PROGRAM NOTES 12/05/14- This weeks show features stories from RADIO DEUTSCHE-WELLE, RADIO SPUTNIK, NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN, and RADIO HAVANA CUBA.

From GERMANY- 3 short reports about the Ebola crisis with opinions from the WHO, Doctors without Borders, and one of the scientists who first identified the virus. In Switzerland a referendum to create a cap on immigration was soundly defeated. Israeli PM Netanyahu has called elections 2 years ahead of schedule, saying that he would not tolerate any opposition in his government. At a NATO conference in Brussels more support for the Ukraine military was granted and a new fast reaction force was created with Russia in mind.

From RUSSIA- An Egyptian court sentenced 185 citizens to death for an attack on a police station. Egypt will make it illegal to "insult" the coup that placed General Sisi in power. Russia will build a new pipeline across the Black Sea to Turkey and abandon the plans for the south stream pipeline. The ruble is plummeting in exchange rates with the US dollar because of oil prices. Russia says that the election in Moldova was corrupt. Then an interview with an American professor Kim Cobb on the UN conference on Climate Change going on in Lima Peru.

From JAPAN- More details on the report that this year saw the highest global temperature in recorded history, underscoring the urgency of discussions on measures to fight global warming. Ukraine has formed a new pro-Western cabinet, including 3 non-Ukrainians granted citizenship by Presidential decree. The Occupy protests in Hong Kong became quite violent over the weekend, with many protestors injured- public support is said to be declining and founders of the movement are seeking new approaches. China warned Britain's lawmakers to stay out of the Hong Kong conflict. Marine Le Pen was reelected as leader of the right wing National Front Party- many observers see her as the leading candidate in the next Presidential election.

From CUBA- French lawmakers voted overwhelmingly in favor of recognizing Palestine as an independent state. The UN general assembly has adopted an Arab backed resolution urging Israel to join the Non-Proliferation Treaty- the US and Canada opposed the resolution that would have Israeli nuclear facilities subject to inspection by the International Atomic Energy Agency. Demonstrations in Mexico over the 43 missing students continued across the country, with demands for an end to government repression of protests. The founder of Argentinian human rights group Grandmothers of Plaza de Mayo met with the parents of the missing 43 students in Mexico City. The Syrian government and several foreign-backed opposition groups have agreed to resume peace talks mediated by Russia.

"A thriving democracy is dependent upon a well-educated electorate, When you combine the death of journalism in this country with the re-emergence of the bible-thumping mouth-breathers of the South, we are a long way from realizing a thriving democracy."
-- CJ Werleman- "Crucifying America: The Unholy Alliance Between The Christian Right and Wall Street"