The push to make wushu an Olympic sport (3:45) August 11, 2008 download |permalink
China had been pushing hard to make its martial art, wushu, an Olympic sport. Now only an exhibition event and no medals will be presented. Some Chinese see this as cultural affront because Japan's judo and Korea's taekwondo became official Olympic sports when those countries hosted the Games. Others say wushu isn't ready for prime time. The World's Mary Kay Magistad reports.
Actor Jet Li is a former wushu champion
U.S calls for Georgia-Russia cease-fire (3:30) August 11, 2008 download |permalink
The fighting in Georgia marks a new downturn in US-Russian relations. The Bush administration is calling for an immediate ceasefire. But as The World's Matthew Bell reports, Washington's leverage is limited.
Georgia is accusing Russia of attacks in cyberspace as well. Several Georgian government websites went down over the weekend. Today, the Georgians said Russian hackers were to blame. But Russia denies the claim, and says that, in fact, it's the Georgians who are attacking Russians online. Anchor Marco Werman speaks with The World's Technology Correspondent Clark Boyd.
Hiroshima pilot becomes peace advocate (4:20) August 11, 2008 download |permalink
US Air Force pilot Dick Sherwood flew over Hiroshima half an hour after the U-S dropped an atomic bomb on the city in August 1945. The experience turned him into a fighter for peace. Correspondent Jenny Brundine has the story.
For today's Geo Quiz, we're looking for one of the world's highest mountain chains. The range looms over parts of Tajikistan and Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Remembering Mahmoud Darwish and Isaac Hayes (3:00) August 11, 2008 download |permalink
Anchor Marco Werman remembers two men of soul who passed away this weekend: Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish and American soul legend Isaac Hayes.
The answer to today's Geo Quiz is the Pamir Mountains. Tom Godell reports on American efforts to document the fast-vanishing Shughni language. Shughni is spoken in the regions of Tajikistan and Afghanistan crossed by the Pamir Mountains.
Georgia: A Foreign Policy Crisis for the Candidates August 12, 2008permalink
Russia's military action in the former Soviet Republic of Georgia presents the presidential candidates with one of the first real foreign policy crises to erupt since the two squared off in the race for the White House.
In recent days, both Obama and McCain have had harsh words for Russia, saying the aggression poses a threat beyond the sovereignty of Georgia. Both have called for Russia's complete withdrawal from Georgia and for humanitarian assistance and international peacekeepers to be brought in.
While campaigning in York, Pennsylvania today, McCain aggressively condemned Russia. McCain highlighted his trips to the region and Georgia's military contributions to the war in Iraq. At the town meeting, McCain said he spoke to President Mikhail Saakashvili this morning and pledged unwavering American support for Georgia:
While McCain from the beginning stood behind Georgia, Obama initially called for restraint from both parties. As the crisis escalated over the weekend, so did Obama's criticism of Russia. In a statement Monday while vacationing in Hawaii, Obama said Russia had gone too far.
In previous statements, McCain has also suggested that Russia's membership in international forums, such as the G8 group of industrialized nations should be reviewed and possibly revoked.
Listen to McCain's speech in Pennsylvania: Tuesday, August 12th:
Listen to Obama's statement in Hawaii: Monday, August 11th:
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