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Asia-Pacific

A Look at the Country and Culture of Pakistan
After learning about the customs and culture of Pakistan students compare Pakistani and American life.

India & Pakistan at 60
Students will receive an overview of events leading to independence, and analyze the state of the issues facing the subcontinent today.

Afghanistan - People, Places and Politics
Students learn about the central Asian country especially as it relates to U.S. policy there in the five years since American troops invaded to oust the Taliban.

Bird Flu: The Next Pandemic?
Students participate in a class simulation to learn how viruses spread, discuss what they know about bird flu and check the accuracy of their facts. Finally, students examine the process used for developing disease fighting vaccines.

China's Economy
Students identify basic economic facts and indicators for the U.S. and China in order to compare and contrast these two large economies.

The Science of Tsunamis
After learning the fundamentals of the physics of waves propagated through water, students will seek to understand the nature and causes of tsunamis.

North Korea
Students study the creation of the divide between North and South Korea, the ideological differences between them, and the international tension that has resulted over North Korea's possession of nuclear weapons.

Terrorism Attacks
A series of educator resources for use following the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001.

Africa

A Country Recovering From Crisis -- Kenya
Students will examine life in Kenya and how it differs from the United States.

Are Nigeria's Elections 'Free and Fair?'
Students will brainstorm the qualities of a "free and fair" election, compare them to the U.S. Department of State criteria and apply those qualities to the upcoming election in Nigeria.

Analyzing Sharia Law
Students examine Sharia in the context of cultural and religious beliefs in Muslim societies and worldwide.

Looking at U.S. Policy in Somalia
After learning about the country students participate in a mock policy meeting to determine the most effective plan for restoring peace and stability to Somalia.

Analyzing Conflict Diamonds
Students examine how diamonds are portrayed in American culture and role play potential solutions for the illicit diamond trade that fuels global conflicts.

Life in the Sahara
Study the climate, people and geography of the Sahara region and the effects of desertification on countries like Niger, where more than 1 million people are facing drought and starvation.

Crisis in Sudan: Responding to Medical Emergencies
This lesson addresses the medical nature of the humanitarian crisis in the Darfur region of Sudan and aids students in better understanding the nature of the diseases of major concern to humanitarian aid personnel working in the region.

Sudan: Efforts to Avert Genocide in the Making
Students learn about events in the country of Sudan and efforts to prevent another genocide.

Child Soldiers
Students examine both the causes and consequences of the extensive use of children in combat throughout the world.

Europe

Pope John Paul II's Complicated Legacy
Students closely examine the legacy of Pope John Paul II as well as that of other historical figures and draw conclusions about how prominent individuals are judged over time.

Latin America

The Rights of Detainees at Guantanamo Bay
Students study the history and controversy surrounding the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and consider the legal status and rights of those being detained there.

The Haitian Political Crisis
Students learn about the political history of Haiti, the removal of Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide and then analyze U.S. involvement in countries such as Haiti, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Middle East

The World Is Watching: Iran 2009
Students examine several examples of citizen journalism and evaluate its value to furthering the goals of a free press.

The Possibility for Democracy in Iran
Students review Iran’s political history particularly as it relates to the United States and attempt to understand Iran’s internal political structure and operation.

Analyzing the U.S. Policy in Iraq
Students analyze and compare President Bush's new plan for Iraq with options suggested by the Baker-Hamilton Commission and others.

The Palestinian Conflict Between Fatah and Hamas
Students examine and analyze the growing conflict between the two major Palestinian political parties, Fatah and Hamas.

Analyzing Sharia Law
Students examine Sharia in the context of cultural and religious beliefs in Muslim societies and worldwide.

International Role Play on Iran's Nuclear Program
Students role play as the various stakeholders in the debate over whether Iran should obtain nuclear capabilities.

Democracy in the Middle East
Students examine recent Middle East events showcasing citizens practicing democracy, analyze the extent of democracy in these areas, and analyze diverse views of the prospects for democracy in the region.

Syria's Role in the Middle East
Students gain an understanding of the role of Syria in 20th Century Middle Eastern politics and review brief histories of Syria's relations with its neighbors and the United States.

