Worldfocus

At home with Moroccan champions

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — fri, 02 apr 2010 01:01:02 EDT

The El Gaara sisters, who live in Rabat, Morocco, are athletic champions who compete in Paralympics against other athletes with dwarfism. Their story came to the attention of Moroccan filmmaker Reda Fakhar, who used it as a window to explore the life of short people in his country.

Moroccan hip-hop group fuses traditional music with rap

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — fri, 02 apr 2010 01:01:02 EDT

During a reporting trip to Morocco last year, Worldfocus' Hoda Osman, Rebecca Haggerty and Megan Thompson met the members of hip-hop group H-Kayne. In this brief interview, the rap trio discuss their musical influences, including Moroccan traditional music such as Aissawa and Gnawa.

Migrants stranded en route to Europe

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — fri, 02 apr 2010 01:01:02 EDT

Last year, during a trip to Morocco, Worldfocus correspondent Hoda Osman, producer Rebecca Haggerty, and cameraperson Megan Thompson visited the autonomous city of Melilla. There they met migrants desperate to get to Europe but stranded in limbo.

Tonga grapples with forces of man and nature

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — thu, 25 mar 2010 01:01:02 EDT

Tonga, a remote chain of 176 lush islands spread over 500 miles of the Pacific Ocean, faces potentially devastating effects from climate change. As part of her series on small islands and climate change, Worldfocus producer Megan Thompson visited Tonga and documented the government's campaign to get the word out about the issue -- both at home and abroad.

Ethiopian marathon runner fueled by homeland

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — thu, 25 mar 2010 01:01:02 EDT

Long-distance running is not only Ethiopia's national sport; it is a source of pride for Ethiopians all over the world. Worldfocus contributing blogger Tesfaye Negussie went to Ethiopia and interviewed Derartu Tulu, who won the New York City Marathon in 2009, about what it takes to be one of the best runners in the world.

South Yemeni separatists continue agitating for secession

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — thu, 25 mar 2010 01:01:02 EDT

In southern Yemen, opposition to the central government is growing. Some fear that the rebellion may be turning more violent and that increasing instability in the fragile nation could create room for Al-Qaeda to grow. Supported by the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting, freelance reporter Paul Stephens reports on the latest developments from Sana'a, Yemen.

Week in Review: Middle East peace process

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — fri, 12 mar 2010 01:01:02 EDT

Israel today tightened security in Jerusalem and sealed off the West Bank for 48 hours to prevent a repeat of last Friday's clashes between Israelis and Palestinians, but there were nonetheless more scuffles. To discuss the tension in the region, Daljit Dhaliwal speaks with James Rubin and Ian Bremmer in our weekly roundtable.

Creeping seas threaten tiny island chain of Maldives

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — fri, 12 mar 2010 01:01:02 EDT

In this Worldfocus signature story, we take another look at the drastic consequences of climate change. The Maldives, an island chain off the southwest coast of India, find themselves being consumed by rising sea levels. For a look at how the Maldives are trying to deal with the problem, Worldfocus producer Megan Thompson traveled there recently.

Maldivian leader sees peril and promise in country's future

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — fri, 12 mar 2010 01:01:02 EDT

Mohammed Waheed Hassan was elected vice president in the Maldives' first democratic elections in 30 years. In this extended interview, he talks about why he believes his country faces grave danger from climate change -- and how the Maldives hopes to set a positive example by becoming the world's first carbon-neutral country.

Jordanian advocate fights against puppy mills

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — tue, 09 mar 2010 01:01:02 EDT

In a Worldfocus signature story, we turn to the issue of animal rights. While such protections are well-established in the U.S., in many parts of the world, they are all but nonexistent. Special correspondent Kristen Gillespie looks at an unusual effort in Jordan, where an unlikely champion of animal rights is trying to end widespread abuse and help her canine friends.

Week in Review: Iraq prepares for Sunday's elections

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — fri, 05 mar 2010 01:01:02 EDT

Worldfocus looks at this Sunday's Iraqi parliamentary elections, which could exacerbate sectarian divisions. We also examine what has changed in the seven years since the Iraq invasion. Daljit Dhaliwal interviews Gideon Rose, managing editor of Foreign Affairs, and Rashid Khalidi, Edward Said Professor of Modern Arab Studies at Columbia University.

Chile squirrels away copper fortunes and spends prudently

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — mon, 01 mar 2010 01:01:02 EDT

Correspondent Edie Magnus reports on how the Chilean government has prudently managed its windfall copper profits. Chile is now financing public works projects, creating jobs and doling out cash stipends to the poor.

Week in Review: Dubai assassination, Afghanistan offensive

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — fri, 26 feb 2010 01:01:02 EDT

In our weekly wrap-up of the week's top stories, James Rubin, an adjunct professor at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs, joins Martin Savidge to discuss the implications of the killing in Dubai and the NATO offensive in Afghanistan.

Rising Islamist movements challenge secularism in Turkey

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — wed, 24 feb 2010 01:01:02 EDT

Correspondent Gizem Yarbil and producer Bryan Myers report on how traditional religion and modern democracy are trying to coexist in Turkey, where growing religious groups are championing Islam's ethical and moral values. Secular critics are branding these religious groups as fundamentalist.

In Canada's Arctic, finding hope with the help of a circus

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — tue, 23 feb 2010 01:01:02 EDT

In the tiny Canadian Arctic town of Igloolik, where there are barely 1,500 inhabitants, around 5 young adults commit suicide every year. Filmmaker Linda Matchan, in association with the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting, is documenting the efforts of a circus troupe there called Artcirq, formed to offer young people hope.

Week in Review: Afghanistan and Pakistan

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — fri, 19 feb 2010 01:01:02 EDT

There was a major blow to the Taliban with the arrests of three senior leaders in Pakistan, including the number-two Afghan Taliban official. While this was a victory for U.S. and Pakistani intelligence, it was also a reminder of how the Taliban have used Pakistan as a base. Joining Daljit Dhaliwal to talk about the Marjah offensive and more are Gideon Rose and Susan Chira.

Brazil emerges as an oil giant

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — thu, 18 feb 2010 01:01:02 EDT

Worldfocus explores the P-51 offshore oil platform near Angra dos Reis, which for many represents not only the future of oil exploration but also the future of Brazil.

U.S. misses out on flourishing Cuban business

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — mon, 15 feb 2010 01:01:02 EDT

Cuba is doing business worldwide, but the United States is hardly in the game. A long U.S. government boycott of the island means most American businessmen are losing out to Europeans and others when it comes to everything from agriculture to medicine to oil.

Week in Review: Debt crisis in Greece and Iran's nukes

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — fri, 12 feb 2010 01:01:02 EDT

In this week's roundtable discussion, we focus on Europe's economic challenges, including the debt crisis in Greece that has many Europeans worried. We also focus on Iran and what the regime is trying to achieve by moving to a higher level of uranium enrichment. Carla Robbins and Garrick Utley join Daljit Dhaliwal to discuss these issues.

Iraqi refugee family struggles to earn livelihood in Syria

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — thu, 11 feb 2010 01:01:02 EDT

More than 4 million Iraqis have fled their homes since 2003. An estimated 1.2 million have taken refuge in Syria. Multimedia journalist Charity Tooze reports on a family of Iraqi refugees struggling to survive in Syria, where they have no legal right to work.

Iranian authorities can't stop flood of Western culture

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — thu, 11 feb 2010 01:01:02 EDT

Pop culture is thriving in Iran, from music and movies to poetry and books. Iranian authorities do all they can to control what Iranian citizens see and hear. But technology is making that virtually impossible.

Women in Iran race ahead, but still face gender block

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — wed, 10 feb 2010 01:01:02 EDT

Correspondent Bigan Saliani and producer Richard O'Regan travel to Iran to explore the tensions between the expectations of many highly educated young Iranian women and the realities of their lives.

Israeli company builds infrastructure for world's electric cars

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — tue, 09 feb 2010 01:01:02 EDT

One Israeli company is not just promoting the use of electric cars but designing an entire system to service them, with battery charging stations. Many countries are expressing great interest.

Week in Review: China and the United States

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — fri, 05 feb 2010 01:01:02 EDT

David Andelman, editor of the World Policy Journal, and Ian Bremmer, president of the Eurasia Group, join us for our weekly roundtable to talk about relations between the United States and China. The two countries have been at odds over trade, Tibet, and Taiwan in recent days.

