VOA News: Asia: Despite Official Ban, Facebook Accessible in China

VOA News: Asia Asia Voice of America

Despite Official Ban, Facebook Accessible in China Apr 24th 2012, 06:19 The social networking site Facebook appeared to be accessible to Internet users in several parts of China Tuesday, despite its usually being blocked in the tightly controlled Communist country. VOA's Beijing bureau was able to access Facebook early Tuesday using the prefix "HTTPS" instead of the usual "HTTP," which is a way of accessing websites using a secure connection. Various other Internet users posted comments on another social networking site - Twitter - on Tuesday saying they were also able to visit the site using the same method. However, Facebook did not appear to be accessible everywhere in China, with online users reporting the usual blockage in Chongqing and Ningxia. China boasts the world's largest online population. But the online activity of its estimated 500 million Internet users is tightly monitored and censored with an extensive online filtering system dubbed the "Great Firewall of China." Facebook, along with Twitter and YouTube, are all normally blocked. The government says the policy is aimed at maintaining social stability, and that it will help stop the spread of false rumors and inappropriate material. About half of China's online population uses hugely popular local equivalents, known as weibos, which are more easily censored by government monitors. However, many technically-savvy Internet users are often able to bypass the firewall and access foreign websites using a virtual private network, or VPN, which redirects Internet traffic through an external server and helps keeps browsing history private. Media files: AP_Facebook_480.jpg (image/jpeg, 0 MB) facebook_instagram_main.jpg

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VOA News: Africa: Gambian President says country won’t accept aid money tied to gay rights

VOA News: Africa Africa Voice of America

Gambian President says country won't accept aid money tied to gay rights Apr 24th 2012, 02:13 Gay rights advocates in Africa say Western diplomats who threaten to take away aid money over a government's mistreatment of gays often hurt the cause rather than help it. Bisi Alimi, a Nigerian LGBT advocate based in London, said recent comments made by Gambia President Yahya Jammeh are a good example of this potential harm. On Saturday, Jammeh said he could not be "bribed" with foreign aid to accept gay rights in his country. Western leaders such as U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron have been issuing increasingly stern warnings to countries throughout Africa about the importance of protecting gay rights. Late last year, Mr. Cameron said Britain could make aid conditional upon a country's relaxing its ban on homosexuality. The reality is, Alimi explains, "Gambia needs international aid to provide the smallest services for its people." "Now the president of Gambia is saying, 'We will not be coerced into supporting homosexuality because of international aid.' And that means big backlash on the LGBT people. The moment you are identified as an LGBT person you are seen as a reason for the lack of development." Alimi said statements like Mr. Cameron's allow leaders like Jammeh to blame the gay community for a lack of development. The Nigerian activist added Western leaders should go beyond making threatening statements to the government and improve their support of LGBT activism on the ground. "There's going to be a witch hunt," Alimi said. "These same governments that are saying if you don't support gay rights we will not give you money, are not actually protecting those people. And the achievements that these people have made – in terms of gay right advocacy, gay rights activism – is being put into trouble because of statement of somebody very comfortable in the White House, in Downing Street." Alimi works as a spokesperson for Kaleidoscope Trust and heads his own African Migrant Organization. He said his groups are trying to work with activists in many African countries to promote grassroots activism. The goal is to engage local political leaders and put a face to the reality of LGBT people, rather than coming at the issue through a top-down approach. Earlier this month, 19 men were arrested in Gambia and charged with indecent practices after being "suspected of homosexuality." Media files: AP Gambia President Yayha Jammeh 24Nov11 480.jpg (image/jpeg, 0 MB) AP Gambia President Yayha Jammeh 24Nov11 230.jpg shryock-04-24-2012-DBA-GAMBIA-GAY RIGHTS-SHRYOCK - ALIMI.Mp3 (audio/mpeg)

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VOA News: Africa: Egypt Denies 8 US NGOs Permission to Operate in Country