Hopes for Peace in Israel and Palestine
This lesson will engage students in reading reflective essays from youth living in areas of political conflict.

The Iraq War Begins: Daily Lesson Plans
A series of teaching resources designed to help students make sense of the barrage of complicated and troubling stories that arose during the first weeks of the Iraq War.

One Year Anniversary of Sept. 11
This lesson plan serves as a basis for discussion and reflection on the one year anniversary of September 11, 2001.

Defining Terrorism
Students use case studies to investigate the difference between revolutionaries and terrorists. In the second, they role-play four policy options and then write their views.

Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Students will determine the common elements of disputes and the challenges in resolving them, identify the key factors in the Middle East crisis, analyze a past peace plan for resolving Arab/Israeli crisis and design a peace plan to resolve the Mideast conflict.

North America (non-U.S.)

The Rights of Detainees at Guantanamo Bay
Students study the history and controversy surrounding the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and consider the legal status and rights of those being detained there.

The Haitian Political Crisis
Students learn about the political history of Haiti, the removal of Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide and then analyze U.S. involvement in countries such as Haiti, Iraq and Afghanistan.

United Nations

The United Nations and Reform
Students study the history and mission of the U.N., understand the major accomplishments of the U.N. over the past 60 years, examine criticisms of the organization and calls for reform.

International Role Play on Iran's Nuclear Program
Students role play as the various stakeholders in the debate over whether Iran should obtain nuclear capabilities.

Controlling Nuclear Weapons
Students research nuclear weapons and the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, then utilize timelines and maps to learn about the nuclear arms race and the development of nuclear weapons by various countries.

History of the International Criminal Court
Students analyze and come to understand the history behind the formation of the International Criminal Court; the recent controversy facing the Court; and current crises that warrant the Court's attention.

Global Trade
Students will understand the key points of the debate on free trade and U.S. trade policy, compare and contrast attitudes, and formulate their own opinions on the topic.

PBS Lesson Plans
News for Students
Asia-Pacific

Afghanistan at Dangerous New Crossroads
Almost eight years after American and NATO forces invaded Afghanistan in response to the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, a new report from the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, Gen. Stanley McChrystal, stated that the situation is deteriorating. 09.02.09

Former President Brokers Release of American Journalists From North Korea
Most Americans were surprised to find out that former President Bill Clinton traveled to the secretive and antagonistic nation of North Korea to facilitate the release of two American journalists sentenced to 12 years hard labor for entering North Korea illegally. 08.05.09

North Korea's Military Posturing May Signal Leadership Shift
The secretive leader of North Korea Kim Jong Il, who recently set off international alarm bells by testing missiles and a nuclear device, has signaled that his 26-year-old son will assume the ruling family dynasty. 06.02.09

Pro-Democracy Icon Suu Kyi Detained After Surprise Visit
Aung San Suu Kyi, a key leader in Myanmar's pro-democracy movement, has been charged with violating the terms of her 13-year house arrest by the government’s repressive military regime after an American man swam across a lake to reach her compound, just weeks before her sentence was supposed to expire. 05.22.09

Pakistan Asks For Money to Battle Taliban
Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari was in Washington last week to ask for help fighting the Taliban, the same group that supported the Sept. 11 al-Qaida terrorists and now threatens the stability of Pakistan, one of the world's few nuclear powers. 05.12.09

Decades After Cambodian Genocide, Khmer Rouge Leaders Face Trial
The first of five Khmer Rouge leaders will appear before a tribunal next week for committing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Cambodia from 1975 to 1979. 03.27.09

Pakistan's Swat Valley Becoming Terrorism Battle Frontline
The dramatic mountains and beautiful landscape of the Swat Valley in northwest Pakistan used to host tourists at swank ski chalets, but is now believed to shelter Al-Qaeda and Taliban militants accused of planning attacks on U.S. troops across the border in Afghanistan. 03.03.09

In New Role as Chief Diplomat, Secretary of State Clinton Tours Asia
Promising to usher in a new era of American diplomacy, Hillary Clinton is touring Asia on her first trip abroad as secretary of state, amid growing concerns over North Korea’s nuclear program and Japan's sinking economy. 02.20.09

Residents of India Blame Pakistan and Their Own Leaders for Attack
Residents of Mumbai, India, where a three-day terrorist siege killed over 170 people last week, are blaming neighboring Pakistan, but also their own government for a lack of leadership and security.
12.01.08

Governments Reassess School Building Safety Following China Quake
The horrifying earthquake that killed more than 10,000 students in China has forced governments around the world to examine the construction of their own schools and scramble to repair structures in hopes of preventing similar tragedies.
09.19.08

Olympics Host China Under Fire for Human Rights Abuses
As China prepares to open the highly anticipated 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing on August 8, human rights experts are claiming the country has not kept its promise to curb human rights abuses
. 08.05.08

Aid Agencies Scramble to Prevent Humanitarian Crisis in Myanmar
The first shipment of U.S. aid landed in Myanmar (formerly called Burma) 10 days after a cyclone killed up to 100,000 people and impacted 2 million others in the isolated South Asian nation
. 05.12.08

Afghanistan Remains Unstable, 6 Years After U.S.-led Invasion
More than six years after the start of the war in Afghanistan, U.S. military deaths in the country are nearing the 500 mark and violent attacks by militants are threatening the fragile government
. 05.07.08

High Food Prices Cause Concern Worldwide
A combination of factors has caused food prices around the world to soar, making it difficult for poor people across the planet to feed their families. 04.21.08

China Restricts Bad Habits and Free Speech Ahead of Olympics
The Chinese have been anxiously awaiting the 2008 Olympics since 2001, but concerns over human rights issues, press freedoms and pollution are threatening to put a dark cloud over the global event. 04.16.08

China Cracks Down on Violent Protests in Tibet
Chinese paramilitary police have clamped down on anti-Chinese protesters in Tibet, the Himalayan region with a history of struggling against Chinese rule. 03.24.08

2008 Olympic Games in China Draw Criticism Over Darfur
Celebrities and advocates are using the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing as an opportunity to force the Chinese government to confront its allies in Sudan about the violence in war-torn Darfur. 02.27.08

President Musharraf's Party Defeated in Pakistan Elections
Early results from Pakistan's first parliamentary election in six years showed opposition parties solidly defeating the partyled by President Pervez Musharraf. 02.19.08

Pakistan Faces Turmoil After Assassination
After the death of Benazir Bhutto, Pakistan's parliamentary elections are delayed and her 19-year-old son has risen to the top of her party. 01.07.08

Pressure Mounts for U.S. to Join Kyoto Treaty
Policymakers, scientists and activists are on the island of Bali, Indonesia to negotiate a new U.N. global climate change treaty. 12.03.07

Pakistani President Leaves Military Post
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf stepped down as commander of the military in an attempt to restore confidence and democracy. 11.28.07

Pakistan's President Promises Elections
Clashes between protesters and police renewed pressure on President Pervez Musharraf to hold democratic elections in Pakistan. 11.12.07

Dalai Lama Award Angers China
In a move that has upset China, the United States awarded the Dalai Lama, Tibet's exiled spiritual leader, the Congressional Gold Medal. 10.17.07

Military, Monks Face Off in Myanmar
Security forces in Myanmar (also called Burma) opened fire on thousands of Buddhist monks and civilians protesting the military regime. 09.26.07

Race to Secure Arctic Riches Heats Up
Countries are racing to claim areas of the Arctic seabed, which could become more accessible as global warming melts the polar ice. 09.10.07

Chinese Toy Recall Impacts U.S. Businesses
Following a massive recall by Mattel, toymakers and other manufacturers are reexamining how they do business with China. 08.22.07

Drug Trade Fuels Terrorism in Afghanistan
Once seen as only one of the problems facing Afghanistan, its thriving poppy crop is now thought to be linked to support of the Taliban. 05.23.07

Voice of America: At a Global Crossroads
Voice of America may soon scrap its broadcasts in English altogether and focus on news programming in Arabic, Farsi and Korean. 03.05.07

North Korea Agrees to Halt Nuclear Program
The secretive communist nation of North Korea has agreed to freeze its nuclear program in return for aid, ending a long diplomatic stalemate. 02.14.07

