Entire program – December 22, 2009

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Today on The World: How bogus intelligence from a con artist in Nevada led to a nationwide Code Orange security alert; Also, a vote for gay marriage in Mexico City; And why a British priest says its OK under extreme circumstances to shoplift.

Lithuania hosted secret CIA prisons

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The CIA used at least two secret detention centers in Lithuania after the 9/11 attacks, a Lithuanian inquiry has found. At least eight terror suspects were held at one center on the outskirts of the capital Vilnius (pictured), the investigation found. It was formerly a riding school and the suspects were reportedly held there between 2004 and 2005. Matthew Bell looks at how the current practice of the CIA compares. Download MP3 (AP Photo: Mindaugas Kulbis)

• BBC coverage
• On The World: Renditions to continue under Obama (Aug 25)

Romanians mark somber anniversary

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The people of Romania are marking the 20th anniversary of the revolution which brought down communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu. Small commemorations have been held at cemeteries and sites associated with the revolution. Ceausescu and his wife were executed by firing squad on Christmas Day 1989. Matthew Brunwasser looks at how Romanians have been dealing with their recent past. Download MP3

• BBC coverage
• 1989 – Europe’s revolution

Finding a good cup of joe in Colombia

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Colombia, the world’s third-leading coffee exporter, is famous for its high-quality, hand-picked beans. But while Colombia excels at growing and selling coffee, getting a decent cup in Colombia itself is another matter entirely as John Otis reports from Bogotá. Download MP3

• National Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia

Calypso Rose

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Sixty-nine year old Calypso Rose is the queen of Calypso music. She was born in Tobago and her legacy looms large throughout the Caribbean. Earlier this year, anchor Marco Werman had the chance to meet her in her adopted home of Jamaica, New York. Download MP3

• www.calypsorosediva.com
• Wikipedia: Calypso Rose

Dubious intelligence sparked 2003 alert

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Investigative journalist Aram Roston says a nationwide security alert back in 2003 was based on dubious information compiled by a man in Nevada and handed to the CIA. Roston writes about it in the current issue of Playboy magazine. And he speaks with anchor Marco Werman about the case.

Chinese dissident trial begins

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China’s most prominent dissident goes on trial tomorrow. He spearheaded a petition that called for democracy and more freedom of expression in China. The World’s Mary Kay Magistad reports from Beijing.

Vote for gay marriage in Mexico City

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Mexico City lawmakers voted to make their city the first in Latin America to legalize same-sex marriages. But the move has many opponents around Mexico. Anchor Marco Werman speaks with Jose Carreno, a contributor to the Mexican newspaper Excelsior.

Exchange could impact Palestinian politics

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A leading Palestinian leader who is currently in an Israeli jail could be released as part of a prisoner exchanged being negotiated. The World’s Aaron Schachter reports on the role Marwan Barghouti could play in Palestinian politics.

Geo Quiz

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Our daily geography puzzler.

Geo answer

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For today’s Geo Quiz we asked where the name of a US base in Afghanistan comes from. The base is called “Forward Operating Base Frontenac.” The original Fort Frontenac is in Canada — in Kingston, Ontario — and that’s the answer to our quiz. Anchor Marco Werman gets the full story from military historian John Grodzinkski of Canada’s Royal Military College.

Priest condones shoplifting

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Anchor Marco Werman explains why a British priest is arguing that shoplifting can be morally justified under extreme circumstances.