Michael Rass

Web Producer

Michael Rass was a web producer at PRI's The World.

Michael Rass left PRI's The World in 2014.

Makeshift memorial in Kiev

Russia is not happy with the dramatic change in Ukraine

Ukraine has dramatically changed in just one week and Moscow is upset about the "armed mutiny."

Russia is not happy with the dramatic change in Ukraine
Escaping Homs

Many of those trapped in the Syrian city of Homs are finally getting out

Many of those trapped in the Syrian city of Homs are finally getting out
Syrian rebel fighters

A new Frontline documentary covers the 'second front' in Syria between rebels and jihadists

A new Frontline documentary covers the 'second front' in Syria between rebels and jihadists
Swiss referendum on immigration

The Swiss crackdown on 'mass' immigration angers many of its European neighbors

The Swiss crackdown on 'mass' immigration angers many of its European neighbors
Paul Varadian

The Olympics are launching small-town Sochi into an international sports-hosting future

The Olympics are launching small-town Sochi into an international sports-hosting future
Syrian refugees children

Syrian refugees move into Bulgaria, after losing hope of returning home

As the Syrian war continues, hope is waning in the refugee camps in neighboring countries. Some Syrians who fled to Turkey are now heading into Bulgaria to start new lives. And Bulgarians are growing weary and wary of welcoming them.

Syrian refugees move into Bulgaria, after losing hope of returning home
US luger sliders

The new Olympic luge relay race has three sleds, four racers and a touchpad

Luge racing is odd enough, as athletes fly down an icy tunnel on their backs on a tiny sled. Now, line up three sleds and a touchpad at the finish line and you get the luge relay, debuting at this winter Olympics.

The new Olympic luge relay race has three sleds, four racers and a touchpad
Kiev

The protest movement in Ukraine appears to be gaining steam

After a deadly turn earlier in the week, opposition leaders have brokered a temporary truce with President Viktor Yanukovych. But the protest movement has move beyond Independence Square.

The protest movement in Ukraine appears to be gaining steam
Pro-European protesters take cover behind shields during clashes with riot police in Kiev January 22, 2014. Ukraine opposition leaders said on Wednesday there had been no concrete results from their talks with President Viktor Yanukovich to end weeks of s

Photos from the fiery streets of Kiev show a country on edge

The once peaceful protests in Kiev are no more. Riot police are firing on protesters and protesters are throwing gasoline bombs. Some says it could get worse.

Photos from the fiery streets of Kiev show a country on edge
Googoosha (Gulnara Karimova)

Is Uzbekistan's tweeting first daughter a rebel?

Gulnara Karimova is the daughter of the leader of Uzbekistan, a pop-star, a businesswoman and even a diplomat. But now she, it seems, is locked in a power struggle. And the drama is playing out on Twitter.

Is Uzbekistan's tweeting first daughter a rebel?
Russian President Vladimir Putin

For Vladimir Putin, it's been a very good year

President Vladimir Putin is in a gracious mood this holiday season. And why not? He snubbed the US by taking in Edward Snowden, he kept the US and its allies out of Syria, and prevented Ukraine from drifting westward. Maybe that's why he's pardoning so many high-profile opponents.

For Vladimir Putin, it's been a very good year
A bulldozer removes the security barriers in front of the US embassy in New Delhi

India is offended by the 'barbaric' arrest of its diplomat in New York

India has ordered a series of reprisals against the United States after it accused the US of harshly arresting and strip-searching of one of its diplomats in New York.

India is offended by the 'barbaric' arrest of its diplomat in New York

China remembers Nelson Mandela with this haunting ballad

In China, Mandela's legacy is still often associated with a particular local pop song - 'Glorious Days' by the Hong Kong band Beyond.

China remembers Nelson Mandela with this haunting ballad
Michelle Obama and Nelson Mandela

Remembering Nelson Mandela and his colorful shirts

Over the years, many people met with the late Nelson Mandela, who often sported a colorful African shirt for the occasion.

Remembering Nelson Mandela and his colorful shirts
Film director Zhang Yimou

Chinese film director admits violating one-child policy

Popular film director Zhang Yimou has confirmed he has three children with his wife, in violation of China's strict one-child policy.

Chinese film director admits violating one-child policy