Tensions on the Outskirts of Damascus

Syrian troops are deployed in a Damascus suburb as tension mounts.

UN Continues Haitian Stabilization Mission

Nigel Fisher, Deputy Special Representative for the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti, describes the ongoing reconstruction effort in quake-ravaged Haiti.

A new view of Saddam statue’s toppling

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Anchor Lisa Mullins speaks with Peter Maass about his article “The Toppling” in the current issue of The New Yorker magazine. The article explores the events around the iconic toppling of Saddam Hussein’s statue in Firdos Square, Baghdad in April 2003. (photo: Tim McLaughlin) Download MP3

Video: How the Media Created the Iconic Fall of Saddam’s Statue

The voice of North Korea

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Washington’s special North Korea representative, Stephen Bosworth, is in Pyongyang trying to restart stalled denuclearization talks. It’s unlikely that the envoy will meet with reclusive leader Kim Jong-il, as former President Bill Clinton did back in August. But if he does, it is sure to be covered in official North Korean media. And as reporter Jason Strother tells us, there is one anchorwoman whose job it is to report it: Ri Chun-hee. Download MP3 Photo: Reuters

• KOREAN CENTRAL NEWS AGENCY of DPRK
• BBC country profile

Deepening focus on Islamic values in Gaza

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Since the Hamas takeover of Gaza in June 2007, Israel has severely limited the entry of goods into Gaza. As the blockade of Gaza continues, Palestinians in Gaza are deepening their religious identity. Some female students have been told to change their dress, although Hamas officials say the orders aren’t coming from them. Palestinians in Gaza say they see little hope for the future and many are turning to religion as an answer. Linda Gradstein reports from Gaza City. Download MP3

Searching for big surf

Surf’s up for our Geo Quiz today, as we’re headed to an island in French Polynesia. It’s a island where some world class surfers have come to shoot a a new surfing flick about the world’s wildest, most perfect wave.

Entire program – September 7, 2009

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Today on The World: Unrest continues in Western China as protesters demand official resignations; Also, a persecuted religious group in Egypt makes gains towards acceptance; And filming the discovery of some new species in Papua New Guinea, including a fanged frog and a really big rat.

Unemployment around the world

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On this Labor Day, we take a pulse on jobless numbers in Britain, Spain and Lebanon. The World’s Laura Lynch is in London, Gerry Hadden reports from Spain and Aaron Schachter is in Lebanon.

State of the recession

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Anchor Marco Werman checks in with Time Magazine economics columnist Justin Fox on the state of the global recession.

Lehman Brothers’ art

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The global recession hit the art market especially hard. And now, the company that helped spark the financial crisis is selling off its art. The BBC’s Lawrence Pollard reports from London.

Verdict in would-be bombers case

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Three British men were found guilty today of conspiring to commit mass murder by blowing up airplanes. Their arrest in 2006 led to the airplane restrictions on liquids. Anchor Marco Werman speaks with the BBC’s Rob Watson in London, where the trial took place.

Unrest continues in western China

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There was more unrest in the city of Urumqi in western China over the weekend. Protesters demanded the resignation of regional leader. He retained his job, but his second-in-command was forced to resign. Anchor Marco Werman speaks with The World’s Beijing correspondent Mary Kay Magistad for an update.

New West Bank settlements approved

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Israel today approved hundreds of new housing units in Jewish West Bank settlements. The move goes against President Obama’s call for a settlement freeze. The World’s Matthew Bell has more.

Religious freedom in Egypt

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In Egypt, followers of the Bahai religion have often complain of persecution and even official discrimination. But they have recently made gains in the largely Muslim country. The World’s Aya Batrawy reports from Cairo.

Strange new species

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An expedition team, just back from a trip to Papua New Guinea, has discovered some new species… including a camouflaged gecko, a fanged frog, and a fish that that makes grunting noises. The team filmed their expedition for a BBC-TV program called “Lost Land of the Volcano.” Anchor Marco Werman speaks with the team leader, George McGavin of the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

• BBC Pictures: Weird crater creatures
• Video of the giant rat
• BBC Earth News