VOA News: Africa Africa Voice of America

Egypt Denies 8 US NGOs Permission to Operate in Country Apr 24th 2012, 01:31 Egypt has rejected applications by eight American nongovernmental organizations to operate in the country, including an election-monitoring group led by former U.S. president Jimmy Carter. Egyptian state news agency MENA said Monday the country's Social Affairs Ministry denied licenses to the American civil society organizations because their activities violate Egyptian sovereignty. The news agency says the eight blacklisted groups include the Carter Center, Coptic Orphans and Seeds of Peace. The names of the other five organizations could not be confirmed. The Carter Center observes elections around the world to try to ensure they are free and fair. Egypt's ruling military council allowed the group to monitor a phased parliamentary election that ran from last November to February, but it is not clear if such permission will be granted for next month's presidential election. Local and foreign civil society groups have long accused the Egyptian government of being slow to process their permit applications and forcing them to work in legal limbo. Coptic Orphans executive director Nermien Riad criticized Egypt's denial of her group's request for a license by saying she "does not understand" how working with orphaned Egyptian children conflicts with national sovereignty. In an Internet statement, she said Coptic Orphans has not yet received formal notification of the denied license application but will challenge the move in court. Riad also said Coptic Orphans will continue to fulfill its commitment to Egyptian children by sending village volunteers to visit orphaned families, renovate homes and provide tutoring. Egyptian authorities raided the offices of several American pro-democracy groups and other NGOs last year, and filed criminal charges against 16 American activists on suspicion of using illegally obtained funds to undermine Egypt's stability. The crackdown triggered a major diplomatic dispute between the two allies, with Washington threatening to withdraw $1.3 billion in annual military aid to Cairo for imposing a travel ban on the American activists. An Egyptian judge lifted the ban last month, allowing the Americans to leave the country and avoid possible imprisonment. Media files: EGYPT_CARTER_230.jpg (image/jpeg, 0 MB)

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VOA News: Africa: Map Shows Huge Water Source Available Underground in Africa

VOA News: Africa Africa Voice of America

Map Shows Huge Water Source Available Underground in Africa Apr 24th 2012, 01:13 A majority of people in sub-Saharan Africa lack access to reliable, safe water. But a British researcher said her latest research shows part of the solution to this massive human development problem lies right under their feet. Helen Bonsor, a hydrologist for the British Geological Survey, said her research shows that groundwater – underground water sources – is available across the continent in huge quantities: "over 100 times the annual renewable freshwater resource available in Africa, and 20 times that stored in Africa's freshwater lakes." Bonsor led a team from the BGS and the University College London in crafting a comprehensive map of the groundwater sources across Africa, complete with details about exactly how much water can be found. "Previously, groundwater was discussed in terms of high potential, low potential, and no potential. And that was the extent of the information," Bonsor explained. Her team took data from small-scale local studies and compiled them on a continent-wide scale to produce the map. So now, instead of generalities, Bonsor said, "we're talking about, well in this area, with careful exploration and siting of boreholes, you are likely to get a yield of one to five liters per second." Because that quantitative data had been missing, Bonsor said, groundwater had "often been left out of discussions on water scarcity and water security." She hopes her new map will help change that, and prompt governments to focus on developing groundwater sources. "It's a huge resource sitting there," Bonsor said. "This work demonstrates that if it's managed appropriately, and with proper governance and technology to access the water source, and with the proper governance, it could alleviate water poverty." The World Health Organization says a growing number of people lack access to safe, reliable water sources; as the population increases, a larger proportion move to cities, and domestic and industrial demands rise. The WHO says water scarcity poses serious health risks, both from people drinking and irrigating with contaminated water and from people storing water in their homes, which can become breeding grounds for disease-carrying mosquitoes. Bonsor noted that water scarcity also contributes to poverty because it forces people to spend time in search of water that they could have otherwise used to go to school or develop their business. Her research was funded in part by the UK Department for International Development. Media files: voa_look_mali_niger_sahel_refugees_480_eng_10apr12.jpg (image/jpeg, 0.1 MB) voa_look_mali_niger_sahel_refugees_230_eng_10apr12.jpg

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VOA News: Middle East: Egypt Denies 8 US NGOs Permission to Operate in Country

