Jan 01 Amid International Crises, Czech Republic Takes Helm of European Union By PBS News Hour The start of a new year also marks a shift in the leadership of a key international institution, with the Czech Republic becoming only the second former Iron Curtain nation to take the mantle of the European Union. Continue reading
Dec 31 Watch Senate Leadership Weighs Blocking Burris Appointment After embattled Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich's named Roland Burris to fill President-elect Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat, Democratic Senate leaders claim they will invoke their constitutional power to block the appointment. Analysts discuss the situation's legal and political implications. Continue watching
Dec 31 Watch Obama Administration May Bring Ideological Shift to Federal Courts President-elect Barack Obama is poised to preside over significant shifts in the federal courts from lower court judicial appointments to Supreme Court shifts. Analysts examine Obama's constitutional views and how he may handle changes in the judiciary. Continue watching
Dec 31 Watch Israel Aims to Curb Rocket Fire, Weapons Smuggling in Gaza Fighting continued between Israel and the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip Wednesday, with Israel destroying key underground tunnels. A top Israeli defense official discusses the situation. Continue watching
Dec 31 China Dairy Exec Pleads Guilty in Melamine Case By PBS News Hour The former chairwoman of a Chinese dairy company implicated in September's tainted milk scandal pled guilty Wednesday to charges of selling "fake or substandard" products. Continue reading
Dec 30 Watch Defiant Blagojevich Names Appointee for Senate Seat Embattled Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich appointed former state Attorney General Roland Burris to fill Barack Obama's Senate seat Tuesday, prompting objections by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White. Reporters mull the move. Continue watching
Dec 30 Watch Shaky Cease-fire, Political Dynamics Led to Burst of Israeli-Hamas Violence Gulf leaders are set to meet Wednesday in Cairo for an Arab League Summit amid increased international pressure on Israel to stop air strikes in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip. Two analysts probe both sides of the conflict. Continue watching
Dec 30 Watch Egyptian Ambassador Offers Views on Gaza Violence Israel continued airstrikes on Hamas targets in Gaza Tuesday, indicating its intention to launch further attacks in the coming days. Egyptian ambassador Sameh Shoukry discusses his country's role in the crisis and his government's controversial decision to keep Egypt's border… Continue watching
Dec 29 Israeli Forces Hit Hamas Hard in Retaliation for Rocket Fire; 300 Dead By PBS News Hour In the deadliest show of force against Palestinian targets in decades, Israeli aircraft pounded the Gaza Strip Monday for a third day, targeting militant leaders and key symbols of the militant group Hamas. Continue reading
Dec 29 Watch As Inauguration Day Draws Near, Obama's Foreign Policy Challenges Grow The Mumbai terror attacks and this month's Gaza conflict have highlighted the many foreign policy issues President-elect Barack Obama will face as soon as he takes office. Columnists discuss how the president-elect and his team may prioritize the problems. Continue watching