Nuclear Activity Around The World

A nukes update as President Obama addresses the UN on the issue of nuclear weapons.

Tech Podcast: Robotic limbs assist in Japan

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In this episode of our Technology Podcast, you’ll hear about some amazing new robotic technologies in Japan. Some are designed to help stroke victims walk again. Others are built to help the blind take walks. We’ll also tell you about mobile banking in Haiti, and Cuba’s own homegrown Wikipedia site. Download MP3 (29:54)

North Korea ‘to allow nuclear monitoring’

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New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, who’s been visiting North Korea, says Pyongyang agreed to allow international inspectors to resume monitoring its nuclear facilities. Meanwhile, the United States has praised North Korea’s decision not to retaliate after a military exercise by South Korea (pictured) near their disputed sea-border. Lisa Mullins get’s the latest from The World’s Mary Kay Magistad in Beijing. Download MP3

Aftermath of North Korean shelling

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Most residents of the South Korean island of Yeongpyeong have left the island, after last week’s shelling by North Korea. But some remained, as Jason Strother found out during a visit to the island. Download MP3 (Photo: Jason Strother)

North Korea urged to halt ‘belligerent action’

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South Korea has threatened military strikes after an attack by the North killed two South Korean soldiers and set off one of the worst clashes between the two sides in decades. The White House described President Obama as “outraged” by the incident. In a statement, the White House called on Pyongyang to halt its belligerent action but officials say it’s too soon to discuss whether the US might take any action of its own. The World’s Jason Margolis has more. Download MP3
Latest updates from the BBC

North Korean defectors watch party congress

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North Korea’s ruling party has opened the way for Kim Jong-il to hand power to his youngest son. North Korea’s succession is being closely watched by one group in particular: North Korean defectors. Reporter Jason Strother spoke with some former North Korean soldiers about the latest news from the north. Download MP3

North Korea on Twitter

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North Korea appears to have ramped up its propaganda war against South Korea and the US by turning to Twitter and YouTube – websites that most citizens of the reclusive communist country are banned from viewing. The World’s technology correspondent Clark Boyd has more. Download MP3

• North Korea’s Twitter feed
• North Korea on YouTube
• The World team on Twitter

Preview of the Global Summit on Nuclear Security

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President Obama hosts a major nuclear summit next week in Washington. It’s aimed at preventing terrorist groups from getting a nuclear weapon. The World’s Matthew Bell previews the summit. Download MP3 (Photo: Wikipedia)

• The New START Treaty and Protocol
• Council on Foreign Relations

Satellites keep an eye on nukes

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One way that the disarmament of nuclear weapons is monitored is through the use of satellite technology. Kevin Pomfret has worked for the US Government, helping to develop strategies to monitor arms control agreements. Anchor Marco Werman speaks with him about keeping countries accountable to their nuclear claims. Download MP3 (GeoEye Satellite Image)

• See satellite images from GeoEye
• Kevin Pomfret’s blog
• GeoEye website

North Korea’s strategic arsenal

North Korea says it will continue to co-operate with the United States on ending its nuclear program and agrees that stalled talks need to resume. The country’s foreign ministry said Pyongyang would work with Washington to “narrow remaining differences”. In June, the UN Security Council voted to impose tougher sanctions on communist North Korea, following a nuclear test carried by the North Koreans in defiance of previous UN resolutions.

Iran ‘concealed nuclear facility’

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Iran has been accused of concealing a second uranium enrichment plant in defiance of international calls for transparency over its nuclear plans. The US, UK and France demanded UN inspectors be given immediate access to the facility. Iran revealed the existence of the plant to the UN watchdog, saying it was not yet operational and would only be used for nuclear energy. Tehran has previously acknowledged it has one enrichment plant, at Natanz (pictured in AP photo). Katy Clark reports.

• BBC coverage
• Iran’s key nuclear sites
• Background Brief: Nuclear Standoff with Iran

Nuclear disarmament

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The UN Security Council has unanimously adopted a resolution calling for nuclear disarmament, in a session chaired by President Barack Obama. Many organizations and networks have been campaigning for complete nuclear disarmament for decades. The World’s Jeb Sharp takes a look at these movements and where they are now. Download MP3 (Photo by Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

• BBC coverage of today’s UN resolution
• FAQ: Nuclear disarmament

The “no nukes” movement

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The World’s Jeb Sharp reports on what happened to the nuclear disarmament movement after its heyday during the Cold War.

Middle East and nukes

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Iran’s nuclear posturing has inspired some of its neighbors to pursue their own nuclear programs. Some experts say such programs could provide cover for the development of nuclear weapons in the region. Others aren’t so sure. The World’s Aaron Schachter has the story.

The state of nuclear non-proliferation

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In his first speech before the General Assembly, the President also addressed nuclear non-proliferation and related security issues. The World’s Katy Clark gives us an update on the issue of containing the spread of nuclear weapons. Download MP3

• FAQ nuclear disarmament
• Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons