The United States is raising the alert level at its domestic military bases just days before the country marks the 10th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks on New York and the Pentagon. Pentagon spokesman George Little said Wednesday the move was a precautionary measure and not the result of any particular threat. During […]
US Raises Alert Level at Military Bases
VOA Beams New Shows to Horn of Africa
VOA begins two new shows for the Horn of Africa Thursday evening, both focused on the drought and famine afflicting the region. A Somali-language show, “Lifeline Somali,” will run from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Somali time, five days a week, Monday through Friday. It will be followed on the same nights by an Amharic-language show, […]
US Republican Presidential Candidates Debate Jobs, Healthcare, Immigration
Presidential candidates from the U.S. Republican party traded barbs and criticized President Barack Obama as they debated jobs, health care, immigration and other issues Wednesday evening. The nationally-televised and internet-streamed debate from California featured nine declared candidates, including the two current front runners, Texas Governor Rick Perry, and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney. Both men […]
Syrian Forces Kill 20 as France Criticizes Crackdown
Activists say Syrian security forces have killed at least 20 more people during new raids against anti-government protests, while the French foreign minister accused Damascus of committing “crimes against humanity.” Syria’s opposition coalition said the majority of Wednesday’s deaths took place in the central Homs region. A coalition spokesman said a “complete military assault” is […]
US Republicans Presidential Candidates Debate
Presidential candidates from the U.S. Republican party are trading barbs and criticizing President Barack Obama as they debate jobs, health care, and other issues. The nationally televised debate Wednesday features nine declared candidates, including the two current front runners, Texas Governor Rick Perry, and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney. Both men touted their records in […]
Firefighters Gain Ground Against Texas Wildfire
Firefighters in the U.S. state of Texas were for the first time gaining ground against a raging wildfire that has already destroyed nearly 800 homes. Authorities reported Wednesday the blaze was 30 percent contained, after burning out of control for several days. They said firefighters were helped by lighter winds now that Tropical Storm Lee […]
Libyan Envoys in Niger Urge No Refuge for Gadhafi
Libya’s interim government has sent envoys to neighboring Niger in an effort to prevent ousted leader Moammar Gadhafi and his entourage from escaping justice by fleeing across the border as the hunt for the fugitive strongman intensified. A senior Libyan official said Wednesday the delegation will discuss efforts to secure the two countries’ long, desert […]
Uruguay Apologizes to Haiti for Alleged Sexual Assault
Uruguay’s president has apologized to Haiti for the alleged sexual assault of a young man by Uruguayan peacekeepers. In a letter sent late Tuesday, President Jose Mujica said his country would investigate the incident thoroughly, and impose the maximum penalties against anyone found responsible. He said Uruguayans were humiliated by the “criminal and embarrassing” behavior […]
Hurricane Katia Approaches Bermuda, US Coast
As the northeastern United States continues to suffer flooding from the remnants of Tropical Storm Lee, another storm is approaching the U.S. eastern coast. The National Hurricane Center says Hurricane Katia is approaching the British territory of Bermuda with maximum sustained winds of 140 kilometers an hour. Forecasters say the core of the Category One […]
Hurricane Katia Approaches Bermuda, US Coast
As the northeastern United States continues to suffer flooding from the remnants of Tropical Storm Lee, another hurricane is approaching the U.S. eastern coast. The National Hurricane Center says Hurricane Katia is approaching the British territory of Bermuda with maximum sustained winds of 140 kilometers an hour. Forecasters say the core of the Category One […]