'Bootleg' electric cars thrive in China's second-tier cities

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — wed, 03 feb 2010 01:01:02 EDT

In China, we meet a modern-day Thomas Edison who helped give birth to the country's "knockoff" electric car industry. Chinese consumers in second-tier cities can't get enough of these small, cheap electric cars that require 6 hours of charging to go 75 miles -- at a maximum of 35 mph. Video journalist Jimmy Wang reported and produced the video for TIME.

Violence and venom force gay Jamaicans to hide

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — tue, 02 feb 2010 01:01:02 EDT

In Jamaica, anti-sodomy laws are still punishable for up to 12 years in prison. And society is not ready to tolerate openly gay lifestyles. Correspondent Lisa Biagiotti, producer Micah Fink and director of photography Gabrielle Weiss report on the dark side of Jamaica's anti-gay violence and attitudes and explore the ideological beliefs that perpetuate a culture of homophobia.

Vietnam on a bumpy road to economic power

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — mon, 01 feb 2010 01:01:02 EDT

In the U.S., Vietnam has been largely out of public view in the three decades since the war. But during that time, Vietnam has gone through remarkable changes, and is now on the road to becoming an economic powerhouse.

Week in Review: Negotiating with the Taliban

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — fri, 29 jan 2010 01:01:02 EDT

The idea of a negotiated settlement to the Afghan war gained new currency this week. In our weekly roundtable, James Rubin, a former assistant secretary of state in the Clinton administration, and Gideon Rose of Foreign Affairs magazine, join Daljit Dhaliwal to discuss the pitfalls and possibilities of negotiating with the Taliban.

Obama and the World: China

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — thu, 28 jan 2010 01:01:02 EDT

In the final installment of our two-week-long series, "Obama and the World," we focus on China. Adam Segal, senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and John Delury, associate director of the Center for U.S.-China Relations at the Asia Society, join Daljit Dhaliwal to discuss Sino-American relations and whether China will assume global supremacy.

One woman fights for members of India's lowest caste

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — thu, 28 jan 2010 01:01:02 EDT

As a consequence of India's caste system, the country's lowest class has been forced to work in the sewers. Hema Konsotia is a member of the lower-caste Dalit community, known by some as the untouchables. She is also a college graduate and union activist who works with Dalits, teaching skills and urging political involvement.

Obama and the World: Relations between the U.S. and Russia

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — wed, 27 jan 2010 01:01:02 EDT

Vladimir Lensky of Russia's Channel One and former Soviet foreign ministry official Sergey Shestakov join Daljit Dhaliwal to discuss Obama's progress in resetting American-Russian relations, Russia's cooperation in war effort in Afghanistan, relations with Iran and Russia's own economic downturn.

Obama and the World: The Global Economy

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — tue, 26 jan 2010 01:01:02 EDT

Marcus Mabry, international business editor of The New York Times, and John Authers, the investment editor for the Financial Times, join Daljit Dhaliwal to discuss the impact of U.S. economic policies overseas, the risk of inflation in China, the fate of Japan's economy and recovery efforts across Europe.

Obama and the World: Afghanistan and Pakistan

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — mon, 25 jan 2010 01:01:02 EDT

Ahmad Kamal, Pakistan's former Ambassador to the United Nations, and Hassan Abbas, a former Pakistani government official who is now with the Asia Society, join Edie Magnus for a roundtable on AfPak. They discuss power-sharing with the Taliban, drone strikes along the Afghan border in northwest Pakistan and American foreign policy challenges in the region.

Afghan immigrants find refuge in oil-rich Iran

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — mon, 25 jan 2010 01:01:02 EDT

As the world's second largest oil producer, Iran has become a model of stability in the region. It is estimated that approximately 3 million Afghan immigrants in Iran are doing low-skill labor. Richard O'Regan reports from Tehran.

Week in Review: Obama's First Year in Office

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — fri, 22 jan 2010 01:01:02 EDT

Carol Giacomo, a member of The New York Times' editorial board, and David Andelman, editor of the World Policy Journal and former foreign correspondent for The New York Times and CBS News, join Martin Savidge for our weekly roundtable. They review the successes and failures of the Obama administration's foreign policy on its first anniversary.

Obama and the World: Middle East Peace Process

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — thu, 21 jan 2010 01:01:02 EDT

It's been a year since President Obama took office, and although he named former Senator George Mitchell as special envoy to the region, little progress has been made between Israel and the Palestinians. To analyze the situation, Martin Savidge speaks with Daniel Levy and Amjad Atallah, the co-directors of the Middle East Task Force at the New America Foundation.

Obama and the World: Latin America

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — wed, 20 jan 2010 01:01:02 EDT

Christopher Sabatini, the senior director of policy for the Council of the Americas, and Shannon O'Neil, a fellow in Latin American studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, join Martin Savidge to discuss U.S. foreign policy in Latin America. They discuss natural resources, relations with Cuba, Venezuela and the war on drugs.

Bolivia eyes lithium with hopes to transform economy

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — wed, 20 jan 2010 01:01:02 EDT

Bolivia controls nearly half of the world's reserves of lithium, a metal crucial for electric cars and other alternative energy technologies. But who will benefit from this discovery is creating controversy.

Obama and the World: Africa

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — tue, 19 jan 2010 01:01:02 EDT

For part 2 of our "Obama and the World" series on the first year of Obama's foreign policy, we turn to Africa. Martin Savidge is joined by Sarjoh Bah, a senior fellow at New York University's Center on International Cooperation, and Emira Woods, co-director of the Foreign Policy in Focus program at the Institute of Policy Studies, to discuss American foreign policy and Africa.

Obama and the World: Iran

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — mon, 18 jan 2010 01:01:02 EDT

Iran -- and the stalemate over its nuclear program -- will be one of the top foreign policy stories in 2010, according to many analysts. Martin Savidge is joined by Ervand Abrahamian of the City University of New York and Arang Keshavarzian of New York University.

Week in Review: Haiti

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — fri, 15 jan 2010 01:01:02 EDT

This week, our Friday roundtable focuses on Haiti. We look not just at the present struggle but also at the future of the beleaguered country that has experienced so much hardship for so long. Daljit Dhaliwal discusses the events in Haiti with Nicholas Kristof, Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist at the New York Times and Garrick Utley, president of the Levin Institute.

Haitians destroy environment in struggle to survive

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — thu, 14 jan 2010 01:01:02 EDT

Haiti is a small island country in the Caribbean and the poorest in the Western hemisphere. In their struggle to survive, Haitians are destroying the very elements of their environment that sustain them.

In Greece, technology offers new hope for the blind

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — tue, 12 jan 2010 01:01:02 EDT

For the second part of our series on disability around the world, Worldfocus producer Megan Thompson reports on a university in Greece using new technology to help blind people negotiate their surroundings.

Disabled Greeks face daily challenges getting around

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — mon, 11 jan 2010 01:01:02 EDT

It's been 20 years since Congress passed the Americans with Disabilities Act, guaranteeing disabled Americans protection under the law. That is not always the case in other countries. During a trip to Greece last summer, producer Megan Thompson met a young woman who showed her how challenging Athens life is in a wheelchair.

Week in Review: Yemen

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — fri, 08 jan 2010 01:01:02 EDT

In our weekly roundtable, James Rubin, a former assistant secretary of state in the Clinton administration, and Garrick Utley, president of the Levin Institute of the State University of New York, join Daljit Dhaliwal to discuss Yemen and the fight against terrorism.

Empty stores, offices tell tale of Latvia's economic fall

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — fri, 08 jan 2010 01:01:02 EDT

Until the global recession, the former Soviet republic of Latvia was experiencing the kind of growth that some described as a miracle. Now, it has all tumbled down, with unemployment over 22 percent.

Ethnicity still divides Bosnia, threatening its fragile peace

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — wed, 06 jan 2010 01:01:02 EDT

An estimated 100,000 people were killed and another 2 million displaced during Bosnia's civil war 14 years ago. Special correspondent Kira Kay and producer Jason Maloney of the Bureau for International Reporting recently traveled to central Bosnia to report on how one ethnically-partitioned school mirrors the country's struggles with identity today.

