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Thursday

National

Weekend Traffic Poses Test at U.S.-Canada Border

It was relatively quiet at the Washington state Peace Arch, the Northern border's third busiest crossing, on Thursday as new border rules took effect. But the real test will come over the weekend, when the number of border crossers generally is much higher.

Weekend Traffic Poses Test at U.S.-Canada Border

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Saudi Arabia's New Hospital Nears Completion

Construction is under way on the first phase of the International Medical Center in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It could become the biggest medical facility in the Middle East. Founded as part of a partnership with the Cleveland Clinic, the facility will focus on urgent regional health care needs, such as diabetes.

Saudi Arabia's New Hospital Nears Completion

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Radioactive Cargo on Train to Iran Investigated

Officials are investigating why a train en route to Iran from Kyrgyzstan was carrying radioactive cargo. The amount of cesium-137 was not enough to make a weapon. But experts are asking how the train crossed two borders equipped with radiation detectors.

Radioactive Cargo on Train to Iran Investigated

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National

New Border Rules Start Smoothly in San Diego

People traveling by land into the U.S. have to show border guards their proof of citizenship starting Thursday. The Department of Homeland Security was prepared for confusion, and most likely issued warnings at the start. But U.S. customs officials said delays were minimal at the busiest U.S. gateway on the southern border.

New Border Rules Start Smoothly in San Diego

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Afghanistan Mission Faces Crisis, U.S. Officials Say

Several alarming reports about Afghanistan describe it as a failing state on the verge of a humanitarian crisis. Democrats and Republicans on Capitol Hill have seized on the reports to call for a new U.S. strategy. State Department officials insist they are making progress and show no sign of doing anything differently.

Afghanistan Mission Faces Crisis, U.S. Officials Say

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Tracing the Roots of Ethnic Violence in Kenya

The month of ethnic bloodletting in Kenya has historic roots. Grievances over land and privilege date back decades. And the dispute over last month's presidential election has aggravated those tensions in deadly ways.

Tracing the Roots of Ethnic Violence in Kenya

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The Impact of War

U.S. Tries for Better Conditions at Iraq Prison Camp

The American military is trying to improve conditions at Camp Bucca, a prison camp in southern Iraq, including its family visitation program. They see the effort as an opportunity to win over the most disaffected Iraqis and the people closest to them.

U.S. Tries for Better Conditions at Iraq Prison Camp

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Global Initiative Discuss Role of Women in Conflict

Last week, 25 senior women leaders from different nations convened in Boston and Washington, D.C., for the Colloquium and Policy Forum held by the Initiative for Inclusive Security. Israeli retired Col. Etty Yevnin and Haitham Arar talk about the participation of women in the security sector.

Global Initiative Discuss Role of Women in Conflict

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'Ethnic Cleansing' the Best Phrase for Kenyan Violence?

Akwe Amosu, senior policy analyst for Africa at the Open Society Institute, and Joel Barkan, senior associate of the Africa Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, talk about whether the situation in Kenya should be called ethnic cleansing.

'Ethnic Cleansing' the Best Phrase for Kenyan Violence?

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National

Kenyan Crisis Intensifies with High-Profile Killings

Violence among ethnic tribes in Kenya continues to escalate following the disputed re-election of President Mwai Kibaki in December. The crisis is attracting the attention of several world leaders, including former U.N. chief Kofi Annan. NPR's Ofeibea Quist-Arcton offers the latest from Nairobi.

Kenyan Crisis Intensifies with High-Profile Killings

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Ethnic Violence Takes Hold in Kenya

Fighting between rival factions in has claimed the lives of more than 800 people in Kenya. A U.S. diplomat says the situation has devolved into ethnic cleansing. Xan Rice, East Africa correspondent for the U.K.'s Guardian newspaper, reports on the latest attempts to negotiate a peace after a disputed presidential election.

Ethnic Violence Takes Hold in Kenya

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Iran's Influence on Najaf Worries Many Iraqis

The city of Najaf is poised to become a center of political and economic power as other cities in Iraq languish. But some Iraqis are wary of Iran's influence in the Shiite holy city.

Iran's Influence on Najaf Worries Many Iraqis

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China's Snows Have a Chilling Economic Effect

Unusual winter weather across 14 Chinese provinces has stranded millions headed home for the Chinese New Year. Heavy snows are making a serious energy shortage worse and affecting the economy.

China's Snows Have a Chilling Economic Effect

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