World Coverage | PBS NewsHour Podcast | PBS

Ancient Afghan Poetry Form Adapts to Tell Story of Modern Life and Conflict

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:47:00 EDT

For centuries, Pashtun women have traded stories, feelings and life wisdom in the form of two-line oral poems called landays. Eliza Griswold, a journalist and poet herself, traveled to Afghanistan to learn more about daily life there through the modern exchange of poetry. Jeffrey Brown takes a closer look at Griswold's project.

Myanmar's Democracy Transition Marred by Anti-Muslim Rhetoric and Violence

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:36:00 EDT

The Southeast Asian country of Myanmar has taken major steps to turn from a military dictatorship to a fledgling democracy. But that transition has also seen the rise of harrowing, deadly clashes between Buddhists and Muslims. Special correspondent Kira Kay reports from Myanmar.

News Wrap: At G-8 Summit, Leaders Press for Syrian Peace Talks

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:15:00 EDT

In other news Tuesday, leaders at the G-8 conference pushed for Syrian peace talks. Russian President Putin defended his government's military aid to Assad, and warned Europe against helping the rebels. Also, suicide bombers killed at least 34 people in an attack on a Shiite mosque in Baghdad.

Are Peace and Stability Possible in Afghanistan?

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:05:00 EDT

As Afghan forces took control of their country's security, the Taliban agreed to join the U.S. and Afghanistan for negotiations. Gwen Ifill talks to former Defense Department official David Sedney, retired Col. David Lamm of the National Defense University and Pamela Constable of The Washington Post about this turning point.

Taliban to Join Talks With Negotiators as Afghanistan Takes Control of Security

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:02:00 EDT

A breakthrough could be coming for the longest conflict in American history. Senior U.S. officials say they are scheduled to have direct talks with the Taliban and Afghan negotiators. The announcement came as international forces formally handed over full security control to Afghan authorities. Gwen Ifill reports.

How Will Iran's New President Impact Relations With U.S.?

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 18:29:00 EDT

What does the election of Hasan Rowhani mean for Iran's nuclear program? How will Iran's new president approach relations with the U.S.? To address those questions, Gwen Ifill is joined by Karim Sadjadpour of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and Cliff Kupchan of the Eurasia Group.

Iran Elects Moderate Candidate Hasan Rowhani to Be Next President

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 18:25:00 EDT

A reform-minded, moderate cleric will be Iran's next president. Hasan Rowhani won the recent election by nearly 51 percent of the vote, enough to avoid a run-off and beating out several more conservative candidates. Gwen Ifill profiles the new leader and reports on reaction from the international community.

News Wrap: U.K. Government Reportedly Hacked Email, Calls of Foreign Diplomats

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 18:06:00 EDT

In other news Monday, the British government is reported to have hacked emails and phone calls of foreign diplomats. Russia, South Africa and Turkey demanded an explanation. Also, Edward Snowden, the man who leaked information about the NSA's secret surveillance programs, participated in an online chat hosted by the Guardian.

Fate of Syria, U.S. Aid to Rebels Dominates Attention at G-8 Summit

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 18:02:00 EDT

What to do about the bloody war in Syria is overshadowing the usual agenda of trade deals and unemployment at this year's G-8 summit in Ireland. Gwen Ifill reports on conflict playing out during the conference around the United States' decision to send military aid to Syrian rebels.

Could a Surplus of California Milk Fulfill China's Cheese Needs?

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 18:43:00 EDT

Milk production is a nearly $8 billion business in California. Meanwhile, Chinese milk consumption tripled in the last decade and the dairy industry there wants to produce more. In another report in the "Food for 9 Billion" series, special correspondent Suzanne Rust examines the complex exchange of resources and money over milk.

As Assad Makes Gains, Will New U.S. Strategy for Syria Change the Dynamics?

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 18:22:00 EDT

The Obama administration says it will send help to the rebels after determining that the Syrian government has used chemical weapons. Jeffrey Brown assesses the decision and the risks with Vali Nasr, former State Department official, and former National Security Advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski.

News Wrap: Iranians Head to the Polls to Choose New President

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 18:07:00 EDT

In other news Friday, millions of Iranians headed to the polls to vote for a new president. Despite international criticism over the election process, long lines of men and women could be seen at polling stations across Iran. Also, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with protesters over the fate of an Istanbul park.

Obama Policy Shift on Arming Syrian Rebels Triggers Concerns

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 18:02:00 EDT

Having concluded that the Syrian government has used chemical weapons against rebels in the last year, the White House announced that the U.S. will dramatically increase military assistance to opposition forces. Jeffrey Brown reports on the Assad regime's response to the American findings and requests from the rebels.

Struggling Farmers in India Find Promise for the Future in Ancient Seeds

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 18:12:00 EDT

Since a devastating cyclone hit in 2009, farmers in a region of India have struggled with salty soil. With climate change, that problem is likely to worsen. Special correspondent Sam Eaton reports for the NewsHour's ongoing series "Food for 9 Billion," about how some farmers have returned to ancient seeds for better results.

U.S. Says Assad Regime Has Used Chemical Weapons Against Rebels

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 18:02:00 EDT

The Obama administration announced late Thursday that it had concluded that the Syrian government has used chemical weapons against rebels. National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes said the Assad regime has used the nerve agent sarin on a small-scale multiple times.