Africa

U.S. Shifts Sudan Policy Towards Engagement
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced a new strategy for Sudan this week, forgoing the president's campaign promise of isolating the country's leadership and committing to greater engagement with the Sudanese government to end genocide and war in Darfur.
10.21.09

Civil War in Congo Tied to Natural Resources and Ethnic Rivalries
In the Central African nation of Democratic Republic of Congo, a conflict largely financed by mining the metals that make video games and cell phones has driven hundreds of thousands from their homes and spread death and destruction in what the United Nations is calling one of the most dangerous crises on Earth.
11.11.08

In Turbulent Time, South Africa Picks Interim President
South African President Thabo Mbeki resigned this month after nine years in power, forcing Parliament to elect a temporary president and throwing one of the most stable and successful countries in Africa into political turmoil.
09.29.08

New Brand of High-seas Pirates Lurks Off Somali Coast
Old-fashioned high-seas swashbuckling has made an alarming 21st century resurgence in parts of the world, and for mariners, the threat of pirates is real. 09.09.08

High Food Prices Cause Concern Worldwide
A combination of factors has caused food prices around the world to soar, making it difficult for poor people across the planet to feed their families. 04.21.08

Zimbabwe Anxiously Awaits Election Results
People in the African nation of Zimbabwe are awaiting election results between a charismatic opposition leader and President Robert Mugabe, who has ruled the nation with a heavy hand since 1980. 04.07.08

Violence Reignites in Darfur
People in Darfur, the western region of Sudan in Africa, remain the target of Arab militia attacks and Sudanese military strikes as the government tries to eliminate a rebel movement. 03.31.08

Bush Visits African Nations on Health Tour
President Bush visited Africa this week to highlight U.S. relief efforts and urge Congress to reauthorize and increase funding for his AIDS initiative. 02.21.08

Kenya Erupts in Ethnic Violence Following Election

What began as a political dispute in Kenya has set off deadly clashes between tribal groups over issues of land and power that date back to British colonial rule. 02.04.08

President Pressures Sudan with Sanctions
Demanding that Sudan stop the genocide in the troubled Darfur region, President Bush rolled out new sanctions against the African country. 05.31.07

Corruption Charges Taint Nigeria's Elections
International monitors and opposition candidates condemned questionable voting practices during Nigeria's presidential election Saturday. 04.23.07

Bombings Renew Fear of War in Algeria
Three recent suicide bombings have security experts worried that Islamic terrorism is returning to a nation still recovering from civil war. 04.16.07

United States Goes After Al-Qaida in Somalia
The United States sent warplanes to Somalia to kill al-Qaida terrorists suspected of planning the 1998 African embassy attacks. 01.10.07

Europe

The Berlin Wall 20 Years After the Fall
November 9, 2009 marks the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, an event that precipitated the collapse of the communist-run Soviet Union and signaled the end of a division that had separated Europe for decades. 11.06.09

Bosnian Serb Wartime President Boycotts Own Genocide Trial
Scores of mothers whose children were killed during the Bosnian War between 1992 and 1995 traveled hundreds of miles to the war crimes trial of Bosnian Serb wartime leader Radovan Karadzic, who has tried to delay the proceedings. 10.27.09

Obama Visits Russia Hoping to "Reset" Tense Relations
President Barack Obama visited Moscow this week for a two-day summit with Russian leaders that focused on resetting sometimes tense U.S.-Russia relations and renewing cooperation on issues such as nuclear proliferation and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. 07.08.09

Georgia Violence Highlights Tensions in Caucasus
Tension between Georgia and Russia exploded into violence when Georgia sought control over the breakaway South Ossetia province, but Russian tanks moved in to defend the pro-Russian enclave. 08.12.08

War Criminal Karadzic Caught After Long Chase
Former Bosnian Serb wartime president Radovan Karadzic, one of the world's most-wanted men for his role in atrocities committed during the 1992-95 Bosnian War, was arrested after a decade in hiding. .07.29.08

Kosovo Declares Independence
The Serbian province of Kosovo declared its independence Sunday, becoming the world's newest nation. 02.20.08

