03/19/2013
PRI’s The World: 03/19/2013 (Iraq, Zimbabwe, Guatemala)
Recalling the start of the Iraq war 10 years ago, and what went wrong after the invasion. Also, Britain opens the door to fracking, but vows to avoid mistakes made in the US. Plus, Jewish settlers in the West Bank hope to start a dialogue with President Obama.
Iraq – 10 Years Later: ‘I Watched Iraq Fall’
Wednesday marks the 10th anniversary of the ground invasion of Iraq. Anchor Marco Werman speaks with award-winning correspondent Janine di Giovanni, who recalls both the invasion and the fall of Baghdad, and reflects on Iraq today.
10 Years After the Invasion, One Iraqi Struggles With His Identity
Anchor Marco Werman speaks with Iraqi, Nechirban Yousif, a construction worker in London who fled Saddam Hussein in 1998 and went back to visit Iraq shortly after the invasion in 2003.
Iraq – 10 Years Later: ‘What We Did Wrong’
The war in Iraq did not go according to plan. It was hoped that a quick victory would be met with the help and gratitude of a liberated people; a move that could spark a democratic awakening throughout the Middle East. Instead, a stubborn insurgency was born, which morphed into a vicious sectarian conflict.
Fracking in the UK: Supporters Look to Avoid ‘Reckless’ US Mistakes
As the UK gears up to start a gas-fracking industry, government and industry say they’re determined to avoid the mistakes made in the US. But observers differ as to whether the country is better prepared for the risks of the controversial technology, or worse.
Ríos Montt and Guatemala’s Genocide Trial
In Guatemala, this week marks the start of a landmark trial. It takes on a powerful general who faces genocide charges for his role during one of the bloodiest chapters in the country’s long civil war. Jill Replogle from the public radio collaboration, Fronteras Desk, reports on what this trial means to people in the US, from human rights advocates to Guatemalan immigrants.
Zimbabwe Jails Beatrice Mtetwa, Clamps Down on Opposition
Zimbabwe’s residents overwhelming endorsed a new constitution this weekend, agreeing to limit the powers of the presidency. But after the vote, authorities arrested three senior opposition members, as well as renowned human rights lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa.
West Bank Israelis Hoping to Woo Obama
About 14,000 students attend Ariel University, which sits deep inside the West Bank, on the edge of a large Jewish settlement. “I see Ariel as part of this country,” said Reut Menahem, a 26-year-old psychology student. She said Obama would be missing an opportunity if he doesn’t engage with students here.
International Cuisine in Louisiana
The Geo Quiz has an American culinary twist this time. This city on the Mississippi was named after a French city, located on the banks of the Loire River. It’s a melting pot of foods and flavors.
‘Hitler’s Composer’: Why an Israeli is Rethinking Wagner’s Music and Legacy
The music of German composer Richard Wagner is considered taboo by many in Israelis. That’s because Wagner is widely linked with Hitler and antisemitism. But an Israeli researcher says it may be time to rethink Wagner, as Daniella Cheslow reports from Tel Aviv.
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