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British Legacy Blamed for Afghan-Pakistan Border Clashes

Wed, 08 May 2013 20:21:00 -0700

A line drawn by the British in the 19th century through Pashtun lands is at the heart of recent clashes along the Afghanistan-Pakistan boder. The Afghans have never recognized the Durand Line and Pakistan fears that Kabul aims to reunite the troubled frontier region.

Urban Farms Sprout in Baltimore's Wastelands

Wed, 01 May 2013 12:54:00 -0700

A pilot project in Baltimore has turned one of the city's 17,000 vacant lots into a city farm producing piles of ultra-fresh vegetables for local restaurants. The city plans a big expansion of urban farming to reduce blight and provide much-needed jobs.

Is Kim's Insecurity to Blame for Pyongyang Threats?

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 18:34:00 -0700

The dire threats being issued from Pyongyang are the result of Kim Jong-un's inexperience and insecurity, according to a former North Korean spy. Kim Hyun-hee says Kim -- at 30 or so, the world's youngest serving leader -- appears to be struggling to win the full support of the military.

As World Meat-Eating Soars, US Leans Veggie

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 19:41:00 -0700

Rising meat consumption is putting pressure on the environment worldwide but the US is bucking the trend. American meat consumption has had the longest sustained decline on record in recent years, a drop experts say is more to do with generational changes than the economy.

Will Myanmar Prosecute Perpetrators of Shocking Sectarian Violence?

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 16:23:00 -0700

Burma is being urged to hold accountable those responsible for sectarian violence in March, mainly targeted at Muslims, that left at least 43 people dead, dozens injured, and thousands homeless. The attacks in the central Burmese town of Meikhtila shook Muslim communities and raised concerns about sectarian unrest spreading. VOA's Daniel Schearf reports from Bangkok.

In Senegal, Women Risk Burning Skin for Beauty's Sake

Sat, 23 Mar 2013 15:58:00 -0700

The World Health Organization says that a quarter of Senegalese women use skin-lightening products regularly. The products, even those claiming to have so-called "natural" components, can contain dangerous ingredients that can cause cancer and are potentially disfiguring.

Iran, Syria Top Agenda on Obama's First Day in Israel

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 22:07:00 -0700

Iran's nuclear program and the chaos in Syria dominated President Obama's talks with Israeli leaders on the first day of his state visit. Obama -- who planted a tree at the home of Israeli president Shimon Peres -- travels to the West Bank today for talks with Palestinian leaders.

Americans Struggle to Understand Iraq War, Ten Years Later

Sat, 16 Mar 2013 13:16:00 -0700

Public opinion surveys in 2011 revealed a majority of Americans felt the US invasion of Iraq was a mistake. War casualties had a major role in shaping Americans' feelings about the war, and now, 10 years after the invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein from power, those sentiments persist.

Abuse Victims Aren't Holding Breath for Great Pope

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 18:50:00 -0700

Many angry and bitter sex abuse victims have lost faith that the Catholic Church is going to turn things around from business as usual, and they're not particularly optimistic about great things from the new pope to be chosen in the Vatican. One victim complains to the Voice of America that the church has only taken action against abusive clerics when forced to.

Anger, Anxiety Mount Over Kenya Election Count Delays

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 11:27:00 -0800

The running mate of Kenyan presidential candidate Raila Odinga says the vote-counting process from Monday's election "lacks integrity" and should be stopped. VOA's East Africa correspondent Gabe Joselow reports that frustration is building as technology failures contribute to delays in results being announced.

Could Italian Chaos Doom Euro?

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 04:02:00 -0800

Last month's Italian election left the country deadlocked between three factions vying for power. Analysts fear that the political crisis on top of the country's economic crisis could leave it unable to service its debt, dealing what could be the final blow to the Eurozone.

Chinese City to Officials: Bare Your Assets

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 19:29:00 -0800

As China's Communist Party leaders boost anti-corruption efforts, the southern mega-city Guangzhou is leading the way. Officials in one part of the city will soon have to disclose a wide range of financial details such as their salary, how many cars and houses they own, and where and when they travel overseas. The move is hailed by citizens fed up with leaders milking the system.

