PBS News Hour - World

Rep. Crow: Congressional questions about Soleimani strike 'have not been answered'

For a congressional Democrat's take on the conflict between the U.S. and Iran, we turn to Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colo., a member of the House Armed Services Committee. Crow is a lawyer and former Army Ranger who deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan during his military career. He joins Judy Woodruff to discuss why he is not satisfied with the Trump administration's handling of the Soleimani strike.

News Wrap: Puerto Rico lacks power, running water after strong earthquake

In our news wrap Wednesday, half a million Puerto Ricans are without power and more than 250,000 have no running water a day after Tuesday's earthquake -- the strongest the island has felt since 1918. Fearful of aftershocks, some residents slept outside. Also, the standoff between House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell over a Senate impeachment trial continues.

Ukrainian airlines to stop flying to Iran after plane crash near Tehran kills 176

A Ukrainian International Airlines passenger plane went down outside the Iranian capital of Tehran early Wednesday morning, killing all 176 people aboard. Iranian authorities offered conflicting explanations for the crash but rejected the idea that a missile had caused it. Ukrainian airline officials said the Boeing 737-800 aircraft, built in 2016, was in good working condition. John Yang reports.

Australia's catastrophic and relentless battle with bushfires

The devastation from wildfires in Australia is on a scale that is difficult to comprehend. More than 20 million acres have burned, destroying 2,000 homes and killing potentially hundreds of millions of animals, as well as 27 people. Although the entire country has suffered from the fires, New South Wales is currently one of hardest-hit areas. Kylie Morris of Independent Television News reports.

How Australia is fighting fires while also mounting recovery effort

As devastating bushfires continue to burn across Australia, how is the country's government responding? William Brangham speaks with David Littleproud, Australia's minister for natural disaster and emergency management, about fighting fires while also embarking upon a recovery effort, whether the country has enough personnel and equipment and how it's preparing for hotter, longer fire seasons.

What we know about Iranian attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq

Early Wednesday, Iran's Revolutionary Guard launched 15 ballistic missiles at air bases in Iraq that house American troops -- a remarkable act that came directly from the Islamic Republic rather than its network of proxies. Nick Schifrin joins Judy Woodruff and gets analysis from Mara Karlin of the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and the Hudson Institute's Michael Doran.

Iran says it has launched ballistic missiles at American air bases in Iraq

After trading threats with the U.S., Iran said Tuesday night it launched ballistic missiles on Iraqi facilities housing U.S. troops in retaliation for the American killing of Gen. Qassem Soleimani. The attacks come after President Trump and top U.S. officials defended the Soleimani strike, which has been blamed for pushing the U.S. and Iran closer to war. Judy Woodruff and Nick Schifrin report.

News Wrap: Putin travels to Syria to meet with Assad, military officials

In our news wrap Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin traveled to Syria to meet with its president, Bashar al-Assad, in Damascus. Syrian state media released images of the two leaders, who also met with military commanders. Also, the Justice Department called for Michael Flynn, a former national security adviser under President Trump, to serve up to six months in prison for lying to the FBI.

In Venezuela, dueling parliaments cast political crisis into further chaos

Venezuela's political turmoil deepened Tuesday as supporters of President Nicolas Maduro tried to open a new session in the National Assembly without opposition members or their leader, Juan Guaido. Guaido managed to force his way into the parliament, but the confusion left Venezuelans unsure of which contingent is running their government. Special correspondent Marcia Biggs reports.

Foreign policy experts weigh in on Trump's Iran strategy

The U.S. killing of one of Iran's top military leaders has prompted questions about whether the Trump administration has an effective strategy for Iran, Iraq and the larger Middle East. As Iran announces it has fired missiles at Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops, Nick Schifrin talks to Mara Karlin of the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and the Hudson Institute's Michael Doran.

This wilderness survival program offers a chance to live as the cavemen did

For those tired of the stresses and excesses of contemporary civilization, a survival expert in the Italian Alps offers a training program in living as the Neanderthals did. Participants endure a rough existence in the wilderness, learning to kill prey for food and build their own shelter. Special correspondent Malcolm Brabant left his own modern-day comforts to experience life as a caveman.

Iranians unite to mourn military icon Qassem Soleimani

Hundreds of thousands of Iranians took to the streets Monday to mourn Gen. Qassem Soleimani, who was killed in a U.S. airstrike Friday. Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, led funeral prayers and wept over Soleimani's body. But the fallout is more than emotional; as Iran and President Trump trade threats, the U.S. military is bracing for potential retaliation. Nick Schifrin reports.

Ambassador: Iran vows revenge, but has nothing against Americans

The Friday killing of Iran's best-known military commander in a U.S. airstrike prompted an outpouring of grief in Tehran -- along with vows of vengeance. In the aftermath of Qassem Soleimani's death, the country's leaders and President Trump exchanged threats about what might come next. To share Iran's perspective, Iranian Ambassador to the United Nations Majid Takht-Ravanchi joins Judy Woodruff.

