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Wednesday

Russia Vows To Cut Ukraine Gas Supplies

The New Year tussle over prices for natural gas and outstanding debt payments between Russia and Ukraine has become almost an annual tradition. This winter, the two sides are at loggerheads over money, with Russia threatening to cut off supplies to the Ukrainians. Supplies to Western Europe could be affected.

Russia Vows To Cut Ukraine Gas Supplies

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Middle East

Experts Weigh How Gaza Fighting May End

Three Middle East experts discuss how the current conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza might end. Dore Gold, former Israeli ambassador to the U.N., Ambassador Edward Djerejian, director of the James Baker Institute of Public Policy at Rice University, and Rashid Khalidi, Edward Said professor of modern Arab Studies at Columbia University, offer their insight.

Experts Weigh How Gaza Fighting May End

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Middle East

Divided Arab League Calls For Halt To Gaza Strikes

Arab foreign ministers met in Cairo to discuss the crisis in Gaza as the Israeli military operation there, as well as Palestinian rocket fire into Israel, continued for a fifth day. But as often happens at Arab League meetings, while the rhetoric was strong, the unity of purpose was scarce.

Divided Arab League Calls For Halt To Gaza Strikes

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Castro's Government Celebrates 50th Anniversary

On New Year's Day, Cuba celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the "Triumphant Revolution" which brought Fidel Castro and his guerrilla movement to power. The celebration comes as Cuba faces its worst economic problems since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Castro's Government Celebrates 50th Anniversary

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In Israeli Town, Bombs Are 'Routine'

As the death toll climbs in the Gaza Strip, residents of Sderot, Israel reflect on months of rocket attacks from Hamas forces. We speak with Anav Silverman of Sderot, about what it's like to endure a continuous threat of violence.

In Israeli Town, Bombs Are 'Routine'

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Castro's Cuba Turns 50

Jan. 1, 2009 marks the 50th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution. Led by a young Fidel Castro, the revolution wrenched power from the American-backed Batista regime. Today, Cuba remains the only communist nation in the Western hemisphere, making Castro one of the most polarizing figures of modern times. NPR's Tom Gjelten, who spent decades reporting on Cuba, takes a look back.

Castro's Cuba Turns 50

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Middle East

Mayhem On Gaza Ignites Debate In U.S.

The year comes to an explosive end in the Middle East. Israel is now in its fifth day of air attacks on Gaza, rejecting a recent ceasefire proposal. The conflict is among the deadliest in recent history. Radio hosts Ray Hanania and Thom Hartmann describe how the fighting has their listeners speaking out.

Mayhem On Gaza Ignites Debate In U.S.

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Middle East

As Air Assault Continues, Israel Rejects Truce Deal

With basic food supplies running low in Gaza and hospitals struggling to handle the casualties, France's foreign minister proposed a 48-hour lull to allow vital aid to enter the territory and be delivered to its 1.5 million residents.

NPR's Eric Westervelt Talks With Steve Inskeep On 'Morning Edition'

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Middle East

Egypt Can Be A Peacemaker In Gaza

For a fifth day, Israeli jets and assault helicopters pounded Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip. Egypt borders one side of Gaza and could play an important role in solving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Scott Lasensky of the U.S. Institute of Peace, talks with Steve Inskeep about what Egypt can do to help establish peace in the Gaza Strip.

Egypt Can Be A Peacemaker In Gaza

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Politics

As Bush Term Ends, The View From Africa

Morning Edition is speaking this week with thinkers and scholars overseas about the transition from the Bush presidency to the Obama administration. We turn now to Africa. Renee Montagne talks with Veronique Tadjo, an author, poet and painter from Ivory Coast. She teaches in Johannesburg, South Africa, and gives workshops across Africa.

As Bush Term Ends, The View From Africa

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Middle East

Ambassador: Israel Wants 'Durable' Fix To Gaza

Israel has rejected international calls to suspend its air offensive against Hamas targets in Gaza. A French proposal for a 48-hour pause in the violence was dismissed Wednesday. Sallai Meridor, Israel's ambassador to Washington, says Israel wants a more "durable and sustainable" solution to the situation in Gaza.

Ambassador: Israel Wants 'Durable' Fix To Gaza

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Middle East

Israel Rejects Two-Day Truce In Gaza

Israeli warplanes have made more airstrikes into Gaza as key world powers pressure Israel and Hamas to call a truce. Hamas, meanwhile, is keeping up its rocket barrages into southern Israel. Israeli officials have turned down a call for a two-day truce in Gaza so medical, food and relief supplies could get in.

NPR's Eric Westervelt Talks With Steve Inskeep On 'Morning Edition'

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Middle East

Palestinian Lawmaker Pushes Nonviolence In Gaza

Israel rejected a truce Wednesday in its five-day offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The current violence erupted after a six-month cease-fire brokered by Egypt expired last week. Mustafa Barghouti, an independent lawmaker in the West Bank city of Ramallah, says Palestinians believe nonviolence is the best way to pursue their struggle.

Palestinian Lawmaker Pushes Nonviolence In Gaza

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Middle East

Wounded Palestinians Relay Gaza's Bad Conditions

Arab foreign ministers are gathering Wednesday in Cairo, Egypt, to discuss the Israeli bombing campaign in the Gaza Strip after Israel rejected a French proposal for a cease-fire. A number of wounded Palestinians have made it to hospitals in neighboring Egypt for treatment, bringing grim tales of the conditions inside Gaza.

Wounded Palestinians Tell Grim Tales On 'Morning Edition'

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