NPR World Story of the Day
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China's Artist Provocateur Explores New Medium: Heavy...
In 2011, police detained Ai Weiwei for 81 days. Now, he's released a song that's turned the experience into a heavy metal protest song, along with a dystopian nightmare video. The lyrics are explicit and angry. Ai says his music is for the many political prisoners who remain jailed.
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The Global Afterlife Of Your Donated Clothes
The deadly collapse of a textile factory in Bangladesh has heightened awareness about cheap clothes. Many Americans have become used to inexpensive clothing, but the garments are also discarded at a remarkable rate: Billions of pounds of clothing are recycled each year; nearly half is exported.
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Pope Francis Puts The Poor Front And Center
Shunning the formalities of his office and focusing on poverty, Pope Francis is drawing a sharp contrast between his 2-month-old papacy and those of his predecessors.
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Afghans With Disabilities Fight For The Right To Rights
Their country isn't an easy place for anyone to make a living, but it's a downright hostile environment for those with disabilities. Support has mostly come from nonprofits, but activists are pressing the government to take action.
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Afghan Mineral Treasures Stay Buried, Hostages To...
Afghanistan is believed to be home to world-class mineral deposits, valued at up to $3 trillion and offering hope for the country's economic future. But in the current environment of uncertainty, investors are nervous and it could be many years before Afghanistan strikes pay dirt.
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Are Buddhist Monks Involved In Myanmar's Violence?
When tightly controlled societies open up, long-suppressed sectarian tensions can flare. That's been happening in Myanmar. And the twist is that Buddhist monks, widely viewed as pacifists, are part of this rising Buddhist nationalism.
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From The Heart Of Egypt's Revolt, The Pulse Of Artistic...
Egypt's capital has been associated with protest and political upheaval. But an arts festival attempts to clear away the dust and revitalize a once-glorious cultural hub.
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Can Economics Save The African Rhino?
Poachers kill rhinos for their horns. Some economists think legalizing the horns could save the rhinos.
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The Enemy Inside: Rhino's Protectors Sometimes Aid...
The defenders of Africa's rhinos are battling a well-financed and well-informed enemy. Poachers clear $40,000 or more for a single rhino horn. They have cash for the latest weaponry and to pay for inside information from some of the very people whose job it is to protect the rhinos.
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Vietnam's Appetite For Rhino Horn Drives Poaching In...
Demand for rhino horn, used in traditional Chinese medicine, is fueling a slaughter of the animals in Africa. In Vietnam, the sought-after commodity is fetching prices as high as $1,400 an ounce, or about the price of gold. There, some believe ground horn can cure everything from hangovers to cancer.
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C-Sections Deliver Cachet For Wealthy Brazilian Women
Brazil's economic boom has driven the demand for births by caesarean section. Some 80 to 90 percent of women in private hospitals deliver this way. Proponents say it allows mothers and doctors to better organize their time. Critics say the procedure drives up costs and may cause complications.
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Media Focus On Ailing Mandela Is Not 'The African Way'
The extensive coverage of Nelson Mandela's fading health has sparked intense debate in South Africa. Many say the African way views the twilight years as a final journey, a time of peace and respect, and that journalists should be more sensitive.
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Why (Almost) No One In Myanmar Wanted My Money
Like people in other countries that have gone through economic turmoil, people in Myanmar want U.S. dollars that look like they just rolled off the presses.
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Pakistani Women Still Struggle For A Voice In Politics
Women account for only 36 of the more than 4,000 candidates on the ballot in Saturday's parlimentary election. On of them, Naz Baloch, is following her father into politics, but acknowledges it's a rough-and-tumble game in a country where opportunities for women are limited.
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U.S. Turns Up Heat On Costly Commercial Cyber Theft In...
U.S. official displeasure has grown over the problem of Chinese cyber-espionage. The Obama administration has signaled that it will step up the investigation and prosecution of trade-secret theft and has not ruled out punitive measures.
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German Terrorism Trial Puts Racism Fears In The Spotlight
Germany's biggest terrorism trial in decades began Monday. The case centers on a 38-year-old woman who is the surviving member of a right-wing extremist group called the National Socialist Underground. The group is accused of killing 10 people, most of them of Turkish descent.
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Foreigners At Home: Turkey Beckons To Germany's Turks
After years of being treated as second-class citizens in Europe's economic powerhouse, large numbers of Turks — descendants of the first wave of immigrants — are returning to Turkey. Prospects in their homeland are looking up, while times are harder in Germany.
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Syrian Rebel Leader: We Won't Share U.S. Arms With...
The U.S. says it will consider arming the rebels if it can confirm Bashar Assad's regime used the nerve gas sarin in recent attacks. But there's a danger that any weapons the U.S. provides could fall into the wrong hands.
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Bollywood's Early Roots In A Silent Film
As film festivals around the world celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Indian film industry, historians say Bollywood can trace its roots to a silent, black-and-white film that was first released 100 years ago.
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Sea Of Syrian Refugees Threatens To Overload Jordan
More than half a million refugees have crossed into Jordan, and the number is expected to rise rapidly. Jordanian officials say the influx is threatening the stability of the kingdom.
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Investigating The Boston Bombing ... In Southern Russia
Suspected Boston Marathon bomber Tamerlan Tsarnaev traveled to Dagestan in southern Russia twice in recent years, and investigators want to know whether that experience led him toward a radical and violent form of Islam.
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He Helped Discover Evolution, And Then Became Extinct
Charles Darwin is known as the father of evolution. But another British naturalist, Alfred Russel Wallace, played a major role in developing the theory of natural selection before fading into obscurity. A trip to what's now Sulawesi in Indonesia, and the unique animals he found there, helped form his seminal ideas.
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Chasing The Chinese Dream — If You Can Define It
Touted in the state-run media, "the Chinese dream" is Beijing's latest official slogan. The man who made the phrase famous says it means China becoming the world's No. 1 superpower. But as censors scrub unapproved versions of the concept from the Internet, people wonder: Just whose dream is it anyway?
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N. Korean Refugees Tell Tales of Ordinary, Desperate...
Sokeel Park assists refugees from North Korea adjust to their new lives in the South. He hears first hand accounts of everyday life in the oppressive country — a life that can be poor, dangerous and rigidly controlled by the state.
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Egyptian Activists: Our Religion Is None Of Your Business
Violence between Muslims and Christians in Egypt, which has only increased since the revolution, is prompting public debate about religious identity. To try to ease tension and de-emphasize differences, one group of Egyptians wants to remove religious labels from national ID cards.
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787 Dreamliner Could Mean Big Things For Africa's 'Air...
Boeing's 787 Dreamliner was supposed to be a game changing new aircraft, but battery problems grounded the fleet, costing Boeing an estimated $600 million. Now the Federal Aviation Administration has approved a fix to the battery issue, and the first Dreamliner will return to the skies this weekend in Africa. Ethiopian Airlines is relaunching the "continent's first" Dreamliner in its effort to distinguish itself in the increasingly competitive, increasingly crowded African aerospace market.
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These Days, More And More Chinese Have Driven A Ford...
For years Ford was an also-ran in China, but it has ambitious plans to change that. Last year, sales in China were up more than 30 percent, and the Ford Focus was the country's best-selling car.
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Egypt's Jon Stewart Says He Won't Back Down Amid Charges
Bassem Youssef, the wildly popular host of an Egyptian political satire TV show, pokes fun at Egypt's president, Islamists and others. But he's now facing a slew of legal suits accusing him of everything from insulting the president to apostasy. His legal troubles are in many ways a test case for freedom of speech in the new Egypt.
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Routine On U.S. Racetracks, Horse Doping Is Banned In...
The Americans and the Europeans have different approaches to horse racing, and one key split is over the question of doping. While many drugs are allowed in the U.S., they are banned in European racing.
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In Gritty Sao Paulo, Artists Take To The Streets
Brazil's largest city is more about business than art. But a new crop of creators — who work in media as different as crochet, graffiti and poetry — is trying to change that by sprucing up public spaces.
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New Aid To Syria Comes With Fear Of Funding The Wrong...
The Obama administration is doubling its non-lethal assistance to the Syrian opposition, Secretary of State John Kerry announced at an 11-nation "Friends of Syria" meeting in Turkey this weekend. The aid comes amid concern about the rising presence of Islamist fighters among the opposition.
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An American In Mali, Teaching The Country's Sounds
It's been a decade since Paul Chandler left the U.S. and headed to West Africa, having fallen in love with the region's music. Now Mali is his home, and he's teaching children at the American School in Bamako how to play the music of his adopted country.
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With Bird Flu, 'Right Now, Anything Is Possible'
An international team of disease detectives are in China to investigate an outbreak of a new strain of bird flu, H7N9. The biggest puzzle right now is where these infections are coming from, as testing poultry has turned up very few infected birds.
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Can Acid Neutralizers Help Coral Reefs Bounce Back?
Coral reefs are in trouble worldwide, from a host of threats, including warming ocean temperatures, nutrient runoff and increasing ocean acidity. A noted climate scientist from California has been conducting an experiment on Australia's Great Barrier Reef to see whether antacid could boost coral growth.
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Large Police Presence Surrounds Margaret Thatcher's...
Margaret Thatcher was laid to rest in a funeral attended by dignitaries from around the globe as well as Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip on Wednesday. It's the first funeral of a British politician attended by the Queen since Sir Winston Churchill's in 1965.
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Letters Of Heartbreak Find Some Love In Verona, Italy
Each year, the town of Verona, Italy — home of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet — receives thousands of letters of unrequited love addressed to the play's star-crossed heroine. And each letter — more than 6,000 a year — is answered by hand by a team of secretaries at the Juliet Club.
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As Arctic Ice Melts, It's A Free-For-All For Oil ... And...
The melting of ice in the northern latitudes is feeding new industries. Among them: speculating for petroleum products where vast amounts of undiscovered oil and natural gas are believed to be, and hunting for mammoth tusks unearthed in the softening tundra.
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Even In Death, Chavez Dominates Venezuelan Election
Former Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, who died last month, is supporting Nicolas Maduro in Sunday's presidential election. How do we know? Maduro says Chavez came to him, as a bird, in a dream. For some Venezuelans, that's enough: Maduro leads the race by a considerable margin.
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The Music Of The Venezuelan Presidential Campaigns
In Caracas, emotions run high and there's noise to match. Supporters of both major candidates for Venezuela's president have created soundtracks that are a constant presence on the city's streets.
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A Symbol Of Korean Cooperation Becomes A Political...
North Korea's decision to close off a joint North-South industrial complex is a potential financial disaster for some of the more than 100 South Korean businesses that have invested there.
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Venezuelan Candidates Campaign In Chavez's Long Shadow
Hugo Chavez won't be on the ballot in Sunday's presidential election, but in many ways he's still the dominant figure. Chavez's hand-picked successor is favored over the opposition candidate, leading by double digits in some polls.
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'It's Not Normal': Syrian War Transforms Lives
The war in Syria has torn families apart and driven millions out of the country, but it has also transformed some Syrians as they take on roles they never imagined. A 26-year-old woman from Homs has put her dream of teaching English literature on hold as she works with the opposition.
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Inside North Korea, No Obvious Signs Of Crisis
The international community is bracing for further provocative actions in North Korea's campaign of bluster and escalation. But visitors to the reclusive country say the capital Pyongyang does not appear to be on war footing.
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The River Thames, A Not-So-Secret Treasure Trove
Frequently scavenged by "mudlarks" who roam its banks with metal detectors, the river has yielded Elizabethan coins, Roman statuettes and WWII munitions to those who are willing to dig. But not everyone approves of the mudlarks' method.
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Jewishness On Display: 'Truth' By Way Of Discomfort
A new exhibit in Berlin's Jewish Museum is intentionally provocative. The point, one curator says, is to "get people talking about how they perceive Jews, particularly in Germany today." At the center of the controversy is a display in which a Jewish person sits inside a glass showcase and answers questions from visitors.
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Official On Deck To Succeed Castros Still A Question...
Miguel Diaz-Canel, Cuba's new vice president, has been tapped to take over from Raul Castro when he steps down as president in 2018. The 52-year-old former education minister is relatively unknown outside his home province, but is now on a campaign to increase his national exposure.
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Soccer Coach And Self-Proclaimed Fascist Runs Into...
Italian Paolo di Canio's appointment as coach of the struggling Sunderland Football Club has reignited an old controversy over his comment in 2005 that "I am a fascist, not a racist" in describing his political beliefs at the time. After his appointment as Sunderland coach was announced Tuesday, he said it was "stupid and ridiculous" for that statement to be raised again after his many attempts to clarify it. DiCanio had an excellent record as a player. Though he had a fiery temperament, he...
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With New Pope, Catholic Women Hope To Regain Church...
A group of American nuns and Catholic women has traveled to Rome for a pilgrimage to the sites where there are traces on frescoes, mosaics and sarcophagi that show how women played an important role in the church in the early centuries of Christianity. Groups say women once held "co-equal roles with men."
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Pope's First Easter Mass Sends Messages Of Peace
Pope Francis called for peace before a crowd of tens of thousands in St. Peter's Square on Sunday. He called for reconciliation in the Korean Peninsula, an end to the conflicts in Syria and between Israelis and Palestinians.