News Wrap: Pelosi to introduce war powers resolution on Iran

In our news wrap Monday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says Democrats will vote this week on a war powers resolution requiring congressional approval for any further U.S. military action on Iran. It's likely to pass the House but not the Senate. Also, the U.S. has sent an unspecified number of additional troops to Kenya after al-Shabab fighters killed a U.S. soldier and two American civilians Sunday.

What killing of top Iranian general means for nuclear deal and the U.S. in Middle East

For two views on the latest developments in Iran and Iraq, Nick Schifrin speaks with Narges Bajoghli of the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, author of "Iran Reframed: Anxieties of Power in the Islamic Republic," and U.S. diplomat Ryan Crocker, who served as ambassador to Iraq, Syria, Kuwait and Lebanon and is now diplomat in residence at Princeton University.

Venezuela's political crisis escalates as Maduro tries to wrest parliament from Guaido

Sunday saw new chaos in Venezuela's enduring political and economic disaster. Juan Guaido, leader of parliament and the opposition to President Nicolas Maduro, was physically barred from the National Assembly. Maduro supporters then claimed they'd replaced him as the speaker. But Guaido later rallied enough members of parliament to secure reelection. Special correspondent Marcia Biggs reports.

Anger in Beirut as Hezbollah supporters mourn Suleimani

Members of Hezbollah and their supporters gathered on Sunday in Beirut, Lebanon, to mourn the death of Iran's top military leader, General Qassem Suleimani, who was killed by a U.S. military airstrike on Friday in Iraq. NewsHour Weekend Special Correspondent Jane Ferguson reports on how Iran's most powerful proxy group is responding to the loss of their revered hero.

Anger in Beirut as Hezbollah supporters mourn Soleimani

Members of Hezbollah and their supporters gathered on Sunday in Beirut, Lebanon, to mourn the death of Iran's top military leader, General Qassem Soleimani, who was killed by a U.S. military airstrike on Friday in Iraq. NewsHour Weekend Special correspondent Jane Ferguson reports on how Iran's most powerful proxy group is responding to the loss of their revered hero.

U.S.-Iran tensions: a diplomatic quagmire for the Middle East

Iran is vowing revenge after U.S. airstrikes on Friday killed the country's military leader Qassem Suleimani. Thousands of American troops are heading to the Middle East as tensions with Tehran escalate. Douglas Ollivant, former Director for Iraq at the National Security Council under the Bush and Obama administrations, joins Hari Sreenivasan to discuss the diplomatic fallout.

Who was Qassam Soleimani, and what does his death mean for Iran -- and the U.S.?

Qassam Soleimani was the Middle East's most recognized military commander, strategist and operational chief of Iran's militant proxies and a symbol of its regional ambitions. He was killed in a targeted U.S. drone attack Friday at Baghdad's international airport. Nick Schifrin reports and joins special correspondent Jane Ferguson and Judy Woodruff to discuss his death and the regional response.

Who was Qassem Soleimani, and what does his death mean for Iran -- and the U.S.?

Qassem Soleimani was the Middle East's most recognized military commander, strategist and operational chief of Iran's militant proxies and a symbol of its regional ambitions. He was killed in a targeted U.S. drone attack Friday at Baghdad's international airport. Nick Schifrin reports and joins special correspondent Jane Ferguson and Judy Woodruff to discuss his death and the regional response.

Kaine says Trump's Iran policy hurts U.S. allies, pushes enemies closer together

An elite Iranian general is dead, and the United States and Iran appear even closer to conflict. In Washington, members of Congress had mixed reactions to the killing of Qassem Soleimani. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., a member of the Senate Foreign Relations and Armed Services Committees, joins Judy Woodruff to discuss why he believes President Trump should have consulted Congress before the strike.

Risch says Soleimani was 'ratcheting up' attacks on the U.S.

When the U.S. military killed an elite Iranian general in Iraq on Friday, Washington called it self-defense, while Tehran called it a crime -- and vowed vengeance. Sen. James Risch, R-Idaho, chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, joins Judy Woodruff to discuss the evidence that Qassem Soleimani presented an imminent threat to American lives and why his assassination "had to be done."

Why the U.S. military targeted Qassam Soleimani -- and how Iran might react

How is Iran likely to react to the American military strike that killed top general Qassem Soleimani -- and how well prepared is the U.S. to withstand that response? Karim Sadjadpour of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and retired Adm. Michael Mullen, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, join Nick Schifrin to discuss Soleimani's role and how Iran will adapt without him.