Asian-Americans Find YouTube a Stereotype-Free Road to Stardom

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 07:13:00 -0800

There has been an explosion of Asian-American stars spawned by YouTube in recent years, a phenomenon musicians, comedians, and other entertainers say is the result of the Internet allowing them to be themselves, free from the stereotypes dominating traditional media.

United States and Iran Join Forces! (To Save Olympic Wrestling)

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 15:36:00 -0800

The United States and Iran rarely agree on much. But now sports officials in both countries are going to the mat together to try to save wrestling as an Olympic sport. VOA's Jeff Seldin has more.

Pistorius Murder Arrest Stuns South Africa

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 19:03:00 -0800

Oscar Pistorius is spending the night in jail charged with the murder of his girlfriend, model Reeva Steenkamp. South Africa has been shocked by the arrest of the Olympic and Paralympic star, who was arrested but not charged after allegedly assaulting a different woman in 2009.

US: Get Tough On North Korea to Stop Iran Nukes

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 18:24:00 -0800

The world needs to take a hard line with North Korea to show Iran that it won't be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons, US officials say. Analysts believe the two countries are co-operating, with Iran sharing uranium enrichment knowledge and Pyongyang providing missile know-how.

Raw Video: Sydney Fireworks Herald New Year

Mon, 31 Dec 2012 08:46:00 -0800

Happy New Year! A gigantic fireworks display lights up Sydney harbor as Australia's east coast and other Pacific nations become the first to welcome 2013.

Army Scrambles to Prevent Mississippi River Crisis

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 04:33:00 -0800

The US Army Corps of Engineers is working around the clock to stop low waters levels stopping traffic on the mighty Mississippi and dealing a body blow to the US economy. Drought has brought the vital trade artery close to historically low levels and while dredging is keeping things moving for now, it could take weeks of rain to prevent a shutdown.

Egyptians Abroad Begin Crucial Constitution Vote

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 19:13:00 -0800

Hundreds of thousands of Egyptians worldwide have begun voting on the hotly disputed draft constitution backed by Mohamed Morsi. Early voting is taking place at 150 Egyptian embassies and consulates worldwide before Egypt itself goes to the polls Saturday.

South African Mine Dumps Lure Thrill Seekers

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 18:12:00 -0800

Adrenaline junkies have found a new purpose for some of the hundreds of old mine dumps scattered around Johannesburg. While many of the dumps remain toxic, thrill-seekers say the older mounds are ideal for sandboarding.

Ghana Votes in Crucial Presidential Election

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 12:08:00 -0800

Ghana votes today in the first round of its presidential election, with encumbent John Mahama of the National Democratic Congress facing a strong challenge from Nana Akufo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party, who is promising widespread change and reform. Former vice president Mahama assumed power in July following the death of President John Atta Mills. VOA's Paul Sisco reports.

Muslim Brotherhood Gains Momentum in Jordan

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 22:48:00 -0800

The Muslim Brotherhood is on the rise in Jordan. It has long had a political role in the kingdom but upheaval in the region and Jordanians' demands for greater democracy have left the movement poised to greatly expand its influence, Voice of America finds.

Afghan Drugs Take Heavy Toll on Pakistan

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 21:57:00 -0800

Millions of Pakistanis are addicted to heroin and other opiates from over the border in Afghanistan. Experts fear that the problem will continue to grow after international troops leave Afghanistan in 2014, with dire consequences for Pakistani society.

Fiscal Cliff Looms as US Lawmakers Head Back to Work

Sun, 25 Nov 2012 11:19:00 -0800

Democrat and Republican lawmakers return to work this week focused on broad federal tax hikes and deep spending cuts that automatically take effect on January 1. Will the White House and congressional leaders find a middle ground before reaching the so-called "fiscal cliff"?