VOA News: Middle East Middle East Voice of America

Egypt Denies 8 US NGOs Permission to Operate in Country Apr 24th 2012, 01:31 Egypt has rejected applications by eight American nongovernmental organizations to operate in the country, including an election-monitoring group led by former U.S. president Jimmy Carter. Egyptian state news agency MENA said Monday the country's Social Affairs Ministry denied licenses to the American civil society organizations because their activities violate Egyptian sovereignty. The news agency says the eight blacklisted groups include the Carter Center, Coptic Orphans and Seeds of Peace. The names of the other five organizations could not be confirmed. The Carter Center observes elections around the world to try to ensure they are free and fair. Egypt's ruling military council allowed the group to monitor a phased parliamentary election that ran from last November to February, but it is not clear if such permission will be granted for next month's presidential election. Local and foreign civil society groups have long accused the Egyptian government of being slow to process their permit applications and forcing them to work in legal limbo. Coptic Orphans executive director Nermien Riad criticized Egypt's denial of her group's request for a license by saying she "does not understand" how working with orphaned Egyptian children conflicts with national sovereignty. In an Internet statement, she said Coptic Orphans has not yet received formal notification of the denied license application but will challenge the move in court. Riad also said Coptic Orphans will continue to fulfill its commitment to Egyptian children by sending village volunteers to visit orphaned families, renovate homes and provide tutoring. Egyptian authorities raided the offices of several American pro-democracy groups and other NGOs last year, and filed criminal charges against 16 American activists on suspicion of using illegally obtained funds to undermine Egypt's stability. The crackdown triggered a major diplomatic dispute between the two allies, with Washington threatening to withdraw $1.3 billion in annual military aid to Cairo for imposing a travel ban on the American activists. An Egyptian judge lifted the ban last month, allowing the Americans to leave the country and avoid possible imprisonment. Media files: EGYPT_CARTER_230.jpg (image/jpeg, 0 MB)

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VOA News: Africa: World Conference Probes Rich-Poor Health Care Gap

VOA News: Africa Africa Voice of America

World Conference Probes Rich-Poor Health Care Gap Apr 23rd 2012, 23:46 In an effort to close the gap in the quality of care between wealthy and poor countries, health professionals from more than 100 nations are meeting in Ethiopia. The exit of doctors and nurses seeking better-paying jobs overseas is hurting progress toward better care in developing countries. The 13th World Congress on Public Health is focused on the opportunities, but also the threats to improving the quality of health care in less developed countries. Ethiopian Public Health Association President Dr. Tewabech Bishaw says this gathering is one step in a long struggle that began before the 1970s  "In the '70s there was the "Health For All" slogan, and everybody was agreed and committed to achieving health for all by the year 2000. Then in 2000 we set Millennium Development Goals with those targets. We cannot just move the goalposts over and over, but be serious about these things and address them honestly in a manner of justice," she said. Tewabech says among the biggest obstacles to closing the quality gap in health care is the same as in many other areas of development.  The best and brightest are being attracted by better salaries and working conditions abroad.  She says wealthy nations should be made to pay poorer countries for the loss of their top professionals who emigrate in search of a better life. "You see a lot of these professionals are moving to developed countries, and those countries in the developing world are losing their finances that they spend through training, and then losing their human resources that would have provided for the population.  There is injustice, unfairness in this.  It is about time these nations sit around the table and look squarely at the problems and issues of services so equitable apportioning of these resources are made," she said. Tewabech says among the most pressing priorities is closing the gap in maternal and child mortality rates, which remain alarmingly high in developing countries despite repeated health campaigns.  She said the origin of the gap can be traced to traditional attitudes in many developing countries that favor boys over girls. "Boys are preferred in a household, the availability of food, early marriage, and the lack of education, because if a family has a boy and a girl, and if because of circumstances they have to choose to send one to school, they will send the boy and not the girl.  So education has a lot to do with the well-being and survival of the children," she said. This is the second time the World Congress on Public Health has been held in Africa in its nearly 40-year history.  The event is jointly funded by several U.N and U.S. government entities, along with a host of private pharmaceutical, insurance and health-care companies. Media files: AP_Surgery_121212_480.jpg (image/jpeg, 0.2 MB) AP_Surgery_121212_230.jpg

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VOA News: USA: Play Ball - Songs About the 'Great American Pastime'

