01/30/2013
PRI’s The World: 01/30/2013 (Portugal, Switzerland, Guinea-Bissau)
As Congress holds its first hearings on gun violence since Newtown, we hear about gun laws in Switzerland where gun ownership is high and crime is low. Also, more “crazy bad” pollution in Beijing has the Chinese talking about Clean Air Act. Plus, Carla Bruni sings again. The former first lady of France releases a new CD.
Israeli Jets Said to Conduct Airstrike Inside Syria
Regional security officials have said that Israeli planes conducted an airstrike on an unnamed target on the Syria-Lebanon border. Israeli officials have in recent days warned against Syria sending chemical weapons or surface-to-air missiles to Hezbollah.
Inside Syrian Rebels’ Bomb Factory
Rebels in Syria are making bombs and improvized explosive devices to assist in their struggle against government forces. The BBC’s James Reynolds went to see a rebel bomb-making factory and training center, and describes it to anchor Marco Werman.
Swiss Worry About ‘Americanization’ of Gun Debate
While Washington debates what to do about guns, some gun advocates are looking abroad for inspiration, to Switzerland. They say the Swiss have high gun ownership rates, low crime, and lots of freedom. But some Swiss reject the comparison.
Combating Rape in Somalia: Women at a Crossroads
Activists in Somalia are demanding that their new government do more to investigate rape charges, especially those directed at men in uniform.
A Clean Air Act For China?
China is suffering through its fourth bout of extreme air pollution in the past month. It’s gotten so bad that people online are calling for a China version of the Clean Air Act.
Guinea Bissau Government in Exile
In the West African country of Guinea Bissau, cocaine traffickers teamed up with the military last year to topple the civilian government. Now that civilian government is in exile in Portugal, the former colonial power.
Surfer Garrett McNamara Catches Monster Portuguese Wave
Can you name the town where Garrett McNamara may have broken a record for surfing a 100 foot monster wave just off the northern coast of Portugal? We speak with Ruy Enes, who runs The Surfing Camp in Oporto, Portugal.
Keeping Up with the KGB Jennings: A New TV Spy Thriller, ‘The Americans’
Tonight a new TV series, “The Americans,” premiers on FX. The show harkens back to the Cold War days. Anchor, Marco Werman talks with writer and co-creator of the series, Joe Weisberg.
Carla Bruni Pays Tribute to Masters of French Chanson in First Album Since Husband’s Presidency
France’s former first lady, Carla Bruni is going back to her old job of chanteuse. For five years Bruni didn’t record an album out of respect for presidential protocol. But now that her husband is out of office, she’s letting loose.
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