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PBS NewsHour - World

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Learn more about your world through in-depth analysis and on-the-ground reports. (Updated periodically) PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

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Episodes

During Afghan war, lack of U.S. knowledge yielded a flawed strategy

December 10, 2019 23:40

For nearly two decades, the United States' military engagement in Afghanistan has been plagued by strategic missteps, according to The Washington Post's bombshell report. The investigation examined thousands of pages of previously unpublished notes and interviews from the U.S. government's Lessons Learned project analyzing the war. Nick Schifrin talks to retired Army Lt. Gen. Douglas Lute.

What a 'sobering' report on Arctic ice loss means for global sea levels

December 10, 2019 23:35

Tuesday marked the release of yet another stark report detailing how the increased warming of our atmosphere is transforming the planet. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's annual Arctic Report Card includes some grim news for wildlife, native communities and global sea-level rise. William Brangham talks to Dartmouth College's Erich Osterberg about the impact of melting ice.

News Wrap: Putin and Zelensky have 1st one-on-one meeting

December 09, 2019 23:45

In our news wrap Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held their first one-on-one meeting. It came in Paris, after the two met with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel for broader talks at a peace summit. Also, North Korea fired hostile new words at President Trump, calling him "a heedless and erratic old man."

Explosive investigative report says U.S. government misled public on war in Afghanistan

December 09, 2019 23:40

In a blockbuster story representing the culmination of several years of investigation and pursuit of government documents, The Washington Post reports that U.S. officials have been misleading the American public about the war in Afghanistan for the past 18 years. John Yang talks to The Washington Post's Craig Whitlock, lead reporter on the story, about what the classified document trove revealed.

Ukraine, Russia prepare for peace talks after years of war

December 08, 2019 23:03

After nearly six years of war, the Ukrainian and Russian presidents are preparing to meet this week for the first time. The historic peace talks come as impeachment hearings continue in the U.S. Simon Ostrovsky reports from the frontlines of eastern Ukraine with a look ahead at the negotiations that could change the fate of those living in conflict. This report is supported by the Pulitzer Center.

Scotland is a key battleground in Brexit-dominated election

December 07, 2019 22:14

Britain will go to the polls on Thursday in what's being viewed as a historic election. The country voted in 2016 to leave the E.U., but Brexit opponents in Parliament have thwarted successive Conservative governments from achieving that aim. As Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson tries again to advance Brexit, Scotland will play a key role in deciding its fate. Malcolm Brabant reports.

News Wrap: Gunman who killed 3 at Fla. air station was member of Saudi Air Force

December 06, 2019 23:55

In our news wrap Friday, Florida officials confirmed that a gunman who killed three people at Naval Air Station Pensacola was a member of the Saudi Air Force. The attack happened in a classroom where the suspect was undergoing aviation training. Also, U.S. unemployment fell to a 50-year low as November hiring picked up steam. Employers added 266,000 new jobs -- the biggest increase in 10 months.

Why French protests over pensions could threaten Macron's international agenda

December 06, 2019 23:50

Protesters have shut down Paris and much of France in angry response to proposed pension reforms. The changes, which would unify the current system and increase workers' ability to change sectors, represent the delivery of a campaign promise from President Emmanuel Macron. But French labor unions and other critics fear they will affect retirement age or scope of benefits. Nick Schifrin reports.

News Wrap: U.S. official says Iran may have killed 1,000 in protest crackdown

December 05, 2019 23:50

In our news wrap Thursday, a U.S. official said Iran may have killed more than a thousand people in a crackdown on mass protests. Brian Hook, U.S. special representative for Iran, cited reports from intelligence analysis and inside the country; President Trump called the situation "horrible." Also, Trump appealed to the Supreme Court to shield his financial records from congressional oversight.

News Wrap: More doubts about potential U.S.-China trade deal

December 04, 2019 23:45

In our news wrap Wednesday, Beijing sharply criticized Congress over a bill blasting China's detention of ethnic Muslims. China's foreign ministry warned the reprimand could affect ongoing trade negotiations. Also, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani again claimed the U.S. helped foment mass protests over gas price hikes but said that some people who had been jailed in the crackdown were innocent.

