PROGRAM NOTES 02/12/10- This weeks show features stories from China Radio International, Radio Netherlands, Radio Havana Cuba, and the Voice of Russia

From CHINA- The Chinese government rejects US accusations that it is involved in hacking or cyber attacks. A review of conflicts between the US and China at the start of 2010. Iraq has ordered hundreds of mercenaries linked to Blackwater to leave the country.

From NETHERLANDS- Radio Netherlands has eliminated SW broadcasts to North America. The decision is based on their surveys that find very few listeners in N America. If you ever listen to RN on shortwave please let them know- by email to letters@rnw.nl or send them a letter to RNW Worldwide, PO Box 222, 1200JG, Hilversum, The Netherlands.

US and NATO troops have begun the largest offensive in Afghanistan to date, code named "Together." British military hospitals at home and in Afghanistan are full at the outset of the new offensive. One of Northern Ireland's major paramilitary groups has dumped all its weapons. A report on the Dutch inquiry into the 2003 decision to lend political support to the US/British invasion of Iraq.

From CUBA- White House correspondent Helen Thomas has written an editorial called "Obama- The War President." US activists heading to Vancouver to cover the demonstrations around the Winter Olympics are being blocked at the border. There are more Blackwater mercenaries working in Islamabad than there are government police. A report on Latin American assistance in earthquake devastated Haiti.

From RUSSIA- There is a 60 day electricity emergency ongoing in Venezuela. A Russian firm will build the first nuclear power plant in Vietnam. Russia has defined a new military doctrine this week. At a Security Conference held in Munich the Russian President called for the signing of a new common European Security Protocol.

--"Historically, the most terrible things - war, genocide, and slavery - have resulted not from disobedience, but from obedience."
--Howard Zinn