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North Korea's Stepped-Up Rhetoric: Is It More Than Talk?
With its missile units on standby and its hotlines cut to South Korea, North Korea continues to stoke tensions on the peninsula. Even China, North Korea's main ally, is now on board with sanctions.
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Syrian Financial Capital's Loss Is Turkey's Gain
Aleppo was once the financial heart of Syria. But as the country's revolt grinds on, many of the city's most innovative businessmen have moved to the Turkish border town of Gaziantep. An estimated 150,000 Syrians are there — some of whom are putting down roots — raising questions about Aleppo's future.
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On India's Trains, Seeking Safety In The Women's...
Like some other big cities around the world, New Delhi has train cars reserved for women only. The female riders say it offers them a secure way to commute, but they argue that the larger problem is male attitudes.
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Long After Its Fall, Berlin Wall Is Focus Of New Protests
A developer wants to knock down a remnant of the Berlin Wall to make way for luxury apartments. Some Berlin protesters — and actor David Hasselhoff — have been trying to stop it.
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Syrian Aid Groups Train An Army Of Activists
More than 100 private aid groups have emerged since the uprising began, and many activists say the experience they've gained will be valuable in rebuilding the country.
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Islamists Say They Are Filling Vacuum Left By Egyptian...
The Islamist group Gamaa al-Islamiya recently agreed to handle security during a strike by police in the city of Assiut; the police returned to work the next day. But the group says it will continue to provide services such as trash pickup, reflecting the larger problem of a deteriorating Egyptian government.
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Musharraf Returns To Pakistan Amid Threats
After four years of self-imposed exile, Pervez Musharraf, the former military ruler of Pakistan has returned to the country. Even before he arrived, the Taliban threatened to assassinate him. Host Rachel Martin talks with NPR's Julie McCarthy about his return.
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In Saudi Arabia, Shiite Muslims Challenge Ban On Protests
When demonstrators began rising up against Arab governments in 2011, Saudi authorities responded with large spending projects and with tough actions against protesters. However, the Shiite minority in eastern Saudi Arabia persists with regular demonstrations.
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Revisiting Iraq: A Sister On The Edge
In 2007, NPR told the story of two sisters who had lost their parents. The older sister wore conservative clothes and recited poetry. The younger sister, just 13 at the time, appeared on the verge of becoming a prostitute. Now, 10 years after the U.S. invaded Iraq, we hear what happened to them.
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Baba Salah: A Malian Musician Speaks To His Nation's...
The guitarist comes from the northern city of Gao, which has made headlines lately due to fighting by Islamist militants and French-backed Malian forces. Salah now plays at a club in Mali's capital, Bamako, where, he says, people gather to relax, reminisce and "see images other than war."
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Release Of Turks Could Speed Cease-Fire With PKK
A fragile peace process between the Turkish government and the PKK, the militant Kurdistan Worker's Party, got a boost with the release of several Turks who had been captured by PKK fighters and held in northern Iraq. It's the latest sign of goodwill in a rapprochement effort that many in Turkey hope will lead to a PKK cease-fire, and a halt to Turkish military operations.
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What's Worked, And What Hasn't, In Gun-Loving Switzerland
Like Americans, the Swiss have an entrenched gun culture — it's not uncommon to see regular citizens out in the public with a gun slung across their back — and most are vehemently opposed to gun control. Yet Switzerland has a far lower rate of gun violence than in the U.S.
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Three Decades On, Ex-Guatemalan Leader Faces Genocide...
Former military ruler Efrain Rios Montt, now 86, presided over one of the bloodiest periods in Guatemala's 36-year civil war. During his rule, thousands of Guatemala's Indians were killed.
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Maslenitsa Celebration Helps Russians Thaw From Winter
Sunday is the final day of a week-long Russian festival that celebrates folk traditions, heroic eating and the distant promise of spring. NPR's Corey Flintoff reports on Maslenitsa, or "pancake week," the last culinary blow-out before the austerity of Lent.
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Letters To My Dead Father
The father of Guffran, then a 9-year-old Iraqi girl, was gunned down in a Baghdad street in 2006 at the height of the war. She continues writing letters to him, just as she did when he was alive. Now, she lives in one room with her mother and brother. She wants to study but faces difficult odds.
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From Police Chief To Political Office, Jobs Are For Sale...
China's new president has vowed to crack down on corruption. One widespread practice involves paying bribes to get high-level positions in politics or the bureaucracy.
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Pope Francis Displays 'Common Touch' On First Day
Pope Francis' spent his first day as leader of the Roman Catholic Church on Thursday.
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Syrian Cyber-Rebel Wages War, One Hack At A Time
A 28-year-old computer wizard known as the Harvester, along with his online rebel friends, have hacked into a pro-regime TV station as part of their ongoing battle against the government's electronic army.
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The Reclusive Spanish Billionaire Behind Zara's Fast...
Amancio Ortega has just bumped Warren Buffett off his No. 3 spot on Forbes' list of billionaires. The Spanish entrepreneur's clothing chain has become highly popular around the world, but do you know the man behind the label?
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A Rough Guide To The Papal Conclave
On Tuesday, 115 "cardinal electors" will be locked inside the Vatican to begin the secretive process of selecting the new leader of the world's 1.2 billion Catholics. It's one of the more spectacular and intriguing theatrical dramas on the planet.
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At The Vatican, A Social Media Blackout Keeps Cardinals...
Preparations at the site of Tuesday's papal conclave include a high-tech scrubbing of the chapel for bugs and electronic monitoring equipment. Wi-Fi will be blocked throughout Vatican City, and cardinals with Twitter and Facebook accounts have been warned.
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Venezuelan Oil Subsidies Still Buoy Neighbors, For Now
Late President Hugo Chavez helped out ideological peers in Latin America, as well as key U.S. allies in the Caribbean. But with Venezuela's own financial challenges and an upcoming presidential election, many of those countries are worried their vital oil lifeline is about to be shut off.
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Displaced Syrians Bring Life To Ancient 'Dead Cities'
Millions of Syrians who have fled their homes are finding refuge in unimaginable places. In the northern province of Idlib, displaced Syrians have found shelter in ancient archaeological ruins that until recently were frozen in time. In some cases, the living share space with the dead.
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Young Chinese Translate America, One Show At A Time
China's so-called fan subtitle groups are trying to change the country's thinking. Every week, thousands of young Chinese gather online to translate popular TV shows like The Newsroom into Mandarin. Some do it for fun, but others see it as a subtle way to introduce new ideas about free thought and questioning authority into Chinese society.
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John Kerry, A 'Recovering Politician,' Settles Into...