Kosovo on the Cusp of Independence

The Serbian province of Kosovo is expected to declare its independence, while Serbia and Russia push to keep the area under Serbian control. 01.23.08

Russian President's Power Grab Questioned
European election officials said Russia's parliamentary vote was neither free nor fair and blamed Russian President Vladimir Putin. 12.05.07

Genocide Resolution Outrages Turkey
The U.S. House of Representatives is considering a resolution that labels the 1915 mass killings of Armenians by Ottoman Turks as a genocide. 10.15.07

Sputnik Launches 50 Years of Space Race
When the Soviet Union launched a basketball-sized satellite into space October 4, 1957, it shocked the world and set off a space race. 10.03.07

Race to Secure Arctic Riches Heats Up
Countries are racing to claim areas of the Arctic seabed, which could become more accessible as global warming melts the polar ice. 09.10.07

Doping Scandal Tests Cycling's Mettle
Performance-enhancing drug scandals at this year's Tour de France bike race raise questions about cycling's integrity and the sport's future. 08.01.07

Brown Takes Over as British Prime Minister
Tony Blair handed over Britain's premiership Wednesday to his former economic minister Gordon Brown in an election-less transition. 06.27.07

World Leaders Clash over Climate Change
Amid growing international pressure, leaders of the major industrial nations will debate climate change proposals in Germany. 06.06.07

Sarkozy Wins French Presidential Election
Record numbers of voters turned out for France's presidential runoff Sunday, electing conservative candidate Nicolas Sarkozy. 05.07.07

Genocide Charge Dropped Against Serbia
The International Court of Justice cleared the Serbian government of charges of genocide for the 1995 slaughter of 8,000 Bosnian Muslims. 02.28.07

Latin America

Military Removes President of Honduras in Central America
Three months after armed military officials roused Honduran President Manuel Zelaya in the middle of the night and sent him on a plane out of the country in his pajamas, he is back in Honduras, hiding out in the Brazilian Embassy and demanding to be reinstated. 09.29.09

Swine Flu Sweeps Across Globe, Raising Fears of Flu Pandemic
A new strain of the swine flu, a disease in pigs that sometimes infects humans, has killed more than 150 people in Mexico and has spread to Europe, Asia and the United States. 04.28.09

Obama Heads to Summit of the Americas to Shore Up the Neighborhood
President Barack Obama is heading to the island nation of Trinidad and Tobago for the fifth Summit of the Americas to meet face-to-face with his counterparts from Latin America and discuss trade, security, poverty reduction, environmental sustainability and democracy, but the global financial crisis is expected to consume much of the leaders’ time. 04.17.09

Daring Hostage Rescue in Colombia
The Colombian army rescued 15 hostages, including three Americans, in a daring military operation that many say signals the decline of the rebel group known as FARC. . 07.08.08

High Food Prices Cause Concern Worldwide
A combination of factors has caused food prices around the world to soar, making it difficult for poor people across the planet to feed their families. 04.21.08

Yale Returns Incan Artifacts to Peru
Yale University agreed to return a massive collection of artifacts taken from Peru's Machu Picchu ruins nearly 100 years ago. 11.14.07

President Bush Visits Latin America
President Bush spent six days in Latin America trying to strengthen U.S. economic ties and address social issues affecting the region. 03.14.07

New Passport Rules Take Effect
All U.S.-bound air travelers, even those coming from Canada or Mexico, are now required to carry a passport as part of new security measures. 01.22.07

 

Middle East

Contested Iranian Presidential Election Erupts in Protest
Hundreds of thousands of students and moderates defied a protest ban and rallied in the capital Tehran after the government announced president election results declaring victory for Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad over pro-reform leader Mir Hossein Mousavi. 06.16.09

Obama's Cairo Speech Calls For 'New Beginning' With Muslim World
President Obama visited Egypt and Saudi Arabia this week in an effort to reset relations with the Arab and Muslim worlds, and encourage young people in the region to move beyond the recent history of violence and anti-Americanism. 06.04.09

Iran Launches Satellite, Escalating Tensions With U.S.
Iran launched a satellite for the first time this week, raising tensions with the United States just as President Barack Obama signaled he might be open to improving relations with the Islamic republic. 02.06.09

Israel Strikes Hamas Targets in Gaza

Israel bombed Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip in its deadliest assault on the Palestinian territory in decades, in response to repeated rocket fire by Hamas militants on southern Israeli towns.
12.30.08

Iraqis, U.S. Military Negotiate Future of American Troop Presence
Heated debates in the Iraqi cabinet have stalled negotiations over a deal allowing 150,000 U.S. troops to stay in the country after a United Nations mandate expires December 31.
10.28.08

Israel-Syria Engage in New Peace Negotiations
Israel and Syria, countries at the center of many of the current disputes in the Middle East, have been engaged in top secret negotiations over conditions for a possible peace deal. 05.27.08

High Food Prices Cause Concern Worldwide
A combination of factors has caused food prices around the world to soar, making it difficult for poor people across the planet to feed their families. 04.21.08

Five Years In, Iraq War Pushes On
Five years into the war in Iraq, the United States is still working to secure the country and create conditions for a lasting peace between religious factions. 03.19.08

President Bush Tours Middle East to Build Support

President Bush visited six Middle East countries in eight days to discuss peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians and unified pressure on Iran. 01.16.08

Contractors Criticized for Violence in Iraq
The American security firm Blackwater is under scrutiny after its contractors shot and killed 17 Iraqis. 10.10.07

Iranian President Booed in New York
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's visit to New York City attracted protests and sparked debate over Iran's role in the Middle East. 10.01.07

Iraq War Central Issue in 2008 Primary
Although the 2008 presidential primaries are still months away, candidates are scrambling to define their positions on the war in Iraq. 09.05.07

Iraqi Insurgents Spread Message Via Internet
Insurgent groups in Iraq are using the Internet to spread propaganda, share information about enemies and influence media around the world. 07.16.07

Thousands on the Move in War-torn Iraq
As the war in Iraq enters its fifth year, continued violence has forced hundreds of thousands of Iraqis to flee their homes and neighborhoods. 03.26.07

Voice of America: At a Global Crossroads
Voice of America may soon scrap its broadcasts in English altogether and focus on news programming in Arabic, Farsi and Korean. 03.05.07

Rival Palestinian Groups Opt for Unity
Palestinian political groups, Hamas and Fatah, agreed to end infighting and create a coalition government for the first time. 02.12.07

Militants Target Electricity But Spare Phones
Iraqi insurgents intent on disrupting society target water and electricity plants, but spare cell phone towers, which they need to coordinate attacks. 01.29.07

President Bush Sends More Troops to Iraq
President Bush's plan to deploy 21,000 more U.S. troops to Iraq received harsh criticism from many Democrats and some Republicans. 01.16.07

Iraqi Former President Saddam Hussein Executed
Iraq's former president, Saddam Hussein, was executed by hanging for war crimes. 01.02.07

North America (non-U.S.)

North American Neighbors Meet to Discuss Cross-Border Issues
At a time of strained regional relations over trade and border security, President Barack Obama met with the leaders of neighboring Mexico and Canada for a two-day summit to discuss cooperation on issues such as organized crime and trade. 08.11.09

Obama Heads to Summit of the Americas to Shore Up the Neighborhood
President Barack Obama is heading to the island nation of Trinidad and Tobago for the fifth Summit of the Americas to meet face-to-face with his counterparts from Latin America and discuss trade, security, poverty reduction, environmental sustainability and democracy, but the global financial crisis is expected to consume much of the leaders’ time. 04.17.09

Drug Violence Wreaks Havoc in Mexico
More than 1,000 people have been killed in Mexico over the past two months as drug cartels resist a government crackdown on their traffic of illegal narcotics, prompting some U.S. officials to warn that America's southern neighbor could become a surprise foreign policy challenge for President Obama. 03.06.09

High Food Prices Cause Concern Worldwide
A combination of factors has caused food prices around the world to soar, making it difficult for poor people across the planet to feed their families. 04.21.08

Race to Secure Arctic Riches Heats Up
Countries are racing to claim areas of the Arctic seabed, which could become more accessible as global warming melts the polar ice. 09.10.07

New Passport Rules Take Effect
All U.S.-bound air travelers, even those coming from Canada or Mexico, are now required to carry a passport as part of new security measures. 01.22.07

United Nations

G20 Summit in London Aims to Prevent Deeper Global Recession
President Barack Obama took his first overseas trip this week to talk to world leaders about how to fix the global economy, and keep it from sliding into a crisis rivaling the Great Depression. 04.06.09

Decades After Cambodian Genocide, Khmer Rouge Leaders Face Trial
The first of five Khmer Rouge leaders will appear before a tribunal next week for committing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Cambodia from 1975 to 1979. 03.27.09

Water Fights Present Dangerous Challenges in Coming Decades
By the year 2030, about half the world's population -- 3.9 billion people -- could be living in water-stressed areas where health and sanitation are at risk, according to a new report. 03.20.09

Race to Secure Arctic Riches Heats Up
Countries are racing to claim areas of the Arctic seabed, which could become more accessible as global warming melts the polar ice. 09.10.07

Genocide Charge Dropped Against Serbia
The International Court of Justice cleared the Serbian government of charges of genocide for the 1995 slaughter of 8,000 Bosnian Muslims. 02.28.07

Global Warming Report Blames Humans
The world's top climate scientists said last week that human activity, such as the burning of fossil fuels, has caused the Earth's temperature to rise. 02.05.07

United Nations Gets New Leadership
The new U.N. secretary-general, South Korea's Ban Ki-moon, could bring new energy to efforts to end the Middle East and Sudan crises. 01.04.07

Student Voices

Bosnian Youth Still Feel the Effects of the Ethnic Conflict That Ravaged their Country
High school and university students in Sarajevo discuss their recollections of the war, the progress of the Bosnia since the fighting and their aspirations for the country's future. Online NewsHour correspondent Meaghan Wilson reports from Sarajevo, Bosnia.

Wilma from Bolivia Attends Boarding School in Tents After Floods Ruined Her School Building
Wilma
Wilma Menchaca Sanchez, age 16, attends boarding school in a village in the San Julian district of Santa Cruz, Bolivia. In this slideshow, photos show how she and her classmates live and attend school in tents after her school building was flooded.

How High Food Prices Impact Everyone in Southern Sudan
Peter
Peter, a student a Juba Day School in Juba, Southern Sudan, reports on the high food prices that are affecting everyone in his community. Peter is one of the participants in a week-long radio production workshop for 10 young people from Juba conducted by UNICEF Radio.

Kekenus Talks About Her Family's Struggle for Uighur Rights
Kekenus
Uighurs are a Turkic-speaking Muslim ethnic group living in East Turkestan, or what China calls Xinjiang. The Chinese government has ruled the region with a tight hand and many Uighurs are fighting for autonomy. Kekenus, 19, was born in the region's capital, Urumqi, and moved to the U.S. at the age of eight. Her mother is Rebiya Kadeer, a prominent Uighur democracy leader.

Nikta Supports Iran's Young Demonstrators
Nikta
After President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad won decisively in Iran's presidential election, supporters of his opponent, Mir Hossein Mousavi, are protesting the results in huge numbers. Nikta, an Iranian-American student, is proud of the young Iranian protesters who are making their voices heard.

Iran Protests Signal Hope for the Future
Sepanta
After President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad won decisively in Iran's presidential election, supporters of his opponent Mir Hossein Mousavi are protesting the results in huge numbers. Sepanta, 18, is an Iranian-American student who identifies with the demonstrators' hope for a new Iran.

Gustavo From Colombia Confronts Stereotypes About His Country
Gustavo
Gustavo Orozco, 17, from Cali, Colombia, talked to NewsHour Extra about his country's national identity and conflict with neighboring Ecuador.

Mario from Mexico Shares His Views on the U.S., Drug War
Mario
Mario Eduardo López Ahumada is a 21-year-old student studying International Relations at Tec de Monterrey in Querétaro, Mexico. He spoke to NewsHour Extra about what it is like living in Mexico and what he thinks about the drug violence there, among other topics.