Trump leaves NATO summit after drama-filled visit

December 04, 2019 23:40

London's NATO summit was intended to celebrate a critical military alliance -- but ended up highlighting divisions among member nations. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was caught on camera appearing to mock President Trump to other leaders, while Trump openly questioned whether NATO should defend countries that don't pay their share on defense. Special correspondent Ryan Chilcote reports.

News Wrap: Trump says he might delay China trade deal until after 2020 election

December 03, 2019 23:50

In our news wrap Tuesday, President Trump suggested he'd rather delay a trade agreement with China until after the 2020 election. New tariffs on Chinese imports could take effect December 15th, but Trump said he wasn't in a rush. Also, a federal appeals court in New York directed Deutsche Bank and Capital One to comply with subpoenas from House committees investigating Trump's business dealings.

As NATO's 70th anniversary summit kicks off, member countries squabble

December 03, 2019 23:45

President Trump arrived in London Monday night for a NATO summit meant to celebrate the alliance's 70th anniversary. But the meeting's first day was marred by acrimony among at least three member countries, as Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron traded barbs and Macron lamented Turkey's purchase of Russian weapons and invasion of northern Syria. Special correspondent Ryan Chilcote reports.

News Wrap: China bars U.S. military from Hong Kong

December 02, 2019 23:50

In our news wrap Monday, China has indefinitely suspended U.S. military ships and aircraft from visiting Hong Kong, after President Trump signed legislation supporting anti-government protests in the Chinese territory. Also, demonstrations continued in Iraq, despite the prime minister's resignation. Protesters in Basra and Baghdad demanded the entire government be dismissed.

Leaked docs give inside view of China's mass detention camps

December 01, 2019 22:28

Last month, hundreds of documents obtained by The New York Times gave an inside view of China's growing indoctrination camps. In the country's northwestern region, Uighurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained for ideological transformation, isolated from the outside world. Austin Ramzy, a reporter with the New York Times, spoke with Hari Sreenivasan about the findings.

Iraqi prime minister to resign after months of bloody protest

November 29, 2019 23:55

The growing protest movement in Iraq has claimed dozens more casualties. Acceding to public demands, Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi said he will resign. But in the streets, the killing goes on, with security forces shooting down scores more of the protesters rallying against 15 years of failed governance, unemployment and corruption. Nick Schifrin reports on the "unprecedented" situation.

News Wrap: Stabbing attacks jolt London, the Netherlands

November 29, 2019 23:50

In our news wrap Friday, stabbing attacks in London and the Netherlands have jolted both countries at the start of the holiday season. In the first incident, a man killed two people near London Bridge before he was shot and killed by police. Also, in Afghanistan, thousands of people protested alleged fraud in a recount of September's presidential election. So far, no results have been announced.

As Taliban peace talks resume, what's at stake for Afghan women?

November 29, 2019 23:45

During his surprise Thanksgiving trip to Afghanistan, President Trump announced he had restarted talks with the Taliban. The ability of the conflict-wracked nation to achieve peace is at stake -- but so is progress for women, who could not work, study or even leave home unescorted under Taliban rule. Special correspondent Jane Ferguson reports on the outlook for women's health and education there.

During surprise trip to Afghanistan, Trump says he's restarted talks with Taliban

November 28, 2019 23:55

President Trump spent part of this Thanksgiving in Afghanistan, making a surprise visit to Bagram Airfield north of Kabul, where he shared a traditional holiday dinner with U.S. troops and met with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani. Trump also said he restarted peace talks with the Taliban, which he had previously cut off in early September. John Yang joins Amna Nawaz to discuss that unexpected news.

News Wrap: Dozens more protesters killed in Iraqi violence

November 28, 2019 23:50

In our news wrap Thursday, violence surged higher in Iraq, with security forces killing at least 40 people in a day. Crowds joined funeral processions as protesters denounced government corruption and economic mismanagement. Also, fires are still burning at a chemical plant in East Texas, forcing more than 50,000 people from their homes. Two explosions rocked the site at Port Neches on Wednesday.

