Shortwave Report latest shows and 6 months of text summaries on IndyRadio

(updated 11-02) All 4 shows are up! Including the show for Friday Nov 2.

Shows from Nov. 2, Oct. 26, Oct. 19 and Oct 12 alternate, repeating every 2 hours starting at 9:00 am CDT on this playlist: http://indyradio.nu:2012/swr.m3u  (Windows Media)    http://indyradio.nu:2012/swr.pls  (iTunes) OR open this address in your player: http://indyradio.nu:2012/swr

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Programs notes (below) are from Dan Roberts at  http://www.outfarpress.com/shortwave.shtml

PROGRAM NOTES 11/02/12

This weeks show features stories from RADIO DEUTSCHE-WELLE, NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN, the VOICE OF RUSSIA, RADIO HAVANA CUBA, and SPANISH NATIONAL RADIO.

From GERMANY  As the US Presidential race concludes next week, Europeans are paying attention. In the first report the question is, why was Europe not discussed in the Foreign Policy debate. Then a review of how Americans living in Europe will vote, and which candidate is favored by Europeans in general. French President Hollande stated strong support for sanctions against Iran and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said that an Israeli first-strike on Iran would be a great relief in the region. Australia is deepening ties with other Asian nations, calling the plan "Australia in the Asian Century."

From JAPAN  Last week I had a report about German firms dropping overseas nuclear power contracts- this week Hitachi announced that it will buy a British nuclear power company that is set to build 6 new nuclear reactors in the UK. The UN says more than 22,000 people have been displaced due to religious conflict in western Myanmar. The EU is considering sending troops to train government forces in Mali, western Africa.

From RUSSIA  The US and France are pressing Algeria to support a military intervention in neighboring Mali to oust Islamists who took control of large areas of the country. Many in Algeria fear that an intervention could result in a situation like Libya, and that the action had colonial objectives.

From CUBA  Before Hurricane Sandy hit the US, Cuba, Haiti, and other Caribbean countries received various levels of devastation. In Cuba 180,000 homes were damaged, along with telecommunications, roads, and schools. By Wednesday many repairs had been made.

From SPAIN  Spain has fallen deeper into recession and prices have risen sharply. The European Commission stated that if Catalonia secedes from Spain, it would cease to be a member of the EU. A press review about the Catalonian independence candidate who says that the region will vote on secession. The French Prime Minister has suggested that the 35 hour work week is open to review. Italy's former Prime Minister Berlusconi has been sentenced to 4 years in prison for tax fraud. Fighting continues between Israeli troops and militants in Gaza- the Israeli human rights group Peace Now! reports that the Israeli government has approved 180 housing units to be built in illegal settlements in occupied East Jerusalem.

"The media's the most powerful entity on earth. They have the power to make the innocent guilty and to make the guilty innocent, and that's power. Because they control the minds of the masses."
--Malcolm X

PROGRAM NOTES 10/26/12

This weeks show features stories from

RADIO DEUTSCHE-WELLE, SPANISH NATIONAL RADIO, the VOICE OF RUSSIA, RADIO HAVANA CUBA, and NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN.

From GERMANY  Two German companies have withdrawn from developing nuclear power plants in other countries. The Sudanese government is accusing Israel of being responsible for deadly explosions at a military factory in the capital city. Seven Italian scientists were given prison sentences for failing to warn of an impending earthquake. Two members of imprisoned punk band Pussy Riot have been moved from a Moscow jail to a remote prison to keep them out of the public eye. In the EU separatist movements are growing- here is a story about Scotland exiting the UK and in Brussels, the seat of the EU, the Dutch north and French south are moving toward independence.

From SPAIN  Last weekend's regional elections in Spain showed the strength of Basque separatists in their region- a discussion of the possible withdrawal the the Basque and Catalonian regions from Spain, forming two new countries in the EU- could this lead to the "Balkanization" of Spain? Following the car bomb killing of a senior security official in Lebanon, fighting broke out in various parts of the country.

From RUSSIA  International calls for military intervention in Syria continue- but Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary-General, points out that intervention would complicate the problem, and that the Syrian situation is quite different from last year's assault on Libya.

From CUBA  While the Emir of Qatar is visiting the Gaza Strip giving financial aid for construction, Israel launched air strikes for two days in a row. A former British Ambassador revealed that the US is hoping for the defeat of Ecuadorian President Correa- $87 million have been invested by the CIA to defeat him, following their failure to oust Hugo Chavez in Venezuela.

From JAPAN  Japan's Nuclear Regulatory Commission has unveiled projections for the spread of radiation from nuclear power plants across the country in the event of an accident. Industrialized nations and emerging economies are still unable to narrow differences over a new framework on climate change.

"Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds."
--Bob Marley

PROGRAM NOTES 10/19/12

This weeks show features stories from RADIO DEUTSCHE-WELLE, SPANISH NATIONAL RADIO, RADIO HAVANA CUBA, NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN, and the VOICE OF RUSSIA.

From GERMANY  Scotland will vote in 2014 on leaving the United Kingdom. The UN has again expressed concern over the large number of foreign troops fighting against government forces in Syria. 2 days after huge anti-austerity demonstrations, Portugal has announced large tax hikes and spending cuts. As Spain faces more unemployment and cut backs in government services, a system of 300 time banks has emerged- a non-governmental system where workers earn hours rather than money, then can barter for labor services they need.

