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Thursday

Doubts Emerge In Case Against Former IMF Chief

Dominique Strauss-Kahn, the former head of the International Monetary Fund, and his wife, Anne Sinclair, leave a Manhattan court on June 6. Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images hide caption

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Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images

The Two-Way

Doubts Emerge In Case Against Former IMF Chief

Dominique Strauss-Kahn, who is charged with assaulting a hotel maid in Manhattan, is due in court Friday for what's being described as a proceeding that could ease his bail conditions. Sources say government officials have uncovered inconsistencies by his accuser.

On 'Morning Edition': Carrie Johnson talks with Steve Inskeep

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In Afghanistan, Fighting Shifts To Mountainous East

Afghan National Army troops take a break while on a joint patrol and clearing operation with Butcher Troop, part of the U.S. Army's 1st Infantry Division, in eastern Afghanistan. David Gilkey/NPR/Redux hide caption

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David Gilkey/NPR/Redux

In Afghanistan, Fighting Shifts To Mountainous East

As the fight in southern Afghanistan winds down, the toughest challenge for U.S. and Afghan forces is in the east — an area one captain likens to the American West in the 1800s. There, they are battling a Taliban offshoot called the Haqqani network.

In Afghanistan, Fighting Shifts To Mountainous East

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Moroccans To Vote On Referendum

The referendum vote in Morocco will be held Friday. The vote comes after the wave of protests that swept Tunisia and Egypt a few months ago. King Mohammed VI — Morocco's monarch — addressed the nation in March and proposed constitutional changes. Experts say the referendum is likely to pass — but with mixed reception. Robert Siegel talks to AFP reporter Michael Mainville about Friday's vote.

Moroccans To Vote On Referendum

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National

Greek Americans React To Turmoil Abroad

WBEZ

In Greece Thursday, lawmakers passed a bill clearing the way for international financial aid that is crucial to solving the country's debt crisis. As the country's Parliament debated austerity measures this week, thousands of Greek protesters took to the streets — sometimes clashing with police. In Chicago, Greek Americans and immigrants watch the turmoil in their home country with dismay.

Greek Americans React To Turmoil Abroad

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Women's World Cup 2011: A Quick Guide

Soccer fans attend the women's World Cup opener between Germany and Canada. In Germany, the game drew a TV audience of more than 18 million, or a quarter of the country's population — better stats than some men's matches garner. AFP/AFP/Getty Images hide caption

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AFP/AFP/Getty Images

The Two-Way

Women's World Cup 2011: A Quick Guide

The U.S. team is ranked No. 1 in the world, and they won gold in the recent Olympics. But they're not the clear favorite to win World Cup — that would be Germany, which is both the defending champion and the host country.

'New Hero' Of Classical Guitar Shares His Passion

Milos Karadaglich says as soon as he held his father's rusty, old guitar, he knew it was the instrument he would play. Olaf Heine hide caption

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Olaf Heine

Music Interviews

'New Hero' Of Classical Guitar Shares His Passion

Milos Karadaglich grew up during wartime, but no conflict on the Balkans could stop him from playing the guitar. He earned a coveted spot at London's Royal Academy of Music, and his debut album made a splash on the U.K. charts. Host Michel Martin speaks with the Eastern European artist about his life, music and goals.

'New Hero' Of Classical Guitar Shares His Passion

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Syria's Minorities Fear Sectarian Split

The Rev. Gabriel Daoud is a Syriac Orthodox priest in Damascus. He says his parish is nervous about the growing protest movement and believes it's anti-Christian. Deborah Amos/NPR hide caption

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Deborah Amos/NPR

Middle East

Syria's Minorities Fear Sectarian Split

In Syria, the government and military command are dominated by Alawites; the protesters are mostly Sunnis and ethnic Kurds. Syrian officials have warned of sectarian war if the four-month protest movement continues. And that message has spread fear among Syria's minority communities.

Syria's Minorities Fear Sectarian Split

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What Does A 'Post-American World' Look Like?

Dubai now boasts the world's largest building, Burj Khalifa. Zakaria says the world is now experiencing what he calls "the rise of the rest," where countries around the world are growing at previously unthinkable rates. Marwan Naamani/Getty Images hide caption

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Marwan Naamani/Getty Images

Author Interviews

What Does A 'Post-American World' Look Like?

Fresh Air

America's dominance on the world stage is fading, says commentator and CNN host Fareed Zakaria. He explains why the U.S. is now lagging behind other countries on key indices such as patent creation and job growth — and what that could mean for America's economic future.

What Does A 'Post-American World' Look Like?

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Thousands Strike In U.K. As Debt Crisis Festers

Public sector workers marched through the center of Manchester in northwest England on Thursday during a one-day strike to protest pension cuts. Andrew Yates/AFP/Getty Images hide caption

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Andrew Yates/AFP/Getty Images

Europe

Thousands Strike In U.K. As Debt Crisis Festers

Thousands of British teachers and civil servants walked off the job for a day to protest pension cuts as Greece passed a final austerity bill and debt-saddled Italy and Portugal announced austerity measures of their own. The financial problems have sparked debate over whether the European Union has a long-term future.

Asia

Clashes Rage In Pakistan's Baluchistan Province

While Pakistan battles an Islamist militancy that seeks to overthrow the state, another lesser-known conflict rages on its soil. In the southwest province of Baluchistan, separatist fighters are clashing with security forces and killing anyone they see as the enemy.

Clashes Rage In Pakistan's Baluchistan Province

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Banker Flees Afghanistan In Fear For His Life

Over the past couple of years, hundreds of millions of dollars have disappeared from Afghanistan's biggest private bank. Abdul Qadeer Fitrat was in charge of investigating what happened to Kabul Bank's money. Fitrat tells Renee Montagne he resigned and fled the country because his life was in danger.

Banker Flees Afghanistan In Fear For His Life

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Syria Permits Vigil For Slain Civilians, Soldiers

Syrians carry national flags during a candlelight vigil in honor of those who were killed in recent violence, in Damascus on Wednesday. It was the first officially sanctioned protest in the capital, and it comes just days after the regime allowed opposition activists to meet at a Damascus hotel. Muzaffar Salman/AP hide caption

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Muzaffar Salman/AP

Middle East

Syria Permits Vigil For Slain Civilians, Soldiers

Protesters in the capital, Damascus, staged a candlelight vigil Wednesday night to press for democratic changes. It was the first officially sanctioned protest in the capital, and it comes just days after the regime allowed opposition activists to meet at a Damascus hotel.

Syria Permits Vigil For Slain Civilians, Soldiers

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Chavez Reappears; His Illness Remains A Mystery

This handout photo released by the Cuban website www.cubadebate.cu shows former Cuban President Fidel Castro and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez reading Tuesday's edition of the state newspaper Granma in Havana on Tuesday. AFP/Getty Images hide caption

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AFP/Getty Images

The Americas

Chavez Reappears; His Illness Remains A Mystery

The charismatic Venezuelan president was rushed into surgery in Cuba on June 10. A video has now been released showing him talking spiritedly with Fidel Castro, but little is known about Hugo Chavez's condition.

Chavez Reappears; His Illness Remains A Mystery

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