News Wrap: DOJ report finds political bias did not affect FBI's Russia probe

November 22, 2019 23:55

In our news wrap Friday, an internal Justice Department report concludes political bias did not affect the FBI's probe of links between the 2016 Trump campaign and Russia. It also found an FBI lawyer may have altered a document about surveillance of an adviser. Also, four more protesters were killed in a second day of fighting near a key bridge in Baghdad. In all, 14 people have died in 24 hours.

After months of protest, Hong Kong's interest in local elections soars

November 22, 2019 23:35

Hong Kong will face its first electoral test since anti-government protests began in June. The district council elections are usually focused on local community issues and will not change Hong Kong's political system. But more than half of Hong Kong's population has registered to vote in what is seen as a timely referendum on support for the movement. Special correspondent Divya Gopalan reports.

News Wrap: At least 8 protesters killed in Baghdad protests

November 21, 2019 23:45

In our news wrap Thursday, security forces in Iraq killed at least eight more people in anti-government protests in Baghdad. Medical workers said the victims were hit by live fire or tear gas canisters aimed at the head. Also, China demanded that President Trump veto two bills aimed at human rights abuses in Hong Kong. They mandate sanctions on Chinese officials who violate protesters' rights.

Amid corruption charges, is Israel's era of Netanyahu over?

November 21, 2019 23:40

On Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu became his country's first sitting leader to be indicted. The announcement came just a day after opposition leader Benny Gantz lost his mandate to form a unity government. As a result, Israel is entering a new phase of political uncertainty. William Brangham reports and talks to David Makovsky of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.

News Wrap: Israel likely to face 3rd election after Gantz fails to secure majority

November 20, 2019 23:40

In our news wrap Wednesday, Israel will likely have an unprecedented third election this year, after center-right leader Benny Gantz announced he could not secure a ruling majority in parliament. Also, in neighboring Syria, Israeli airstrikes struck dozens of sites used by Iranian forces to support the Syrian regime. An activist group reported 23 people were killed, including two civilians.

News Wrap: House approves temporary federal spending bill to avert shutdown

November 19, 2019 23:40

In our news wrap Tuesday, the House approved a short-term spending bill to prevent a government shutdown. The deal funds federal agencies through December 20th and is on track to be passed by the Senate. Also, Amnesty International says it has "credible reports" that more than 100 Iranians have been killed in a crackdown on protests over rising gas prices. An internet blackout remained in force.

How Beijing is likely to respond to escalating Hong Kong protest violence

November 18, 2019 23:55

Police in Hong Kong have tightened their siege on the campus of the Polytechnic University, where hundreds of protesters are trapped inside. It's the latest bout of violence in nearly six months of demonstrations -- one China is warning it won't let go too far. Nick Schifrin reports and talks to Kurt Tong, former U.S. consul general to Hong Kong, about the protesters' strategy and U.S. response.

News Wrap: Iran warns people protesting 50 percent hike in gas prices

November 18, 2019 23:50

In our news wrap Monday, Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard warned protesters they will face "decisive" action if nationwide unrest does not stop. Angered by a 50 percent hike in gasoline prices, people occupied streets and set fire to cars and buildings this weekend. Also, in Iraq, anti-government protesters seized a major bridge in Baghdad, vowing to stay until a new government tackles reform.

Is the distinction between migrant and refugee meaningful?

November 18, 2019 23:20

Under President Trump, American immigration policy has been in the spotlight. While Trump may talk the most about stopping illegal entry into the U.S., he is also taking action to reduce the volume of legal migrants the country accepts as refugees. But what makes one immigrant a refugee and another simply a migrant? Writer Dina Nayeri offers her humble opinion questioning that distinction.

Australia's efforts to bring koalas back from the brink of extinction

November 17, 2019 22:02

The population of Australia's iconic koala has been rapidly declining in recent decades, and this year the Australian Koala Foundation declared the marsupials "functionally extinct." But one Queensland zoo is using proven breeding strategies to protect the animals, and starting a live genome bank to tackle some of the biggest threats to koalas. Special Correspondent Kirsty Johansen reports.

