PROGRAM NOTES 08/22/08- This weeks show features stories from China Radio International, Radio Netherlands, Radio Havana Cuba, and the Voice of Russia.

From CHINA- 100 days have passed since the massive earthquake in Sichuan province- here's a report on the recovery process. China hopes that Pakistan will maintain stability following the resignation of President Musharraf. Chinese officials condemned the terrorist attacks in Algeria, and offered condolences on the death of the Zambian President. There will be an international conference on climate change and food security next week in Nairobi. Kenya. Chinese officials say that the country will shift energy sources from coal to clean renewable energy, and promote individual conservation.

From NETHERLANDS- The 2008 World Water Week conference is being held in Stockholm Sweden- a review of the meeting where a Dutch Prince stressed the need for water conservation in agriculture.

From CUBA- The number of Mexicans living in extreme poverty has increased by 8 million in the past 2 years due to soaring fuel and food prices. In Venezuela, large demonstrations supported the nationalization of the cement industry. The US and Poland signed an agreement to install US missiles despite threats from Russia.

From RUSSIA- An analysis of the resignation of President Musharraf in Pakistan- how will this affect regional stability and who will control the nuclear weapons? A commentary on the war in South Ossetia and Georgia, questioning western responses and wondering who the biggest hypocrites are.

--"If they can get you asking the wrong questions, they don't have to worry about the answers. "
--Thomas Pynchon