Neelam from Curacao Reveals Details About Her Island Nation
Neelam
Neelam Melwani, 18, is a high school senior from Curacao, a Dutch territory island near Venezuela. She spoke with NewsHour Extra about her country and her opinions about regional issues as the several nations meet at the Summit of the Americas.

Students Discuss Recent Israeli Actions in Gaza
Walfred and Alma
In December 2008, Israel began a three-week offensive in the Gaza Strip in retaliation to rocket attacks by the Palestinian group Hamas. Walfred argues that Israel was justified in defending itself. Alma disagrees, saying that Israel caused undue harm to innocent civilians.

Increasing Understanding in Atlanta and South Africa
Imani
Imani wrote about how the racial and socioeconomic divides that exist in her home city of Atlanta are not so different from those found half way around the world in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Students Spread Awareness of Climate Change
Dmitry, Kate, Sveta and Nidhi
A group of high school students were selected from 13 countries across the globe to act as International Climate Champions and get other students involved in stopping climate change.

Latina Student Embraces New and Old Traditions

Jalisa
Jalisa interviewed Katy Hernandez, a Latina student who moved to the United States from Mexico ten years ago and now attends Concord High School. Katy talked about what life was like in Mexico and how she has balanced the two countries' cultures.

Myanmar Cyclone Hits Close to Home for Refugees
Bebe
Bebe was raised in a refugee camp on the border of Thailand and Myanmar. She talked to NewsHour Extra about the cyclone in Myanmar and her own experience coming to the United States.

Returning to China
Tian
During Tian Yang's trip to China she visited overcrowded cities, and observed a striking gap between the upper and lower classes.

Iraqi Refugee Split Between Very Different Worlds
Omer
Omer Kassim, 17, is an Iraqi refugee living in Cleveland, Ohio. He was recently granted asylum to stay in the country, but longs for home as well.

The Armenian Genocide Resolution is a Danger to US Troops
Erika
Erika Martin writes that Congress will endanger U,S. troops' lives if the Armenian Genocide resolution is passed.

Congress Must Pass the Armenian Genocide Resolution
Kim
Junior Kim Kinden argues that the Armenian Genocide resolution would give overdue acknowledgment to the victims of a tragic event.

Americans Should Look to Adopt British Health Care Model
Elizabeth
Following a trip to England with her family, Elizabeth DeSimone thinks that the United States should adopt a system in which all Americans are guaranteed free health care.

Sixty Years on, Dreams for Pakistan Remain Elusive
Shahryar
Shahryar Kamal Malik, a student at the Karachi Grammar School, believes that Pakistan has a long way to go to achieve the goals of peace, prosperity and religious tolerance envisioned by its founders sixty years ago.

Indian Independence is a Day to Celebrate, Remember
Vishal
Vishal Rajput, a 17-year-old Indian student, believes that sixty years later Independence Day should remain a day to celebrate, recall the sacrifices made by those before and refresh friendships with neighbors.

Darfur Crisis Tests US Superpower Status
Shannon
Rising 11th grader Shannon Mason argues that the United States needs to ramp up its action in Darfur to prevent the loss of innocent lives.

The Need for More Troops in Iraq
Beverly
Editorial writer Beverly Congdon, 17, argues that Congress is overstepping its authority in opposing President Bush's plan to send more troops to Iraq.

US Military Strategies Ignore Iraqi Girls' Rights
Natalia
As the president requests more troops for the Iraq war, teen Natalia Thompson criticizes the lack of attention on the waning freedoms of Iraqi women.

The Paradox of Kabul
Nick
After teaching English to street children in Kabul, Nick Steiner, now an 18-year-old college freshman, aims to dispel misconceptions about war-torn Afghanistan.

From Fear to Hope for Afghanistan
In 1998, after threats by the Taliban, an 8-year-old Afghan student fled her home with her family. She returned 5 years later after the ousting of the Taliban regime.

My Journey from Afghanistan to the United States
A 16-year-old from Afghanistan writes about his memories of Taliban violence, the Sept. 11 attacks and recent changes in the lifestyle of Afghan youth.

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