Syrian War Fuels Kurdish Independence Hopes

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 20:14:00 -0800

Iraqi Kurdistan is welcoming hundreds of Kurds fleeing from Syria every day and the influx has given fresh energy to the Kurdish drive for independence. The region's ruling party has been giving military training to Syrian Kurds to help them defend territorial gains over the border.

Rights Groups: Obama's Burma Visit Too Soon

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 18:35:00 -0800

President Obama is about to give Burma's reforms the seal of approval by becoming the first US president to ever visit the country. But with hundreds of political prisoners still behind bars and many repressive laws still in place, some human rights groups say he is visiting too soon.

'Occupy Sandy' Takes Lead in NYC Relief Work

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 18:04:00 -0800

The Occupy Wall Street movement has spawned a massive relief effort for people in parts of New York City hit hardest by Superstorm Sandy. Occupy Sandy volunteers say the aid effort is following the principles of mutual aid and direct action that have guided the movement from its beginning.

Unemployment Still Top on Voters' Minds

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 21:27:00 -0700

As the final official jobless report before Election Day looms, unemployment is still the most important issue for millions of voters, but opinions are split on which candidate is best able to tackle it. Voice of America talks to voters in North Carolina, Ohio, and Washington DC.

UK Ministers: Women's Rights Key to Afghan Peace

Sun, 28 Oct 2012 22:20:00 -0700

Much more needs to be done to protect the rights of women if Afghanistan is ever to become a stable country, according to a report from a group of British lawmakers. The report warns that gains made since 2001 could be lost and suggests Britain spend its aid money on helping Afghanistan's poor, not on nation-building.

Pimp My Farm: Kenya Rural Reality Show a Hit

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 14:23:00 -0700

Inspired by the popularity of US and UK reality home makeover shows, a TV producer in Kenya has created a hit farming reality program followed by 7 million viewers that's helping farmers in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania do a better job.

Gold Rush Poisons Nigeria's Children

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 20:39:00 -0700

A boom in small-scale gold mining in Nigeria has left thousands of children suffering from lead poisoning. Some villages at the center of the gold rush have lost more than a third of their children and despite government promises of a cleanup, kids are still playing in toxic dirt.

Syrian Regime Denies Cluster Bomb Allegations

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 14:15:00 -0700

Human Rights Watch alleges that in recent days the Syrian government has begun widespread attacks using Russian-made cluster bombs. The Syrian Army denies the charge, and Russia on Monday also slammed the report -- saying the allegation is not confirmed. Henry Ridgwell reports for VOA from London.

Venezuela's Chavez Condemns Imperialism, Defends Syrian Regime

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 16:40:00 -0700

In Hugo Chavez's first news conference since his re-election, the Venezuelan president reiterated many of his previous criticisms of the US, while defending the regime of Syria's Bashar al-Assad. If this typically charasmatic performance is any indication, it seems likely that relations between Venezuela and the United States are likely to remain strained for the foreseeable future. VOA's Brian Padden report.

Chavez Opponents Say Venezuela Election Isn't Democratic

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 11:41:00 -0700

Sunday's election in Venezuela is just days away, and opinion polls are predicting a close race between President Hugo Chavez and his more US-friendly opponent Henrique Capriles. VOA's Brian Padden reports from Caracas that while the opposition is guardedly optimistic, critics charge the process has not been fair and that Chavez has abused his power as president to gain political advantage, punish opponents, and intimidate voters -- allegations Chavez's supporters deny.

Clinton Pushes Tougher Syria Policy; Russia and China Shove Back

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 10:55:00 -0700

Hillary Clinton heads to the UN General Assembly next week, trying to rally international support for tougher action against the embattled Syrian regime, but she continues to face stiff opposition from China and Russia.

California's Coptic Christians Condemn Anti-Islam Film

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 09:15:00 -0700

California's Coptic Christians say they are shocked that an Egyptian Coptic immigrant appears to be the producer of an inflammatory film that has sparked violent protests across the Muslim world.

Ugandan Baseball Players Make History at Little League World Series

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 16:17:00 -0700

A group of young Ugandan baseball players were a big hit at the Little League World Series at Williamsport, Pennsylvania. They may not have won the competition, but they made history as the first African team to take part.

