03/11/2013
PRI’s The World: 03/11/2013 (Japan, Greece, UK)
The United Nations warns that the number of refugees fleeing the war in Syria could soar. Also, we check out a soccer team in Arizona, where the players are refugees and the coaches are undocumented. Plus, Japan is still reconsidering nuclear energy, as it observes the 2nd anniversary of the Fukushima disaster.
After Fukushima, An Energy Tug-of-War in Japan
Two years after the Fukushima nuclear disaster, renewable energy is surging in Japan. But economic pressures are also helping revive support for nuclear power, leading to an internal tug-of-war over Japan’s energy future.
North Korea Severs Hotline with South
North Korea has severed its hotline with South Korea, after declaring it no longer considered valid the 1953 ceasefire ending the Korean War. Anchor Marco Werman digs into the history and true nature of international hotline communication with diplomatic historian, Haraldur Þór Egilsson.
Dehli Gang Rape Suspect ‘Commits Suicide’ in Prison
The main suspect in the brutal Delhi gang rape case has allegedly committed suicide inside a high security jail in New Delhi. The man’s death has raised questions about security in Indian prisons.
Late Hugo Chavez Dominates Venezuela Snap Election
In Venezuela, the snap election for president is getting under way, but the late Hugo Chavez is still the looming presence. His vice president, Nicolas Maduro, is campaigning on a promise to carry the Chavez torch and the opposition leader is hamstrung because criticizing Maduro is seen as an attack on Chavez.
Number of Syrian Refugees May Grow to Three Million by End of Year
The number of Syrians fleeing the conflict at home is soaring. The United Nations announced the number of Syrians refugees who’ve fled their country officially hit one million. Antonio Guterres, head of the UN’s Refugee Agency, the UNHCR, says that could triple by the end of this year. Melissa Fleming, the UNHCR chief spokesperson, says Syrians who make it to one of Turkey’s 17 refugee camps say they are grateful to be staying in an orderly and safe place.
Traveling With Syrian Refugees in Greece
Syrians are now the second largest group of refugees to enter the European Union. They usually come through Greece, but it’s hard for them to get refugee status there. The country is overwhelmed. Reporter Marine Olivesi traveled with a Syrian family of 16 that landed in Greece and is desperately trying to get to Sweden.
Finding Common Ground on the Soccer Field
In Phoenix, Arizona, there is a soccer club called Team Milan made up of kids—refugees—from all over the world: Burma, Congo, Iraq, Afghanistan. Turns out, Phoenix accepts more refugees than nearly any other American city. And the team’s coaches? They’ve resettled in the US too, but are undocumented immigrants from Mexico. But they find common ground on the field. Reporter Valeria Fernández of “Feet in 2 Worlds” reports this story.
CT Scans Reveal Ancient Mummies with Heart Disease
A new medical study of the vascular health of more than 100 mummies, some as old as 4,000-years-old, and from different geographies, has been published in the medical journal Lancet. The mummies all underwent CT scans and surprisingly, many showed signs of serious heart disease.
The Comeback of UK Alt-Rock Band My Bloody Valentine
The UK-based band My Bloody Valentine has made a comeback with their first release in 22 years. DJ Marius Asp tells us what he thinks of the band’s comeback album, called “MBV.”
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