John Kerry's first trip as secretary of state took him to Europe — where he spent time growing up as the son of a diplomat. Kerry, who also had stops in the Middle East, says he can't speak as freely now as when he was a senator.
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Chinese Farmers Revolt Against Government Land Grab
Residents of a village in southern China are demanding democratic elections in a new standoff with authorities. The farmers of Shangpu say armed thugs sent by their own village chief attacked the community to pave the way for a new factory on their land.
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In Kenya, Political Puppets Give Voice To Satire
One TV show is trying to break down Kenyan politicians' stature ahead of Monday's elections. It uses caricatures to prod for answers and expose corruption. "The XYZ Show has always been trying to show the politicians for who they are," one writer says.
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For Ireland's First Female President, 'Everybody Matters'
In her memoir, Mary Robinson speaks of her experience advocating for social causes and her personal convictions after growing up in a deeply Catholic family.
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New Afghan Challenge For U.S.: Shipping Stuff Out
The military has to pack up more than 11 years worth of equipment and send it home. The number of containers to move is in the six figures, and some question whether everything can be shipped out by the end of 2014.
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Exiled From Iran, A Singer Makes The Case For Beauty
In the Islamic Republic, a woman is typically not allowed to sing solos in public unless she performs for an all-female audience and is accompanied by an all-female band. The Iranian singer known as Hani is pursuing her dream in Iraq.
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Syrian Rebels, Secular And Islamist, Both Claim The...
Secular activists launched the uprising in Syria two years ago, but ultraconservative Muslims are becoming a more potent force as the war grinds on. The sides have little in common besides their opposition to President Bashar Assad's government.
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The Hermit Pope Who Set The Precedent For Benedict XVI
Pope Benedict XVI leaves office this week, the second pope to resign voluntarily. The first was Celestine V, a hermit who quit in 1294, after a brief and disastrous stint. Some scholars say Dante damned Celestine as a coward in his Inferno. Yet his example, legally and spiritually, played a major role in Benedict's departure.
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Fearing Election Turmoil, Kenyans Seek A Tech Solution
Text messages spreading false rumors helped spark postelection violence in 2007. This time, monitors will keep an eye on social media and will be in touch with government officials in a bid to prevent bloodshed.
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Greeks Ask Themselves: Who's A Greek?
In a time of economic hardship and social upheaval, some anxious Greeks fear their national identity is under threat. It's difficult for immigrants to get citizenship, and a recent court ruling could make it even tougher.
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Fighting Stream Of Terrorist Capital, Kenya Cracks Down...
U.S. counterterrorism efforts include choking off the flow of cash to extremists and urging friendly countries to help. But in places like the Nairobi neighborhood of Eastleigh, where Somali refugees have flocked, it's hard to distinguish between tainted money and honest cash.
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Ex-Inmates Speak Out About Labor Camps As China...
In China, authorities can send people to re-education through labor camps for years without trial. Beijing says it is considering reforms to the notorious system, though it's not clear what that might mean. The people who know the camps best — former prisoners — say closing them is long overdue.
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Mexico's 'Crisis Of Disappearance': Families Seek Answers
More than 60,000 people have died in Mexico's war on drugs over the past six years. But that statistic tells only part of the story. Human-rights groups say thousands more, as many as 25,000 people, have vanished — many at the hands of Mexico's security forces.
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Controversial Cleric Stirs Protests Upon Return To...
Dr. Tahir-ul-Qadri returned to his home country late last year, after spending eight years in Canada. The cleric has ignited a disgruntled electorate by taking on Pakistan's government, saying it has failed to curb militancy or fix the economy. His critics call him a demagogue who's more interested in the limelight.
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U.S. Security Company Tracks Hacking To Chinese Army Unit
Cyberattacks on dozens of American companies appear to have originated in an area of Shanghai that houses a Chinese military unit, according to a report out Tuesday from the U.S. cybersecurity company Mandiant. The company says the group behind the attacks is the most prolific it's ever found.
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Newly Displaced Syrians Head For Turkish Border
Refugee numbers are swelling again in southern Turkey due to a heavy Syrian army offensive in central Syria. Humanitarian aid groups are becoming overwhelmed.
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Haitian Musicians Get By With A Little Help From Their...
It's been three years since the earthquake that wracked Haiti. In that time, the Caribbean nation has been hit by two hurricanes that have killed dozens more. Some of the country's musicians have been inspired by those crises to create new music — with the help of two U.S. producers.
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Pope's Resignation An Opportunity For Africa's Cardinals
Pope Benedict's resignation kicks off a closely watched process to choose his successor. Some have put the odds on the next leader of the Roman Catholic Church coming from the Southern Hemisphere, and possibly from Africa, the fastest growing region for Catholicism in the world.
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Conflict Transforms Syrian English Teacher Into War...
Noor Kelze, a 25-year-old resident of Aleppo, was a teacher. Then the war came to her city, and with it, a new career as a war photographer. She has been chronicling the violence from the front lines.
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Dresden Marks WWII Bombing 68 Years Ago
Toward the end of World War II, allied forces bombed the lightly defended city of Dresden, creating a firestorm that destroyed it and killed tens of thousands of people. The attack was designed to destroy German morale and hasten the end of the war. These days, neo-Nazis are using the anniversary to march and stir up nationalistic sentiment in a bid to boost their political and popular clout.
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How Do I Love Thee? Japanese Husbands Shout The Ways
Japanese men aren't known for expressing their feelings. But at least a few are trying to do better by taking part in a high-volume display of romance: the annual love-your-wife shout-out.
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China, North Korea's Closest Ally, Joins In Condemnation...
The U.N. Security Council strongly condemned North Korea's third nuclear test on Tuesday, and started discussions on further measures against Pyongyang. China joined in the condemnation, calling in the North Korean ambassador in Beijing to criticize his government's action. But whether China — North Korea's indispensable ally — will agree to tougher sanctions is an open question.
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Auntie Anne's Pretzels In Beijing: Why The Chinese...
It's the entrepreneurs' dream: tapping into China's market of 1.3 billion people. That dream fueled the efforts of two Chinese-American MBAs to take the soft-pretzel franchise — a staple of U.S. shopping malls — to China. Cultural and financial barriers, however, led to a far more challenging reality.
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Bloomingdale's Lays Out Welcome Mat To Chinese Shoppers
Decades ago, Bloomingdale's sold goods from China to intrigued American buyers. Today, to mark the beginning of the Lunar New Year, the store is doing the opposite: selling goods that cater to the interests of affluent visitors from Asia.
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Afghanistan, Pakistan Seek A Fatwa Against Suicide...
