Archive for: The World

Roma integration in Bulgaria

Oct 14th, 2010

Roma integration in Bulgaria

Matthew Brunwasser visits two ethnic Roma neighborhoods in Bulgaria to find out how the Roma there view the issue of integration. France’s extradition of Roma to Bulgaria and Romania has set off a debate in Europe about the Roma’s place in European society.

Life for Roma back home

Sep 27th, 2010

Life for Roma back home

This week the European Commission will decide if it will take action against France over its expulsion of Roma migrants. Correspondent Matthew Brunwasser reports on how the Bulgarian government has tried to help Roma integrate in Bulgarian society.

Muslim drummers silenced

Sep 14th, 2010

Muslim drummers silenced

In many Muslim towns and villages around the world, drummers march through the streets to wake up residents for a meal before sunrise. Matthew Brunwasser reports from a neighborhood in Turkey where the drummers are no longer welcome by all.

Kenya’s planned port threatens Swahili culture

Jul 13th, 2010

Kenya’s planned port threatens Swahili culture

In East Africa, a multi-billion-dollar supertanker port is being planned for Lamu on the coast of Kenya. The massive project would give a boost to the isolated area and forge economic links between countries in the region. The plan includes proposed oil pipelines, motorways and railroads, linking Lamu with Southern Sudan, Ethiopia and Uganda. But the big changes also threaten one of the last strongholds of traditional Swahili culture – a mixture of Arab and African cultures dating back from trade between Africa and the Middle East in the 9th Century. From Lamu, Kenya, Matthew Brunwasser reports.

Israeli travelers avoid Turkey

Jun 23rd, 2010

Israeli travelers avoid Turkey

Israelis are cancelling planned trips to Turkey, in the wake of tensions following the killing of nine Turkish activists on a Gaza-bound aid ship convoy. That could have an impact on the Turkish economy. Matthew Brunwasser reports from Antalya, on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, one of Israelis’ favorite international vacation spots.

China’s approach to helping Africa

Jun 23rd, 2010

China’s approach to helping Africa

China is investing heavily in Africa. While many African welcome the capital and know-how, others fear that China is stepping in with heavy boots. Matthew Brunwasser reports from Nairobi, Kenya.

Digging for Chinese culture in Kenya

Jun 19th, 2010

Digging for Chinese culture in Kenya

Scientists from China are on the way to East Africa in June, to prepare for a massive archaeological excavation. The Chinese government is funding a three year search for Chinese cultural heritage on the coast of Kenya, in some half-dozen sites both underwater and on land. China is highlighting the ancient cultural ties between the two countries as its commercial power blossoms across the region. Matthew Brunwasser reports from Lamu, Kenya.

Turkey tense over house vote

Mar 3rd, 2010

Turkey tense over house vote

The US House Foreign Affairs Committee is voting tomorrow on whether to use the term “genocide” to describe the World War One-era killing of Armenians during the Turkish Ottoman Empire. The vote will be closely watched by many in Turkey. Correspondent Matthew Brunwasser reports from Istanbul.

“Sweating Bullets” in Serbia

Jan 6th, 2010

“Sweating Bullets” in Serbia

Extra trivia points if you can identify the male television character pictured here. He is Nick Slaughter, from the show “Sweating Bullets.” The cheesy detective show, set in a Florida beach town, aired in the US from 1991 to 1993. Well, America may have forgotten Nick Slaughter. But Serbia hasn’t. In fact, the star of the show, actor Rob Stewart, recently discovered his enduring fame in Serbia. Now he’s making a documentary about his experience, called Slaughter Nick for President. From Belgrade, Matthew Brunwasser reports.

Romanians mark somber anniversary

Dec 22nd, 2009

Romanians mark somber anniversary

The people of Romania are marking the 20th anniversary of the 1989 revolution which brought down communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu. Small commemorations have been held at cemeteries and sites associated with the revolution in several cities, including Bucharest and Timisoara. President Traian Basescu referred to more than 1,100 people who died during the revolution, as he was sworn in for a second term in office. Nicolae Ceausescu and his wife, Elena, were executed by a three-man firing squad, after a trial at a military base lasting only two hours on Christmas Day 1989. Matthew Brunwasser looks at how Romanians have been dealing with their recent past