01/14/2013
PRI’s The World: 01/14/2013 (Sweden, Indonesia, Pakistan)
Islamist rebels in Mali gain territory despite French air strikes aimed at stopping their advance. Also, Spaniards get creative about protesting their government’s austerity measures and tax hikes. Plus, our correspondent in Beijing tells us what life is like in the pollution-choked Chinese capital.
Mali Welcomes French Intervention
The French intervention has been welcomed by many Malians hoping for an end to Islamist control of Mali’s north.
The Politics Behind French Intervention in Mali
France’s military intervention in Mali represents a shift in the country’s foreign policy. Anchor Jeb Sharp hears more about that from Jennifer Cooke, director of the Africa Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
Spanish Anti-Austerity Protesters Get Creative With Flash Mobs and Carrots
A carrot rebellion is underway at a small Spanish theater in Bescano. One night, instead of selling tickets for a play, the theater sold carrots. For the same price.
France’s Love-Hate with Russia: Why Depardieu Was Granted Russian Citizenship
As French actor Gérard Depardieu embraces his new Russian citizenship to flee France’s 75 percent income tax on millionaires, some observers are reminded that the love-hate relationship between France and Russia has existed for centuries.
Russian Soldiers Ordered to Use Socks
Russia’s defense minister called Monday for Russian soldiers to use socks. Yes, socks. Until now, Russian military tradition has been to use cloths carefully rapped around the foot.
India Street Protests Inspire Women’s Rights Advocates in Pakistan
A prominent attorney in Pakistan, Hina Jilani, says Indian street protests have empowered women’s rights advocates there, and reminded the Pakistani public to take a more active role, and not leave social action to small groups of activists.
The Opposition in Myanmar’s Young Parliament
Longtime government opponents in Myanmar’s National League for Democracy are settling into new roles as elected officials.
Beijing Residents Struggle to Cope with Off-the-Charts Air Pollution
Off-the-charts air pollution in Beijing has affected all residents of the Chinese capital in recent days, including The World’s Mary Kay Magistad. She speaks with anchor Jeb Sharp about what life in Beijing is like when the air becomes unbreathable.
Stargazers Discovering the UK’s ‘Dark Sky’ Locations
Stargazers in the UK are compiling a list of “dark sky ” locations around England, Scotland, and Wales where its dark enough for anyone to enjoy a good view of the night sky.
One Scandinavian Nation Remembers Johnny Cash’s Prison Concert
Johnny Cash was famous for performing for inmates in US jails, but he also took his prison show on the road, recording a classic live album in front of a group of inmates in Sweden.
Iwan Fals: The Voice of Social Justice in Indonesia
Back in the 1960s, American musicians wrote songs of social justice. Today, Indonesian singer-songwriter Iwan Fals does the same.
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