Entire program – September 2, 2010

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Today on The World: the latest on the Middle East peace talks in Washington; also, an Iraqi immigrant’s new life in the United States; Plus, Internet users in China poke fun at old Communist icons.

Mideast peace talks begin

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After yesterday’s White House talks with President Barack Obama, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas are sitting down together to begin peace talks that could eventually lead to the creation of a Palestinian state. Thursday’s talks are also being attended by Jordan’s King Abdullah and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. The BBC’s Kim Ghattas is at the State Department. Download MP3

• Video: BBC coverage
• Attack overshadows Middle East talks
• FAQ: Resuming direct Middle East peace talks

Hawking: “No place for God”

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There is no place for God in theories on the creation of the Universe, Professor Stephen Hawking has said. He had previously argued belief in a creator was not incompatible with science but in a new book, he concludes the Big Bang was an inevitable consequence of the laws of physics. The Grand Design, part serialized in the London Times, says there is no need to invoke God to set the Universe going. Alex Gallafent has more. Download MP3

• Twitter: See what people are saying about Stephen Hawking
• BBC coverage
• Give the BBC your theories on the origin of the universe

Living on garbage in the Philippines

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Trash is cash for many living in the Quezon City dumpsite near Manila in the Philippines but it’s also perilous. Ten years ago a pile of rain soaked garbage crashed down, burying nearly 300 squatters. That set off a move to convert the site into a controlled waste operation but the program is due to end by December – and the trash continues to grow. Reporter Simone Orendain visited the dumpsite. (Photo: Simone Orendain) Download MP3

• Audio slideshow from the World archives: Tijuana garbage culture (2007)
• In pictures: Manila slum fire

China’s Army sings Lady Gaga

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China now has more people online than the US has citizens and many are getting slyly creative. They’re using old icons in new ways posting mash-ups of vintage People’s Liberation Army choir footage with modern pop hits. The World’s Mary Kay Magistad has more from Beijing. Download MP3

• Video: Watch the video mash-ups of the Red Army and Lady Gaga
• Xinjiang one year after the protests
• On the road with the Chinese Foreign Ministry

Israel keeps an eye on Iran

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The World’s Matthew Bell reports that as Israeli and Palestinian leaders talk peace in Washington, many Israelis have their eyes fixed on Iran. The World’s Matthew Bell reports.

Israel’s nuclear capability

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Anchor Marco Werman speaks with Marvin Miller, who co-authored an article in the latest issue of Foreign Affairs which suggests that it’s time Israel come clean about its possession of nuclear weapons. (Photo: Steven Davy)Download MP3

• Foreign Affairs

An Iraqi immigrant’s story

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Reporter Chris Burrell profiles an Iraqi refugee now living in Manchester, New Hampshire, and who spends his days recovering and repairing appliances that Americans throw away.

Mexico’s president addresses nation

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Mexico’s President Felipe Calderon gave his annual “state of the nation” speech today. He acknowledged that drug-related violence is on the rise despite his government’s crackdown but urged Mexicans to stick with him. Correspondent Franc Contreras has more.

Geo Quiz

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The World’s daily geography challenge.

Geo Answer

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For today’s Geoquiz we’re looking for the country with the highest percentage of rainforest cover on Earth? The answer is Suriname in South America. Anchor Marco Werman speaks with one man who’s been exploring those rainforests for 35 years: Russell Mittermeier, primatologist and president of the group “Conservation International.”

• Picture gallery
• Conservation International
• Geo Quiz Archive

Cuban pianist Chucho Valdes

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For today’s Global Hit, the story behind a song. Cuban pianist Chucho Valdes’ celebrates the connection he feels between Cuba and New Orleans with his composition ‘New Orleans’, one of the tracks on his new recording ‘Chucho’s Steps’.

• Chucho Valdes homepage
• Global Hit archive
• Global Hit on Facebook