World News and International Headlines : NPR

Iceland's Plan To Ban Online Porn Spurs Outrage

Iceland's government is drafting plans to ban pornography online and in print. Supporters say it's an attempt to shield children. Stoyan Nenov/Reuters /Landov hide caption

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Stoyan Nenov/Reuters /Landov

Iceland's Plan To Ban Online Porn Spurs Outrage

February 28, 2013 • The government is drafting plans to ban pornography both online and in print. It's an attempt, supporters say, to shield children from harm. But critics say the Nordic nation "should not serve as a role model for Internet censorship."

The Pope Emeritus' New Shoes And The Mexican Man Who Makes Them

Armando Martin Dueñas shows replicas of the hand-crafted loafers given to Pope Benedict XVI. Alfredo Valadez/AP hide caption

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Alfredo Valadez/AP

The Pope Emeritus' New Shoes And The Mexican Man Who Makes Them

February 28, 2013 • Along with giving up the chair of St. Peter, Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI gave up his stylish red shoes. Now, he's wearing shoes made by a man in Leon, Mexico.

The Pope Emeritus' New Shoes And The Mexican Man Who Makes Them

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At A Pakistani Mobile Library, Kids Can Check Out Books, And Hope

After decades living and working abroad, Saeed Malik (left) returned to his native Pakistan and wanted to do something to help rectify what he saw as a poor education system. He founded the Bright Star Mobile Library, which now serves about 2,500 children. Jackie Northam/NPR hide caption

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Jackie Northam/NPR

Asia

At A Pakistani Mobile Library, Kids Can Check Out Books, And Hope

February 28, 2013 • Many young Pakistanis have grown up in the grip of religious extremism. But Saeed Malik is trying to reverse that trend, starting at the most basic level. He has created a bookmobile that offers English and Urdu books to underprivileged children, in hopes of broadening their minds and fostering tolerance.

At A Pakistani Mobile Library, Kids Can Check Out Books, And Hope

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Middle East

Hezbollah Trial Offers Clues To How Militant Group Operates

February 28, 2013 • Audie Cornish talks to Nicholas Kulish, a New York Times reporter, about the trial of Hezbollah member Hossam Yaakoub earlier this week in Cyprus and what it has revealed about the inner workings of the organization.

Hezbollah Trial Offers Clues To How Militant Group Operates

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Middle East

Syrian Rebels: New U.S. Aid Not Helpful Without Weapons

February 28, 2013 • The top rebel commander in northern Syria was not impressed with Secretary of State John Kerry's announcement of new direct U.S. aid to the rebels and their political leaders.

Syrian Rebels: New U.S. Aid Not Helpful Without Weapons

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The Papal Succession

As Pope Benedict XVI Exits, Catholic Church Faces An Identity Crisis

February 28, 2013 • After greeting cardinals in the Vatican, Pope Benedict boarded a helicopter and flew to the papal summer residence south of Rome on Thursday. With his resignation official, the Papal Swiss Guard, which has served popes since the 16th century, will prepare for the arrival of his successor, whoever that may be. Audie Cornish talks to Sylvia Poggioli.

As Pope Benedict XVI Exits, Catholic Church Faces An Identity Crisis

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Middle East

U.S. Offers Additional $60 Million To Syrian Opposition

February 28, 2013 • The U.S. announced $60 million of non-lethal aid to Syria's opposition movement on Thursday. Secretary of State John Kerry made the announcement at a meeting with Syrian opposition leaders in Rome.

U.S. Offers Additional $60 Million To Syrian Opposition

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In Depressed Spain, ATMs That Dispense Free Cash

A Spanish man bought two theater tickets and gave them to an elderly couple after he received free cash from an ATM set up by Coca-Cola. YouTube hide caption

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The Two-Way

In Depressed Spain, ATMs That Dispense Free Cash

February 28, 2013 • For Coca-Cola, it was both a PR move and a social experiment. The company set up an ATM that gave out 100 euros ($131) and asked only that recipients share the money. A video of the campaign has gone viral.

'I Love Him,' Dennis Rodman Says Of North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un

North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un, seated next to former NBA star Dennis Rodman (in black cap), at a basketball game Thursday in Pyongyang. VICE media hide caption

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VICE media

February 28, 2013 • Secretary of State John Kerry announced plans to provide $60 million in aid to Syrian rebels. With the country engulfed in civil war, an important battle is underway in the northwest, where rebels may soon control all of Idlib province. NPR's Kelly McEvers reports on her trip to the region.

Reporter's Notebook: The Agony Of Syria's Civil War

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Benedict XVI Leaves The Vatican, Headed To Retirement

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Africa

Has South Africa Reached Rape Tipping Point?

February 28, 2013 • South Africa is still reeling from the recent deaths of two women: Reeva Steenkamp, shot by her sports hero boyfriend, Oscar Pistorius, and Anene Booysens, who was brutally raped and murdered at 17. Host Michel Martin talks to independent researcher Lisa Vetten about what the cases may say about violence against women in South Africa.

Has South Africa Reached Rape Tipping Point?

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Africa

Kenya's Candidates Spar In First TV Debates

February 28, 2013 • For the first time, Kenya recently aired presidential debates, ahead of its election. But despite the wide audience, many people doubt the country can get through the election without violence. Host Michel Martin catches up with journalist and debate moderator Uduak Amimo.

Kenya's Candidates Spar In First TV Debates

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