PROGRAM NOTES 04/18/08- This weeks show features stories from China Radio International, Radio Netherlands, Radio Havana Cuba, and the Voice of Russia.

From CHINA- Chinese are quite angry over a CNN reference to them as "goons and thugs." 18 Palestinians and 3 Israelis died in fighting on Wednesday in the Gaza Strip region. The EU energy commissioner is recommending more nuclear power plants be built to reduce carbon emissions. At the Boao climate change forum just concluded in China, UN representatives are worried about biofuels replacing food crops in developing nations. As the awareness of soaring global food prices spread, Chinese officials say that they have adequate domestic supplies.

From NETHERLANDS- An analysis of the Maoist election victory in Nepal , the end of a centuries old monarchy. The global food crisis is casting doubt on the future of biofuels- researchers believe that within a few years organic waste rather than food can be used to produce significant amounts of biofuel.

From CUBA- A Viewpoint on the global food crisis which is resulting in hunger and violence, and which is likely to get worse in the upcoming months. Jimmy Carter's attempts to help mediate between the US and Hamas has been met with scorn by John McCain, Israeli officials, and even some in the DNC. Upon request, the US has connected Israel to its early warning missile detection system.

From RUSSIA- A commentary on General Petraeus's assessment of Iraqi troops and their ability to take over from the US. Dick Cheney recently approved the actions and assessments of the CIA- a commentary on some CIA failures in the past 2 decades.

--"The greatest insanity is surely to see the world only as it is, and not as it might be."
--Miguel de Cervantes