From SPAIN  November 14th has been chosen as a Europe wide day of action to protest the economic and social situation in austerity bound countries in the EU. Spanish students are striking for 3 days calling for the resignation of the Educational Minister whom they describe as a throwback to the Franco era. The EU imposed new sanctions against Iran's oil and gas companies and increased restrictions on the central bank. Turkey's Economy Minister condemned the EU as the most hypocritical organization in the world. Cuba will remove most travel restrictions for its citizens, except for doctors and some other high-value professionals.

From CUBA  Global Noise was the banner for international demonstrations against austerity and inequality held last weekend. Indigenous Chileans participated in the Long March of Dignity and Resistance against government repression in their communities. Peace negotiations between the Colombian government and FARC rebels are underway in Oslo. According to the NYT most of the weapons shipped by Saudi Arabia and Qatar to supply Syrian rebels are ending up in the hands of Jihadists.

From JAPAN  The UN Food and Agricultural Organization is very worried about skyrocketing grain prices because of the drought in the US. The Prime Ministers of Australia and India have agreed to negotiate the export of uranium to India for peaceful purposes.

From RUSSIA  Unbeknownst to most American citizens, the US government is set to spend $640 billion on nuclear weapons development in the next 10 years. The Pentagon and State Department are speeding up efforts to help the Libyan government set up a commando force to combat Islamic extremists.

"We are not what we know but what we are willing to learn."
--Mary Catherine Bateson

PROGRAM NOTES 10/12/12

This weeks show features stories from SPANISH NATIONAL RADIO, RADIO HAVANA CUBA, the VOICE OF RUSSIA, and NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN.

From SPAIN  Last weekend saw large demonstrations across Spain against further government austerity measures- plans for a general strike in November are in the works. The IMF presented a negative forecast for Spain's economy over the next 2 years, though though they admitted that the situation in Greece was much worse. German Chancellor Merkel visited Greece for talks, while Greek demonstrators opposed to the German influence on their country clashed with police. Thousands marched in Pakistan to protest against the ongoing US drone strikes, saying that the attacks are fostering deep hatred of America. Hugo Chavez retained his presidency in Venezuela where 80% of the populace voted in last weekend's election.

From CUBA  The Brazilian President Rousseff reiterated her support for next week's negotiations between the Colombian government and FARC rebels. The Syrian government says it is searching for a peaceful solution without foreign intervention. The UN has criticized Syrian rebels for using ambulances as car bombs. A civilian tribunal formed to examine Israeli violations of international law in occupied Palestine has presented its findings to a UN panel.

From RUSSIA  A review of growing international opposition to the US use of drone attacks. US Presidential candidate Mitt Romney has stated that Russia is the biggest threat to the world- much of the world believes Romney lacks knowledge of foreign affairs.

From JAPAN  Vladimir Putin had a 60th birthday celebration with many cultural events praising his work- many Russians wanted to protest the praise but were detained by police. Turkey continues to bomb Syria following a stray Syrian missile that killed 5 in a border town. Two key Chinese officials refused to attend an IMF meeting in Tokyo, in protest of the island dispute in the East China sea. Taiwan will continue to send boats to the disputed islands despite Japanese warnings. The US and the Philippines have begun joint military drills offshore as an attempt to contain China's moves in regional waters.

"Man proposes; nature disposes. We are seldom more vulnerable than when we feel insulated."
--George Monbiot

###

That concludes the IndyRadio re-broadcast of Dan's 4 most recent shows. Below you'll find archived programs listings from previous shows.

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INDYRADIO.NU Program notes from previous shows follow:

PROGRAM NOTES 10/05/12

This weeks show features stories from RADIO DEUTSCHE-WELLE, RADIO HAVANA CUBA, the VOICE OF RUSSIA, and NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN.

From GERMANY  Last weekend saw mass demonstrations against anti-austerity measures in France, Spain, and Portugal. All nuclear power plants in the EU are reportedly in satisfactory condition following stress tests. According to the UN, there will be over a billion people over the age of 60 in the next decade. In the past quarter century the Great Barrier Reef has lost more than half of its coral cover. Iran's currency has lost a third of its value due to sanctions imposed by the US and several other nations. Syria has accused the US and other nations of hijacking a domestic crisis by helping rebels who support terrorism. Turkey has fired mortars into Syria following shelling which may have killed 5 citizens in Turkey.

From CUBA  Syria claims that lies are being treated as news by large international news agencies. The people of Venezuela vote for a president this weekend and Hugo Chavez says he is confident of victory. Israel has announced that it will block an upcoming flotilla of aid for Palestinians in Gaza- 9 previous attempts were thwarted by the Israeli Navy. Palestinians in East Jerusalem protesting treatment by Israeli troops clashed with the Army in occupied territory.

From RUSSIA  According to the Guardian UK the US sent out a memorandum pressuring other UN members to block Palestinian statehood or face US retribution. The US is planning reprisals against militants deemed responsible for the deadly embassy attack in Libya.

From JAPAN  Two Insights, the first discussing how the dispute between Japan and China has affected economic exchange between the two nations. The second describes the ongoing conflict in Okinawa over US military planes called Ospreys that endanger the residents of the region.