Haiti, Dominican Rep. combine efforts to eradicate malaria

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — tue, 05 jan 2010 01:01:02 EDT

The island of Hispaniola is the last place in the Caribbean where malaria still exists. Producer Gary Strieker reports on how a new cooperative effort between the Dominican Republic, Haiti and former U.S. President Jimmy Carter is trying to eradicate the disease.

Building a better future for Pakistan's children

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — mon, 04 jan 2010 01:01:02 EDT

In a country consumed by poverty and vulnerable to radical influences, the future of Pakistan's children is bleak. Amna Nawaz of NBC News traveled to Pakistan to report on one charity that has built 600 schools and enrolled over 80,000 Pakistani students.

Assessing the watershed events of 2009 on the eve of 2010

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — thu, 31 dec 2009 01:01:02 EDT

With the New Year's holiday at hand, we've convened our panel for the last Worldfocus roundtable of 2009. We depart from our usual pattern. Instead we look at a broad issue that was the subtext for much news in 2009 -- what Fareed Zakaria terms the "rise of the rest." To discuss America's changing role, Martin Savidge is joined by Garrick Utley and Rana Foroohar.

Canadians debate their commitment to war in Afghanistan

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — thu, 31 dec 2009 01:01:02 EDT

The Canadian contribution to Afghanistan has generally received little attention, even though there are 2,500 Canadian troops in Afghanistan, mostly in the dangerous southern areas. The latest casualties are likely to increase the debate in Canada over their commitment to the war. In a Worldfocus Signature story, Martin Himel takes a look at Canada's war role.

Iranian authorities can't stop flood of Western culture

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — wed, 30 dec 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Week in Review: Mounting pressure on Iran's government

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — thu, 24 dec 2009 01:01:01 EST

In Iran, protests erupted again this week as the U.S. deadline for imposing sanctions looms. Carol Giacomo, a member of The New York Times editorial board, and Irshad Manji, a professor at New York University and the author of "The Trouble With Islam Today," join Daljit Dhaliwal to discuss the mounting pressures on Iran, both internal and external.

Moroccan single moms cope with hostility, shame

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — wed, 23 dec 2009 01:01:01 EST

Young Muslim women who become pregnant out of wedlock face intense pressures, and are often shunned, scorned and shamed. Worldfocus correspondent Hoda Osman and producers Rebecca Haggerty, Megan Thompson and Reda Fakhar traveled to Morocco to explore how these mothers are coping.

"Biblioburro" - a donkey library - visits Colombian children

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — wed, 23 dec 2009 01:01:01 EST

In rural Colombia, a man is bringing knowledge to hundreds of farm children on the back of a burro. A librarian, he travels far and wide to hand out books.

Ida's story: Reversing the stigma of HIV in Jamaica

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — wed, 23 dec 2009 01:01:01 EST

Correspondent Lisa Biagiotti, producer Micah Fink and director of photography Gabrielle Weiss report on how Jamaica's government is targeting community leaders like Ida Northover to educate people on HIV and change the stigma surrounding the disease.

Filipino children driven to the streets by crushing poverty

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — wed, 23 dec 2009 01:01:01 EST

UNICEF estimates that one billion children live in poverty -- almost every second child in the world. The Philippines can be seen as a microcosm of the problem, with children driven to the streets. One man -- a former child of the streets himself -- is trying to help.

Rising food prices punish rich and poor in India

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — mon, 21 dec 2009 01:01:02 EDT

The Indian government says food prices have increased almost 20 percent over last year, reaching a 10-year high. That is adversely affecting most of India's 1.1 billion people. Worldfocus producers Mary Lockhart and Ara Ayer and correspondent Daljit Dhaliwal report on the food crisis from the slums to high-rise buildings of Delhi.

Week in Review: Deteriorating U.S.-Pakistan relations?

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — fri, 18 dec 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Pakistan remains mired in violence after another attack followed Friday prayers at a mosque. Ian Bremmer of the Eurasia Group and David Andelman of the World Policy Journal join Daljit Dhaliwal to discuss whether Pakistan's once-close relationship with America is deteriorating.

Turkey's Kurds seek justice for unsolved murders

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — tue, 15 dec 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Correspondent Gizem Yarbil and producer Bryan Myers recently traveled to the Kurdish enclave of Diyarbakir in eastern Turkey for a closer look at the allegations that the Turkish government had engaged in a so-called "dirty war" against the Kurds.

Week in Review: Iraq, Obama's Nobel and climate change

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — fri, 11 dec 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Gideon Rose of Foreign Affairs magazine and Carla Robbins of The New York Times editorial board join Edie Magnus to discuss: continuing security problems in Iraq, President Barack Obama's acceptance of the Nobel Peace Prize and the prospects of a climate agreement in Copenhagen.

Chile's privatized social security may risk bankruptcy

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — thu, 10 dec 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Chile has gone further than any other country in privatizing social security, embracing private pension accounts in 1981. But the fund will soon be paying out more than it takes in and is projected to be exhausted by 2036. Worldfocus special correspondent Edie Magnus reports on the health of private social security and new regulation from the Chilean government.

The legacy of the 'Chicago Boys' lives on in Chile

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — wed, 09 dec 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Chile is among Latin America's most prosperous nations. Some credit that -- in part -- to a group of economists from Chicago. Worldfocus special correspondent Edie Magnus traveled to Chile earlier this year to explore the ongoing legacy of the "Chicago Boys."

Bangladesh reels from the impact of climate change

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — tue, 08 dec 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Addressing the effects of rising seas, a Bangladeshi man created "school boats" to bring school to children. Producer Steve Sapienza of the Pulitzer Center reports on how social entrepreneurs, NGOs and governments in poorer countries are trying to deal with climate change today.

Island in Denmark produces more energy than it consumes

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — tue, 08 dec 2009 01:01:02 EDT

John Larson travels to Denmark's Samso Island to report on its efforts to eliminate fossil fuel use. In 1998, Samso, population 4,000, devised a bold plan to completely switch to renewable energy. Today, the island is 100% carbon-neutral.

Week in Review: U.S. troop surge, Afghanistan exit strategy

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — fri, 04 dec 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Nicholas Kristof, a Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist for The New York Times, and Garrick Utley, president of the Levin Institute of the State University of New York, join Daljit Dhaliwal to discuss the impending U.S. troop surge and proposed exit strategy in Afghanistan.

25 years after Bhopal tragedy, pain and uncertainty linger

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — fri, 04 dec 2009 01:01:02 EDT

This week is the 25th anniversary of the world's worst industrial accident in Bhopal, India. Last year, Daljit Dhaliwal visited Bhopal while reporting in India. She toured the site of the tragedy and saw how the people of the area still live with the aftermath.

Chilean law fast-tracks treatment for common illnesses

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — wed, 02 dec 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Worldfocus special correspondent Edie Magnus traveled to Chile, a country with universal health care coverage. However, treatment actually depends on what disease you have and how likely you are to be cured.

Housing developments in Denmark slash energy use

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — mon, 30 nov 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Worldfocus' John Larson has been reporting on Denmark's forward-thinking energy policy in the weeks leading up to the Copenhagen summit. Here, he visits a housing development outside of of Copenhagen where residents use astonishingly little energy.

Greeks struggle to reclaim traditional Mediterranean diet

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — wed, 25 nov 2009 01:01:02 EDT

While traditional Mediterranean fare is among the healthiest on the planet, Greece now struggles with an obesity epidemic. Worldfocus correspondent Lynn Sherr and producer Megan Thompson report on Greek efforts to reclaim their heritage of "slow food."

Efficient Danes use hydrogen cells to maximize wind power

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — tue, 24 nov 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Last week, we showed you how everyday Danes profit from pioneering wind power. But there's a challenge -- how to store that power when the wind isn't blowing. Denmark is searching for answers, including building Europe's first "hydrogen neighborhood" -- homes that are powered and heated with the help of hydrogen fuel cells. John Larson reports from Denmark.

Germany to require immigrants to sign integration contracts

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — mon, 23 nov 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Germany has a plan for an "integration contract," which lays out services and assistance available to immigrant communities and details Germany's expectations of new arrivals. Martin Seemungal reported late last year on the rising Christian-Muslim tensions in the city of Cologne.