The Afghan and Pakistani governments have agreed to convene a conference of Muslim religious leaders to issue an Islamic decree banning suicide bombings. But they have yet to agree on the details, such as which leaders should attend.
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Outside The Big City, A Harrowing Sexual Assault In...
A gang rape case in India's capital has attracted international attention. But sexual assaults are a nationwide problem, and authorities are often dismissive of victims, particularly in rural areas. One woman tells her story.
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American Woman Gives Domestic Abuse A Face, And Voice,...
Kim Lee posted a photo of her battered face online, and has become a national icon in China. She won a divorce, a financial settlement and a restraining order against her Chinese husband, a famous author and English teacher.
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Panel: Ireland Confined Young Women In Workhouses
Ireland has expressed regret that thousands of women and young girls held in workhouses run by Catholic nuns were stigmatized by the label "fallen women." But Prime Minister Enda Kenny did not apologize for the state's involvement in decades of harsh treatment for women held in 10 Magdalene Laundries. He was reacting to a report that concluded the government oversaw the workhouses.
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Tracking Rape In Syria Through Social Media
Researchers are using data from Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and other social media sites. There are, however, questions about the accuracy of the reports coming from Syria.
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Violence At Both Ends Of Political Spectrum Threatens...
Debt-burdened Greece's fragile political stability is under attack. On the left, anti-government groups have bombed a series of Greek government offices, banks and other symbols of the establishment. Meanwhile, violent attacks by supporters of a neo-Nazi and anti-immigrant party are also on the rise.
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From A Land Where Music Was Banned — To Carnegie Hall
The Taliban tried to ban all music in Afghanistan. But now, 48 young Afghans — boys and girls — make up an orchestra that is coming to the U.S. to perform at a couple of the most prestigious venues in America.
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Dodging Clashes, Cairo's Deliverymen Take Big Risks
In Cairo you can get just about anything delivered at almost any hour of the night. Have the flu? You can order vitamin C and meds from the pharmacy at 2 a.m. One deliveryman has been dodging tear gas and clashes to get Lebanese takeout to people's doors.
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Hillary Clinton Leaving The Stage — At Least For Now —...
The secretary of state ends her tenure Friday as a respected national figure with sky-high approval ratings. "I don't see myself getting back into politics," she says. But that hasn't slowed speculation about a 2016 presidential bid.
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African Forces Will Be Left To Hang On To French Gains...
The first phase of the French-led military intervention in the West African nation of Mali — to drive out Islamist fighters — appears to be over. Experts warn that most of the African force is not combat-ready for the desert, and is nowhere near prepared to take over from the French.
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China's Insatiable Demand For Timber Destroys Cambodia's...
Cambodia's forests are being destroyed at a dizzying pace, with much of the wood destined for China. Much of the logging is carried out illegally — and people who get in the way of the loggers face violence and in some cases death.
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In China, Beware: A Camera May Be Watching You
There are an estimated 20 million to 30 million surveillance cameras in China — or about one for every 43 people. Officials say the cameras help fight crime and maintain "social stability." But critics say the government uses them to monitor and intimidate dissidents.
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Women In Combat: What Do Troops In Afghanistan Think?
Opinions are mixed. Women are already in dangerous places handling difficult assignments. But some troops, both men and women, say they think few women will want to take combat positions, and they question whether women will be able to meet the current physical standards.
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'Sick And Tired,' Residents In Southern Mexico Defend...
They are fighting back against drug traffickers and gangs who have terrorized the residents of Guerrero state. Armed with shotguns and rusted machetes, the self-defense brigades have set up roadblocks and arrested suspects — all without help from the authorities.
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Japan's Economic Plan May Be Bad News For Everyone Else
New measures designed to flood the country's economy with money are raising concerns of a "currency war." As Japan devalues the yen, will other nations have to follow suit?
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Honoring 'Our Will To Live': The Lost Music Of The...
For two decades, Italian musicologist Francesco Lotoro has searched for and resurrected works of music written in World War II concentration, labor and POW camps. He wants to fill the hole the Holocaust left in Europe's musical history and document the triumph of creativity over brutality.
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Backed By French Might, Malian Troops Retake Key Town
Support is growing for the French-led operation in Mali to drive back Islamist militants intent on seizing the capital. French airstrikes and ground troops have helped government forces retake the strategic town of Diabaly in central Mali.
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'Friends' Will Be There For You At Beijing's Central Perk
A Chinese man in Beijing has set up a cafe identical to the New York hangout on the hit TV show. For owner Du Xin, Friends is "like a religion" — and he's not the only one. He's opened a second Central Perk in Shanghai, capitalizing on the Chinese fondness for the six friends and their laid-back, freewheeling lives.
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French Twitter Lawsuit Pits Free Speech Against Hate...
A French judge will decide this week if Twitter must hand over the identities of users sending anti-Semitic tweets. The case, brought against Twitter by a Jewish student group, is a clash of legal cultures: U.S. free speech guarantees vs. European laws banning hate speech.
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In Myanmar, A Hunt For Fabled Cache Of Buried WWII...
A team of researchers hopes to verify a fantastic tale that British troops leaving Burma in 1945 buried dozens of Spitfire fighter planes around the country. For 16 years, an English farmer has hunted the aircraft. Now, he believes he is close to unearthing them — and, he hopes, restoring them to flying condition.
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Repercussions Of Crisis In Algeria Could Be Far-Reaching
Algerian security forces stormed a natural gas complex in the Sahara desert Saturday, bringing to an end a four-day siege by Islamist militants who took dozens of foreigners hostage.
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Algerian Attack Was 'Well-Coordinated And Heavily Armed...
The news blackout that Algeria has imposed on the hostage crisis at a gas plant was agonizing for some families with loved ones in danger.
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Algerian Forces Wanted To Send Firm Message To Militants...
Algerian forces attacked the oil and gas facility being held by Islamist militants in the eastern part of Algeria on Thursday. Reports indicated that some hostages were freed, some were killed and some were still in the compound with their captors. Before the Algerian forces attacked, militants said they held about 40 hostages from a variety of countries. Reports say that some militants were also killed in the military operation.
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For Those Still In Syria, A Daily Struggle
The situation is dire for hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees seeking shelter outside the nation's borders, but inside, the numbers are even higher. NPR's Kelly McEvers spent the night in one school, one of thousands, where families are taking cover from the shelling and fighting.
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France To Send More Troops To Mali To Combat Islamist...
As France wages war on the Islamists in Africa, French authorities are girding for possible terror attacks back home. But the French show no sign of wavering in their support for the Mali operation.
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Beijing's 'Airpocalypse' Spurs Pollution Controls,...
The air in China's capital has been classified as hazardous to human health for a fifth consecutive day, and is expected to continue. Environmentalists say it's the worst pollution since monitoring began last year.
