has some worried that India faces a shortage of other professionals.
Colombia’s Bomba Estéreo Perform Acoustic Version of Sintiendo
Members of the Colombian band Bomba Estéreo performed an acoustic version of a track off their latest album, Elegancia Tropical.
PRI’s The World: 05/23/2013 (Pakistan, Yemen, Nigeria)
President Obama outlines his policy on drone attacks as part of a speech on counter terrorism. We’ll hear reaction from a country that has been the site of many US drone strikes – Pakistan. And a conversation with best-selling Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie about her novel.
President Obama Defends ‘Just War’ Using Drones
President Barack Obama has defended the use of drones as a “just war” of self-defense against deadly militants, and a campaign that had made America safer.
Obama’s Pledge to ‘Scale Back’ Drone Attacks Not Enough for Pakistanis
Pakistanis have long complained about the US drone program that targets people in the country’s tribal area. And they’ve demanded that the US stop their activities. For them, the president’s pledge to “scale back” those strikes isn’t enough. Anchor Marco Werman speaks with reporter Fahad Desmukh in Pakistan.
Shift In Drone Policy Resonates in Yemen
A White House shift on drone policy might make a big difference for a nation like Yemen. Analyst Gregory Johnsen says he’s encouraged that a more selective use of drones will protect civilians in places like Yemen, while aiding US intelligence gathering efforts.
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