Week in Review: President Obama's trip to Asia

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — fri, 20 nov 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Gideon Rose of Foreign Affairs Magazine and James Rubin of Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs join Daljit Dhaliwal to discuss President Barack Obama's trip to Asia and the focus of U.S.-China relations.

Israelis settle in occupied West Bank for economic reasons

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — thu, 19 nov 2009 01:01:02 EDT

There is no sign that the building of Israeli settlements will cease. Economic and ideological settlers continue to flock to the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Worldfocus correspondent Martin Himel visits both sides of the wall dividing an Israeli settlement and a Palestinian refugee camp.

Israel's Orthodox women clamor for the right to divorce

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — wed, 18 nov 2009 01:01:02 EDT

In Israel, the rabbinical courts decide when couples can marry and divorce. Worldfocus correspondent Martin Himel speaks with Orthodox Jewish women who are protesting the Jewish law that states husbands must consent to divorce.

Israel thrives as the Silicon Valley of the Middle East

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — tue, 17 nov 2009 01:01:02 EDT

The high-tech industry has become the backbone of Israel's economy, with 46 percent of exports coming from the industrial high-tech sector. Worldfocus correspondent Martin Himel takes a look at the businesses and entrepreneurial players of the Middle East's Silicon Valley.

Everyday Danes profit from pioneering wind power

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — mon, 16 nov 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Long ago, Denmark pioneered wind power, which now accounts for 20 percent of its energy production. Everyday Danish citizens -- from farmers to art dealers -- invested in windmills. Worldfocus special correspondent John Larson reports on how Danish citizens are capturing windfall profits.

Ancient Greek values clash with modern treatment of gays

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — thu, 12 nov 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Homosexuality dates back thousands of years in Ancient Greece, where same-sex relationships were well-known - even among the gods. But today in Greece, gay rights are not as accepted. Special Correspondent Lynn Sherr and producer Megan Thompson examine the state of gay marriage in Greece.

Gays in Jamaica worship in underground church

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — wed, 11 nov 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Jamaica is often said to hold the world record for the most churches per square mile. There's a public place of worship for almost everyone. Unless you're gay. Correspondent Lisa Biagiotti, producer Micah Fink and director of photography Gabrielle Weiss report on the secret underground church that is welcoming gay men and women to practice their faith.

Violence and venom force gay Jamaicans to hide

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — tue, 10 nov 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Berliners reminisce about the collapse of the wall

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — mon, 09 nov 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Twenty years later, the residents of Berlin celebrate the historic day that marked the beginning of the end of Communism. Virtually all Berliners remember where they were and what they were doing the day that the wall fell. Mike Kraus, a freelance video journalist, reports from Berlin.

Week in Review: Afghanistan election and Italian court ruling

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — fri, 06 nov 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Carla Robbins of The New York Times and James Rubin of Columbia University discuss Hamid Karzai's second term and the worsening security situation in Afghanistan. They also examine the fallout from a landmark case in Italy involving the alleged CIA abduction and "rendition" of a Muslim cleric.

High taxes curb Danish oil use, promote energy independence

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — thu, 05 nov 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Producer John Larson reports from Copenhagen, Denmark, on how changing lifestyles, taxing energy and subsidizing alternative technologies have reduced the country's dependency on oil and created thousands of new jobs.

Ancient Palestinian craft still intact amid globalization

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — wed, 04 nov 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Worldfocus producer Mohammad Al-Kassim reports from the West Bank city of Hebron about its vanishing glassmaking industry, which dates back to the Phoenician era. He visits a master craftsman whose family business has endured for generations.

Journalists risk their lives reporting in the Philippines

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — tue, 03 nov 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Correspondent Mark Litke and producer Ara Ayer report from the Philippines where there are more newspapers in print, more points of view and more influence in broadcast journalism than ever before. But since People Power in 1986, more than 70 journalists have been murdered.

Love-hate feelings complicate U.S.-Philippines relationship

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — mon, 02 nov 2009 01:01:02 EDT

From 50 years of American colonial rule to the emigration of Filipino nurses and love for basketball, Correspondent Mark Litke and Producer Ara Ayer report from Manila on the unique historical relationship between the U.S. and the Philippines.

Week in review: Afghanistan and Pakistan

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — fri, 30 oct 2009 01:01:02 EDT

David Andelman, editor of the World Policy Journal and a former foreign correspondent, and Chrystia Freeland, U.S. managing editor of Britain's Financial Times, join David Brancaccio to review the week's events in Pakistan and Afghanistan. They discuss troop levels in Afghanistan and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's controversial remarks in Pakistan.

Antibiotics for eye disease are saving Ethiopia's children

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — thu, 29 oct 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Producer Gary Strieker reports from Ethiopia's Amhara region where 60 percent of children suffer from Trachoma, a bacterial eye infection that is the world's leading preventable cause of blindness. A new study finds that antibiotics administered for Trachoma are actually treating other ailments and reducing Ethiopia's high rate of child mortality.

In birthplace of coffee, Ethiopian farmers plant other crops

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — wed, 28 oct 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Because Ethiopian farmers are fragmented and disorganized, they cannot leverage for higher coffee prices. Worldfocus correspondent Martin Seemungal reports on why farmers are deciding to plant corn and khat, a leafy drug that is chewed with stimulating effects somewhere between caffeine and cocaine.

Modernity creeps into rural village in northern Ethiopia

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — tue, 27 oct 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Worldfocus correspondent Martin Seemungal travels to a remote village in the highlands of Ethiopia. He observes a traditional way of life that is virtually cut off from the rest of the world.

Famine eclipses Ethiopia's beauty and rich history

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — mon, 26 oct 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Twenty-five years after famine devastated Ethiopia, poverty still mars the country's image. Worldfocus correspondent Martin Seemungal explores another side of Ethiopia. He reports on Ethiopia's people, religion, beauty and explores the relics that dot the landscape in the northern part of the country.

Week in review: Afghanistan and Iran

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — fri, 23 oct 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Gideon Rose of Foreign Affairs Magazine and Carol Giacomo of The New York Times editorial board join Daljit Dhaliwal to discuss whether Iran appears to be pulling back from a deal to ship enriched uranium overseas. They also discuss fair elections in Afghanistan and NATO's decision to support a wider war counter-strategy.

Religious minority clamors for legal rights in Indonesia

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — thu, 22 oct 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Correspondent and producer Jamilla Trindle reports from Indonesia, where fundamentalists are posing new challenges to the democratically-elected government and to members of minority religious groups.

Rising Islamist movements challenge secularism in Turkey

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — wed, 21 oct 2009 01:01:02 EDT

An unusual weapon in the war against extremism

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — tue, 20 oct 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Worldfocus correspondent Hoda Osman and producer Rebecca Haggerty visited the North African kingdom of Morocco to report on how many Moroccans - including those in the government - are turning to Sufism as a moderating influence to combat religious extremism.

Afghan immigrants find refuge in oil-rich Iran

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — mon, 19 oct 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Week in Review: Afghanistan, Pakistan, China and Russia

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — fri, 16 oct 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Gideon Rose of Foreign Affairs magazine and David Andelman of the World Policy Journal discuss corruption in Afghanistan, strategic opportunities in Pakistan, Iran's relationship with Russia and China and the threat of nuclear weapons.

Canada avoids bank bailout, but feels U.S. financial woes

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — wed, 14 oct 2009 01:01:02 EDT

The prudent stewardship of Canadian banks in avoiding risky loans meant that they never required a government bailout. But the U.S.'s economic woes are spilling across the border and affecting Canadian big business. Canadians are blaming their own government and clamoring for help.

Chile squirrels away copper fortunes and spends prudently

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — tue, 13 oct 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Week in review: Afghanistan, Pakistan and Obama's Nobel

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — fri, 09 oct 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Garrick Utley of the State University of New York and Chrystia Freeland of Britain's Financial Times discuss the week's top stories: The impact of U.S. President Barack Obama winning the Nobel Peace Prize, and his biggest foreign policy challenge -- Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The bowler hat: Born in Britain, perfected by Bolivia

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — fri, 09 oct 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Worldfocus producer and correspondent Ivette Feliciano explores a fascinating fashion trend in Bolivia -- the bowler hat -- which has roots in Europe.

Guatemala's children languish from malnutrition

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — thu, 08 oct 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Nearly half of the children in Guatemala are malnourished. Most suffer from chronic malnutrition, which means that while they are getting enough calories, their food is severely lacking in vitamins and protein. This poor nutrition affects not only their bodies, but their future.