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The Kraken Is Real: Scientist Films First Footage Of A...
For thousands of years, sailors have told stories of giant squids. In myth and cinema, the kraken was the most terrible of sea monsters. Now, it's been captured — on a soon-to-be-seen video.
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Police: BBC Entertainer Jimmy Savile Committed More Than...
A British police report released Friday found the late entertainer Jimmy Savile committed more than 200 sex crimes, "unprecedented in the UK." The report summarized a three-month investigation into charges against Savile, who died in 2011.
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Clinics Come To The Rescue Of Ethiopia's Overworked...
In Ethiopia, there's a saying in rural areas: "A man without a donkey is a donkey." Donkeys are both a livelihood and a lifesaver for farmers, and when they fall sick, there are special donkey hospitals to treat them.
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Become A Successful Chinese Bureaucrat, In 5 Easy Steps
Tales of Machiavellian office politics are all the rage in China, where "bureaucracy lit" is flying off bookstore shelves. The books are read as both entertainment and as how-to guides for aspiring civil servants. Pioneers of the genre offer a path to success in China's corridors of power.
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A Dash Of Olive Oil May Preserve British Cathedral
One of the world's most basic cooking ingredients could be the key to protecting some of Europe's most stunning buildings. The limestone used in England's 800-year-old York Minster is particularly vulnerable to pollution. The oleic acid in olive oil, British researchers say, may provide the protective coating needed to prevent further decay.
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China Pledges Reforms To Labor Camps, But Offers Few...
China has indicated that it will stop handing down sentences to its "re-education through labor" camps, which allow detention without trial for up to four years. Many questions remain about what will happen to those currently detained and what might become of these labor camps.
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Australia's Mining Boom Creates Demand For Sex Workers
The big money earned by workers in Australia's thriving mining industry is attracting sex workers from around the world. One lawmaker wants to restrict or ban prostitution, which is legal in Australia — but so far, there hasn't been much progress in changing the law.
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London Real Estate, A Magnet For Mega-Rich From Around...
In most of Britain, property prices are slumping amid a weak economy. But mega-rich foreigners see London's upscale neighborhoods as a safe place to invest, and they are snapping up properties and pushing up prices even though many don't plan to use these homes as a primary residence.
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Old Greek Blasphemy Laws Stir Up Modern Drama
The laws date to the 1850s, but have rarely been invoked. However, two recent cases have put the law in the spotlight, and critics say the measure is being abused.
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A Different Kind Of Combat In The Eastern Congo
Lacking ropes or a ring, young men who are part of a group called the Friendship Club are learning how to box. Some were child soldiers. It might seem odd that this sport could help former killers become better citizens or deal with their trauma. But their coach says boxing and fighting are as different as sports and war.
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On Multiple Fronts, Russian Jews Reshape Israel
The former Soviet citizens who flooded into Israel two decades ago have changed the country's demographics, helped strengthen the economy and played a significant role in the general rightward shift of the Israeli electorate.
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'One Pound Fish': A Pakistani Man's Passport To Fame
A Pakistani man who went to London to sell fish has become an unlikely YouTube music star, thanks to the catchy song he made up to lure customers. The video for the song, "One Pound Fish," became a Web hit, and even brought him a record deal.
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Congo Fighting Leaves A Fragile City On Edge
In recent years, the Congolese city of Goma has been a bit of a haven for those fleeing war in surrounding areas. But now, the army and rebels are both in the city, raising fears that fighting could break out at any time.
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Street Signs Intended To Give Pakistani City New...
In one of Pakistan's oldest cities, Lahore, street signs are rare, and people constantly ask for directions. Two young entrepreneurs are hoping to change that with a project to make street signs commonplace.
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Same-Sex Marriage And Adoption: Unresolved Issues In...
Opposition to a bill allowing gay couples to adopt has been unexpectedly fierce in the country, which legalized civil unions more than a decade ago. In a rare move, and to the surprise of many, even the French Catholic Church has become involved in the debate.
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Indian Rape Case Ignites National Debate On Abuse Of...
The Indian woman gang-raped in New Delhi nearly two weeks ago was flown to a hospital in Singapore, and her condition is deteriorating. The attack launched a wave of protests by demonstrators angry at what they see as the government's inability to stop widespread sexual violence against women.
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Syria's War Leaves Its Scars On The Children
Many Syrian children have lost family members and are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. Even those who have fled into neighboring Turkey have not been able to leave the trauma behind.
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As Syrian War Grinds On, A Rebel Keeps Reinventing...
Since the uprising began, Ibrahim Abazid has been a protester, a rebel fighter and an aid worker. Now he is looking to form a city council that could run his hometown in southern Syria.
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In Toronto, An Ad-Hoc Choir Becomes A Community
Founded last year in the midst of a massive winter storm, Choir! Choir! Choir! is a singing group that opens its doors to anyone, meets once a week and tackles just about any pop song.
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Adoption Ban Puts Orphans At Center Of U.S.-Russia...
Russian lawmakers are trying to bar Americans from adopting Russian children. It's meant as retaliation against unfavorable U.S. legislation, but opponents of the ban say it treats Russian children as pawns in a political game.
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Australians Urge U.S. To Look At Their Gun Laws
After a 1996 mass shooting, the country changed its gun laws and the government bought back roughly 20 percent of all guns. Since then, gun violence has been down, and there have not been any mass killings.
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'Lost Jews' Of Colombia Say They've Found Their Roots
Raised as Christians, they say their ancestors were Sephardic Jews expelled from Spain more than 500 years ago; they now practice Orthodox Judaism. Similar cases have turned up in other countries in recent years.
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In Pakistan, Tax Evaders Are Everywhere — Government...
Tax evasion is a national problem in Pakistan. Only an estimated 2 percent of the population pays taxes. Now, a new investigative report says many politicians are part of the problem.
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Exit Polls Suggest Japanese Opposition Party Victory
Japanese voters went to the polls this Sunday and according to early media exit polls, the opposition Liberal Democratic Party appears to have won a clear majority.
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Egyptians Hurry To Vote On Draft Constitution
Turnout was high Saturday morning at polling stations in several Cairo neighborhoods where Egyptians are deciding whether to approve their country's controversial draft constitution.
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With 88 Goals, Lionel Messi Celebrates A Record Year
The Barcelona star has broken several records this year — and many say the 25-year-old still hasn't peaked.
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A Sign From Above? Needing New Roof, Monks Sell Rare...
Westvleteren 12, a Belgian beer often called the best in the world, officially hits U.S. store shelves for the first time Wednesday. But fans of the beer may want to act quickly: The Trappist monks who brew it are only selling enough overseas to raise money to pay for a new roof and other renovations.
