PROGRAM NOTES 03/15/13- This weeks show features stories from SPANISH NATIONAL RADIO, RADIO DEUTSCHE-WELLE, RADIO HAVANA CUBA, THE VOICE OF RUSSIA, and SPANISH NATIONAL RADIO.

From SPAIN- The Spanish Parliament is holding debates on mortgages and foreclosures. Those who could vote on the referendum on the Falkland Islands overwhelmingly voted to remain a British territory. A former Agentine President was sentenced to life in prison for crimes against humanity. 2 US soldiers were killed in an insider attack in Afghanistan, while President Karzai accused the US of colluding with the Taliban to prolong the US military presence there.

From GERMANY- Further details on Afghan President Karzai's accusation of US/Taliban collusion. British PM Cameron said he would give Syrian rebels weapons if it would end the 2 year old conflict, despite EU rejection of the idea. Russia warned that supplying weapons would violate international law. Israeli President Perez urged the Arab League to intervene in Syria.

From CUBA- Acting Venezuelan President Maduro urged citizens not to give up on Hugo Chavez's revolution- he then went on to warn the people against the right-wing calls for violence. The CIA is reportedly increasing operations in Iraq as US forces leave.

From RUSSIA- Iran and Pakistan have pushed ahead with a natural gas pipeline despite US warnings that it violates sanctions against Iran. As the US so-called "Sequester" begins cutting funds, will the US military be able to maintain world dominance?

From JAPAN- Japan observed the second year anniversary of the Fukushima disaster- 315,000 people are still living in temporary housing. Anti-nuclear protestors rallied in South Belgium because of cracks found in a nuclear reactor- all Belgium nukes will be scrapped by 2025. The number of welfare recipients in Japan has reached a new record level. Japanese farmers and fishers held a rally in opposition to Japan joining the Trans Pacific Partnership for free trade. The US government has been performing checks on its nuclear weapons stockpiles- some worry that this may encourage the development of new nuclear weapons.

"It is not enough to understand the natural world. The point is to defend and preserve it."
--Edward Abbey