"I wouldn't go to war, as I have done, to protect some lousy investment of the bankers. There are only two things we should fight for. One is the defense of our homes and the other is the Bill of Rights. War for any other reason is simply a racket."
--Major General Smedley Butler USMC, 1933

PROGRAM NOTES 9/28/12

This weeks show features stories from NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN, THE VOICE OF RUSSIA, RADIO DEUTSCHE-WELLE, RADIO HAVANA CUBA, AND THE VOICE OF RUSSIA.

From JAPAN  The Foreign Ministers of Japan and China have met on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly to talk about the disputed islands in the East China Sea. A fleet of boats from Taiwan entered seas considered by Japan to be within their territorial waters and were driven off with water cannons. China was angered by a speech given by Japanese Prime Minister Noda at the UN General Assembly. Iranian President Ahmedinejad said at the UN that his country is under constant threat of military action by Israel and called for a reform of the United Nations.

From RUSSIA  The deadly attack on the US embassy in Libya was originally blamed on crowd reaction to an anti-Islamic film- later the event was labeled a planned terrorist attack. CIA operatives had been operating out of the embassy and have now left the country.

From GERMANY  In Canada protests against the Prime Minister Stephen Harper's government are increasing- citizens are angered by deep government cuts to social programs, human rights commissions, and environmental protection.

From CUBA  The UN Human Rights chief called on Honduras to end impunity for crimes against lawyers and journalists- in the past 3 years 74 lawyers and 60 lands rights activists have been killed. Huge demonstrations have taken place in Madrid, calling on the government to restore democracy and end austerity cuts demanded by the IMF and EU.

From SPAIN  Several press reviews concerning the proposed referendum on Catalonian independence, one proposing that the relationship between Puerto Rico and the US be used as a model. An article describes the fall in corporate taxes in Spain in recent years, leading to some strong opinions by the broadcasters. The Spanish opposition in Parliament says that they would be willing to change the constitution to move to a federal model. In Greece, broadcast and print media staged a 24 hour strike along with many other sectors of the country- Portugal as well has seen large strikes this week.

PROGRAM NOTES 9/21/12

This weeks show features stories from CHINA RADIO INTERNATIONAL, RADIO DEUTSCHE-WELLE, THE VOICE OF RUSSIA, and RADIO HAVANA CUBA.

From CHINA  A poll by the Pew Research Center found that 65% of Americans think that US/China relations are good. Russia has told the US Agency for International Development to leave the country, accusing the agency of meddling in domestic affairs. A report on the anti-Japan protests spreading across China in response to the new Japanese claim on disputed island in the East China Sea.

From GERMANY  China has sent a thousand vessels to the area where the disputed islands remain uninhabited except for Japanese protestors. France closed 20 of its embassies out of fear of a potential reaction to a magazine publishing satirical cartoons of the prophet Mohammed. In South Africa, after workers at one mine accepted a wage increase, workers at other mines stepped up their strikes. Germany has created a new database of suspected neo-nazis and their associates. Italy's highest court has reinstated guilty verdicts against 23 CIA agents for the 2003 abduction of an Egyptian cleric in Milan. The Occupy Wall Street campaign returned on the first anniversary of the demonstrations. Arctic sea ice has shrunk to its smallest surface area since record keeping began. 2 Palestinians were killed in their car by the Israeli Air Force in the Gaza Strip. Iran has told the International Atomic Energy agency that it believes that sabotage caused the blast which shut down power at one of its nuclear facilities last month.

From RUSSIA  Evidence is mounting that the US government is creating more computer viruses to use in cyber-attacks against its presumed enemies. Spyware has also been installed in government computers in Iran and other countries in the Middle East.

From CUBA  Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu continues to push for military action against Iran, much as he did 20 years ago. Israeli occupation forces have begun war game maneuvers in the northern Golan Heights. Casualties among the Syrian rebel forces include mercenaries from Pakistan, Libya, Yemen, Afghanistan, Tunisia, and Somalia. Spanish Prime Minister Rajoy expressed worry over the huge separatist demonstrations taken place in Barcelona and the Catalonian region. Paraguayans took to the streets demonstrating against seeds and pesticides made by Monsanto.

"The Function of music is to release us from the Tyranny of conscious thought."
--Sir Thomas Beecham

PROGRAM NOTES 9/14/12

This weeks show features stories from RADIO DEUTSCHE-WELLE, CHINA RADIO INTERNATIONAL, NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN, RADIO HAVANA CUBA, and THE VOICE OF RUSSIA.

From GERMANY  Barcelona Spain was brought to a standstill when one and a half million citizens demonstrated for more Catalonian independence. Spanish Prime Minister Rajoy will not cut pensions if required for a bailout. The European Commission Bank (or ECB) praised Greek economic improvements. A top court in Germany overturned legal challenges against the European Stability Mechanism (or ESM). French President Hollande announced cuts in public spending and higher taxes for the wealthy.

From CHINA  The Center for Disease Control in China is investigating human testing of genetically modified rice on 24 children in China. Japan claims it has legally purchased from a private party several islands that China has claimed since WW2. China wants to internationally establish sovereignty over its territorial waters. The Philippines have renamed part of the South China Sea as the West Philippine Sea.

From JAPAN  First, Japan's perspective on the conflict with China over the disputed Sekaku Islands. It has been 18 months since the disaster at the Fukushima nuclear power facility- a description of some of the challenges facing Japan for the next 40 years. The Japanese Health Ministry has halted subsidizing health check ups for subcontracted clean up workers at the Fukushima nuclear plant. In India there are increased anti-nuclear protests after a demonstrator was killed by police.