News Wrap: McConnell, Schumer remain divided over impeachment trial

In our news wrap Friday, the Senate returned from break still divided on procedures for an impeachment trial of President Trump. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell again refused to commit to calling additional witnesses, while Minority Leader Chuck Schumer insisted top White House aides should testify. Also, the confrontation with Iran sent U.S. oil prices surging 3 percent as stocks sank.

Deadly wildfires rage across Australia, with forecasts of worse to come

Vast swaths of Australia are still burning, with thousands of people under evacuation orders -- and forecasts of worse to come. A record summer fire season has charred 12 million acres, destroyed 1,400 homes and killed 17 people. The states of New South Wales and Victoria are hardest hit, but fires are also burning across the rest of the country. Dan Rivers of Independent Television News reports.

News Wrap: Julián Castro drops out of 2020 Democratic field

In our news wrap Thursday, the Democratic presidential primary field narrowed again as Julián Castro dropped out. The former Obama housing secretary, the only Latino still in the race, had failed to make headway in polls or in fundraising. Also, U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper is threatening preemptive military strikes against Iran to prevent further attacks on Americans in the Middle East.

How automotive tycoon Carlos Ghosn became a global fugitive

Carlos Ghosn was once in the driver's seat of two of the world's most iconic automakers -- and credited with saving both from insolvency. But Ghosn went from the pinnacle of the corporate world to facing criminal allegations, a record bail and now, a mysterious escape from Japan to Lebanon. John Yang reports.

News Wrap: Death toll in Australian wildfires rises to 17

In our news wrap Wednesday, New Year's Day brought only slight relief to parts of Australia ravaged by some of the country's worst-ever wildfires. The death toll rose to 17. Also, the Taliban staged a series of attacks on Afghan security forces, killing at least 26. Taliban officials had previously said they agreed to a cease-fire but gave no start date, and there has been no decline in violence.

Crisis at U.S. Embassy in Baghdad is over, but tensions remain

After the most significant standoff outside a U.S. Embassy in years, demonstrators in Baghdad stood down on Wednesday -- but they also declared victory. Sarkawt Shams, a member of the Iraqi parliament, and Douglas Silliman, former U.S. ambassador to Iraq, join Nick Schifrin to discuss the politics and parties involved in the incident and why tensions continue to run high.

Kim Jong Un's 'major' strategy shift on North Korean weapons and economy

North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un, has announced he will no longer abide by a moratorium on nuclear and long-range missile tests. With direct talks between North Korea and the Trump administration stalled, Kim also warned the people of his country about a "long confrontation" with the United States. The RAND Corporation's Naoko Aoki joins Nick Schifrin to discuss.

Iraqis supporting Iran-backed militia attack U.S. Embassy, demand U.S. withdrawal

In Baghdad, supporters of an Iran-backed militia remained outside the gates of the U.S. Embassy after attempting to storm the compound earlier in the day. The U.S. military planned to move more Marines in, but the Iraqi protesters insisted they won't leave until their demand -- that U.S. forces leave Iraq entirely -- is met. The Washington Post's Mustafa Salim joins Nick Schifrin from Baghdad.

How Iran could benefit from Iraqi outrage over U.S. airstrikes

A tense new year has dawned in Baghdad after U.S. airstrikes against an Iranian-backed militia prompted one of the worst attacks on a U.S. Embassy in years. Bilal Wahab of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy and Kirsten Fontenrose of the Atlantic Council join Nick Schifrin to discuss whether the U.S. is falling into an Iranian "trap," what the Iraqi people want and what to expect next.

News Wrap: Kim says North Korea ending moratorium on nuclear testing

In our news wrap Tuesday, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un announced he is ending a moratorium on nuclear and long-range missile testing. He also said his military will soon unveil a new strategic weapon, and that his country will not give up its nuclear program unless the U.S. changes policy. Meanwhile, dignitaries in Seoul, South Korea, rang the peace bell at midnight as crowds waved lights.

What life is like for Afghans under Taliban control

For months, American diplomats have been negotiating with Taliban leaders to end the war in Afghanistan. U.S. officials hoped the Taliban would announce a suspension of fighting this week, but details have yet to be determined. Meanwhile, the war grinds on, with attacks nearly every day. But what is life like for Afghans existing under Taliban control? Special correspondent Jane Ferguson reports.

News Wrap: Taliban attack in northern Afghanistan kills 14

In our news wrap Monday, an attack claimed by the Taliban killed 14 people in northern Afghanistan. Hours earlier, Taliban officials had said they agreed to a temporary cease-fire -- but gave no details. Also, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un appeared to escalate threats of renewed confrontation with the U.S., calling for "positive and offensive measures" to ensure North Korean security.

How U.S. airstrikes could affect ongoing tensions with Iran

Words and actions between the U.S. and Iran are escalating. On Sunday, U.S. military strikes on an Iraqi militia group backed by Iran killed 25 fighters in what the U.S. said was retaliation for rocket fire that killed an American defense contractor. Brian Hook, the State Department's special representative for Iran, and Vali Nasr of Johns Hopkins University join Nick Schifrin to discuss.

