Matthew Bell

Israeli soldiers carry a stretcher toward a helicopter near the border with Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel, Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2023.

Israel and Hamas reach temporary ceasefire agreement

After weeks of negotiations, Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement on a temporary ceasefire in Gaza, starting on Thursday. What will follow is the release of dozens of people taken hostage by Hamas on Oct. 7. Israel will also set free a large number of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. The World's Matthew Bell tells us more.

Israel and Hamas reach temporary ceasefire agreement
State of the Union 2015

What Obama didn't mention in the State of the Union

What Obama didn't mention in the State of the Union
Confetti flies around the ball and countdown clock in Times Square on New Year's Eve in New York January 1, 2015.

We look back at our favorite stories of 2014

We look back at our favorite stories of 2014
Mohamed was important in Libyan's revolution, helping to defeat and ultimately capture Muammar Gaddafi. His younger brother missed out on Libya's revolution — so he decided to make his own fame by going to Syria to fight in the violent revolution there.

2014 was the year youth protesters found their voice and hacking became an everyday fear

2014 was the year youth protesters found their voice and hacking became an everyday fear
A policeman helps an injured pro-democracy protester to leave after he was beaten by a group of anti-Occupy Central protesters at Hong Kong's Mongkok district October 3, 2014

Government supporters destroy protest camps in Hong Kong

Government supporters destroy protest camps in Hong Kong
A protester walks in tear gas fired by riot policemen after thousands of protesters blocked the main street to the financial district outside government headquarters in Hong Kong on September 28, 2014.

Hong Kong's 'Umbrella Revolution' isn't deterred by clashes with police

Days after demonstrations began in the center of Hong Kong, tens of thousands of demonstrators are still in the streets despite the use of tear gas and pepper spray by the police. And, by all appearances, the pro-democracy protesters are settling in for the long haul.

Hong Kong's 'Umbrella Revolution' isn't deterred by clashes with police
Bian Zhongyun's children mourn the death of their mother, as seen in the documentary "Though I am Gone." Bian was a school principal who beaten to death 1968 by a crowd.

How to apologize for the Cultural Revolution without blaming the Communist Party

The rhetoric of apology in China today is nuanced and coded. Though some people seem genuinely contrite for their actions during the vigilante violence of the Cultural Revolution, they are careful not to blame the government.

How to apologize for the Cultural Revolution without blaming the Communist Party
smog cop

China does a "180" on air pollution policy to combat its deadly smog

China has relied on coal for cheap energy to fuel its development. Now. many of its cities have massive air pollution problems. And, finally, the government is doing something about it.

China does a "180" on air pollution policy to combat its deadly smog
Two office workers in Beijing told me they're thinking about moving out of the city because of the air pollution.

Beijingers don masks to defend themselves against dirty air — and to make a fashion statement

In Chinese cities like Beijing, a rising awareness about the dangers of air pollution is evident on people's faces. More and more Beijingers are wearing masks to protect themselves from air pollution. But, in order for them to offer any protection at all, they first must be worn correctly.

Beijingers don masks to defend themselves against dirty air — and to make a fashion statement
The World

The Future of US Influence Around the Globe Hinges on President Obama's Choice

President Obama is scheduled to address the nation tonight to explain why he thinks Congress should authorize the use of American force in response to the Syrian regime's use of chemical weapons. The future of US influence around the globe is at stake.

The Future of US Influence Around the Globe Hinges on President Obama's Choice

Obama & Putin Far Apart on Question of Military Force in Syria

The Obama administration's call for intervention in Syria is expected to overshadow the gathering of the G-20 in St. Petersburg. Barack Obama and Vladimir Putin are bitterly divided over Syria. Host Marco Werman talks with The World's Matthew Bell.

Obama & Putin Far Apart on Question of Military Force in Syria

UN wants access to site of alleged chemical attacks in Syria

As the international community awaits verification that chemical weapons were used, what remains unclear is how Washington might respond.

UN wants access to site of alleged chemical attacks in Syria

What we know from Bradley Manning's leaks

Bradley Manning, 25, was sentenced to 35 years in a military prison for leaking classified documents to the website WikiLeaks. Depending on whom you ask, however, the contents of those documents could amount to remarkable disclosures or well-written gossip.

What we know from Bradley Manning's leaks

Egypt’s tourism industry grinds to a halt

As the political turmoil in Egypt continues play out, one thing has been clear for some time. The Egyptian economy is in deep trouble.

Egypt’s tourism industry grinds to a halt

Unrest in Egypt is Bad News for Hamas in Gaza

The Hamas rulers of the Gaza Strip celebrated the election of Mohammed Morsi in Egypt last year. Now that Morsi is out, Hamas is feeling the impact - and it's not good. Host Carol Hills speaks with The World's Matthew Bell.

Unrest in Egypt is Bad News for Hamas in Gaza