Young garbage pickers eke out meager living in Pakistan

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — wed, 07 oct 2009 01:01:02 EDT

An estimated 10,000 children in Quetta, Pakistan, perform back-breaking labor -- garbage picking. They are often as young as five years old and earn less than $1 per day. International organizations have begun to call attention to the plight of these young workers, many of whom are the children of Afghan refugees who cannot legally work in Pakistan.

Filipino children driven to the streets by crushing poverty

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — tue, 06 oct 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Sudan wages war on Guinea worms

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — mon, 05 oct 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Guinea worm is a painful disease that still infects thousands of people in Africa. Despite progress, the worms continue to spread through contaminated drinking water, and this is where Sudan is now fighting to eradicate the disease.

One island, two Jamaicas and a 'whole heap' of difference

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — thu, 01 oct 2009 01:01:02 EDT

A public debate erupted earlier this year when graphic Dancehall music lyrics and images were banned from Jamaica's airwaves. The public responses reveal the legacy of two Jamaicas dating back to the country's slave history, as correspondent Lisa Biagiotti reports.

Iranian authorities can't stop flood of Western culture

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — thu, 01 oct 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Israeli films explore realities of warfare, faith

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — tue, 29 sep 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Israel's robust film industry is funded primarily with state grants, even though the themes can be highly critical of the government and at odds with conventional Israeli values. Many films explore issues from recent Israeli military history.

Former U.S. bases in the Philippines transform and thrive

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — mon, 28 sep 2009 01:01:02 EDT

The American troops presence in the Philippines is tiny compared to what it was before two major U.S. military bases closed down almost two decades ago. In the years since, a stunning transformation has taken place, turning those bases from the ash heap of history into thriving economic enterprises.

Week in review: The Afghanistan debate and the G-20

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — fri, 25 sep 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Gideon Rose of Foreign Affairs Magazine and Rana Foroohar of Newsweek discuss the week's top stories: The debate over next steps in the war in Afghanistan and the global economic summit in Pittsburgh.

Ida's story: Reversing the stigma of HIV in Jamaica

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — wed, 23 sep 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Jamaica's battle against AIDS fought in the shadows

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — tue, 22 sep 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Jamaica may be on the very of losing its battle against the AIDS epidemic because of deeply entrenched anti-gay attitudes and laws. Worldfocus reports from the front lines of Jamaica's fight against HIV and AIDS.

Pakistanis celebrate Eid al-Fitr with street fairs

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — mon, 21 sep 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Muslims have been celebrating the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy month of fasting known as Ramadan. In Pakistan, in cities like Lahore, Eid means neon-lit and food-fueled street fairs long into the night.

Week in review: War crimes in Gaza and missile defense

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — fri, 18 sep 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Carla Robbins of The New York Times and David Andelman of the World Policy Journal discuss the week's top stories: Obama's reversal on a missile defense plan for Europe, the battle against Islamic militants and this week's United Nations report on the war in Gaza.

Rome tunnels through ancient relics to build a subway

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — thu, 17 sep 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Rome is building a brand new subway line and coming across remnants of the ancient past.

Preserving Roman antiquities comes at a high cost

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — wed, 16 sep 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Rome is a city defined by its antiquities -- places like the Coliseum, the Forum and the Pantheon. But the costs of maintaining it all has some Romans worried it could break the bank.

Greeks lobby for return of Parthenon marbles to Athens

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — tue, 15 sep 2009 01:01:02 EDT

The opening of the Acropolis Museum in Greece this summer has reignited a controversy over some of the sculptures that adorned the Parthenon, the most famous monument of ancient Greece.

"Biblioburro" - a donkey library - visits Colombian children

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — mon, 14 sep 2009 01:01:02 EDT

In rural Colombia, a man is bringing knowledge to hundreds of farm children on the back of a burro. A librarian, he travels far and wide to hand out books.

Week in review: Iran's nuclear program and Afghanistan

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — fri, 11 sep 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Garrick Utley of the State University of New York and Charles Sennott of GlobalPost discuss the major foreign policy challenges facing U.S. President Barack Obama: Iran's nuclear ambitions and troop numbers in Afghanistan.

Female soccer players shoot down Turkish taboos

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — thu, 10 sep 2009 01:01:02 EDT

In much of Turkey, playing soccer is something girls simply don't do. But despite religious and cultural resistance, some women players are challenging the norm and taking to the field.

Moroccan single moms cope with hostility, shame

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — wed, 09 sep 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Young Muslim women who become pregnant out of wedlock face intense pressures, and are often shunned, scorned and shamed.

Women in Iran race ahead, but still face gender block

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — wed, 09 sep 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Correspondent Bigan Saliani and producer Richard O'Regan travel to Iran to explore the tensions between the expectations of many highly educated young Iranian women and the realities of their lives.

Mumbai confronts drug-resistant tuberculosis strain

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — wed, 09 sep 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Mumbai, India's largest city, is confronting an epidemic of drug-resistant tuberculosis. Independent producer Lauren Rudser brings Worldfocus this signature story on an often overlooked global health issue.

Week in review: Afghanistan and Japan

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — wed, 09 sep 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Carol Giacomo of The New York Times and Joel Rosenthal of the Carnegie Council discuss the new allegations of widespread fraud in the Afghan presidential election and the implications of the recent change of power in Japan.

Week in review: Afghan elections, Iraq and Scottish justice

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — fri, 21 aug 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Charles Sennott of GlobalPost and Dagmar Aalund of the Wall Street Journal discuss the week's top stories: The presidential election in Afghanistan, the ongoing security nightmare in Iraq and a controversial decision in Scotland.

Week in review: Afghanistan, Iraq and the Clintons

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — fri, 14 aug 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Gideon Rose of Foreign Affairs magazine and Carla Robbins of The New York Times discuss the week's top stories: A major U.S. offensive as national elections approach in Afghanistan, a surge in suicide bombings in Iraq and Hillary Clinton's trip to Africa.

Week in review: Hillary Clinton in Africa, Bill in North Korea

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — fri, 07 aug 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Nikhil Deogun of The Wall Street Journal and David Andelman of the World Policy Journal discuss the week's top stories: Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's tour of Africa and her husband's mission to North Korea to secure the release of two American journalists.

Week in review: Israel, China and turbulence in Iran

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — fri, 31 jul 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Susan Chira of The New York Times and Gideon Rose of Foreign Affairs Magazine discuss the week's top stories: Continuing turbulence in Iran and this week's U.S. talks with both Israel and China.

Week in review: Clinton in Asia, Afghanistan and Biden

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — fri, 24 jul 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Dan Rather of "Dan Rather Reports" and Ian Bremmer of Eurasia Group discuss the week's top stories: U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's trip to Asia, the escalating war in Afghanistan and Vice President Joe Biden's trip to Ukraine and Georgia.

Week in review: Afghanistan, human rights and Clinton

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — fri, 17 jul 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Gideon Rose of Foreign Affairs magazine and Carla Robbins of The New York Times discuss the week's top stories: The escalating war -- and increasing casualties -- in Afghanistan, the U.S. commitment to human rights abroad and Hillary Clinton's role in U.S. foreign policy.

Cambodia fears growing resistance to malaria drugs

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — thu, 16 jul 2009 01:01:02 EDT

One of the biggest challenges in fighting malaria, which kills more than one million people each year, is drug resistance. In Cambodia, health officials are seeing new evidence of resistance as they try to treat the most deadly kind of malaria.

Week in review: U.S. relationship with Russia evolves

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — thu, 16 jul 2009 01:01:02 EDT

James Hoge of Foreign Affairs magazine and Nina Khrushcheva of The New School discuss the U.S. relationship with Russia.

Thousands line up in Kenya for HIV testing

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — wed, 08 jul 2009 01:01:02 EDT

In urging Congress to spend $60 billion over the next six years on health aid to other nations, U.S. President Barack Obama called for an integrated approach -- fight AIDS, but at the same time, combat other preventable disease that kill millions of people each year. In Kenya, a health project is taking that very approach.

Week in review: Iraq pullback and unrest in Honduras

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — fri, 03 jul 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Garrick Utley of the State University of New York and Ian Bremmer of the Eurasia Group discuss the week's top stories: The U.S. offensive in Afghanistan, the American pullback in Iraq and unrest in Honduras.

Week in review: Winding down in Iran and violence in Iraq

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — fri, 26 jun 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Susan Chira of The New York Times and Gideon Rose of Foreign Affairs Magazine discuss the week's top stories: As the post-election protests wind down in Iran, the authorities seem to be getting their way, while in Iraq, a new round of violence is sweeping the country as American troops pull back.

Vietnamese embrace the U.S. decades after the war

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — wed, 24 jun 2009 01:01:02 EDT

In the years since the Vietnam War, Vietnam has undergone radical changes, as have attitudes among many of its 86 million people toward the United States.

Agent Orange devastates generations of Vietnamese

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — mon, 22 jun 2009 01:01:02 EDT

During the Vietnam War, the U.S. dropped more than 10 million gallons of Agent Orange, a toxic defoliant, on Vietnam. Generations of civilians have suffered the consequences.

Week in review: Iran in tumult

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — fri, 19 jun 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Garrick Utley of the State University of New York and Ervand Abharamian of the City University of New York discuss the top story of the week: Iran. They discuss Ayatollah Khamenei's speech, the massive protests and where the crisis may be headed.

Singapore's health system saves money and lives

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — wed, 17 jun 2009 01:01:02 EDT

According to the World Health Organization, Singapore has one of the best health care systems in the world. The U.S. spends nearly 17 percent of its GDP on health care, while Singapore spends about 4 percent.

Oprah brings taboo topics to Middle East

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — mon, 8 jun 2009 01:01:02 EDT

The Middle East's MBC-4 began airing The Oprah Winfrey Show more than four years ago, and the program now reaches about 6 million viewers in the Arab world each day.

Immigrants stream across Mexico's southern border

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — thu, 4 jun 2009 01:01:02 EDT

For years now, immigration into the United States from Mexico has been a huge issue in American politics. But Mexico is facing similar problems on its southern border, as Central Americans in search of higher-paying work pour into the country.

Years later, roots of French riots remain

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — wed, 3 jun 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Worldfocus travels to the site of the French immigration riots three years ago. Tensions between the Arab and French populations still simmer.

Dirt poor Haitians eat cookies made of mud

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — wed, 27 may 2009 01:01:02 EDT

The small island nation of Haiti relies heavily on food imports, but with prices soaring, some Haitians are resorting to eating mud.

Former child soldiers, sex slaves recover from Liberia's war

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — tue, 26 apr 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Some of the biggest victims of Liberia's 14-year civil war were young women who were taken prisoner and forced to fight, or made into sex slaves. Many of them are now struggling to recover and struggling to forget.

India's untouchables trudge through sewers

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — mon, 25 may 2009 01:01:02 EDT

For all the progress seen in India's transformation into a modern global economy, the country remains strongly tied to the traditions of its caste system, which largely governs where Indians work and in what jobs. Worldfocus reports on the lowest form of work, for members of India's lowest class.

Bolivia eyes lithium with hopes to transform economy

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — wed, 13 may 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Bolivian land reform comes under fire from landowners

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — tue, 12 may 2009 01:01:02 EDT

The Bolivian government is implementing land reform designed to help the poor, under which the government can seize and redistribute land to indigenous farmers. It's a proposal that has left many landowners unhappy.

Palestinian economy helped and harmed by globalization

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — wed, 6 may 2009 01:01:02 EDT

After the signing of the Oslo Accords in 1993, for the first time, Palestinians began to take control of their own economic destiny. Foreign money soon began pouring into the West Bank.

Divided Northern Ireland works to integrate schools

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — tue, 5 may 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Despite its official peace agreements, Northern Ireland remains a largely divided land, with Catholics and Protestants still living apart. Yet there are attempts to bring the people of Northern Ireland together, including an innovating program to integrate schools.

Wounds still left open from Northern Ireland's conflict

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — mon, 4 may 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Worldfocus visits Northern Ireland 11 years after its peace agreement to find the unsettled remainders of a troubled past.

From streets to clubs, sexual attitudes shift in Lebanon

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — thu, 30 apr 2009 01:01:02 EDT

From the Arab world's first gay rights demonstration to wild parties to a new graphic magazine, sexual attitudes are changing in Beirut.

Winemakers thrive in the hills of eastern Lebanon

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — wed, 29 apr 2009 01:01:02 EDT

The mountainous region of eastern Lebanon has a rich history spanning thousands of years -- and equally rich land that makes it a fertile location for some of the country's top vineyards.

Beirut's American University preaches tolerance, democracy

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — tue, 28 apr 2009 01:01:02 EDT

The American University of Beirut is an oasis in the Middle East, a place where diversity of opinion and freedom of thought is not only tolerated, but encouraged.

Hezbollah heads into mainstream Lebanese life and politics

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — mon, 27 apr 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Some call it a state within a state; a movement that is all too willing to fill any gaps it perceives left open by the government. Hezbollah, with its close ties to Iran, has become very influential in Lebanon -- and though the U.S. government considers them terrorists, they are heroes to their many followers.

Arab world is transfixed by Turkish soap operas

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — wed, 22 apr 2009 01:01:02 EDT

For more than six centuries, the Ottoman Empire controlled Arab lands, leaving its imprint on art, language and food. Today, Turkey is wielding influence once again in the Arab world -- not militarily, but through its soap operas.

Empty stores, offices tell tale of Latvia's economic fall

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — mon, 20 apr 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Until the global recession, the former Soviet republic of Latvia was experiencing the kind of growth that some described as a miracle. Now, it has all tumbled down, with unemployment at 14.5 percent.

Liberian women occupy front lines of war on sexual violence

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — wed, 15 apr 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Liberia's recovery after years of civil war has been led by women, who for years were among the biggest victims of the rampant violence in that country. Women are now on the front lines of what's become a war on sexual violence.

Women's movement transforms post-war Liberia

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — tue, 14 apr 2009 01:01:02 EDT

For a 14-year period ending in 2003, Liberia struggled with a brutal civil war, a crippled economy and not much hope. That was until a women's movement started to take hold -- a movement that helped to drive a dictator from power and gave women the kind of opportunities they could never have dreamed of.

Liberia, "America's stepchild," searches for own identity

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — mon, 13 apr 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Liberia, a small country in West Africa, has long and deep ties to the United States. The country became infamous in recent years for a bloody civil war that all but destroyed it. Liberia was settled by freed American slaves, and now, as Worldfocus special correspondent Lynn Sherr and producer Megan Thompson report, Liberia is trying to shape an identity it can call its own.

Splintered bats fly and feisty tongues flap on Cuban streets

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — thu, 9 apr 2009 01:01:02 EDT

In Cuba, baseball is a beloved year-round sport, played in stadiums and in streets. While it may look the same, it is a far cry from the money game it has become in the U.S.

Lithuanians cling to their language to protect culture

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — wed, 8 apr 2009 01:01:02 EDT

During 50 years of Soviet occupation, Lithuanians hung on to their language as a not-so-quiet form of rebellion. Today, they want to protect it -- not from an occupying force, but from other languages.

Estonia becomes E-stonia with digital revolution

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — tue, 7 apr 2009 01:01:02 EDT

A digital revolution is turning the tiny European nation of Estonia into a nation of Internet innovators. Estonians have put their digital identities onto their national identification cards, and much more.

Estonia emerges from Soviet rule to fight in Afghanistan

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — mon, 6 apr 2009 01:01:02 EDT

After NATO backed President Obama's new approach to the war in Afghanistan at a summit this weekend, Worldfocus reports on the commitment of one NATO ally -- the small eastern European nation of Estonia, population 1.3 million.

Africa's first elected female president lifts Liberia

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — wed, 1 apr 2009 01:01:02 EDT

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is leading Liberia's efforts to rebuild after its 14-year civil war.

One woman fights for members of India's lowest caste

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — tue, 31 mar 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Pascal and Vestine are alive in Congo, but still not home

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — thu, 26 mar 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Correspondent Michael J. Kavanagh returned to the refugee camps of eastern Congo last month and found Pascal and Vestine. Here is his update on the Bumbari family.

Once a magnet for immigrants, Spain's jobs are vanishing

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — wed, 25 mar 2009 01:01:02 EDT

For years, as Spain's economy soared, immigrants poured into the country from Africa, Eastern Europe and even South America. It was a land of opportunity -- but no longer, with jobs vanishing and antagonism growing.

Spain's olive growers face trouble with economy in the pits

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — tue, 24 mar 2009 01:01:02 EDT

In Spain, where the unemployment rate is the highest in Europe, almost no one is immune from the global recession -- not even the many olive growers there.

Housing collapse spells doom for Spain's tile makers

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — mon, 23 mar 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Spain has an unemployment rate of 14.8 percent, the highest in Western Europe. In the town of Vila Real in eastern Spain, many people make their living making tiles. But suddenly, after the housing bubble burst, no one wants or needs what they make.

Egyptian women choose the veil

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — wed, 18 mar 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Though some in the Western world view the veil as a symbol of oppression, for women in Egypt the hijab takes on different meanings.

Coffee producers lead fight against cancer in Nicaragua

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — tue, 17 mar 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Cervical cancer is the number one killer of women in Latin America, but Nicaraguan women are finding hope with the help of the country's top export -- coffee.

Food prices punish rich and poor in India

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — mon, 16 mar 2009 01:01:02 EDT

India's rich and poor feel the effects of rising food costs, spiking inflation and lackluster harvests.

Hong Kong's mass transit system rides to prosperity

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — thu, 12 mar 2009 01:01:02 EDT

New mass transit systems in mainland China, India and the United Kingdom have at least one thing in common: They all came to Hong Kong to study its example. Worldfocus reports on how Hong Kong has combined good business with public service with its mass transit rail system (MTR).

From pop culture to Obama, how Cubans see the U.S.

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — wed, 11 mar 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Despite years of ill will between the U.S. and Cuban governments, many Cubans still have fond feelings for America -- and look forward to changing relations under U.S. President Barack Obama.

U.S. misses out on flourishing Cuban business

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — tue, 10 mar 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Social, economic change is in the air in post-Fidel Cuba

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — mon, 9 mar 2009 01:01:02 EDT

With Raul Castro now in charge, change is in the air and being talked about openly on Cuba's streets, from young people testing the limits of protest to the government forging new economic partnerships around the globe.

Tijuana sees tourism plunge as fear of drug cartels spreads

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — thu, 5 mar 2009 01:01:02 EDT

In Tijuana, a once-thriving city just across the border from San Diego, the increasingly deadly drug war has touched almost every part of life -- from health care to tourism.

Mexico's narco culture sings praises of drug violence

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — wed, 4 mar 2009 01:01:02 EDT

While many Mexicans are revolted by the drug-related murders, kidnappings and rapes that plague the country, there is also a popular subculture that celebrates this widespread violence.

More Mexicans vanish as drug war escalates

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — tue, 3 mar 2009 01:01:02 EDT

In Tijuana, it is common for people simply to vanish. Known as the "disappeared," Mexico's kidnapping victims are often never heard from again -- 97 percent of the country's kidnapping cases go unsolved by police.

Gangsters spill blood and spread fear in Tijuana, Mexico

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — mon, 2 mar 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Over the last year, more than 6,000 people have been murdered in Mexico's drug wars, more than 700 of them in Tijuana alone. "El Teo" is a major player in Tijuana's drug war, a larger-than-life figure who has escaped the law and left gruesome corpses in his wake.

Poor white South Africans blame reverse discrimination

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — thu, 26 feb 2009 01:01:02 EDT

To some extent, the economic playing field has been leveled since the end of apartheid 15 years ago. But that has had another impact -- white poverty has doubled since 1994.

Immigrants in South Africa deal with hostility, xenophobia

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — wed, 25 feb 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Last year, waves of attacks on immigrants swept through South Africa. Now those same immigrants are caught between violence in a country that wants them to leave, and the danger of returning to home countries that don't want them back.

South Africa confronts world's worst AIDS epidemic

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — tue, 24 feb 2009 01:01:02 EDT

While South Africa has made strides toward racial and economic equality in the last 15 years, there is one issue in which South Africa has actually lost ground over the years - HIV/AIDS.

Poverty preserves racial lines in post-apartheid South Africa

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — mon, 23 feb 2009 01:01:02 EDT

In South Africa, the system of apartheid ended 15 years ago, and since then, many of the racial barriers have broken down. But though they may be equal on paper, many black South Africans still feel unequal due to continuing poverty.

Haitians destroy environment in struggle to survive

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — wed, 18 feb 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Haiti is a tiny island country in the Caribbean and the poorest in the Western hemisphere. In their struggle to survive, Haitians are destroying the very elements of their environment that sustain them.

Russian real estate goes from boom to bust

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — tue, 17 feb 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Once alive and well, Russia's real estate industry has been hit hard by the financial crisis.

Stalin makes a comeback with Russia's youth

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — mon, 16 feb 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Though he is vilified in the U.S. as one of the 20th century's most brutal dictators, and despite the countless deaths his purges caused, Josef Stalin is once again being hailed in Russia.

Indigenous languages revive and thrive in Mexico

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — wed, 11 feb 2009 01:01:02 EDT

About half the estimated 7,000 languages spoken in the world today may disappear by the end of this century, many of them from indigenous cultures. Mexico is attempting to preserve the past by speaking ancient languages in the present tense.

Israeli company builds infrastructure for world's electric cars

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — mon, 9 feb 2009 01:01:02 EDT

One Israeli company is not just promoting the use of electric cars but designing an entire system to service them, with battery charging stations. Many countries are expressing great interest.

One in five Israeli citizens is Arab

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — thu, 5 feb 2009 01:01:02 EDT

The history of conflict between Israel and its Arab neighbors is well-documented. A story told not nearly as often is the relationship between Arabs and Jews within Israel, as approximately one in five Israelis is Arab.

Immigrants and religions redefine Israeli society

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — wed, 4 feb 2009 01:01:02 EDT

The wave of immigration over the past few decades has changed the face of Israel. Also, some 20 percent of Israelis are Muslims, Christians and other minorities.

Anti-Americanism fades and business booms in Nicaragua

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — tue, 3 feb 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Some Americans might not associate business with Nicaragua at all, as Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega first came to power a generation ago with a militant anti-American message. But times change, and Nicaragua is now promoting itself as a business-friendly country, and more Americans are traveling -- or even moving -- to the country.

China and Taiwan cope with decades of tension

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — mon, 2 feb 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Last May, Ma Ying-jeou was sworn in as Taiwan's new president and promised to improve relations with mainland China after decades of tension. Worldfocus explores Taiwan's progressing relations with mainland China.

Canada's free health care comes with long lines

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — thu, 29 jan 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Though Canada's universal health care model has effectively cut administrative costs, the system comes with flaws -- long lines have sent some Canadians to private clinics.

Canada's hospitals cut the paperwork, emphasize care

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — wed, 28 jan 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Canada has worked to cut administrative costs attached to medical care. Now, basic health care is universal and, in most parts of the country, free -- and remarkably little paperwork is involved.

The highs and lows of universal health care in Brazil

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — mon, 26 jan 2009 01:01:02 EDT

In Brazil, health care is free. By law, everyone has a right to treatment, and as a result, infant mortality is down and life expectancy is up. But there are drawbacks -- offering so much has put a strain on the health system.

Women in Jordan head to work as economy sours

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — wed, 21 jan 2009 01:01:02 EDT

In the conservative Muslim region of southern Jordan, more and more women are leaving the home for the first time and going to work -- largely out of economic necessity. The number of women in the workforce has more than doubled over the past five years.

How Nicaraguans see the U.S.

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — mon, 19 jan 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Worldfocus special correspondent Lynn Sherr travels to Nicaragua to discuss baseball, U.S. relations and Barack Obama.

Unexploded bombs leave a deadly legacy in Vietnam

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — wed, 14 jan 2009 01:01:02 EDT

All across Vietnam, thousands of unexploded bombs and grenades are still buried in the ground. At least 38,000 people have been killed by leftover explosives since the Vietnam War ended in 1975.

Vietnam on a bumpy road to economic power

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — tue, 13 jan 2009 01:01:02 EDT

Thailand's Mr. Condom battles AIDS

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — thu, 18 dec 2008 01:01:02 EDT

In Thailand, AIDS remains a leading cause of death despite significant successes against the disease.