News Wrap: No motive found in California school shooting, say officials

November 15, 2019 23:40

In our news wrap Friday, officials said a 16-year-old student clearly planned an attack on his Southern California high school but haven't yet determined a motive. The suspect remains in critical condition. Also, Iraqi security forces shot and killed three people in Baghdad, where thousands of protesters had gathered. Soldiers and police turned to tear gas and live fire to dispel the crowds.

In Hong Kong, public outrage toward police rises as violence spreads

November 15, 2019 23:35

Unrest in Hong Kong is becoming increasingly violent. This week, a policeman shot a protester, a Beijing supporter was set on fire and an elderly man died after being hit by a brick. University campuses have become sites of clashes between riot police and protesters, exacerbating public anger toward police perceived as using excessive force. Special correspondent Divya Gopalan reports.

France united in grief over Notre Dame fire but divided in how to respond

November 15, 2019 23:20

In April, the world watched in horror as flames engulfed Notre Dame Cathedral, the beloved Gothic symbol of Paris dating to the Middle Ages. Now, seven months later, a debate swirls over how to repair the structure, which lost its famous spire and roof in the fire. As Jeffrey Brown reports from Paris, questions about environmental hazards, stability and aesthetics are all sources of heated debate.

News Wrap: Gunman kills 2 at Southern California high school

November 14, 2019 23:50

In our news wrap Thursday, a gunman opened fire on a Southern California high school, killing at least two students and wounding three others. The 16-year-old suspect shot himself and is in grave condition. Also, in the Middle East, a cease-fire ended two days of Israeli airstrikes and rocket attacks by Islamic Jihad, militants backed by Iran. In all, 34 Palestinians died during the fighting.

In Afghanistan, fighting the Taliban increasingly involves covert operations

November 14, 2019 23:40

The U.S. has been fighting in Afghanistan since shortly after 9/11, ousting the Taliban and their harsh interpretation of Islam from power that fall. But the insurgent group as which it reformed has plagued Afghanistan with violence ever since. Now, the war's brutal tactics are shifting into the shadows. Special correspondent Jane Ferguson reports on her recent meeting with members of the Taliban.

Despite tensions over Syria, Trump offers Erdogan a warm welcome

November 13, 2019 23:36

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited Washington Wednesday, prompting protests by Kurdish Americans and others outside the White House. Erdogan received a warm welcome from President Trump, but some Republicans in the Senate expressed concern about the friendly treatment only weeks after the Turkish military aggression in Syria that both parties in Congress decried. Amna Nawaz reports.

News Wrap: Bolivia's ousted Morales goes into exile in Mexico

November 12, 2019 23:50

In our news wrap Tuesday, ousted Bolivian President Evo Morales went into exile in Mexico, after first appealing for peace in Bolivia and expressing gratitude to the Mexican president for protecting him. Also, protesters in Hong Kong blocked traffic and battled police in a series of confrontations. They were met by tear gas and rubber bullets, one day after a demonstrator was shot by police.

For Israelis along the Lebanon and Gaza borders, even a normal day is plagued with tension

November 12, 2019 23:30

Attacks and reprisals between Israel and its enemies occur regularly, now and then exploding into all-out war. In particular, Israeli security is threatened by militant groups like Hamas in the south and Lebanon's Hezbollah to the north. Ryan Chilcote reports from two Israeli border communities about how families there are seeking a normal life amid constant fear and uncertainty.

News Wrap: UN's nuclear watchdog raises new concerns about Iran

November 11, 2019 23:55

In our news wrap Monday, the UN's nuclear watchdog raised new concerns about Iran's violations of its 2015 nuclear deal. Inspectors discovered manmade uranium particles that Tehran hadn't previously declared. Also, Turkey has begun sending captured foreign members of the Islamic State back to their home countries. The Turkish government estimates some 1200 ISIS fighters were imprisoned there.

Hong Kong's anti-government protests again turn violent

November 11, 2019 23:52

Anti-government protests in Hong Kong erupted into chaos Monday, leaving two people critically injured. One person was shot at close range by police, while separately, a China supporter was set on fire. Hong Kong's leader, Carrie Lam, vowed to "spare no effort" to end the violent demonstrations that have gripped the semi-autonomous Chinese territory for five months. Judy Woodruff reports.