From CUBA  A Caravan for Peace arrived in Washington DC in an attempt to demand that the Presidential campaign address the drug violence in Mexico. In Chile a ceremony was held to honor the victims of the September 11, 1973 coup that overthrew Salvador Allende and installed General Pinochet. Chilean courts have ruled that Allende committed suicide while the building he was in was bombed. Protestors in London are challenging the Arctic oil drilling plans by Shell Oil.

From RUSSIA  Following 9/11 2001 there has been a so-called "War on Terror"- a review of what has actually been accomplished in the past 11 years.

"The capacity to combine commitment with skepticism is essential to democracy."
--Mary Catherine Bateson

PROGRAM NOTES 9/07/12   

This weeks show features stories from RADIO DEUTSCHE-WELLE, SPANISH NATIONAL RADIO, RADIO HAVANA CUBA, NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN, and THE VOICE OF RUSSIA.

From GERMANY   Representatives from 50 countries met in Berlin to discuss Syria's future economy. In Egypt President Morsi called for regime change in Syria, and women in veils returned to the TV news. A court in Bahrain upheld sentences against leaders of last years demonstrations. Mali's interim leadership has requested military assistance to free the north. A man opened fire at an electoral celebration held by a French separatist party in Montreal Quebec.

From SPAIN  The Spanish government is advancing money to Bankia, a bank nationalized to prevent it from collapsing. The IMF and the EU are demanding that Greeks to work six days a week and longer hours if they are to continue financial support. In South Africa security guards are now using rubber bullets on striking miners- when the guards killed 34 miners 2 weeks ago the police arrested 270 of the striking miners and charged them with murder. Julian Assange expects to wait 6 months to a year for a deal to free him from the Ecuadoran embassy.

From CUBA  Cuba will sponsor and hold the peace talks between the Colombian government and FARC rebels. 13 civilians were killed by a US drone strike last weekend in Yemen. The Chinese government released an official commentary before Hillary Clinton arrived, calling on the US to stop manipulating southeast Asia and to stop arms sales to Taiwan.

From JAPAN  The Asia-Pacific Economic Forum concluded with an agreement to cut tariffs on green products such as solar panels. There is a push to complete negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Free Trade agreement. Japanese Cabinet Ministers are discussing the future of nuclear power and waste when the majority of citizens want zero nuclear energy. The Japanese government chose a site north of Tokyo to bury the waste from the Fukushima disaster, but the locals citizens say it is totally unacceptable. A steam blast occurred at the oldest nuclear plant in France but the operators have reported no radioactive leaks.

From RUSSIA  While most aspects of the US economy shrink, there has been record sales of US weapons to the world. Bishop Desmond Tutu has called for George W Bush and Tony Blair to be brought to trial for war crimes.

"When the missionaries came to Africa they had the Bible and we had the land. They said "Let us pray." We closed our eyes. When we opened them we had the Bible and they had the land."
--Bishop Desmond Tutu

PROGRAM NOTES 8/31/12

This weeks show features stories from RADIO DEUTSCHE-WELLE, THE VOICE OF RUSSIA, RADIO HAVANA CUBA, NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN, and SPANISH NATIONAL RADIO.

 From GERMANY     The Russian government has denounced international criticism of the jailing of the punk band Pussy Riot for songs with anti-Putin messages. Are freedom and civil rights vanishing in Russia and what does this portend for the President?

From RUSSIA  There are numerous international reports that the mercenary firm formerly known as Blackwater has been carrying out targeted assassinations and torture for the CIA in Iraq and Afghanistan. Why does America outsource these murders?

From CUBA  In Mexico the electoral tribunal has rejected all complaints about the last Presidential election. Over 150,000 Chileans marched this week for free education and a return to democracy. South African Bishop Desmond Tutu withdrew from a Johannesburg conference because of the presence of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. In Florida, Codepink were unable to arrest Condoleezza Rice on charges of war crimes. French President Hollande announced that France will recognize a provisional rebel government in Syria.

From JAPAN  An Insight on the anti-Japan protests spreading through China following the arrest of Hong Kong activists who landed on a disputed island. A panel of experts says that the majority of Japanese citizens want a nuclear-free nation. One-third of children in Fukushima have lumps on their thyroid glands, but the government wants more tests to see if it is related to the nuclear disaster.

From SPAIN  Cuba will host peace talks between the Colombian government and FARC rebels. A Brazilian court ordered the resumption of construction on a major dam in the Amazon rainforest. Then 2 press reviews- the first on social stratification in Greece and the second on German President Merkel's attitude about bailing out Spain and Italy.

"Globalization, as defined by rich people like us, is a very nice thing... you are talking about the Internet, you are talking about cell phones, you are talking about computers. This doesn't affect two-thirds of the people of the world."
--Jimmy Carter

PROGRAM NOTES 8/24/12   This weeks show features stories from RADIO DEUTSCHE-WELLE, RADIO HAVANA CUBA, THE VOICE OF RUSSIA, RADIO HAVANA CUBA, THE VOICE OF RUSSIA, SPANISH NATIONAL RADIO, and NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN.

From GERMANY   An update on the platinum mine in South Africa where 34 miners were killed by police. A rabbi and a doctor are suing each other over the ban on infant circumcision in Cologne Germany. Activists in Austria have created a "democratic bank," based on principles of common good not financial profit. Russia has warned the West against military intervention in Syria, following Obama's warning about chemical weapons.

