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Thursday

Analysis

Democracy's Tender Roots in Africa

The sudden spring of democracy in the Middle East gets a lot of airtime, but across the African continent, democratic reforms continue, in strides and stumbles. We examine the state of democracy in Africa.

Democracy's Tender Roots in Africa

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Russian Minority Struggles to Survive

The Ultas, an eastern Russian ethnic minority, struggle to maintain their culture and identity. Soviet control nearly wiped out the tribe's language and customs. It's estimated only 10 people still fluently speak Ulta. The tribe is also grappling with social upheaval and alcoholism.

Russian Minority Struggles to Survive

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Three U.S. Troops Killed in Latest Iraq Violence

The U.S. military reports three American soldiers have been killed in Iraq over the past two days. Also, outside a Shiite shrine 55 miles south of Kirkuk, three civilians and two Iraqi soldiers were killed in a car bombing Thursday.

Three U.S. Troops Killed in Latest Iraq Violence

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Opposition Criticizes Zimbabwe Elections

Zimbabwe holds relatively peaceful parliamentary elections, but a spokesman for the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) insisted the election had been stacked in favor of President Robert Mugabe's ruling ZANU-PF party.

Opposition Criticizes Zimbabwe Elections

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The Impact of War

Soldier Says Army Ignored His Mental Health Concerns

U.S. military officials say they've made great strides in improving mental health care and lessening stigma for those seeking help for combat stress. But Army Spc. David Beals and his wife say Beals was sent back to Iraq while still suffering symptoms similar to those of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Soldier Says Army Ignored His Mental Health Concerns

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Profile of an Iraqi Insurgent

Mohammed (an alias) is helping Americans train a new Iraqi police force. But for a year, he smuggled weapons to Iraqi insurgents and participated in attacks on U.S. troops. He says he grew disillusioned with the insurgency, which he says has been "hijacked by foreigners" and directs its attacks against Iraqis, not Americans.

Profile of an Iraqi Insurgent

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Morning Edition

Intelligence Report Offers Bleak Assessment

A report by a presidential commission investigating pre-war intelligence in Iraq offers a bleak view of intelligence-gathering and analysis. It includes a similarly grim assessment of efforts in Iran and North Korea and offers recommendations to improve the process.

Intelligence Report Offers Bleak Assessment

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Mission and Future of the World Bank

On the eve of Paul Wolfowitz's nomination to head the World Bank, Allan Meltzer, professor of political economy at Carnegie Mellon University, and Nancy Birdsall, president of the Center for Global Development and former director of policy research at the World Bank, discuss the mission and future of the bank.

Mission and Future of the World Bank

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National

Military Probes Prisoner Abuse at Guantanamo

The Pentagon receives the results of another investigation into alleged abuse of prisoners by the U.S. military, this one focusing on harsh interrogations at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. It's the seventh major report on alleged torture techniques since last year's scandal at Iraq's Abu Ghraib prison.

Military Probes Prisoner Abuse at Guantanamo

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Religion

Pope's Health Worsens at Vatican

Pope John Paul II has developed a high fever and is being treated at the Vatican for a urinary tract infection. There are reports in the Italian media that the sacrament known as "last rites" has been administered. Michele Norris talks with John Allen, Vatican correspondent for the National Catholic Reporter.

Pope's Health Worsens at Vatican

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Zimbabwe Elections Begin Amid Fears of Fraud

Voting in Zimbabwe begins amid fears of fraud. President Robert Mugabe's ruling Zanu party is expected to dominate the parliamentary elections. Zimbabwe has sunk into international isolation and a deep economic crisis under the Zanu and Mugabe's leadership.

Zimbabwe Elections Begin Amid Fears of Fraud

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Wednesday

Zimbabwe Prepares for Elections

Zimbabwe is set to hold parliamentary elections Thursday, three years after elections that were criticized for voter fraud. Most observers give President Robert Mugabe's incumbent party a comfortable margin of victory. But others say his controversial policies give the opposition party an opportunity for a strong showing.

Zimbabwe Prepares for Elections

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Environment

Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem Damage

A new report by more than 2,000 scientists from 100 countries finds that unless governments act now, environmental damage will doom efforts to reduce hunger, poverty and disease. The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment draws on the work of environmental scientists who have shown that ecosystems such forests, coral reefs and salt marshes are key for human survival.

Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem Damage

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