PROGRAM NOTES 05/24/13- This weeks show features stories from RADIO DEUTSCHE-WELLE, the VOICE OF RUSSIA, RADIO HAVANA CUBA, SPANISH NATIONAL RADIO, and NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN.

From GERMANY- Sweden has seen anti-police riots for several nights in a row. EU leaders have met to curb rampant tax evasion, while Oxfam pointed out that the money hidden could eliminate global poverty. A group of UK business leaders are calling on the government to remain in the EU. The US acknowledged that 4 US citizens have been killed in overseas drone strikes. The US has appointed a special monitor to combat anti-semitism. Israel and Syria continue to exchange fire, while the main Syrian rebel forces seem to be losing ground.

From RUSSIA- As a US Senate panel chose to arm Syrian rebels, it became apparent that the so-called "war on terror" is never going to end, nor was it ever intended to end.

From CUBA- More on the Senate choosing to arm Syrian rebels. The US continues deadly drone strikes in Yemen. Bolivian workers temporarily suspended their strikes to talk with President Morales. The Bolivian government passed a law allowing Morales to run for a third term. Ecuadorian President Correa insists that Latin America stand united for protection against international corporate manipulation and enslavement.

From SPAIN- The controversial Education Reform Bill has been passed in Spain. Catalonian separatists are considering using France's defense forces instead of Spain's. The constitutional court in Guatemala overturned the historic conviction of General Rios Montt for genocide and crimes against humanity. SNR

From JAPAN- North Korea fired short range missiles into the Sea of Japan for three days in a row. The US military fired a test launch of an ICBM from California to the Marshall Islands. A German politician visiting Japan says that scrapping nuclear power and turning to renewables is a sound economic choice.

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