Dems, GOP Trade Barbs Over Obama's Foreign Policy

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 09:17:00 -0700

Democrats this week are fighting back against Republicans who have portrayed the Obama administration's foreign policy as weak and unfocused. Former secretary of state Madeleine Albright defended Obama, while also describing GOP policies as outdated.

Fearing Attacks, Christians Flee Their Homes in Pakistani Capital

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 15:31:00 -0700

Afraid for their lives, Christians have fled their homes in the Islamabad neighborhood where a young girl was accused by Muslim neighbors of blasphemy. VOA reports on what some see as a growing intolerance for religious minorities in the country.

Greece Suffers as Europe's Financial Crisis Festers

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 10:29:00 -0700

While the world's attention was diverted by the Olympics, the war in Syria, and other news over the summer, Europe's economic crisis has continued to fester. VOA's Al Pessin reports that some experts say the situation is getting worse and requires immediate and strong action that leaders do not seem ready to take.

Twice Displaced: Syria's Palestinian Refugees Flee to Lebanon

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 13:47:00 -0700

A half million Palestinian refugees are registered in Syria. Most have remained there but, with the escalation of fighting in and around their camps last month, hundreds of Palestinian families began seeking safer havens in neighboring Lebanon.

US Farmers Turn to Africa for Drought Solutions

Wed, 22 Aug 2012 08:56:00 -0700

As the worst drought in decades dries up US corn supplies, some are seeing the virtues of sorghum, a hardy, drought-hardy cereal grass from Africa. A minor part of America's harvest today, it looks set to become more popular as the climate changes.

At Olympics, Christian and Islamic Groups Compete for Souls

Sat, 11 Aug 2012 22:57:00 -0700

At the Olympics, teams representing different countries compete for medals and national pride - but outside the main stadium in London, there is another competition where the stakes are higher.

Kurdish Gains in Northern Syria Rattle Turkey

Tue, 07 Aug 2012 16:09:00 -0700

Kurds in the north of Syria say they have taken control of most of the region's major towns. Now Turkey fears the twin threats of the Syrian civil conflict spilling over the frontier, and the potential escalation of its internal war against Kurdish separatists.

Ivory Coast Wants UN-Backed Military Action in Mali

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 16:14:00 -0700

Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara is making a renewed push for UN-backed military intervention in Mali, to stem the advance by Islamist rebel forces linked to al-Qaeda -- and he says troops could be on the ground within weeks.

Chinese Military Move Raises Heat in South China Sea Dispute

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 09:07:00 -0700

China's move to base troops on a disputed island in the South China Sea has raised concerns about a possible military confrontation in an area where China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan, Brunei and the Philippines all have competing claims.

Battling an HIV Epidemic Through Spoken Word

Sat, 14 Jul 2012 14:15:00 -0700

HIV is an epidemic in Washington, DC, where one out of every 30 people is infected. A community organization called "Metro TeenAIDS" is dedicated to helping young people in the US capital prevent the spread of HIV through non-traditional peer-to-peer programs.

Olympic Athletes Fasting? For Muslims Observing Ramadan, Yes

Tue, 10 Jul 2012 14:08:00 -0700

This summer's Olympic Games in London occur during Ramadan, the holy month of Islam. The requirement of daytime fasting will create special challenges for Muslim athletes.

How Will the US React to Egypt's Morsi Government?

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 13:41:00 -0700

Islamist politician Mohamed Morsi will be sworn in Saturday as Egypt's new president. Mariama Diallo of VOA News examines what this power shift means for relations between the United States and Egypt, as well as other post-revolution democracies.

Ukrainians Open Up Their Homes for Euro 2012

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 11:52:00 -0700

Ukraine has used its hosting of the Euro 2012 football championships as an opportunity to promote a friendlier image to the international community. As thousands of football fans swarm into the country, ordinary Ukrainians are opening up their homes to foreign guests as part of an initiative called "Rooms for Free."