Entire program – February 23, 2010

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Today on The World: A different view of the war in Afghanistan from an Afghan journalist who embedded with insurgents; Also, the hard choices faced by emergency workers in the aftermath of Haiti’s devastating earthquake; Plus, we visit a Vancouver restaurant where Olympic visitors are served a dose of rudeness.

Behind Taliban lines

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Last fall, veteran Afghan journalist Najibullah Quraishi put out word that he would like to interview one of the new Taliban commanders leading a growing insurgency in the country’s northern provinces. His trip is documented in the edition of Frontline airing tonight on PBS. The reporter is Najibullah Quraishi, Marco Werman talks with him. Download MP3 (Photo: courtesy of Frontline)

• PBS Frontline program page
• BBC coverage of the Taliban conflict
• Coalition offensive against Taliban continues

Doctors face ethical decisions in Haiti

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The medical needs in Haiti are so great, and the resources often so limited, that doctors and nurses working there since the earthquake have had to make some wrenching decisions. They’ve had to choose not only who they could save, but who they could not or would not save. Reporter Sheri Fink brings us a rare behind-the-scenes look at an American field hospital in Port au Prince in the early weeks of the disaster. Download MP3 (Photo: Sheri Fink)

• See photos, videos, and read the transcript
• The World’s coverage on Haiti

US diplomats to get new London digs

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The United States today unveiled the design for a brand new embassy in London. The US has had an embassy in central London for some 200 years. But space and security concerns are forcing a move to slightly less swanky, but more secure, digs across the Thames River. Later today, The World’s Laura Lynch reports on the winning design (pictured), submitted by Philadelphia-based firm Kieran Timberlake. Download MP3

• Flickr: See pictures from all four finalists
• The US Embassy in London

Get abused in the Elbow Room Café!

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Vancouver’s Elbow Room Café is known for two things. Good food – and abuse! Lots and lots of abuse. The café’s built a reputation of giving customers a hard time. Surprisingly this approach attracts many customers. The World’s Andrea Crossan tried the strange café. Download MP3 (Photo: Andrea Crossan)

• Andrea’s photos from the Elbow Room
• Illustrated transcript
• Elbow Room homepage

Stone money

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On the Pacific Island of Yap, you can’t exactly keep change in your pocket when dealing in the local currency. It’s stone – and up to twelve feet across. Its origins go back millennia. The money is still used these days, but not to buy groceries. It’s for the bigger things in life – bestowing honor, asking forgiveness, or begging your daughter’s new in-laws to treat her well. The World’s Mary Kay Magistad reports from Yap. Download MP3

• See photos
• Read Mary Kay Magistad’s reporter’s journal

Karzai expands his influence

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Afghanistan’s President Hamid Karzai has signed a decree that allows him to appoint all members of the country’s Electoral Complaints Commission. That’s the body that helped expose widespread fraud — mostly in Karzai’s favor — during last year’s presidential vote. Anchor Marco Werman speaks with Scott Worden, who served as one of three foreigners on the Commission last year.

The evolving Olympic medal ceremony

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Medal ceremonies at the Olympics used to be solemn moments. But that’s changed over the years, as is evident in Vancouver. The World’s Jason Margolis has more on the history and evolution of the medal ceremony.

Challenges in post-earthquake Haiti

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Anchor Marco Werman speaks with Dr. Paul Farmer, the United Nation’s deputy special envoy to Haiti. Farmer says international aid groups working in Haiti post-earthquake can’t “go it alone” and must ensure that Haitians take the lead in the country’s reconstruction.

Global Hit

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Anchor Marco Werman introduces us to US-based Chinese musician Bei Bei, UK-based American producer Shawn Lee and their efforts to add a little 21st century funk to an ancient Chinese instrument.