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U.S. Doctors Provide Supplies, Training To Syrians
After months of revolt, Syria's health care system is collapsing, with half of the country's public hospitals destroyed. Yet Syrian doctors continue to treat patients. Now, a group of Syrian-American doctors is stepping in to help bring crucial supplies and training.
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A Tumultuous Year, Seen Through North Korean Eyes
The sudden death of North Korea's leader, the ascension of his little-known son, and a rocket-launch failure marked a rocky year for the reclusive nation. In rare interviews, several North Koreans tell NPR that expectations of a better life have not been met.
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Spain's Economic Woes Take A Toll On The Media
Across Europe, the recession has hit media companies where thousands of journalists have been fired and many work for low wages. In Spain, journalists see the cutbacks as a threat to press freedom at a time when Spaniards need to understand the financial crisis they are facing.
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Voters Decide How To Share Ghana's Boom
As its economy prospers, the country has gained an enviable reputation in its often-turbulent West African neighborhood. It's admired for being a relative oasis of stability and peace in the region — despite tensions in the build-up to the vote.
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In Farmers Market, A Free Market Rises In Cuba
Farmers in the communist nation were once banned from freely selling their crops. As the country struggles to feed itself, the government has begun to accept a greater role for the profit motive. Now each night, in a muddy vacant lot on the edge of Havana, a market appears after sundown.
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'It's A Disaster': Life Inside A Syrian Refugee Camp
At one camp near the town of Atma, near the border with Turkey, some private aid is getting through, but it's not nearly enough. There's a shortage of tents, water and food — all amid falling temperatures.
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A Rebel Fighter Sees Islamic Law In Syria's Future
Islamist rebels are among the groups fighting to topple Syrian President Bashar Assad, raising concerns in the West about what their role would be in a Syria without Assad. NPR's Kelly McEvers recently spent some time with these Islamist fighters in the embattled city of Aleppo.
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In Istanbul, A Byzantine-Era Fleet Surfaces Again
In Istanbul, construction of much-needed transit projects was halted when astonishing archaeological treasures began turning up. Now, archaeologists are poring over a stunning trove of artifacts, including some three dozen Byzantine-era ships.
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Pencils Down? French Plan Would End Homework
President Francois Hollande says the extra work penalizes students with difficult home situations, proposing doing away with homework in elementary and junior high schools. But others argue the individual work is exactly what those students need to succeed.
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High Expectations Welcome Mexico's New President
It's Inauguration Day in Mexico. New President Enrique Pena Nieto inherits a country with a mixed record. Most of Mexico is embroiled in a deadly drug war, but also boasts an economy that is doing surprisingly well — thanks to the outgoing head of state, many say.
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U.N. Ambassador Rice Not The Typical Diplomat
U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice has come under attack from all sides in her bid to replace Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State. We take look at Rice's record and why her critics seem to be growing in numbers.
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Facebook Arrests Ignite Free-Speech Debate In India
A 21-year-old was arrested after she questioned the shutdown of Mumbai for the funeral of a controversial political leader; her friend was arrested for simply "liking" the post. The comment angered the politician's supporters, who some say intimidated police into making the arrests.
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How Ordinary Chinese Are Talking And Fighting Back
Weibo, China's equivalent of Twitter, is changing the way the Chinese communicate and has become a major source of news. Its more than 300 million users are, among other things, using it to criticize government policies, stop official injustice and help ordinary people — but only up to a point.
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Egyptian Judges Prepare For A Strike
After a series of controversial decrees by President Mohammed Morsi, Egypt's judges are now preparing to strike. One young judge talks about how he sees the crisis.
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Aid Workers Struggle To Provide Services In Congo
Fighting between rebel and government forces in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo has set off a humanitarian crisis. In one small refugee camp, workers from international aid groups are doing what they can to try and help some of the roughly 100,000 Congolese displaced by the fighting.
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Burst Of Protest In Egypt But No Revolution, Yet
President Mohammed Morsi's decision to neutralize the judiciary this week brought into sharp focus just how politically polarized this nation-in-transition is. But despite the protests, there are few signs that the country is in the throes of a new uprising.
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Italian Women Call For Action Against 'Femicide'
Violence against women is on the rise in Italy, and most often the culprit is a husband or boyfriend. A recent U.N. report highlighted the extent of the problem.
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Conflict Reawakens Bad Memories For Gaza Family
Gazans salvaged what they could from bombed homes after eight days of war as life returned to the streets of the city. Gaza has been through two major conflicts in the past four years. Many families have experienced multiple tragedies, including the family of Mahmoud Qurtom.
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Amid Protests, Spain Tries Banning Photos Of Police
As anti-austerity protests spread around the country, the Spanish government is drafting a law prohibiting citizens from taking photos and video of riot police on the job. Video already released on YouTube shows police firing rubber bullets into crowds and beating demonstrators. The proposed ban on citizen photography seems to have prompted even more people to join protests and take pictures, including 12 year old Paula Carrasco.
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Blasphemy Charges On The Rise In Pakistan
A single accuser's word is often enough to lead to an arrest and spark mob violence. Human rights advocates say the charges are frequently made against religious minorities, and are often used to settle personal scores.
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Israeli Fans Of Iron Dome No Longer Run For Cover
Hamas militants have fired hundreds of missiles at Israel since the conflict intensified last week. Many of those missiles have fallen prey to Iron Dome, the U.S.-funded anti-missile system deployed in key areas across Israel. Israelis are running out of their homes, rather then into their bunkers, to film Iron Dome at work.
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Few Signs Of Break In Mideast Flare-Up
At least 10 people were killed Sunday in an Israeli airstrike. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is now warning of a possible "significant" expansion of the operation targeting Palestinian militants in Gaza. Israel says it's responding to a barrage of rocket fire from the Gaza Strip targeting Israeli cities.
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After Benghazi Hearings, Flurry Of Concern Unsettled
President Obama's critics say the September attack in Libya and the official response reflect poorly on his administration. While they focused on TV comments by U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice, David Petraeus' resignation from the CIA complicated the debate. Some — but not all — questions were answered in closed hearings this week.
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Despite Taboo, Jordanians Call For King's Removal
Thousands of demonstrators went back onto the streets of Amman and other Jordanian cities on Friday. The protests were sparked by fuel price hikes, but some are now calling for the downfall of King Abdullah, a key U.S. ally in the region.
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Obama's Visit To Myanmar: Too Much, Too Soon?
Some argue the first visit by a sitting U.S. president to the country also known as Burma is too much reward for not enough political reform. But analysts say the trip could be a success if it focuses on the work still to be done.