VOA News: USA USA Voice of America

Play Ball - Songs About the 'Great American Pastime' Apr 23rd 2012, 22:52 The 2012 North American baseball season is under way. But, many people may not realize there is a history of music that celebrates the Great American Pastime. It's not uncommon for musicians to play a concert in the outfield of a baseball stadium-but how about scheduling tour dates around baseball? After all, why visit Boston when the Red Sox are out of town, if it's possible to arrange a gig during a home stand? That's what Mandolinist Sam Bush has been known to do. Sam's team is the St. Louis Cardinals, and he's such a fan that he wrote a song about the Cards great Ozzie Smith on his "King of My World" CD. Sam's tribute to the now retired back-flipping shortstop is called "The Wizard of Oz." <!--AV--> Baseball has been celebrated in song almost since the first pitch was tossed.  "The Baseball Polka" was written in the late 1850s. Since then, baseball songwriters have included Irving Berlin and Bruce Springsteen, with Frank Sinatra and Meat Loaf among the singers praising the game. Bob Dylan wrote a baseball song, too. It was about the late pitcher "Catfish" Hunter, not only one of the best pitchers ever, but one of the most important to those enjoying multi-million-dollar playing contracts today. Catfish Hunter was one of baseball's most dominant pitchers during a 15-year career that brought him five World Series rings with the Oakland Athletics and the New York Yankees.  He also strung together five straight 20-victory seasons, pitched a perfect game, and also won a Cy Young Award, given annually to the outstanding pitcher in each of the two major leagues. But Catfish Hunter is also remembered for what Bob Dylan sang about: signing a five-year, $3.75 million contract with the Yankees in 1975, making him the games first multi-millionaire player.  Catfish retired after the 1978 season, and was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1987.  If you ever pay a visit to those hallowed halls, you might see Bob Dylan's autographed album featuring the song "Catfish"" Singer-songwriter Chuck Brodsky is known for including a baseball tune or two on his albums, and even released a collection of just baseball ballads. "Moe Berg: The Song" is the story of a real life Dodgers player in their pre-Los Angeles days, when they called Brooklyn, New York home.  Moe Berg lived a double life: baseball slugger and American spy. The most famous baseball song ever written sprang from a most unlikely source.  When Jack Norworth wrote "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" in 1908, he had never even been to a major league game.  But inspiration struck on a subway train as he stared at an advertisement for a game. And the rest, as they say, is history. A few years ago, Sam Bush had the opportunity to play his version of the classic baseball tune during the seventh inning stretch (a break) at a St. Louis Cardinals game. Bush says he'll never forget standing on top of the dugout and hearing thousands of fans singing the words as he played the tune on his mandolin. Media files: ap_us_baseball_texas_cliff_lee_480_01nov10.jpg (image/jpeg, 0.1 MB) photosdotcom-baseball.jpg Copy_of_MUSIC_PROGRAMS_FEATURE-_Play_Ball_shorter_-_for_web.Mp3 (audio/mpeg)

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VOA News: Arts and Entertainment: Play Ball - Songs About the 'Great American Pastime'

VOA News: Arts and Entertainment Arts and Entertainment Voice of America

Play Ball - Songs About the 'Great American Pastime' Apr 23rd 2012, 22:52 The 2012 North American baseball season is under way. But, many people may not realize there is a history of music that celebrates the Great American Pastime. It's not uncommon for musicians to play a concert in the outfield of a baseball stadium-but how about scheduling tour dates around baseball? After all, why visit Boston when the Red Sox are out of town, if it's possible to arrange a gig during a home stand? That's what Mandolinist Sam Bush has been known to do. Sam's team is the St. Louis Cardinals, and he's such a fan that he wrote a song about the Cards great Ozzie Smith on his "King of My World" CD. Sam's tribute to the now retired back-flipping shortstop is called "The Wizard of Oz." <!--AV--> Baseball has been celebrated in song almost since the first pitch was tossed.  "The Baseball Polka" was written in the late 1850s. Since then, baseball songwriters have included Irving Berlin and Bruce Springsteen, with Frank Sinatra and Meat Loaf among the singers praising the game. Bob Dylan wrote a baseball song, too. It was about the late pitcher "Catfish" Hunter, not only one of the best pitchers ever, but one of the most important to those enjoying multi-million-dollar playing contracts today. Catfish Hunter was one of baseball's most dominant pitchers during a 15-year career that brought him five World Series rings with the Oakland Athletics and the New York Yankees.  He also strung together five straight 20-victory seasons, pitched a perfect game, and also won a Cy Young Award, given annually to the outstanding pitcher in each of the two major leagues. But Catfish Hunter is also remembered for what Bob Dylan sang about: signing a five-year, $3.75 million contract with the Yankees in 1975, making him the games first multi-millionaire player.  Catfish retired after the 1978 season, and was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1987.  If you ever pay a visit to those hallowed halls, you might see Bob Dylan's autographed album featuring the song "Catfish"" Singer-songwriter Chuck Brodsky is known for including a baseball tune or two on his albums, and even released a collection of just baseball ballads. "Moe Berg: The Song" is the story of a real life Dodgers player in their pre-Los Angeles days, when they called Brooklyn, New York home.  Moe Berg lived a double life: baseball slugger and American spy. The most famous baseball song ever written sprang from a most unlikely source.  When Jack Norworth wrote "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" in 1908, he had never even been to a major league game.  But inspiration struck on a subway train as he stared at an advertisement for a game. And the rest, as they say, is history. A few years ago, Sam Bush had the opportunity to play his version of the classic baseball tune during the seventh inning stretch (a break) at a St. Louis Cardinals game. Bush says he'll never forget standing on top of the dugout and hearing thousands of fans singing the words as he played the tune on his mandolin. Media files: ap_us_baseball_texas_cliff_lee_480_01nov10.jpg (image/jpeg, 0.1 MB) photosdotcom-baseball.jpg Copy_of_MUSIC_PROGRAMS_FEATURE-_Play_Ball_shorter_-_for_web.Mp3 (audio/mpeg)

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VOA News: USA: New York Residential Building Tops in Height, Price

VOA News: USA USA Voice of America

New York Residential Building Tops in Height, Price Apr 23rd 2012, 22:40 It's the tallest residential tower in the Western Hemisphere, soaring 264 meters above New York's East River.  Designed by world famous architect Frank Gehry, the new high-rise adds a modern twist to lower Manhattan. America's most famous skyline has a new architectural icon - New York by Gehry.  This gleaming 76-floor residential skyscraper is dramatic.  So is the cost to live there.    A penthouse costs $65,000 a month to rent.   Most units range from $3,000 to $12,000 a month…and there's no shortage of renters, says marketer Clifford Finn. "There never have been a lot of rental buildings that spoke to the high end.  And, most of that product was always condominium.  So there was a pent-up demand from people that were always looking to rent, not purchase, for various reasons," Finn said. The building is named for its famed architect, Frank Gehry - and inspired by 17th century Italian artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini's Ecstasy of Saint Theresa.  The artwork's great folds are reflected in the building's undulating façade. In his new tower, Gehry resurrected the "bay window" seen in many old New York buildings. "But, if there is a bay window, you walk two more feet forward and you are in outer space - so that the window surrounds you, and that experience on the 40th, 50th,60th floor is unique.  There is nothing like it in New York City," he said. On  the top floor they're constructing three penthouses.  From this height you can see the Statue of Liberty, to the new World Trade Center Tower, to the Empire State building and to the city's great bridges.   Finn says Gehry also designed the interiors.   Generous bedrooms, open floor plans and modern kitchens define the units.   There are extraordinary amenities too.  A fitness studio.  A gameroom with pool tables and even virtual golf.  Plus a movie theater and an indoor-outdoor pool.   And it's not only Americans who are inspired to move in. "We've had members of royal families from various countries visit and rent in the building.  We have had international students in the building.  We have had captains of industry, people in finance," Finn said.   The New York Times newspaper calls the shimmering metallic tower "the finest skyscraper to rise in New York in the last 46 years." Media files: AP_New_York_by_Gehry_sq.jpg New_York_Gehry__140595.mp4 (video/mp4)

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VOA News: Economy: Former Iceland PM Guilty of Negligence in 2008 Banking Crisis

VOA News: Economy Economy Voice of America

Former Iceland PM Guilty of Negligence in 2008 Banking Crisis Apr 23rd 2012, 22:30 A court in Iceland has found former prime minister Geir Haarde guilty of negligence in his handling of the bank collapse in 2008, while acquitting him of more serious charges. Haarde is the first world leader to go on trial for his government's handling of the global financial crisis. The court in Reykjavik convicted him of failing to properly brief other government ministers of Iceland's looming banking crisis. But it ruled that he is innocent of other charges, including allegedly doing nothing to shrink the size of the banking system. Haarde will face no prison time and will not have to pay any fines or court costs. But he is still angry that he was put on trial for a financial crisis that he said he could not have stopped. He said it is obvious that the judges found themselves in need of convicting him on at least one charge, to save the necks of lawmakers who demanded a trial. Haarde said he is seriously considering bringing a complaint before the European Court of Human Rights. Three major Icelandic banks collapsed in late 2008, plunging the country into a deep economic recession. Media files: ap_Haarde_Iceland_300_eng_23apr12.jpg (image/jpeg, 0.1 MB)

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VOA News: Europe: Former Iceland PM Guilty of Negligence in 2008 Banking Crisis

VOA News: Europe Europe Voice of America

Former Iceland PM Guilty of Negligence in 2008 Banking Crisis Apr 23rd 2012, 22:30 A court in Iceland has found former prime minister Geir Haarde guilty of negligence in his handling of the bank collapse in 2008, while acquitting him of more serious charges. Haarde is the first world leader to go on trial for his government's handling of the global financial crisis. The court in Reykjavik convicted him of failing to properly brief other government ministers of Iceland's looming banking crisis. But it ruled that he is innocent of other charges, including allegedly doing nothing to shrink the size of the banking system. Haarde will face no prison time and will not have to pay any fines or court costs. But he is still angry that he was put on trial for a financial crisis that he said he could not have stopped. He said it is obvious that the judges found themselves in need of convicting him on at least one charge, to save the necks of lawmakers who demanded a trial. Haarde said he is seriously considering bringing a complaint before the European Court of Human Rights. Three major Icelandic banks collapsed in late 2008, plunging the country into a deep economic recession. Media files: ap_Haarde_Iceland_300_eng_23apr12.jpg (image/jpeg, 0.1 MB)

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VOA News: Asia: Legalize Drugs, Says Former British Spy Chief

VOA News: Asia Asia Voice of America

Legalize Drugs, Says Former British Spy Chief Apr 23rd 2012, 21:20 Warning: Contains Graphic Images of Death <!--AV--> The latest figures from the United Nations show that both the production and consumption of cocaine and other illicit drugs are increasing.  That's despite the so-called "war on drugs" being fought in an increasing number of countries around the world. A new two-year investigation claims the current approach is failing, in both consuming and producing countries. Ciudad Juarez on the U.S.-Mexico border - a frontline in the global war on drugs. Mexican authorities recently intercepted this haul of weapons and ammunition, destined for the drug gangs that make this transit route one of the deadliest in the world. More than 50,000 people have died in drug violence across Mexico since the government sent the army to fight the drug cartels in December 2006. In a new report, the International Institute for Strategic Studies argues the West is losing the war on drugs. Nigel Inkster, a former deputy chief of Britain's intelligence agency MI6, is the author. "Mexico is now experiencing two wars, one between the government and drugs traffickers, and the other between drugs trafficking groups," said Inkster. "Afghanistan is another example where what we've seen is the narcotics trade not causing conflict, because conflict was there long before, but acting as a perpetuator of conflict." NATO and Afghan forces have been battling the production of opium - used to make heroin - at the same time as fighting insurgents.  Commanders say the two are often linked. The U.N. estimates that 123,000 hectares of opium poppies were grown in Afghanistan in 2010 - more than 60 percent of the global supply. Production in Burma soared by 20 percent from 2009 to 2010. "You squeeze production in one region and it simply displaces elsewhere. Same thing is true of supply routes, you crack down on one supply route and alternatives are found," said Inkster. West Africa is now a key transit route for drugs en route from growers to consumers in Europe. The latest U.N. figures show that cocaine use in Europe has doubled over the past decade. Globally, it's estimated the total number of drug users has grown to 210 million. Inkster said drug use cannot be eradicated - so it should be managed instead, like tobacco. "Governments raise considerable revenues from the sales of tobacco, but over the past few years, consumption of tobacco has been nudged away from being something that is socially acceptable towards something that is increasingly not seen as acceptable," said Inkster. Inkster warns that more and more countries are being dragged into the global industry in illicit drugs - with devastating consequences on both sides of the trade. Media files: voa_drug_wars_ridgwell_230_23april2012.jpg Drug_Wars_WEB_VERSION_4x3-fixed-x264-Platform_YTHQFull__141836.mp4 (video/mp4)

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VOA News: USA: Troubles for US Pension System Worsen

VOA News: USA USA Voice of America

Troubles for US Pension System Worsen Apr 23rd 2012, 20:58 Officials supervising U.S. government systems that provide pensions and medical care to the elderly say the programs are in financial trouble, and the situation has become worse over the past year. Tens of millions of elderly or disabled Americans rely on the pension program, called Social Security.  Millions also count on the health insurance program for people over 65, known as Medicare.   A report Monday says the pension program will deplete its reserves by 2033, which is three years sooner than previously thought.  That would mean the system would rely solely on a special tax on salaries for revenue, forcing officials to cut benefits by about one-quarter. The trustees of Social Security and Medicare say the health care program for the elderly faces a shortfall in 2024. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner says Washington must take steps to keep the programs solvent for future generations.   The problem is that an unusually large generation born just after World War Two is reaching retirement age, increasing the number of people eligible for pensions.  Retirees are also living longer than in the past, which also increases pension costs.    The generations that followed the so-called "Baby Boomers" have fewer members, so taxes on them raise less money.   Rising costs and revenue problems mean deficits for the programs.  That gives policymakers the difficult choice of raising taxes, cutting benefits or doing some of both. Some information for this report provided by AP and Reuters. Media files: social_security_300.jpg (image/jpeg, 0.1 MB) social_security_230.jpg

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VOA News: Americas: Legalize Drugs, Says Former British Spy Chief

VOA News: Americas Americas Voice of America

Legalize Drugs, Says Former British Spy Chief Apr 23rd 2012, 21:20 Warning: Contains Graphic Images of Death <!--AV--> The latest figures from the United Nations show that both the production and consumption of cocaine and other illicit drugs are increasing.  That's despite the so-called "war on drugs" being fought in an increasing number of countries around the world. A new two-year investigation claims the current approach is failing, in both consuming and producing countries. Ciudad Juarez on the U.S.-Mexico border - a frontline in the global war on drugs. Mexican authorities recently intercepted this haul of weapons and ammunition, destined for the drug gangs that make this transit route one of the deadliest in the world. More than 50,000 people have died in drug violence across Mexico since the government sent the army to fight the drug cartels in December 2006. In a new report, the International Institute for Strategic Studies argues the West is losing the war on drugs. Nigel Inkster, a former deputy chief of Britain's intelligence agency MI6, is the author. "Mexico is now experiencing two wars, one between the government and drugs traffickers, and the other between drugs trafficking groups," said Inkster. "Afghanistan is another example where what we've seen is the narcotics trade not causing conflict, because conflict was there long before, but acting as a perpetuator of conflict." NATO and Afghan forces have been battling the production of opium - used to make heroin - at the same time as fighting insurgents.  Commanders say the two are often linked. The U.N. estimates that 123,000 hectares of opium poppies were grown in Afghanistan in 2010 - more than 60 percent of the global supply. Production in Burma soared by 20 percent from 2009 to 2010. "You squeeze production in one region and it simply displaces elsewhere. Same thing is true of supply routes, you crack down on one supply route and alternatives are found," said Inkster. West Africa is now a key transit route for drugs en route from growers to consumers in Europe. The latest U.N. figures show that cocaine use in Europe has doubled over the past decade. Globally, it's estimated the total number of drug users has grown to 210 million. Inkster said drug use cannot be eradicated - so it should be managed instead, like tobacco. "Governments raise considerable revenues from the sales of tobacco, but over the past few years, consumption of tobacco has been nudged away from being something that is socially acceptable towards something that is increasingly not seen as acceptable," said Inkster. Inkster warns that more and more countries are being dragged into the global industry in illicit drugs - with devastating consequences on both sides of the trade. Media files: voa_drug_wars_ridgwell_230_23april2012.jpg Drug_Wars_WEB_VERSION_4x3-fixed-x264-Platform_YTHQFull__141836.mp4 (video/mp4)

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VOA News: Economy: Troubles for US Pension System Worsen

VOA News: Economy Economy Voice of America

Troubles for US Pension System Worsen Apr 23rd 2012, 20:58 Officials supervising U.S. government systems that provide pensions and medical care to the elderly say the programs are in financial trouble, and the situation has become worse over the past year. Tens of millions of elderly or disabled Americans rely on the pension program, called Social Security.  Millions also count on the health insurance program for people over 65, known as Medicare.   A report Monday says the pension program will deplete its reserves by 2033, which is three years sooner than previously thought.  That would mean the system would rely solely on a special tax on salaries for revenue, forcing officials to cut benefits by about one-quarter. The trustees of Social Security and Medicare say the health care program for the elderly faces a shortfall in 2024. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner says Washington must take steps to keep the programs solvent for future generations.   The problem is that an unusually large generation born just after World War Two is reaching retirement age, increasing the number of people eligible for pensions.  Retirees are also living longer than in the past, which also increases pension costs.    The generations that followed the so-called "Baby Boomers" have fewer members, so taxes on them raise less money.   Rising costs and revenue problems mean deficits for the programs.  That gives policymakers the difficult choice of raising taxes, cutting benefits or doing some of both. Some information for this report provided by AP and Reuters. Media files: social_security_300.jpg (image/jpeg, 0.1 MB) social_security_230.jpg

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VOA News: Europe: Legalize Drugs, Says Former British Spy Chief

VOA News: Europe Europe Voice of America

Legalize Drugs, Says Former British Spy Chief Apr 23rd 2012, 21:20 Warning: Contains Graphic Images of Death <!--AV--> The latest figures from the United Nations show that both the production and consumption of cocaine and other illicit drugs are increasing.  That's despite the so-called "war on drugs" being fought in an increasing number of countries around the world. A new two-year investigation claims the current approach is failing, in both consuming and producing countries. Ciudad Juarez on the U.S.-Mexico border - a frontline in the global war on drugs. Mexican authorities recently intercepted this haul of weapons and ammunition, destined for the drug gangs that make this transit route one of the deadliest in the world. More than 50,000 people have died in drug violence across Mexico since the government sent the army to fight the drug cartels in December 2006. In a new report, the International Institute for Strategic Studies argues the West is losing the war on drugs. Nigel Inkster, a former deputy chief of Britain's intelligence agency MI6, is the author. "Mexico is now experiencing two wars, one between the government and drugs traffickers, and the other between drugs trafficking groups," said Inkster. "Afghanistan is another example where what we've seen is the narcotics trade not causing conflict, because conflict was there long before, but acting as a perpetuator of conflict." NATO and Afghan forces have been battling the production of opium - used to make heroin - at the same time as fighting insurgents.  Commanders say the two are often linked. The U.N. estimates that 123,000 hectares of opium poppies were grown in Afghanistan in 2010 - more than 60 percent of the global supply. Production in Burma soared by 20 percent from 2009 to 2010. "You squeeze production in one region and it simply displaces elsewhere. Same thing is true of supply routes, you crack down on one supply route and alternatives are found," said Inkster. West Africa is now a key transit route for drugs en route from growers to consumers in Europe. The latest U.N. figures show that cocaine use in Europe has doubled over the past decade. Globally, it's estimated the total number of drug users has grown to 210 million. Inkster said drug use cannot be eradicated - so it should be managed instead, like tobacco. "Governments raise considerable revenues from the sales of tobacco, but over the past few years, consumption of tobacco has been nudged away from being something that is socially acceptable towards something that is increasingly not seen as acceptable," said Inkster. Inkster warns that more and more countries are being dragged into the global industry in illicit drugs - with devastating consequences on both sides of the trade. Media files: voa_drug_wars_ridgwell_230_23april2012.jpg Drug_Wars_WEB_VERSION_4x3-fixed-x264-Platform_YTHQFull__141836.mp4 (video/mp4)

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