What's next for Bolivia, after President Morales steps down

November 11, 2019 23:50

Bolivia, South America's poorest country, is politically divided -- and currently without a leader. President Evo Morales announced on state television Sunday that he was the victim of a coup and thus was resigning. But his political opponents contend he was a dictator who eventually succumbed to the powers of democracy. Nick Schifrin reports on how Bolivia is facing a government reconstruction.

News Wrap: Anonymous official's book says Trump is unfit to lead

November 08, 2019 23:55

In our news wrap Friday, a new book by an anonymous administration official claims senior officials considered resigning last year in protest of an unfit president with "trouble synthesizing information." The White House has dismissed the book as lies. Also, the leading Shiite cleric in Iraq, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, appealed for the government to stop using violence against protesters.

Why German divisions remain, 30 years after fall of the Berlin Wall

November 08, 2019 23:50

It's been 30 years since one of the 20th century's biggest historic events: the fall of the Berlin Wall. Although the East German dictatorship subsequently collapsed, cultural and political divisions remain, more than a generation after reunification. Special correspondent Malcolm Brabant reports on the wall's legacy, the polarizing issue of immigration and the lingering stain of anti-Semitism.

News Wrap: Trump Foundation ordered to settle lawsuit for $2 million

November 07, 2019 23:55

In our news wrap Thursday, a state judge in New York ordered President Trump to pay $2 million to settle a lawsuit alleging he funneled money from his charitable foundation to his 2016 presidential campaign. The Trump Foundation denied wrongdoing but has closed its doors and will disburse remaining funds to other nonprofits. Also, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo accused Iran of "nuclear extortion."

How the Saudi government may have used Twitter to target dissidents in the U.S.

November 07, 2019 23:45

The Department of Justice alleges that the government of Saudi Arabia is surveilling people living in the United States -- by leveraging Twitter. Specifically, the indictment charges that a Saudi official is recruiting Twitter employees to share personal details of critics of the Saudi government, so that those dissidents can be targeted for persecution. Nick Schifrin talks to Judy Woodruff.

What's behind extreme air pollution in India

November 07, 2019 23:25

A toxic brew lingers in the skies over India, created by everything from agricultural burning to industrial pollution. Cars are also a major contributor, with roughly 1400 vehicles added to the roads daily. Special correspondent Fred de Sam Lazaro examined this problem roughly two years ago and returns with this update on the cultural and economic challenges of making Indian air safer to breathe.

News Wrap: Mexico still looking for gunmen who killed 9 Americans

November 06, 2019 23:50

In our news wrap Wednesday, authorities in northern Mexico are still hunting for the drug cartel gunmen who killed nine Americans, including six children, in a brutal ambush on Monday. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador insisted the attacks would not go unpunished. Also, federal prosecutors accused Roger Stone, a longtime confidant of the president, of repeatedly lying to Congress.

News Wrap: 9 Americans killed in brutal Mexican ambush

November 05, 2019 23:45

In our news wrap Tuesday, nine Americans, including six children, were brutally killed in an ambush in northern Mexico, about 75 miles south of the U.S. border. Mexican officials are investigating whether the attack was a case of mistaken identity. Also, Iran has announced it will start injecting uranium gas into centrifuges at its Fordo nuclear facility -- turning it into an active atomic site.

What U.S. withdrawal from Paris climate deal means for a warming planet

November 05, 2019 23:40

President Trump announced Monday that in a year, the U.S. will formally withdraw from the Paris climate agreement. The global accord was signed in 2015 by nearly 200 nations pledging to cut greenhouse gas emissions to slow the planet's warming. Brookings Institution's Todd Stern, who was chief climate negotiator during the Obama administration, joins William Brangham to discuss the fallout.

News Wrap: Trump must turn over tax returns to NY, says appeals court

November 04, 2019 23:40

In our news wrap Monday, a New York federal appeals court ruled President Trump's 2011 tax returns must be turned over to state prosecutors, as part of an investigation into payments to two women claiming affairs with Trump. Also, Iran has announced another violation of the 2015 nuclear deal Trump renounced a year ago. Its government said it is running twice as many advanced centrifuges as before.