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Obama Defends U.N. Envoy Amid Republican Attack
Leading Republican senators are vowing to block U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice from becoming secretary of state if President Obama nominates her. They are hammering her for the way she characterized the attack on the U.N. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya. Obama says the criticisms are "outrageous."
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Pakistan Fears Afghan Spillover Of Chaos, Refugees
Pakistan is growing increasingly worried about the threat of civil war in Afghanistan when U.S. and other Western forces withdraw in 2014. In recent decades, Pakistan has seen an influx of refugees and turmoil as a result of war in Afghanistan and hopes to avoid that outcome this time.
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A German City With Debt Problems Of Its Own
Oberhausen — Germany's most indebted city — borrows nearly $500,000 daily. It needs the funds not just to keep itself afloat but also to make regular payments intended to revitalize former East German cities. Critics say the payments are unwarranted when Oberhausen itself is in such dire straits.
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To Scrape By, The Poor In Spain Go Dumpster Diving
Spain's slumping economy has sent thousands of people, many of them immigrants, scrounging in trash bins. Some scour the garbage for food, but many others are involved in a black-market trade for recycled materials.
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As Turkey Rises, 'A Real Problem' With Censorship
The country is disputing a new report that names it as the world's leading jailer of journalists, with scores behind bars — ahead of Iran, China and other authoritarian states. Ongoing international attention to Turkey's treatment of the media has raised hope that reforms could be forthcoming.
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The Art Of Chinese Propaganda
A treasure-trove of Mao-era propaganda posters is housed in an unmarked basement museum in Shanghai.
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Highly Scripted, China Moves Toward New Leaders
China began its once-a-decade leadership transition as the 18th Communist Party Congress opened Thursday. The message focused on cleaning up government corruption, which President Hu Jintao said could be "fatal" to the party and the state.
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China Greets Obama's Re-Election With Muted Relief
Among Chinese citizens, there is a sense of frustration and fascination that Americans have the right to vote for their own leaders.
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All Aboard South Africa's High-Speed Train
South Africa's Gautrain — the continent's first rapid rail system — links Pretoria and Johannesburg. It provides a swift, comfortable and safe ride for up to 40,000 passengers a day — in a country with notoriously nightmarish public transit.
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In Syria's Biggest City, A Deadly Stalemate
It's been more than three months since rebels in Syria launched an offensive to take the northern city of Aleppo. In the early days of the offensive, the rebels took about half the city. But since then, neither the rebels nor government forces have managed to gain the upper hand.
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U.S. Handoff In Afghanistan Includes Radio Training
The U.S. military has long conducted anti-insurgent information campaigns in Afghanistan. But as the U.S. prepares to withdraw combat troops, it's now mentoring the Afghan Army in how to get out its message, particularly through local radio. But it's difficult to tell how it is being received.
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Putin, Russia's Man Of Action, Is Slowed By Injury
Russian President Vladimir Putin was seen wincing shortly after piloting a hang glider on national TV. The Kremlin is downplaying reports that he's suffering from back pain. The 60-year-old leader has cultivated a macho image by riding a horse bare-chested in Siberia and diving to an archaeological site in the Black Sea.
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China's Assertive Behavior Makes Neighbors Wary
China's foreign policy has appeared increasingly assertive recently. What isn't clear is whether this is part of a coherent plan or just an outgrowth of China's increasing stature in Asia and beyond.
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Vigilantes Spray-Paint Sexual Harassers In Cairo
Sexual harassment has been getting worse in Cairo and spiked during the recent Muslim holiday. In response to the growing incidents and to police indifference, activists launched a "Be a Man" campaign, and vigilantes are now taking to the streets.
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In China, A Ceaseless Quest To Silence Dissent
China spares no effort or expense to suppress individuals and groups that dare to raise grievances. From the government's perspective, this pervasive security system has maintained order. But is it undermining long-term stability?
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China's New Leaders Inherit Country At A Crossroads
As China approaches a once-in-a-decade leadership transition, fissures in the country's political system are deepening. A scandal involving a top official has left the party reeling, and calls for reforms are mounting steadily. Critics say the communists of today have become what they once opposed.
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With Barbs, Author Becomes Literary Star In China
Han Han has boy-band good looks, drives race cars and has built a following of more than 8 million on the Chinese equivalent of Twitter. He writes what many young Chinese think but dare not say publicly — criticizing everything from corrupt officials to the nation's conformist educational system.
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Little Festivity As Syria's Holiday Cease-Fire Fails
It's Eid al-Adha, or the feast of the sacrifice, a four-day religious holiday that is one of the holiest events of the Muslim world. But there is little to celebrate in Syria's largest city, Aleppo. A cease-fire called for the holiday is already crumbling, and in some areas it never took hold.
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In A Tanzanian Village, Elephant Poachers Thrive
In an impoverished country, elephant poaching is a quick way to make big money. A pair of poachers explain how they track and kill elephants in one of Africa's top game reserves.
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Malala Isn't Alone: Another Pakistani Girl's Dream
The case of Malala Yousafzai, the 15-year-old shot by the Taliban, focused world attention on the risks that some Pakistani schoolgirls face by simply demanding to go to school. Another 15-year-old girl from the same region is also speaking out, though her story shows the complex issues surrounding girls' education in Pakistan.
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America's Asian Allies Question Its Staying Power
Amid China's run-ins with Japan and the Philippines over disputed islands this year, the U.S. Navy plans to send more ships to Asia, which China sees as an attempt to block its rise. America's allies in the region welcome more involvement, but they question whether America can afford to stay engaged in the region.
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Foreign Policy Cred Under Spotlight At Final Debate
President Obama and his Republican rival, Mitt Romney, face off in their third and final debate on Monday, this one focusing on foreign policy. They've sparred over Libya, China and Russia in the past and those are among the many themes they will likely debate as they try to put forward different visions on America's role in the world.
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Amid Calls For Reform, China Waits For New Leaders
As China prepares for a once-in-a-decade leadership transition, pressures are mounting for the party to change. Discontent over stalled political reforms, a U-turn in economic policy, and a political scandal involving murder and corruption suggest change is expected — but it could be only limited in scope.
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With An Army Of Vaccinators, India Subdues Polio
Despite poverty and poor sanitation, the world's second-most populous country is eradicating polio, which has afflicted India for millennia. Health officials hope India's successful war plan against polio will serve as inspiration for its archrival, Pakistan, in its own fight against the disease.
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How The Taliban Is Thwarting The War On Polio
Polio is deadly, but so is what's required to stamp it out once and for all in Pakistan: facing down Islamist extremists. The virus thrives in Pakistan's lawless — and largely inaccessible — tribal regions. To stop polio's spread, health workers must be courageous, clever and relentless.
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