History
How an American Linguist Helped Unlock the Secrets of Linear B
In 1952, a mysterious Bronze Age script was deciphered by an Englishman, Michael Ventris. But his work rested in part on a Herculean analysis undertaken by an American linguist, Alice Kober. The World’s Alex Gallafent reports.
The American Actor Vying to Play Napoleon at Waterloo
Mark Schneider has been obsessed with Napoleon since he was a kid. Now, he’s in the running to play the famous French general at the 200th anniversary re-enactment of the Battle of Waterloo in Belgium.
Former Nazi Torture and Detention Sites Uncovered in Germany
Researchers say that in Germany before World War II, there were many more Nazi torture and detention sites than previously thought. The evidence comes from an archive of Nazi documents that was only opened to the public in recent years.
Frederic Franklin (1914-2013): Dancing Through the 20th Century
The World’s Alex Gallafent remembers ballet dancer Frederic Franklin, who’s died in New York aged 98. Franklin got his big break in Paris, back in the 1930s. He later went on to star in the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo before making his home in the United States.
Member of a Jewish Holocaust ‘Revenge Squad’ Tells Story
A few weeks ago, Israel commemorated Holocaust Memorial Day. The World’s Middle East Correspondent Matthew Bell met a man there with a unique Holocaust story that he was somewhat reluctant to talk about. It’s a story about revenge.
Equality From the Ground Up: Streets in Berlin Must Be Named After Men and Women Equally
The Jewish Museum in Berlin wants to rename a street in front of it’s building for an 18th century German-Jewish philosopher. But district officials say no. According to an edict passed in the district, no street can be re-named after a man until there are an equal number of streets named after women. After a yearlong negotiation a compromise has been made. The street will be renamed after the philosopher and his wife. The quiz for today, name the 18th century philosopher and his wife.
How a World Famous Ballerina Plotted to Overthrow the Government of Panama
The British dancer Margot Fonteyn was one of the world’s most renowned ballerinas. She was married to the son of a former president of Panama and, in 1959, the two took part in a failed coup to overthrow the pro-American government there.
1979 as Turning Point in History
One historian argues that 1979 was the decisive turning point in modern history. The World’s Chris Woolf remembers the world that changed.
Clean Shoes, Folk Dancing, Liza Umarova: Things to Love About Chechen Culture
The Boston Marathon bombings investigation has focused a big spotlight on Chechnya. The two suspects’ family — the Tsarnaevs — have Chechen roots. Journalist Nathan Thornburgh blogs about the need to consider another side of Chechnya.
An Alleged Chechen Terrorist Plot, Thwarted in Spain
Chechen terrorism has been mostly targeted against Russia. But a year ago in Spain two Chechens and a Turk were arrested for allegedly plotting to attack Gibraltar during the London Summer Olympics. With bombs dropped from paragliders.
A Royal Taboo in Spain Broken, as More Call for King to Quit
In Spain more and more people are openly calling for King Juan Carlos to step down. The Royal Family’s reputation has been damaged in the last couple of years by a series of scandals, from secret elephant-hunting junkets to multi-million dollar corruption investigations.
Britain’s Iron Lady Margaret Thatcher Dies at 87
Former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher has died in London at the age of 87. The World’s Alex Gallafent examines the career of one of the singular politicians of the twentieth century.
Thatcher’s Mixed Legacy Around the World
Margaret Thatcher’s reputation around the world is mixed. Some love, some hate her. Anchor Marco Werman shares views from eastern Europe, Africa and Latin America.
Pentagon Insider Steve Bucci Admits ‘Bad Assumptions’ About Iraq, 10 Years On
When Steve Bucci agreed to talk to The World about the invasion of Iraq I expected to run into lots of defensive deflection. Bucci was part of the inner circle at the Pentagon at the time of the invasion, as a military assistant to Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld [...]
Why Canada Said No to the Iraq War
The “coalition of the willing” was what President Bush called the group of 48 countries that supported the invasion of Iraq, despite the lack of United Nations authorization. Absent from that group was one on America’s strongest allies – Canada. Paul Heinbecker was Canada’s ambassador to the UN at the time. He speaks with anchor Marco Werman about Canada’s decision to stay out of the US-led invasion of Iraq.
Additional funding for PRI's The World is provided by:
