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Thursday

Analysis

Democracy's Tender Roots in Africa

The sudden spring of democracy in the Middle East gets a lot of airtime, but across the African continent, democratic reforms continue, in strides and stumbles. We examine the state of democracy in Africa.

Democracy's Tender Roots in Africa

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The Impact of War

Soldier Says Army Ignored His Mental Health Concerns

U.S. military officials say they've made great strides in improving mental health care and lessening stigma for those seeking help for combat stress. But Army Spc. David Beals and his wife say Beals was sent back to Iraq while still suffering symptoms similar to those of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Soldier Says Army Ignored His Mental Health Concerns

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Morning Edition

Intelligence Report Offers Bleak Assessment

A report by a presidential commission investigating pre-war intelligence in Iraq offers a bleak view of intelligence-gathering and analysis. It includes a similarly grim assessment of efforts in Iran and North Korea and offers recommendations to improve the process.

Intelligence Report Offers Bleak Assessment

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National

Military Probes Prisoner Abuse at Guantanamo

The Pentagon receives the results of another investigation into alleged abuse of prisoners by the U.S. military, this one focusing on harsh interrogations at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. It's the seventh major report on alleged torture techniques since last year's scandal at Iraq's Abu Ghraib prison.

Military Probes Prisoner Abuse at Guantanamo

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Religion

Pope's Health Worsens at Vatican

Pope John Paul II has developed a high fever and is being treated at the Vatican for a urinary tract infection. There are reports in the Italian media that the sacrament known as "last rites" has been administered. Michele Norris talks with John Allen, Vatican correspondent for the National Catholic Reporter.

Pope's Health Worsens at Vatican

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Zimbabwe Elections Begin Amid Fears of Fraud

Voting in Zimbabwe begins amid fears of fraud. President Robert Mugabe's ruling Zanu party is expected to dominate the parliamentary elections. Zimbabwe has sunk into international isolation and a deep economic crisis under the Zanu and Mugabe's leadership.

Zimbabwe Elections Begin Amid Fears of Fraud

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Wednesday

Rumsfeld: Iraqis, Not Americans, Will Defeat Insurgency

The Iraqi people, not U.S.-led forces, will defeat the country's insurgency, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld says. He also says the U.S. military is working to reduce the size of its forces in Iraq. He says in an NPR interview that it has taken six to eight years to put down major insurgencies elsewhere, and the challenge is to get most U.S troops out of Iraq much sooner than that.

Rumsfeld: Iraqis, Not Americans, Will Defeat Insurgency

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Elections Hold Key to Zimbabwe's Future

Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe made his last pitch to voters Wednesday, the eve of the country's parliamentary elections. NPR's Madeleine Brand speaks with Abe McLaughlin of the Christian Science Monitor in Zimbabwe about the impact that the elections might have for the nation's future.

Elections Hold Key to Zimbabwe's Future

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Zimbabwe Prepares to Go to the Polls

On Thursday, Zimbabwe residents vote for a new government. The parliamentary elections come at a time of political and economic crisis in the Southern African nation. Under the rule of President Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe has gone from a celebrated model of African democracy to a pariah state, scorned by the international community for its repression and abuse of human rights. Grant Clark reports.

Zimbabwe Prepares to Go to the Polls

Audio will be available later today.

Indian Ocean Tsunami 2004-05

December Indian Ocean Quake Was Larger Than Thought

Research appearing in the journal Nature says the Indian Ocean earthquake that caused the devastating December tsunami was more intense than first thought, making it the second-largest quake in recorded history.

December Indian Ocean Quake Was Larger Than Thought

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Tuesday

Analysis

Aid Agencies Cope with Second Quake

We talk with the country director for CARE International in Banda Ache about how groups already working on tsunami relief in the area have redirected their efforts to address yesterday's massive earthquake.

Aid Agencies Cope with Second Quake

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Basra Militia Instigates Crackdown at University

A Basra University School of Engineering picnic was violently disrupted two weeks ago by religious militiamen who beat students they considered to be immodest. Robert Siegel talks with Anthony Shadid, who wrote about the incident in Tuesday's Washington Post.

Basra Militia Instigates Crackdown at University

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