Topic: Radio Free Europe--Radio Liberty

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Blast-off: 6 recent missile advances

Missiles have been prominent in the news with India’s successful test, North Korea’s failed one, and much talk of missile defense systems in Europe and the Persian Gulf. Here are six recent noteworthy missile-technology advances.
How do key countries rank on corruption?

Every year, the group Transparency International releases its Corruption Perception Index, which measures the perception of corruption – misuse of public resources, bribery, and backdoor deals, to name a few - in countries worldwide.

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Why Voice of America is losing to voice of communist China – at home and abroad

With funding and program cuts, Washington is crippling the truth-telling Voice of America broadcasts in China. Meanwhile, Beijing is aggressively expanding its media campaign to spread untruths – broadcasting from American soil. America can't afford to let the VOA go silent.
Blast-off: 6 recent missile advances

Missiles have been prominent in the news with India’s successful test, North Korea’s failed one, and much talk of missile defense systems in Europe and the Persian Gulf. Here are six recent noteworthy missile-technology advances.
Don't let Voice of America broadcasts go static

Voice of America (VOA), the jewel in America's public diplomacy effort abroad, is set to be streamlined. Some programs can be downsized. But VOA is in the national interest, especially as Russia, China, and Iran expand state-supported media. Cuts should be handled with care.
How do key countries rank on corruption?

Every year, the group Transparency International releases its Corruption Perception Index, which measures the perception of corruption – misuse of public resources, bribery, and backdoor deals, to name a few - in countries worldwide.
Afghan schadenfreude as Pakistan reels in wake of deadly NATO strike

A mistaken NATO airstrike killed at least 24 Pakistani soldiers Saturday, causing an uproar in Pakistan. But many Afghans living near the border have little sympathy for their neighbors.
Terrorism & Security
A turning point for Syria protests?

Syrian Army defectors launched a fresh assault on a pro-government group yesterday. Some say their concentrated military action could be the turning point for the Syrian protest movement.
NATO teargasses Kosovo Serbs in battle over barricades

After local Serbs refused a NATO ultimatum to take down road barricades, NATO forces removed the barricades by force, teargassing local Serbs who attempted to thwart them.
Editor's Blog
The constants behind the news

From Wikileaks to "60 Minutes," exposes provide new ways of seeing the world. But the underlying facts often remain unchanged.
Terrorism & Security
UN Security Council hits Qaddafi with sanctions, war crimes investigations

The unanimous Security Council decision increases international pressure on Col. Muammar Qaddafi's regime in Libya as President Obama calls for Qaddafi to leave power immediately.
Vodafone in Egypt: How tech companies can uphold, not violate, human rights

In carrying out the policies of repressive regimes, multinational telecommunications companies can violate international standards for human rights. Joining a global network committed to ethical uses of technology would help these corporations uphold, rather than undermine, those rights.
Terrorism & Security
Former nuclear inspector: China falling short on enforcing sanctions on Iran

A former UN nuclear inspector says China is too lax to adequately prevent Iranian buyers from acquiring materials and equipment for nuclear development.
Do we need a code of conduct for space?

Some experts are calling for an international code of conduct for spacefaring nations. But defining misconduct isn't easy.
Russia's 'YouTube democracy' is a sham

The Kremlin is embracing the Internet, heralding online participation as 'direct democracy.' This might seem like a progressive step for Russia. In reality, it’s just a smokescreen – the guise of free society without real political process or representation.
Terrorism & Security
Kyrgyzstan ex-president's brother arrested - with wig and fake mustache

Police say they found the brother of ousted president Kurmanbek Bakiyev with a pistol and ammunition, a wig, and a false mustache and beard. He was arrested for having a role in the Kyrgyzstan violence last month.
Shahram Amiri: Iran defector story just keeps getting stranger

Iranian nuclear scientist Shahram Amiri may not have been a defector at all. Some think he was a double agent sent to find out how much the US knows about Iran's nuclear program.
Willie Nelson and Tupac in the Library of Congress?

Willie Nelson, Tupac Shakur, and Creole Jazz were included by the Library of Congress's National Recording Registry, highlighting 'diverse beauty, humanity and artistry" of the American soundscape.
Twitter doesn’t start a revolution, people do

It is not technology per se that has the power to change the world, but rather the motivations (both good and evil) of the people using it.
In the war of ideas, Uncle Sam’s voice must be heard

With a new board, government broadcasters like Voice of America could thrive again.
Global News Blog
Taliban to Germany: Leave Afghanistan or lose Oktoberfest

The insurgents' threat to bomb the famous festival is apparently meant to weaken Germany's resolve for the fight in Afghanistan. It follows similar warnings issued by the Taliban and Al Qaeda ahead of Sunday's elections.
Obama soars abroad, but America's PR doesn't

The president's stirring Cairo speech demands follow-up, amplification, and explanation.
Terrorism & Security
Attack on Russian regional leader marks rising tensions

Yunus-Bek Yevkurov, the Kremlin-backed president of Ingushetia, is the fourth government official in the North Caucasus targeted this month.
Pakistan's airwaves: On militant turf, Radio Khyber offers a softer voice

In tribal areas, it provides an alternative to hard-line clerics with a medley of local news, talk shows, and music.
Gas dispute with Russia boosts European interest in alternative pipeline

The Nabucco pipeline, scheduled to start construction in 2010, would ship gas from the Caspian region and the Middle East.
Murder mystery vexes ex-Soviet bloc

The death of Bulgarian writer Georgi Markov in 1978 raises questions about Europe's lingering ties to communism.
As elections near, Putin assures Russia of a smooth transition

The Russian president hinted for the first time, however, that the balance of power shift in his favor if he becomes prime minister.