PROGRAM NOTES 02/24/23-
Click Here To Listen (33MB)

This weeks show features stories from NHK JAPAN, FRANCE 24, and RADIO HAVANA CUBA.

From JAPAN- Top officials from Japan and China met to discuss security issues, with both sides making accusations of spying and military build ups. The top Chinese diplomat met in Russia with a close aide of Putin, with the goal of reaffirming the strength of their ties. Putin held talks with China's top diplomat, agreeing that their partnership is not directed against another country. Putin then gave a State of the Nation speech, blaming the West for the war in Ukraine and suspending the START arms treaty.

From FRANCE- An analysis and discussion about the dueling speeches delivered by Joe Biden and Putin on the anniversary of the start of the war on Ukraine. Then, from a weekly program called Perspective, an interview with political scientist Edouard Morena on how the ultra-wealthy have reshaped the global discussion on climate change.

From CUBA- Brazilian President Lula da Silva visited and offered aid to areas hit by intense rains causing floods and landslides- it rained 24 inches in under 8 hours. Mexican President Obrador signed a decree declaring that lithium is the property of the nation and its exploitation controlled by the government. In Peru, clashes between government forces and citizens demanding the resignation of the appointed President, the closure of Congress, and new elections. Lebanon condemned the latest Israeli bombing in Syria which damaged residences and killed civilians in Damascus.

"I say openly that I am an anti-war person, with the point being, show me some reason not to be against this war. You have to be sort of asleep at the switch not to be critical of it. And the parallel between one quagmire we went through in Vietnam and the one we're in now is clear for everybody to see."
--Setmour Hersh