Entire program – November 5, 2009

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Today on The World: Swine flu hits one of the world’s most isolated indigenous tribes; A new study out suggests most young Americans literally aren’t fit enough for the military; and the roots of Pakistan’s battle with itself.

Pakistan’s Taliban challenge

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The Pakistani army has been reporting heavy clashes between its troops and Taliban fighters. The battles are part of a ground offensive in the volatile tribal region of South Waziristan. The US has been providing military assistance, a fact many in the Pakistani military are not prepared to admit openly. The World’s Jeb Sharp looks at the complicated motivations of Pakistan’s armed forces in this conflict. Download MP3 (Photo: Nicolas Asfouri/AFP/Getty Images)

• FAQ Pakistan’s operations in Waziristan
• Matthew Bell on Pakistan’s campaign against militant groups
• Jeb Sharp’s ‘How We Got There’ podcast

Predator strikes in Pakistan

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At least four suspected militants were killed when a US drone fired two missiles in Pakistan’s North Waziristan region, security officials said. The area is a known haven for al-Qaeda and the Taliban, but Pakistan has publicly criticized drone attacks, saying they fuel support for the militants. Marco Werman talks with Ahmed Rashid, the author of many books about Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Central Asia. Download MP3

• BBC coverage
• Jeb Sharp on the controversial US drone strikes in Pakistan

Swine flu endangers Amazonian tribe

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Swine flu has hit one of the largest isolated indigenous groups in the Amazon. The government in Venezuela has sealed off part of the country to stop swine flu devastating the Yanomami tribe of Indians. Seven members of the tribe have been killed and a thousand are believed to have caught the flu. Survival International is London-based indigenous rights group. We speak with Fiona Watson, research and field director for Survival International, about the situation. Download MP3

• BBC coverage
• Survival International – The movement for tribal peoples

The post-communist generation

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For some living in what was once the Eastern Bloc, the anniversary of bringing down the wall brings little cause for celebration. The last twenty years have brought freedom but also hardship and uncertainty – especially for the youngest generation who have grown up without Communism. Laura Lynch visited a high school in Budapest, Hungary. Download MP3

• Laura Lynch’s story on the first breach of the Iron Curtain in 1989
• Susan Stone reports how young Germans remember East Germany
• The World’s Gerry Hadden revisits the former East German border
• The World’s Alex Gallafent on owning a piece of the Berlin Wall

Night Witches

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We take you back to World War II for today’s Geography Quiz. We’re looking for the first nation to put female pilots into combat. This nation had three regiments of female pilots, and during the war they flew more than 30,000 missions. Their enemies called them the Night Witches, and they are the subject of a new documentary by the BBC’s Lucy Ash. Download MP3

• Night Witches radio documentary
• Night Witches Audio Slideshow
• Lucy Ash on the BBC’s From Our Own Correspondent
• Video footage of the Night Witches

Ukraine takes drastic measures against swine flu

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Ukraine’s government is responding aggressively to swine flu. But as Brigid McCarthy reports from Kiev, its aggressive stance may be more about politics than prevention.

Overweight Americans and national security

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A study released today in Washington warns that young Americans are increasingly unfit to serve in the military. The primary reason is they’re overweight. The World’s Katy Clark reports.

U2 behind a wall in Berlin

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The group U2 is performing a free concert in Berlin tonight to mark 20 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall. Ironically, another wall is going up for the performance. Anchor Marco Werman explains.

Fashion week in Pakistan

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Anchor Marco Werman has news of an event presenting a different picture of Pakistan. That’s Pakistan’s Fashion Week.

Geo Quiz

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Our daily geography puzzler.

Panama! 3

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We’re going to hear a little music from Panama for today’s Global Hit. Specifically music recorded between 1960 to 1975. It’s from a CD is called Panama 3. It’s part a three CD collection of historic music from Panama released by Sound Way records. We hear from music critic Tom Schnabel.