Contaminated drug imports threaten Americans

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — wed, 17 dec 2008 01:01:02 EDT

The majority of drugs in the U.S. contain ingredients that are produced overseas, often with no oversight by the Food and Drug Administration.

Rehabilitating rape victims and families in Congo

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — tue, 16 dec 2008 01:01:02 EDT

Michael J. Kavanagh and Taylor Krauss reported on the crisis in eastern Congo for Worldfocus and highlight efforts to rehabilitate rape victims and their families in eastern Congo, presenting a short video about the ventures of one counseling organization.

Black flies blind river villagers in Tanzania

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — mon, 15 dec 2008 01:01:02 EDT

Onchocerciasis, or river blindness, affects almost 40 million people -- most of them in Africa.

Rwanda aims for one laptop per child

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — thu, 11 dec 2008 01:01:02 EDT

Once a site of Rwanda's 1994 genocide, the town of Rwamagana is now going online thanks to the One Laptop Per Child program.

Free healthcare but long lines in Uganda

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — wed, 10 dec 2008 01:01:02 EDT

Uganda suffers from an extreme shortage of health workers, particularly in more remote rural areas.

Mountain gorillas rustle through Uganda's forest

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — tue, 9 dec 2008 01:01:02 EDT

Uganda's Bwindi Forest is home to almost half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas, an endangered species. Correspondent Martin Seemungal treks through the wilderness to observe some of the rare creatures in their natural habitat.

Rwanda women dominate government

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — fri, 8 dec 2008 01:01:02 EDT

Rwanda's parliament is 56 percent female, the first in the world in which women hold a majority (45 out of 80) of seats.

Muslim insurgency simmers in southern Thailand

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — thu, 4 dec 2008 01:01:02 EDT

Beyond the recent turmoil in Bangkok, a violent Muslim insurgency has emerged in Thailand's south.

War in DR Congo: The story of Pascal and Vestine

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — wed, 3 dec 2008 01:01:02 EDT

In the last year alone, over a million people have fled the fighting in eastern Congo. Worldforcus correspondent Michael Kavanagh tells one family's story.

Birth is deadly for Guatemalan women

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — tue, 2 dec 2008 01:01:02 EDT

Every minute, a woman dies of complications related to pregnancy and childbirth, and Guatemala has one of the highest rates of maternal mortality in Latin America.

Brazil emerges as an oil giant

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — tue, 25 nov 2008 01:01:02 EDT

Worldfocus explores the P-51 offshore oil platform near Angra dos Reis, which for many represents not only the future of oil exploration but also the future of Brazil.

India's outsourcers look to outsource

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — mon, 24 nov 2008 01:01:02 EDT

In the last 10 years, India has become a global center for foreign companies. But worldwide economic strife may lead to shifts in the outsourcing industry.

Mexico city divided over legalized abortion

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — thu, 20 nov 2008 01:01:02 EDT

Over a year after Mexico City's legalization of abortion, Martin Savidge heads south to explore the ongoing abortion debate.

Italy's immigration debate intensifies

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — wed, 19 nov 2008 01:01:02 EDT

In the northern city of Treviso, Italy, a gunslingling mayor cracks down on illegal immigration, even as accusations of racism linger.

Turkish immigrants cement Islam in Germany

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — mon, 17 nov 2008 01:01:02 EDT

As the immigration debate heats up in Germany, mosques are popping up and Turkish immigrants are rising up through the political system.

Soviet style hampers a democratic Ukraine

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — thu, 13 nov 2008 01:01:02 EDT

Political progress has come slowly in Ukraine, where new businesses are finding it difficult to escape the Soviet ways.

Polish citizens build on anti-Soviet camaraderie

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — wed, 12 nov 2008 01:01:02 EDT

Nearly two decades after the fall of the Berlin Wall, the anti-Soviet Polish Solidarity movement has reinvented itself in a democratic and economically strong Poland.

Czech youth unaware of Soviet past

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — tue, 11 nov 2008 01:01:02 EDT

Today, the younger generation of Czech citizens know little about the Russian invasion and subsequent demonstrations of 1968.

Revolution of 1956 haunts Hungarians

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — mon, 10 nov 2008 01:01:02 EDT

Last month, Hungary marked the anniversary of the 1956 revolution, when approximately 200,000 Hungarians gathered in front of the country's Parliament to demand an end to Soviet rule.

Catholic Brazilians convert to the Pentecostal church

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — thu, 6 nov 2008 01:01:02 EDT

From the favelas of Rio de Janeiro to television screens across the nation, the Pentecostal church is growing in numbers and influence, and has more than doubled between 1980 and 2000.

More tolls, but better roads in Brazil

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — tue, 4 nov 2008 01:01:02 EDT

Brazil has experienced explosive economic growth the past several years, but its infrastructure has not kept up. Now Brazil has embarked on a multi-billion dollar plan to correct the lack, a plan that has enormous implications for the country.

Brazil pioneers energy independence with ethanol

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — mon, 3 nov 2008 01:01:02 EDT

Brazil is the second largest producer of ethanol after the U.S., which uses corn rather than sugarcane.

Czechs wary of U.S. government, but not tourists

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — thu, 30 oct 2008 01:01:02 EDT

Ernesto Londono of The Washington Post discusses a new high-tech dragnet on the border of Iraq and Iran.

Africans reveal mixed opinions of the U.S.

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — tue, 28 oct 2008 01:01:02 EDT

Worldfocus reports on the U.S.'s image in Kenya and Tanzania -- from Kenya's growing bond to Tanzania's lingering tension.

Singapore curbs traffic with automatic tolls

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — mon, 27 oct 2008 01:01:02 EDT

Singapore's innovative electronic toll system manages traffic in the densely populated country -- at a cost.

Egypt's journalists fight for free speech

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — thu, 23 oct 2008 01:01:02 EDT

Worldfocus takes a look at the world of journalism. Freedom to express our views and even report the news is far different from what Egyptian writers, bloggers, and reporters find when they try to tell their stories.

Egyptians express views on America

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — tue, 21 oct 2008 01:01:02 EDT

Egypt has one of the longest running political and military U.S. alliances in the Middle East, but the U.S.- Egypt relationship continues to evolve.

U.S. money to Mexico slows

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — mon, 20 oct 2008 01:01:02 EDT

Money flowing from the U.S. to Mexico has dropped to its lowest level in 13 years, impacting local economies.

America looms large in India

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — thu, 16 oct 2008 01:01:02 EDT

Worldfocus correspondent Daljit Dhaliwal reports from New Delhi on how Indians perceive the U.S.

Tech advances rev up in Africa

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — wed, 15 oct 2008 01:01:02 EDT

Africa has the fastest-growing mobile market in the world. Africans are making technological advances and actively blogging.

Middle class sprawls in Nairobi, Kenya

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — tue, 14 oct 2008 01:01:02 EDT

Within a couple of years, China is expected to surpass the U.S. as Africa's primary trading partner, with a projected trading relationship worth $100 billion a year.

China strengthens trading ties in Africa

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — mon, 13 oct 2008 01:01:02 EDT

Within a couple of years, China is expected to surpass the U.S. as Africa's primary trading partner -- projecting a trading relationship of $100 billion a year.

Cowboys swing lassos in annual Brazilian rodeo

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — fri, 10 oct 2008 01:01:02 EDT

The annual rodeo in Barretos creates a Wild Wild West with a Brazilian twist for international cowboys.

Ukraine's black soil tilled for private investment

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — thu, 9 oct 2008 01:01:02 EDT

The current food crisis in Ukraine -- known as the breadbasket of Europe -- presents challenges and opportunities for the country.

Farmers, drought and taxes cripple Argentina

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — wed, 8 oct 2008 01:01:02 EDT

Argentina -- known as "grocer to the world" -- finds itself trapped by food inflation, a slumping economy and one of the worst droughts in almost 50 years.

Food crisis rages through Kenya

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — mon, 6 oct 2008 01:01:02 EDT

At least five of the 38 million Kenyans live in urban slums and food insecurity rages through the country, resulting in public outcry and economic upheaval.

Into the Czech woods for the mushroom hunt

rezvanib@thirteen.org (Worldfocus) — mon, 6 oct 2008 01:01:01 EDT

In the Czech Republic, mushroom hunting is a long-standing cultural pastime. David Marash documents the autumnal tradition of plucking fungi from the forest.