From CUBA   Syrian authorities are insisting on dialogue to resolve the national crisis, without foreign intervention. An update on Julian Assange staying at the Ecuadoran Embassy in Britain. At least 13 people were killed in Pakistan by 3 separate US drone strikes.

From RUSSIA   At the United Nations, the special rapporteur on Human Rights, Ben Emmerson, began an investigation into the legality of the US drone killings.

From SPAIN   United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will attend the summit meeting of non-aligned nations in Iran. Russian police are searching for more members of the punk band "Pussy Riot."

From JAPAN   Japanese Prime Minister Noda and anti-nuclear citizens groups remain far apart over the country's energy policy. An Insight on the future of nuclear power, with the executive director of the Institute for Sustainable Energy Policies. Fish caught off the coast of Fukushima have radiation levels upwards of 380 times the allowable limit.

"The corporate grip on opinion in the United States is one of the wonders of the Western world. No First World country has ever managed to eliminate so entirely from its media all objectivity - much less dissent."
--Gore Vidal

PROGRAM NOTES 8/17/12

This weeks show features stories from RADIO DEUTSCHE-WELLE, the VOICE OF RUSSIA, NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN, RADIO HAVANA CUBA, and CHINA RADIO INTERNATIONAL.

From GERMANY  The Spanish National radio and television service has fired a number of well-known journalists for criticizing the austerity measures imposed by the government. Youth have been rioting in northern France over police activities, and Basque prisoners in Spain and France are on hunger strikes. The Australian government passed a law last year calling for all cigarette packages to be plain olive green with no trademark logo- the tobacco companies took the government to court and have lost their lawsuit. A federal court in Brazil has halted work on a huge dam in the Amazon. Lebanese Shiite gunmen seized 20 Sunni citizens of various countries, raising the risk that the conflict in Syria will spread over the border.

From RUSSIA  China has accused the West of pursuing violent regime change in Syria- there is more speculation that the US may lead more actions independent of the UN. And that all of this leads to further radicalization of Sunni Moslems throughout the Arab world.

From JAPAN  Iranian President Ahmedinejad criticized Arab nations that support anti-government forces in Syria, saying that the West was creating chaos to drive Islamic nations to fight each other. More radioactive water leaks have been noted at the destroyed Fukushima nuclear power plants. In Connecticut the Millstone nuclear power plant was shut down because the seawater used to cool the reactor rose beyond the safety limit. Japanese firms are developing electric generators that run on ocean currents.

From CUBA  In the US the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has suspended final decisions on licensing new and renewed nuclear power plants. Nicaraguan President Ortega suggested that capitalist nations should implement fair-trade policies as a way out of neoliberal economic failure. Opposition Parliamentarians in Chile have urged the nationalization of water in the face of a severe drought. Chilean students said that they will continue their protests against profiteering in the educational system. Exxon has acknowledged a new oil spill off the coast of southern Nigeria.

From CHINA  The Organization of Islamic Countries has suspended Syria from the 57 member bloc. The United Nations has determined that both the Syrian government and rebel forces are guilty of war crimes. Japanese police arrested Chinese activists who landed on islands that China claims, and China has filed an official complaint with the Japanese government. Ecuador has granted asylum to Julian Assange, though British authorities have threatened to storm the embassy and take Assange.

"Nobody in the world, nobody in history, has ever gotten their freedom by appealing to the moral sense of the people who were oppressing them."
--Assata Shakur

PROGRAM NOTES 8/10/12

This weeks show features stories from RADIO DEUTSCHE-WELLE, the VOICE OF RUSSIA, RADIO HAVANA CUBA, and NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN.

From GERMANY  For the past month there have been protests in Mexico over the outcome of the Presidential election- here is an interview with a protestor who is a university professor. Two pieces about the punk band Pussy Riot who are facing 3 years in prison for a flash mob protest in Russia. The Egyptian President called for resignations after a deadly ambush where 16 soldiers were killed.

From RUSSIA  An update on the fate of Julian Assange, who is seeking refuge in Ecuador, to avoid possible extradition to the US where many think he will be charged with violation of the espionage act.

From CUBA  The former Syrian Prime Minister who dramatically resigned this week was reportedly working for the opposition forces all along. With a green light from the White House, US citizens are being allowed to donate money to purchase weapons for the Syrian opposition. The US mercenary firm formerly known as Blackwater agreed to pay fines for illegally smuggling weapons worldwide.

From JAPAN  An Insight on the anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima- 50,000 people attended a ceremony calling for world peace and the abolition of all nuclear weapons- many also called for the end of nuclear power in Japan. One of the attendees at Hiroshima was the grandson of Harry Truman who had authorized the atomic bombs- the grandson campaigns for the end of all nuclear weapons. A Japanese survey team met with US NGOs in Oregon to develop strategies to deal with the Fukushima debris reaching the entire US west coast. Fukushima prefecture will soon begin checking for radiation in the rice exported from the region. Interpol has put out a Red Notice for the arrest of Paul Watson, head of the marine wildlife conservation group Sea Shepherd.

