' PROGRAM NOTES 10/11/13- This weeks show features stories from RADIO DEUTSCHE-WELLE, the VOICE OF RUSSIA, RADIO HAVANA CUBA, SPANISH NATIONAL RADIO, RADIO DEUTSCHE-WELLE, and NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN.

From GERMANY- A German court ruled that government surveillance of a far-left Parliamentarian was unconstitutional. 3 reports on the deadly clashes in Egypt between the military and supporters of former President Morsi- the trial of Morsi will begin on November 4. Former French President Sarkozy was cleared of charges of corruption.

From RUSSIA- The ACLU has been pressing Attorney General Holder to ban placing incarcerated youth in solitary confinement- the US is accused of leading the world in the practice of solitary confinement.

From CUBA- Despite the US government partial shutdown, military contractors are still heading to work. Afghan President Karzai has condemned NATO forces for causing suffering for Afghanis while failing to bring stability. Discussions have resumed between Colombian FARC rebels and government representatives. Ecuador announced plans to take legal action at the International Criminal Court against Britain for denying Julian Assange safe passage to Ecuador. Brazil is angry over revelations that Canada's security agency has been spying on their mineral and mining agencies.

From SPAIN- In Brazil protests continued over teachers pay and government spending on the Olympics and World Cup. Spain's Justice Minister announced that the 1977 amnesty law for crimes during the Franco era would not be repealed despite a UN request. Then press reviews on the Catalonian separation movement and the renewed violence in Egypt. A press review on the offshore gas storage facility thought to have caused 500 earthquakes.

From JAPAN- 6 workers at the Fukushima nuclear plant were contaminated with dangerous levels of radiation from the leaking water. The International Atomic Energy Agency will work with Japan to dispel global fears over the leaking radioactive water at Fukushima. As negotiations to establish the Trans Pacific Partnership continue, Japanese farmers are angry over the removal of protective tariffs.

"Man proposes; nature disposes. We are seldom more vulnerable than when we feel insulated."
-- George Monbiot