Making NewsHour Weekend: A year of covering resilience and hope

This year, NewsHour Weekend's Ivette Feliciano and Zachary Green reported on stories that epitomized human resilience, including a Haitian doctor's fight against HIV and AIDS, how the Jewish community in Pittsburgh is healing a year after the Tree of Life Synagogue shooting, and a community of immigrants who arrived in Houston from Venezuela. They join Hari Sreenivasan to discuss their work.

News Wrap: Plane carrying 98 crashes shortly after takeoff in Kazakhstan

In our news wrap Friday, at least 12 people died after a passenger jet in the central Asian country of Kazakhstan crashed shortly after take-off. The Bek Air plane, with 98 people aboard, smashed into a concrete wall and building. Also, an American contractor died in a rocket attack on an Iraqi military base that houses U.S. forces. Multiple U.S. service members and Iraqi personnel were injured.

How Iranian military exercises, mass protests are connected to U.S. sanctions

While the United States keeps up its maximum pressure campaign on Iran, tensions are building within Iran as mass protests there continue to grow. Meanwhile, for the first time, Iran is engaged in joint naval exercises with both Russia and China simultaneously. Amna Nawaz talks to Rand Corporation's Ariane Tabatabai about how these events are connected to U.S. withdrawal from the nuclear treaty.

What ongoing Indian protests say about the country's secular identity

Mass protests continue in India over a new citizenship law the government says will protect non-Muslim immigrants -- but critics see as a thinly veiled attack on Muslims. Many of the demonstrations have remained peaceful, but in some areas, police beat back protesters and the government shut down mobile internet services. Lisa Desjardins talks to Alyssa Ayres of the Council on Foreign Relations.

News Wrap: Hong Kong protesters target shopping malls for 3rd straight day

In our news wrap Thursday, businesses in parts of Hong Kong were at a standstill as anti-government protesters targeted shopping malls for a third consecutive day. Riot police stepped up their presence, at times confronting crowds and escorting people out of buildings. Also, at least 20 people are dead after a powerful typhoon barreled through the Philippines, bringing misery on Christmas Day.

Why Iraq's government has been unable to find a new prime minister

Months-long protests in major Iraqi cities have led to the prime minister's resignation, but leaders have been unable to secure a replacement, and those demanding reform remain as animated as ever. Lisa Desjardins reports and speaks to the Atlantic Council's Abbas Kadhim about what protesters are seeking, why the political elite have been unable to deliver it and where the average Iraqi stands.

How climate and corruption have combined to create Zimbabwe's food crisis

News Wrap: Parts of Hong Kong paralyzed as protesters, police clash

In our news wrap Wednesday, another wave of anti-government demonstrations paralyzed parts of Hong Kong. Black-clad protesters descended on the streets of a busy shopping district, and riot police used tear gas to disperse crowds. Also, protests erupted in India's capital city over a controversial new citizenship law. Activists accused the government of violating the secular constitution.

Despite extreme weather and surging activism, 2019 saw political paralysis on climate

By almost any measure, 2019 was a year of especially sobering news on climate change, with grim warnings about what could happen in the future along with extreme weather events occurring now. The year also saw a global protest movement, initiated by young people, arise to try to tackle the problem. But as Miles O'Brien reports, the call for action was often divorced from political reality.

What's the outlook for U.S. foreign policy as a tumultuous decade ends?

The past ten years have seen both transformation and inertia in global politics. In many countries, as heads of government have changed, authoritarian leadership has not. Nick Schifrin sits down with the Hudson Institute's Rebeccah Heinrichs, the American Enterprise Institute's Kori Schake and Michele Flournoy of WestExec Advisors to discuss why the decade is concluding with a year of protest.

Author Laila Lalami's new book explores the experience of being an outsider

News Wrap: Trump downplays idea of North Korean missile test

In our news wrap Tuesday, President Trump is playing down the possibility of a "Christmas surprise" North Korean missile test. Pyongyang has warned of unspecified action if the U.S. does not ease sanctions by year's end -- but Trump said Kim Jong Un might send a "beautiful vase" instead. Also, Christmas celebrations around the world included a Bethlehem parade and midnight mass at the Vatican.

Intensified offensive in Idlib province puts Syrian civilians on the run

In Syria, forces loyal to the Assad regime -- and backed by Russian air power -- are advancing in the province of Idlib, the last remaining rebel stronghold. As the Syrian army and its allies try to secure a key highway to Aleppo, thousands of civilians are caught in the crossfire. Judy Woodruff reports and talks to Smith College's Steven Heydemann and the University of Oklahoma's Joshua Landis.