Topic: Voice of America

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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.

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Terrorism & Security Syrian rebel's video surfaces amid intensified pressure for action on Syria

The gruesome video shocked the international community. With concerns about arming the rebels, attention is turning to greater humanitarian aid as a way to help in the increasingly violent war.
Terrorism & Security US and Russia team up to make fresh diplomatic push on Syria

US Secretary of State Kerry and Russia's Foreign Minister Lavrov say they hope to convene an international conference on Syria later in May. The US has also stepped up humanitarian aid.
US pushes back against North Korean war rhetoric

North Korea warned Seoul on Saturday that the Korean Peninsula had entered 'a state of war.' US officials note that North Korea has a long history of bellicose rhetoric and threats, but they're taking additional defensive measures just in case.
Global News Blog Why North Korea is turning up the heat again

North Korea's military is vowing to cancel the 1953 cease-fire that effectively ended the Korean War, straining frayed ties in the region as the UN moves to impose new sanctions.
Terrorism & Security France: Mali withdrawal is in sight

France said today that it hopes to withdraw its troops from Mali next month, but it's unclear what will fill the resulting power vacuum and continue the fight against jihadist forces.
Terrorism & Security Will Egypt's military choose to make or break the referendum process? (+video)

By granting the Egyptian military the power to arrest citizens during the referendum process, Morsi has given it enormous influence over the outcome of the controversial constitutional vote.
Terrorism & Security Spate of deadly bombings rock Iraq before Shiite holy month

At least 14 people were killed and hundreds more injured in a series of apparently coordinated explosions in cities across Iraq.
Could anger over superstorm Sandy response taint recovery, election?

The longer Sandy survivors suffer, the more harshly incumbent officials – from Gov. Chris Christie (R) to President Obama (D) – will be judged for their response, experts say.
Terrorism & Security US backs new Syrian opposition council in bid to unite rebels

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the Syrian National Council could no longer be viewed as the 'visible leader of the opposition.' The group failed to attract broad support from Syrians.
Cambodia's political Houdini, former King Sihanouk, dies

The adjective most often applied to former King Sihanouk was 'mercurial,' a fitting way to survive his changes of mood and loyalties depending on the political exigencies of the time.
Terrorism & Security Assad says he needs more time to win war as refugees overwhelm Turkey, Jordan (+video)

The waves of Syrian refugees seeking haven in Turkey and Jordan are testing the two countries, putting the oft-discussed idea of creating a 'safe zone' in Syria back on the table.
Terrorism & Security Kurds deny hand in Turkey car bombing

The Kurdistan Workers Party denied a role in yesterday's car bombing. Amid the regional upheaval, especially in Syria, the Kurds have been a 'major winner,' gaining some autonomy.
Opinion My final phone call with warlord Charles Taylor

Former president of Liberia Charles Taylor called me regularly in the early 1990s when I was the director of Voice of America's English-to-Africa broadcasts. I'll never forget one strange phone call from him. Unfortunately, my hunch about Taylor's connection to Sierra Leone would prove correct.
Two Tibetans self-immolate in Lhasa: is protest spreading?

Two Tibetans set themselves on fire Sunday in the first such protests against Chinese rule in Lhasa, the tightly controlled Tibetan capital. At least 34 Tibetans have self-immolated since March 2011.
Walter Rodgers Florida-style 'Stand Your Ground' gun laws sub impulse for intelligent thinking

Even as George Zimmerman stands trial for fatally shooting Trayvon Martin, many Americans argue these laws make us safe. I've had pistols held to my head from Bosnia to Beirut. Your best self-defense is your tongue. Those who put their faith in guns will ultimately be outgunned.
Opinion 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.
Backchannels When Assange meets Nasrallah, you learn the most about Assange (+video)

Julian Assange, the embattled Wikileaks leader, started his new chat show with an interview of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
Terrorism & Security China, Philippines dispute raises tensions in South China Sea

With tensions between China and its neighbors over the South China Sea already high, any disagreement runs the risk of becoming militarized.
Africa Monitor Sudan and South Sudan say no to war, but violence continues

Core issues from South Sudan's independence from Sudan remain unresolved, like sharing oil revenue. But the current rhythm of fight, talk, fight, talk is unsustainable, says guest blogger.
Terrorism & Security UN Security Council poised to threaten Syria's Assad - with Russia's blessing

The United Nations Security Council secured Russia's critical backing yesterday for a statement backing envoy Kofi Annan's peacemaking plan. The step marks a distinct shift in Russia's stance.
Iranian internet email access returns after mysterious four-day outage

The semiofficial Mehr agency had said that more than 30 million people in the country were affected by the outage.
Why Ethiopia's authoritarian style gets a Western nod

Ethiopia is a geostrategically important ally in the West's efforts to battle extremism in the Horn of Africa. Western leaders have also emphasized its progress in battling poverty.
Somalia's Al Shabab launches suicide attack ahead of talks

Car bomb kills 15 in the government-controlled center of Mogadishu just weeks before Somali officials attend a London conference on long-term solutions to country's unrest.
Terrorism & Security Arab League's Syria mission faces mounting criticism

Last week the criticism focused on the questionable credentials of the Arab League Syria mission's leader. This week it is about whether the mission is capable of doing its job.