The World's Alex Gallafent explores the complexities of Chinese bilingual ballots. Transliteration into Chinese is a complicated, sometimes confusing business.

The Syrian capital of Damascus has been designated this year's "Capital of Arab Culture." The city is putting on a year-long show with music, performances, and art installations from around the world. Some American artists are involved -- but they're not sponsored by the American government. The World's Aaron Schachter reports from Damascus.

Anchor Marco Werman speaks with James Traub, author of the new book "The Freedom Agenda: Why America Must Spread Democracy (Just Not the Way George Bush Did)." He says promoting democracy remains a worthy goal, but it will be harder to achieve in the current economic climate.

Hu Jia

Anchor Marco Werman speaks with The World's Mary Kay Magistad about two issues involving China -- the financial crisis and human rights. China is preparing to host a summit of Asian and European nations to discuss the financial crisis. But the start of the summit was overshadowed today by the European Parliament's decision to award its top human rights prize to jailed Chinese dissident Hu Jia, something Chinese officials had warned against.

Global financial crisis

Today on The World: China prepares to host an international financial summit -- but the gathering is overshadowed by new criticism of China's human rights record; we examine how electronic voting has worked in other countries; and a Ukrainian-American musician celebrates her love of Russian 80's rock.

Anchor Marco Werman looks at "Heavy Voodoo," a newly recorded song by Jamaican reggae legend Lee Scratch Perry. Perry wrote the song some 30 years ago, forecasting the current global economic crisis.

Anchor Marco Werman looks at "Heavy Voodoo," a newly recorded song by Jamaican reggae legend Lee Scratch Perry. Perry wrote the song some 30 years ago, forecasting the current global economic crisis.

The World's Aaron Schachter reports on a new kind of loan being offered by Lebanon's First National Bank - loans for fertility treatments.

For today's Geo Quiz we were looking for the country that consumes the most chocolate per capita. The answer is Switzerland. Reporter Lonny Shavelson joined a chocolate lovers group in Berkeley, California, to find out which country has the best tasting chocolate.

The World's Marco Werman talks with Pilar Marrero of La Opinion about how the candidates' Spanish language ads compare to their English ads. Pilar Marrero is also a reporter with Feet in 2 Worlds, a project of the Center for New York City Affairs at The New School, which brings the work of ethnic media journalists to public radio.

"Riesgo"- McCain's Spanish Language Ad

"Impuestos" - Obama's Spanish Language Ad