"We're just a conceited naked ape, but in our minds we're some "divine legend" and we see ourselves as some sort of god, seeing we can decide what will live and what will die, what will be saved and what will be destroyed, but honestly we're just a bunch of primates out of control."
--Paul Watson, Sea Shepherd

PROGRAM NOTES 8/03/12

This weeks show features stories from NHK JAPAN, RADIO DEUTSCHE-WELLE, CHINA RADIO INTERNATIONAL, the VOICE OF RUSSIA, and SPANISH NATIONAL RADIO. 

From JAPAN- At public hearings on nuclear power citizens of Japan have expressed distrust of the industry and government- a strong majority supports zero nuclear energy. Tens of thousands protested against nuclear power last weekend in Tokyo. There is a new political party in Japan with their primary issue being the elimination of nuclear energy. Paul Watson, founder of the Sea Shepherd Society, explained why he skipped bail in Germany. 

From GERMANY- President Obama announced new US sanctions on trading with Iran and on countries using gold to purchase oil. Hillary Clinton is traveling around Africa with a business delegation while Leon Panetta is touring the Middle East and North Africa, pushing for an overthrow of Syria. Qatar, home of al-Jazeera news, wants to buy 200 high tech tanks from Germany. 

From CHINA- Syria is accusing Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey of funding and arming the rebels in Syria. Japan criticized China's defense policy, notably its maritime expansion. The per capita use of antibiotics in China is 10 times that of the US- the government has now severely limited the prescribing of antibiotics. Russian President Putin is in support of a NATO base in Russia as a supply route to Afghanistan. 

From RUSSIA- Is American foreign policy, especially in the Middle East, a continuation of the political justification called Manifest Destiny? 

From SPAIN- The Spanish economy is stuck in a second recession in 3 years. Two press reviews about the future of the Euro and the likely exclusion of Greece from the currency. Spain has criminalized the withholding or falsification of economic data by government officials. Protests against austerity measures continue in Spain. An alternative Olympics is being held in Bhopal India to protest Dow Chemicals sponsorship of the London games. 

"I am worried that students will take their obedient place in society and look to become successful cogs in the wheel - let the wheel spin them around as it wants without taking a look at what they're doing. I'm concerned that students not become passive acceptors of the official doctrine that's handed down to them from the White House, the media, textbooks, teachers and preachers." 
--Howard Zinn

PROGRAM NOTES 7/27/12

This weeks show features stories from RADIO DEUTSCHE-WELLE, the VOICE OF RUSSIA, RADIO HAVANA CUBA, and NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN.

From GERMANY  The European Commission is amending its laws on insider trading, making it a criminal offense to rig interest rates. Paul Watson of Greenpeace has skipped bail in Germany where he was awaiting extradition to Costa Rica for interrupting a boat catching sharks. Russia has passed a new law to clamp down on Non-Governmental Organizations.

From RUSSIA  The UN has been discussing the use of US drones in Somalia, where they are interfering with air traffic and violating an arms embargo. A review of the ever-expanding US use of drones in countries around the world.

From CUBA  Homeland Security has announced a new drone squadron for surveillance of the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. At least 11 people died in a US drone attack in Pakistan, bringing the total to over 200 dead from such attacks this year.The student movement and teachers union in Chile have called for a new series of demonstrations to demand free public education. Large demonstrations have continued in Mexico over the results of the Presidential election. Russia says that it has not received proposals from the Arab League regarding a power transition plan for Syria.

From JAPAN  Some Arab nations say that they will submit to the UN a transition plan for democracy in Syria- Syria replied that neither Saudi Arabia or Qatar is in a position to discuss democracy. A Japanese government panel has released their findings after investigating the Fukushima nuclear disaster, pointing out conflicts between the government and the plant operators, and the dangerous situation of earthquakes near nuclear power plants.

"History is the sum total of things that could have been avoided."
--Konrad Adenauer

PROGRAM NOTES 7/20/12

This weeks show features stories from RADIO DEUTSCHE-WELLE, the VOICE OF RUSSIA, NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN, and SPANISH NATIONAL RADIO.

From GERMANY  As the Summer Olympics are about to begin in London, fears of terrorism and political demonstrations have MI5 and the military in high gear. Berlin just concluded a Climate summit in the run up to a world climate summit in Qatar in December. The office of the United Nations High Commissioner for refugees reports that more than one million people have now fled Somalia. China has offered $20 billion in loans to African countries over the next 3 years.

From RUSSIA  The Pentagon is planning to significantly increase its presence on the African continent. While there are no specific plans to set up a military base there, both the CIA and the US military have become more involved in anti-terrorist activities.

From JAPAN  Last Monday saw the largest anti-nuclear demonstration to date since the Fukushima disaster last year. A second nuclear reactor has been restarted despite public outcry. Experts now want surveys of earthquake faults that lie beneath a number of the nuclear reactors, including the two that are now restarted. A village in Fukushima prefecture has been divided into three areas based on radiation levels. The United Arab Emirate has approved construction of the country's first nuclear power plant. The United Arab Emirate has begun using an oil pipeline that allows delivery without passing through the Straits of Hormuz.

From SPAIN  Public sector workers including firemen, police, and school teachers are taking to the streets daily in opposition to Spain's austerity measures. El Pais featured the public sector march and the Popular Party Senator who publicly made an obscene remark about those who oppose the austerity measures. Spain's Economy Minister denies that the government intends to shut down the ailing banks. Hillary Clinton visited Egypt and Israel- in Egypt her car was pelted with tomatoes, in Israel she reaffirmed US support.

