Entire program – March 9, 2010

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Today on The World: Vice President Joe Biden visits Israel in hopes of kick starting the Mideast peace talks, Japan reveals a long-held secret nuclear pact with the United States, and a passion for soccer turns deadly in Argentina.

How to deal with Iran’s nuclear ambitions

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Vice-President Joe Biden is in Israel today where he reiterated that the US is determined to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. But some analysts say the US would do better to cool its rhetoric and prepare to live with Iran as a nuclear power. The World’s Jeb Sharp reports. Download MP3

• BBC coverage
• ‘How We Got Here’ podcast
• Francis J. Gavin: “Same As It Ever Was”

Drawing the Ramayana

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Animator Sanjay Patel worked on The Simpsons, A Bugs Life and The Incredibles. As a child, his home was filled with Hindu icons and stories … including one Hindu tale filled with powerful deities, love-struck monsters and a flying monkey god. His new book, Ramayana: Divine Loophole, brings a modern look to this ancient Hindu story. Marco Werman speaks with Sanjay Patel. Download MP3

• See illustrations
• Sanjay Patel’s website
• Book information

Portugal’s soft war on drugs

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Ten years ago Portugal decriminalized drug use. We’re not just talking marijuana, but all drugs. From cocaine to heroin. Back then, Portugal had a big – and visible – heroin problem. The idea is to treat drug users as sick people, not criminals. Most feel that decriminalization is working, even though drug use isn’t down. The World’s Gerry Hadden reports from Lisbon. Download MP3 (Photo of drug rehab artwork: Gerry Hadden)

• BBC video
• Gerry’s photos from Lisbon rehab center

England’s soccer dilemma

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One of the favorites to win this year’s FIFA world cup tournament in South Africa is England. After all, it’s home to one of the top professional soccer leagues on the planet. But England only won a world championship once, way back in 1966 and The World’s Alex Gallafent (an England fan) is now worried that the English team is unraveling less than 100 days from kick-off. Download MP3 (flickr image by .imelda)

• BBC World Cup coverage

Israel plans more settlements

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Israel announced plans for new Jewish settlements in mostly-Arab East Jerusalem. This despite US pressure not to build more settlements, and Vice President Joe Biden’s visit to Israel. Anchor Marco Werman finds out more from the BBC’s Jonathan Donnison in Gaza City.

Japan’s nuclear secret

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Japan revealed today it violated its own non-nuclear principles established after World War II and lied about it for decades in a secret pact with the United States. Anchor Marco Werman speaks with Professor Andrew Gordon, who teaches Japanese history at Harvard, about the revelation.

Fan violence infects Argentine soccer

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Correspondent Ian Mount reports on the growth of fan-related violence in the world of Argentine soccer. Three people have died since January. Correspondent Ian Mount reports that the pattern that leads to fan violence is proving hard to break.

Donkeys set a new pace in Italy

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The Sicilian town of Castelbuono has stopped using garbage trucks to collect the trash and recycling — and started using DONKEYS instead. Reporter Naomi Fowler visited the town to find out why.

Geo Quiz

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Our daily geography quiz.

Geo answer

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The answer to today’s Geo Quiz today is Australia. Something’s happening in parts of the country that hasn’t happened for years. It’s RAINING. Correspondent Phil Mercer reports from the farming town of Forbes that locals hope the worst drought in memory may finally be breaking.

Hot and dry

For today’s Geo Quiz we’re looking a parched part of the world. Where the skies have finally opened up. This country in the southern hemisphere has always been a hot, dry place. But lately it’s been even worse than usual. Much of it is in the grip of a 10-year drought… that’s left farms and cities alike seriously thirsty…

The rapping monk

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Today’s Global Hit take us to Japan where a Buddhist monk is using rap and hip hop to spread the word of Buddha to young people. Download MP3