Entire program – March 16, 2010

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Today on The World: Clashes in East Jerusalem, as Palestinians protest against Israeli plans for new housing there; Also, old wounds are re-opened in Latvia, with a ceremony honoring soldiers killed in World War Two; And a dispute in Egypt over women serving as judges.

The East Jerusalem issue

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US Middle East envoy George Mitchell has postponed a visit to Israel amid a continuing quarrel over Israel’s decision to build more Jewish homes in East Jerusalem. The building announcement angered Washington. Tension remains high in Jerusalem, with more security forces moving in as rock throwing protesters vent their frustration. The World’s Matthew Bell chronicles the developing tensions over East Jerusalem. Download MP3 (photo: Matthew Bell)

• Matthew’s pictures from East Jerusalem
• BBC coverage
• On The World: Strains in US-Israel relations

Latvian Nazi unit commemorated

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The wounds of World War II are still deeply felt in the Baltics. That was evident in Latvia today where veterans gathered to commemorate troops who had died defending Latvia against Stalin’s Soviet invaders. The annual ceremony angers some in Latvia because the troops being commemorated fought in two Waffen SS divisions on the side of Nazi Germany. The BBC’s Damien McGuiness is in Latvia’s capital Riga. Download MP3 (Photo: German Bundesarchiv)

• BBC coverage
• Country profile: Latvia

Turkey bans trips abroad for artificial insemination

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A new law passed in Turkey has made it a criminal offense for a woman to go abroad and get pregnant via artificial insemination. Artificial insemination is already illegal, but women have until now been able to go overseas to seek sperm donors. Now they will face punishment of one to three years in prison for doing so. Marco Werman talks with Pinar Ilkkaracan, the co-founder of Women for Women’s Human Rights in Istanbul. Download MP3 (flickr image courtesy of fxp)

• BBC coverage

Noize MC and the Mercedes song

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The hip-hop song “Mercedes S666″ by Noize MC is about a Moscow traffic accident that has everyone there talking. Two weeks ago, the vice-president of Russian oil giant Lukoil was in his chauffeur-driven Mercedes when it crashed head-on into a Citroen killing the two women in that car. The police blamed the Citroen for the accident but Noize MC has his own version of events. Anchor Marco Werman has more about the song. Dan Rosenberg contributed to this report. Download MP3

• Noize MC – Mercedes S666 video
• Noize MC homepage

How Jerusalem affects Pentagon

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Anchor Marco Werman speaks with Mark Perry, author of a Foreign Policy magazine article on why the US military is increasingly concerned about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Kidnapped boy found safe in Pakistan

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A five-year-old British boy who was kidnapped in Pakistan nearly two weeks ago was found safe today. Anchor Marco Werman has details.

Russian police under fire

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Jessica Golloher reports on the uproar in Russia caused by a traffic incident in Moscow. It involved Russian police officers forcing motorists to park their cars across a highway to block a fleeing suspect. The incident has sparked questions about how Russian police operate and who they really serve.

Women judges under threat in Egypt

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Over the past 8 years, Egypt made great strides in women’s rights when it started appointing women as judges. That move met with great resistance and now, there’s a move to ban women judges altogether. Ursula Lindsey reports from Cairo.

Geo Quiz

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Our daily geography quiz.

Palau’s China dilemma

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The World’s Mary Kay Magistad reports on the Pacific island nation of Palau — and its China dilemma. Right now, Palau has diplomatic relations with Taiwan, not China. But China’s growing influence in the region is causing some on Palau to reconsider.

Geo Answer

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The answer to today’s Geo Quiz is the Philippine island of Boracay. It’s a favorite spot for kite surfers. Reporter Sunshine de Leon recently spoke to some there.

New Folk

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There’s a new folk music movement in Britain, and some of its members are bringing their music to the US. Anchor Marco Werman speaks with British folk singers Jim Moray and Olivia Chaney.

• Best of New British Folk
• ‘Looking For a New England, New Folk: Old Roots’
• Looking for a New England Tour