"I dream of the realization of the unity of Africa, whereby its leaders combine in their efforts to solve the problems of this continent. I dream of our vast deserts, of our forests, of all our great wildernesses."
--Nelson Mandela

PROGRAM NOTES 7/13/12

This weeks show features stories from The Voice of Russia, Radio Deutsche-Welle, Spanish National Radio, Radio Havana Cuba, The Voice of Russia and NHK World Radio Japan.

From RUSSIA- There is growing confusion among Americans as to who the so-called good guys are in the so-called Arab Spring. The new Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi is acceptable to most American politicians, but wasn't everyone told that the Muslim Brotherhood was a terrorist group?

From GERMANY- Russia has a UN resolution to extend the UN mission in Syria, but opposes another bill that would allow for a military invasion. After 18 years of negotiations, the Russian parliament has approved entry into the WTO. Russia suffered severe flash floods last weekend following a months worth of rain in a day. An American who was sentenced to two years in a Thailand jail for translating criticism of the Thai King has been released. A report from a pub in Ireland on the local attitude about the Eurozone debt crisis.

From SPAIN- The Spanish government unveiled new austerity measures that President Rajoy said would not happen under his reign. The citizens are outraged and are in the streets along with miners who walked great distances to Madrid to protest.

From CUBA- Indigenous protestors in Bolivia continue to clash with police over a proposed road through their homelands. Bolivian President Morales says he will continue plans to nationalize iridium mines exploited by a Canadian company. The political movement called Paraguay Resist rejected the assessment of the Organization of American States on the impeachment of President Lugo. Israel proclaimed the right to continue building throughout the Occupied West Bank. Melting ice caused by global warming is being blamed for recent severe rainfall in northern Europe.

From JAPAN- At the ASEAN meeting in Cambodia strategies to keep Europe's debt crisis from affecting Asia were discussed. The deposed Nepalese King would like the throne to be restored to him after 4 years of the country being a republic. A senior Iranian official says he is seeking a negotiated solution to the nuclear enrichment program, and that Iran would never block the Straits of Hormuz. A lead US negotiator at the UN talks on global weapons trading says the US will oppose regulations on ammunition.

"If you're not careful, the newspapers will have you hating the people who are being oppressed, and loving the people who are doing the oppressing."
--Malcolm X

PROGRAM NOTES 7/06/12

This weeks show features stories from Radio Deutsche-Welle, The Voice of Russia, Spanish National Radio, Radio Havana Cuba, The Voice of Russia and NHK World Radio Japan.

From GERMANY  At the UN there is a summit to create a treaty to regulate global trade on conventional arms- Germany wants the treaty to include small arms and ammunition. The Italian Prime Minister Monti made it clear that his country is not seeking a financial bailout from the EU.

From SPAIN  A Spanish court has opened a case against former executives of the lending institution Bankia, while in the UK Barclay's executives were questioned by MPs. Finland and the Netherlands will block the Eurozone's permanent bailout fund from buying bonds in secondary markets. The Greek government is increasing privatization of ports, railway system, and airports. New French president Hollande moved forward with tax hikes for the richest households and corporations. The European Parliament has rejected ACTA, the global agreement against copyright theft on the internet.

From CUBA  Ecuador is considering finally expelling US Agency for International Development, because of the political interference that is financed by the agency. Supporters of ousted President Lugo of Paraguay continue to demand that he be reinstated. Three peace activists in New York remained in jail for protesting the US policy of drone strikes.

From RUSSIA  The cause of death of former Palestinian leader Yassar Arafat in 2004 has been questioned, following laboratory findings of Polonium on his belongings.

From JAPAN  An Insight on questions surrounding the restart of the Ohi nuclear power plant in Japan, which has seen significant protest by citizens who want to cease nuclear power on the island.

PROGRAM NOTES 6/29/12

This weeks show features stories from Radio Deutsche-Welle, Spanish National Radio, Radio Havana Cuba, The Voice of Russia and NHK World Radio Japan.

From GERMANY  Queen Elizabeth II shook hands with Martin McGuinness, Sinn Fein politician and former IRA commander. A court in Germany has ruled that circumcising boys on religious grounds is illegal. An in-depth report on the chances of the new Greek government being successful at remaining in the European Union.

From SPAIN   European leaders were strongly divided as they went into this week's economic summit. The finance ministers of the Eurozone agreed that Spanish banks qualify for a rescue bail out, but that the state must guarantee the loan. The president of Paraguay was ousted in a parliamentary coup and the Supreme Court denied his appeal.

From CUBA  Cuban President Raul Castro rejected the coup in Paraguay and went on to criticize the US involvement in numerous coups and attempts in Latin America.

From RUSSIA  Former US President Jimmy Carter wrote an editorial in the New York Times severely criticizing the Obama administration for drone assassinations of people considered enemies of the US, violating the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

From JAPAN  The highest level of radiation to date has been detected at the Fukushima nuclear power plants. Shareholders in TEPCO, the owners of the Fukushima nukes, voted to effectively nationalize the company because of debts from the accident last March. There was a large protest outside that shareholders meeting. Last week the government approved restarting two nuclear plants- local residents are seeking a court order to halt the start up. A Chinese bank has opened a branch in Taiwan- this will involve the direct trading of Chinese and Taiwanese currency, without using the US dollar, as is already happening between China and Japan.