Singapore Looks Skyward to Take Farming in New Directions

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 18:38:00 EDT

Singapore's skyline is not just a point of pride for residents, it can also be a source of fresh produce. As part of the NewsHour's series "Food for 9 Billion," special correspondent Sam Eaton reports on Singapore's vertical solution to the challenge of feeding a growing population in an urban environment.

Anti-Government Protests Focus on Quality of Democracy in Turkey

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 18:14:00 EDT

For an update from the ground and to examine the scope and national impact of the protests against the leadership of Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan, Judy Woodruff talks with Scott Peterson of The Christian Science Monitor and Soner Cagaptay of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.

After a Violent Night Turkish Government Considers Compromise to End Protests

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 18:11:00 EDT

In Istanbul's Taksim Square, clashes between police and anti-government protesters raged overnight; demonstrators launched fireworks and threw rocks at police, who used water cannons and tear gas. Prime Minister Erdogan's party announced that the fate of Gezi Park would be considered if protesters leave. Judy Woodruff reports.

Could Agriculture Bloom in the Desert? Qatar Works to Invent an Innovative Oasis

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 18:32:00 EDT

Thanks to Qatar's harsh desert environment and growing population, researchers have embraced the tiny country as a laboratory to address global concerns. As part of the NewsHour's series "Food for 9 Billion," special correspondent Jon Miller reports on their inventive efforts to ensure water and food security for the future.

In an Era of 'Interconnected Issues,' U.S. Works on Relationship With China

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 18:36:00 EDT

President Barack Obama met with China's President Xi Jingping in a two-day summit to discuss issues like cyber security and North Korea. Jeffrey Brown gets analysis from Douglas Paal of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and retired Army Col. Larry Wortzel of the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission.

Using 'Nature as an Asset' to Balance Costa Rica's Farming With Preservation

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 18:27:00 EDT

As part of the NewsHour's series "Food for 9 Billion," special correspondent Sam Eaton reports on a push in Costa Rica to embrace forest preservation and biodiversity while keeping up with the demand for farming. Researchers are measuring the helpful roles of small animals like bats, birds and bees.

News Wrap: Deadly Car Bombings Continue Wave of Sectarian Violence in Iraq

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 18:15:00 EDT

In other news Monday, car bombers in Iraq killed at least 57 people, the latest in a new wave of Shiite-Sunni violence. Also, the Obama administration could decide this week whether it will send arms to the Syrian rebels. Top U.S. officials, including Secretary of State John Kerry, began meetings to consider the question.

Can Tenuous Peace Among Lebanon's Religious Sects Survive Stress of Syria's War?

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 18:20:00 EDT

Fragile relations between Lebanon's various religious sects have been strained by the continuing fallout of neighbor Syria's civil war and resentment of Syrian refugees. Margaret Warner concludes her series of reports from Lebanon with a closer look at the country's sectarian politics.

Syrian Government Casts Off Restraint in Pursuing Enemies Across the Border

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 18:19:00 EDT

The Syrian civil war continues to spill over its neighboring border, with rocket attacks fired against a Hezbollah stronghold and at a town known as a haven for rebels. Ray Suarez talks to Margaret Warner, reporting from from Beirut, about the recapture of key Syrian town of Qusayr and sectarian tensions in Lebanon.

In Tripoli, Deadly Sectarian Violence Fanned by Syrian Conflict

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 18:20:00 EDT

In the past five weeks, three dozen people have been killed in Tripoli in the worst sectarian fighting Lebanon has seen in nearly a quarter-century. Margaret Warner reports from Tripoli on the deadly sectarian violence flaring between Sunni and Alawite fighters, and the influx of Syrian refugees into the city.

Assad Regime Claims Victory in Battle for Key Syrian Town of Qusayr

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 18:18:00 EDT

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces made a major strategic victory in the ongoing civil war, as they recaptured rebel-held Qusayr. The key Syrian town dominates an important supply route and is key to controlling a central area of the country. Neil Connery of Independent Television News reports.

News Wrap: U.S. Soldier Pleads Guilty to Killing 16 Afghan Civilians

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 18:15:00 EDT

In other news Wednesday, Army Staff Sgt. Robert Bales pleaded guilty to killing 16 Afghan civilians last year. Bales recalled entering two villages at night and shooting his victims. Also, anti-government protesters in Turkey called for the ousting of police chiefs over their violent crackdown on demonstrations.

Will Obama's Foreign Policy Change With Susan Rice as National Security Adviser?

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 18:07:00 EDT

How will national security adviser designate Susan Rice and U.S. Ambassador to the UN nominee Samantha Power, known as advocates of humanitarian intervention, influence the president's foreign policy? Richard Haass of the Council on Foreign Relations and Anne-Marie Slaughter of Princeton University join Judy Woodruff.

Obama Names UN Ambassador Susan Rice as Next National Security Adviser

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 18:02:00 EDT

President Barack Obama named Susan Rice, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and his long-time ally, to be the next national security adviser. Judy Woodruff takes a look at Rice's tenure at the UN, the political contention over her statements last fall about the Benghazi attack, and her likely successor, Samantha Power.