01/09/2013
PRI’s The World: 01/09/2013 (Switzerland, France, Armenia)
We look forward at President Obama’s nominee for CIA chief, John Brennan, and his support for the use of drones. The Head of Venezuela’s Supreme Court rules that President Hugo Chavez’s swearing-in can be postponed because of his illness. Plus, will a court ruling in Switzerland extinguish an eternal flame that has burned for more than 600 years?
Reforming US Policies on Drone Strikes
The current trajectory of US drone strike policies is “unsustainable.” Anchor Marco Werman speaks with Micah Zenko, author of a new Council on Foreign Relations report titled “Reforming US Drone Strike Policies.” Zenko says it’s the same conclusion drawn by the new nominee as the next CIA director, John Brennan.
The Trafficking of Girls in India
The issue of violence against women in India goes beyond the recent stories of rape. Every year tens of thousands of girls in India are sold into a life of violence and abuse. Many are sold to be brides. That has a lot to do with gender imbalances and the widespread practice of aborting female fetuses in northern India.
The London Underground is 150 Years Old
The London Underground is celebrating its 150th birthday. The iconic subway system was the first of its kind in the world, and remains a symbol of the British capital.
Kim Kardashian and her Armenian Roots
Kim Kardashian is a world-famous reality TV star. She’s also the daughter of an Armenian family. So what do the people of Armenia make of her?
Venezuelan Supreme Court Approves the Postponing of Hugo Chavez’s Inauguration
The Venezuelan Supreme Court has decided to give ailing president Hugo Chavez as much time as he needs to recover and return to Caracas from Cuba. The BBC’s Sarah Grainger in Caracas said it’s not clear whether a new election will be scheduled in the near future.
Mexicans Debate the Fate of Stray Dogs Blamed in Four Mauling Deaths
Stray dogs in Mexico City have been accused of the recent mauling deaths of four people. Journalist Jennifer Schmidt tells host Marco Werman why hundreds of thousands of strays are a dangerous and growing problem in the Mexican capital.
Saying Goodbye to Military Working Dog Rex
Rex served as a US military working dog in Iraq. He was the subject of a book written by his Marine handler, Mike Dowling. Just before Christmas, Rex died at the age of 11.
Swiss Town Hopes To Keep Lamp Burning
A recent Swiss court ruling has released a farmer from an obligation dating back 655 years to pay for an “eternal flame” in a town in the Swiss canton of Glarus. The debt stemmed from a 14th century murder case. The ruling surprised town residents who now have to figure out whether to keep the lamp burning and who will pay for the all the oil and candles in the years to come.
World Kora Trio Shine at the Africolor Festival
The musical group, which was the highlight of the festival, gives a modern and funky vibe to traditional instruments.
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