PROGRAM NOTES 6/22/12

This weeks show features stories from NHK World Radio Japan, Radio Deutsche-Welle, Spanish National Radio, Radio Havana Cuba and the Voice of Russia.

From JAPAN  A group of local leaders are protesting the Japanese government's decision to restart a nuclear power plant. Following the Fukushima disaster the US created a map of the radiation spread, but the Japanese government did not make the information public. Japan will create a new nuclear regulatory body by September, one that does not promote nuclear power. Toshiba is going to build several large solar power stations near Fukushima. Egypt election officials delayed releasing results for the Presidential runoff election.

From GERMANY  Reese Erlich reports from Libya on the fully restored oil exporting business while the country teeters on civil war. Julian Assange applied for political asylum to Ecuador.

From SPAIN  A brief report on the G20 summit and the proposed Eurozone bank. On the sidelines of the G20 summit, BRICS leaders said that they will enhance their contributions to the IMF to help protect countries from fallout from the Eurozone crisis. The Rio Plus 20 summit opened in Brazil, with a proposed agreement that many felt was far too weak.

From CUBA  The Peoples Summit held alongside the G20 Summit rejected the prevailing neoliberal policies as illegitimate. Bolivian President Morales will present a bill on the rights of mother earth at the Rio summit. Iran had denounced the deployment of US troops in Kuwait.

From RUSSIA  With numerous undeclared wars spreading across the African continent, the US military will increase troop deployments there next year. And AFRICOM has has increased covert spying using private contractors and their aircraft.

PROGRAM NOTES 6/15/12

This weeks show features stories from NHK World Radio Japan, Radio Deutsche-Welle, The Voice of Russia, Spanish National Radio, and Radio Havana Cuba.

From JAPAN  The mayor of Ohi has approved the restart of 2 nuclear reactors, the first to return on line in Japan. The educational ministry of Japan apologized for resetting the "safe" radiation exposure level for children after the Fukushima nuclear disaster.

From GERMANY Parliamentary elections in France last weekend showed a swing to the left. Transparency International released a report on the links between corruption and the ongoing financial crisis in Europe- a dialogue with one of their directors. A report on Syria including Hillary Clinton's accusation that Russia was supplying attack helicopters to the government for use against rebels and civilians.

From RUSSIA  Russia supplies 70% of the weapons Syria purchases, but has made no new helicopter deliveries. Turkey is delivering weapons to Syrian opposition forces.

From SPAIN  Spain's borrowing rates have soared despite a weekend bailout of Spanish banks. The President of the European Commission has called for swift moves to create a Eurozone banking union. As many as 100,000 protestors took to the streets of Moscow demanding fresh elections- this despite severe threats from Putin's government, who the day before raided homes of prominent activists.

From CUBA  The Falkland Islands announced a referendum on British rule to be held next year- leaders in Argentina are calling this a "media stunt" to distract from new talks at the United Nations demanding that the UK return the islands now. Barack Obama will skip the Rio Plus 20 Sustainable Summit in Brazil next week. A new US study shows that drinking water contamination from fracking can occur much quicker than previously believed. Student leaders in Chile announced a new strike against profit-making education. There was a fresh US drone strike in Yemen killing 9.

PROGRAM NOTES 6/08/12

This weeks show features stories from Spanish National Radio, Radio Havana Cuba, Radio Deutsche-Welle, The Voice Of Russia and NHK World Radio Japan.

From SPAIN  The Spanish economy weakens while the government hopes to put off a Greek style bail-out. 18 Afghani civilians were killed by a US led airstrike, which NATO denies, while US Defense Secretary Panetta backs the use of drones in Pakistan "to defend ourselves." 5 million Brazilian farmers are locked in a lawsuit with Monsanto over royalties for GMO seeds. Syria expelled ambassadors from several Western states in retaliation, while China and Russia urge the continuation of the UN peace plan.

From CUBA  The BBC apologized for running a photo it claimed was from a massacre in Syria, when it was a 9 year old photo from Iraq. Protests over the trial of Mubarak and others in Egypt are gaining momentum. Venezuela, Bolivia, Nicaragua, and Ecuador announced their withdrawal from the InterAmerican Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance, a mutual defense treaty signed in 1947. BP obtained by subpoena thousands of confidential emails from scientists who studied the disastrous Gulf Oil Spill.

From GERMANY  A report on Julian Assange who lost his appeal to prevent extradition to Sweden for questioning. The Russian Parliament adopted a bill providing for huge fines against individuals involved in unauthorized protests.

From RUSSIA  Cyber attacks are clearly the latest form of warfare, with the Obama administrations's involvement becoming clear last week. This report suggests creating international agreements on these attacks, as there are for nuclear weapons, land mines, and chemical weapons.

From JAPAN-  Israel's Defense Minister has admitted that his country is carrying out cyber attacks. There is evidence that Japan's nuclear agency bowed to pressure from energy companies when drafting safety standards 20 years ago. A solar powered plane flew for 19 hours, going from Spain to Morocco. The government of Osaka Japan has banned its employees from getting tattoos.

"We're going to meet a lot of lonely people in the next week and the next month and the next year. And when they ask us what we're doing, you can say, We're remembering. That's where we'll win out in the long run."
--Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451

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Brainwash from other parts of the world is different enough from our own that by lining up these reports together, you might derive a suggestion of the truth.

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