World News

World News

Voters Cast Ballots In Iran's Presidential Election

6:56am June 14, 2013

It's Iran's first presidential election since the stunning vote in 2009. Back then, a surprisingly early declaration of victory for President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad sparked a wave of protests, followed by years of government repression.

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U.S. To Provide Military Support To Opposition In Syria

6:52am June 14, 2013

by Michele Kelemen

The Obama administration has decided to send military aid to the rebels in Syria. The decision was announced after the administration said it had concluded, with high confidence, that the Assad regime has used chemical weapons on multiple occasions over the past few months.

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Talks In Turkey May Solve Violence Over Park Construction

6:49am June 14, 2013

A plan to build on a small park in Istanbul's downtown Taksim Square prompted an outpouring of opposition to Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. That led to clashes between police and protesters that have killed at least five people and injured hundreds.

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Chemical Weapons Use In Syria Crosses U.S. 'Red Line'

7:37pm June 13, 2013

U.S. and European intelligence has determined that the Syrian government has used Sarin chemical weapons on multiple occasions in its fight to suppress rebels. With this determination, the White House says aid for the rebels — perhaps in the form of heavy weapons — will be forthcoming.

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Death Toll In Syria Jumps To Nearly 93,000

6:35pm June 13, 2013

Death toll numbers in Syria have been revised higher after a report released by the Human Rights Data Analysis Group. Melissa Block talks to Megan Price, the group's director of research.

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A Superpower And An Emerging Rival: A Look Ahead At China

4:19pm June 13, 2013

U.S.-China relations have deteriorated in recent years, amid growing concerns about cybersecurity and human rights. As part of TOTN's "Looking Ahead" series, The Economist's China editor Rob Gifford talks about the future relations between the world's two biggest economies.

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Seyid Amir, a political science student at Tehran University, a campaign worker for Jalili. Amir says that, "Working for Mr. Jalili is like working for God."

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Iran's Election May Not Really Be About Picking A President

9:55am June 13, 2013

by Steve Inskeep

The candidates vying to become the next president of the Islamic Republic are holding rallies and making promises. But voters have limited choices Friday, and some candidates and voters speak of a redefined purpose for the election: as a social instrument, as a memory of better times.

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After a TV debate on May 31, presidential candidates at the time appear onstage: Saeed Jalili (from left), Gholam Ali Haddad Adel, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, Ali Akbar Velayati, Mohammad Gharazi, Mohammad Reza Aref, Hassan Rowhani, Mohsen Rezaei. Aref dropp

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Despite Limited Election Choices, Iranians Eager To Be Heard

5:53am June 13, 2013

by Steve Inskeep

Iran's clerical rulers have sought to carefully manage this Friday's presidential election. Only a handful of officially approved candidates were allowed on the ballot. This narrow range of candidates has left many Iranians discouraged, and they're not afraid to say so.

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Residents of the Estonian capital of Tallinn can use public transportation for free after purchasing a special card for 2 euros.

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Tallinn: The Former Soviet City That Gave Birth To Skype

6:20pm June 12, 2013

by Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson

The Estonian capital is dotted with medieval towers and Soviet architecture that belie its status as one of the world's most technologically advanced cities. Residents use a smart card to ride the bus, and mail packages and pay for parking with their phones.

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Villagers in Kasan gather to meet with Afghan local police and the Afghan National Army along with ANASF team members during a morning shura to discuss security.

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As U.S. Troops Draw Down, Can Afghans Take The Lead?

11:25am June 12, 2013

by Tom Bowman

There are two-dozen Afghan special forces teams in eastern Afghanistan. The Americans want to train six more. Still, they are a small fraction of an Afghan army that is still spotty in its performance.

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