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Matthew Bell

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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)
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Israel seals off West Bank

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Israel sealed off the West Bank today amid tensions over Israeli plan to build new homes in East Jerusalem. Anchor Marco Werman speaks with The World’s Matthew Bell in Jerusalem.

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Toyota boss faces tough questions

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Some Japanese initially criticized the U.S. media coverage of Toyota as “Japan bashing.” But reporter Akiko Fujita reports from Tokyo that now those attitudes are beginning to change. Download MP3 (Photo courtesy of Kaustav Bhattacharya)


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NATO causes more civilian deaths in Afghanistan

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At least 27 civilians died in a NATO air strike in southern Afghanistan, the Afghan cabinet says. NATO said it hit a suspected insurgent convoy, but ground forces later found “a number of individuals killed and wounded”, including women and children. Civilian deaths in strikes have caused widespread resentment in Afghanistan. Matthew Bell reports. Download MP3 (Photo: POOL/AFP/Getty Images)
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US-Pakistani cooperation

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The World’s Matthew Bell reports that the reported capture of Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Baradar could signal increased cooperation between the United States and Pakistan.

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Growing US-China rift over trade and arms

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China has hit back at the US a day after President Barack Obama promised to take a tougher line with Beijing over currency and trade. Ties between the US and China have been strained over an arms deal with Taiwan. Tensions have also risen over a planned visit to the US by the Dalai Lama. The World’s Matthew Bell takes at look at how strained US-China relations really are. Download MP3
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US missiles and Iran

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The Pentagon says it’s expanding land and sea-based missile defense systems in and around the Persian Gulf. The moves are intended to counter what the US considers a growing missile threat from Iran. The buildup comes as President Obama is pushing for a new round of sanctions against the Iranians over their nuclear program. The World’s Matthew Bell reports that the military expansion seems to be part of an evolving policy toward Iran.


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How to help Haitians quicker

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Hundreds of thousands of Haitians are attempting to leave the capital, Port au Prince, devastated by last week’s earthquake. Aid officials have started to put up tent cities on the outskirts for up to 400,000 people, to try to halt the spread of disease. The aid effort in Haiti has been frustratingly slow by some accounts. The World’s Matthew Bell looks into how aid agencies might do better. Download MP3 (Photo:Olivier Laban Mattei/AFP/Getty Images)

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Multiple Taliban attacks in Afghanistan

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Taliban gunmen and suicide bombers have attacked buildings in the heart of the Afghan capital, Kabul, setting off explosions and sparking gun battles. Fighting erupted near the Serena Hotel and the presidential palace, although Afghan President Karzai says security has now been restored. The Taliban said 20 of its fighters took part in the attack. The World’s Matthew Bell reports on the implications of the brazen Taliban attack. Download MP3


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American Influence Podcast: Haiti in crisis

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This episode of The World’s American Influence podcast takes a look at the response to the earthquake in Haiti. The BBC’s Andy Gallacher gives an account from the ground. The World’s Katy Clark talks with some Haitian Americans in Boston. And correspondent Amy Bracken has a reporter’s notebook. Download MP3

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“We are at war”

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In his report about the attempted Christmas Day airliner bombing, President Obama said “we are at war against al Qaeda.” The unclassified summary stated that US intelligence officials had received unspecified “discrete pieces of intelligence” to identify the alleged bomber as an al-Qaeda operative. The World’s Matthew Bell explores what the President means by being “at war”. Download MP3 (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
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Failure “to connect the dots”

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Director of National Intelligence Dennis Blair has promised action after sharp criticism from President Barack Obama over the failed attempt to blow up flight 253 on Christmas Day. The intelligence community had failed to “connect the dots”, Mr Obama said in a statement, adding: “That’s not acceptable, and I will not tolerate it.” Matthew Bell looks at the fallout after the President’s remarks. Download MP3

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Dealing with Iran

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President Obama has put Iran on notice: start meeting demands on nuclear activites by 2010 or face the possiblity of crippling sanctions. The World’s Matthew Bell looks into US options now that the deadline is passed. Download MP3 (HO/AFP/Getty photo shows President Ahmadinejad at Natanz enrichment facility) Images
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“Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula”

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A group called “Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula” based in Yemen claimed to be behind the failed Christmas day bombing attempt near Detroit. The World’s Matthew Bell reports on the group and its leaders. Download MP3 (/AFP/Getty Images)

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Counter-terrorism activities in Yemen

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Officials in Yemen have confirmed that the Nigerian man charged with attempting to blow up an airliner on Christmas day outside Detroit spent time in Yemen in recent months. In addition, a Yemeni-based al Qaeda affiliate has claimed responsibility for planning the failed plot. The World’s Matthew Bell reports today on US options for stepping up counter-terrorism activities in Yemen. Download MP3

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