01/01/2013
PRI’s The World: 1/1/2013
As 2013 dawned, the US Senate passed a measure to avoid the “fiscal cliff.” We find out how Europe is covering the political struggle over the US economy. Locksmiths in Pamplona, Spain push back on austerity by refusing to change locks on properties being foreclosed on by banks. We remember Chilean activist and singer Victor Jara. Those stories and more, Tuesday on 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.
In Spain, Locksmiths Refuse to Cooperate with Foreclosures and Evictions
In Spain, in 2012, more than 50,000 families were evicted from their homes when they failed to pay their rent or mortgage. As the year wound down a handful of people committed suicide after learning they would be evicted. Now in Pamplona, a group of experts who help carry out the evictions has said ‘No more!’ Those experts? Locksmiths. The World’s Gerry Hadden reports.
2012: The Year of Movements Massive and Minute in Europe
Hands down the biggest story out of Europe in 2012 was the euro-zone economic crisis. There was much talk of the future of the euro currency, of the financial viability of the union itself, of giant bail-outs to struggling governments and of capital flight from banks as risk-averse investors began moving their money to safer havens.
Sorting Through a Year of Tumult in the Mideast
It’s been a tumultuous year in the Arab world as citizens from Syria to Libya struggle to shake off the binds of authoritarian rule. We asked The World’s Middle East correspondent Matthew Bell to page back through his notes, looking for standout moments in 2012 and suggest what to keep an eye on in the year ahead.
‘A Better World for Mothers’: Leading African Women Contemplate the New Year
“A better world for mothers, daughters, sisters and wives.” Here are some thoughts on the coming year from four leading African women, including the Presidents of Malawi and Liberia.
The Environment in 2012 & 2013: A Look Back and Ahead
From record Arctic ice melt to freak storms, droughts and heat waves, 2012 was the year when climate change became almost daily news. The World’s environment editor Peter Thomson joins host Marco Werman for a look back at the year just ended and ahead at what to watch for in 2013.
Medellín’s Outdoor Escalator Part of Plan to Remake City
The Colombian city of Medellin was once the murder capital of the world and ground zero for Pablo Escobar’s cocaine cartel. But Medellin has lately emerged as a hotspot for urban planning and innovative mass transit. And, as John Otis reports, the projects are part of a long-term plan to fight poverty and remake the fortunes of the city.
A New York Quiz for New Year’s Day
On this New Year’s Day Geo Quiz, follow our clues to find three things in New York City that play off the word “new.”
Pete Seeger on the Death and Legacy of Chile’s Victor Jara
Until this past week, no one has been charged with the death of Chilean singer Victor Jara. The folk hero died during a military coup led by General Augusto Pinochet back in 1973. Marco Werman speaks to American folk singer Pete Seeger about the death and legacy of Victor Jara.
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