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VOA_EN_NW_2012_11_11_1543535

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Obama Vows to Improve US Veterans' Access to Education, Benefits U.S. President Barack Obama has pledged to serve American military veterans by improving their access to education and medical benefits. In a speech Sunday marking the annual Veterans Day holiday, Mr. Obama said his administration is helping veterans to obtain a college education and "pursue their dreams." Speaking at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, he said authorities also have introduced benefits for Vietnam War veterans exposed to Agent Orange, a herbicide sprayed by U.S. forces to clear vegetation used as a cover by guerrilla forces. Americans Mark Veterans Day Mr. Obama also highlighted his fulfillment of a promise to end U.S. military involvement in Iraq, noting that Sunday is the first Veterans Day in a decade in which there are no American troops "fighting and dying" in that country. He said 33,000 U.S. troops also have returned from Afghanistan as a transition begins to Afghan government control of the country following a decade of war. Mr. Obama said more than one million U.S. service members will transition to civilian life in the next few years. He said the United States has a sacred obligation to take care of them. Before the speech, the U.S. president placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns. Communities across America traditionally hold Veterans Day observances and ceremonies. Federal offices are closed Monday in recognition of the holiday. The Veterans Day holiday began as a U.S. observance of Armistice Day in 1919. The United States and its allies declared an armistice with Germany to end the First World War one year earlier, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Britain also marked the anniversary with a Remembrance Day ceremony at London's Cenotaph war memorial, where Queen Elizabeth and other members of the royal family honored the war dead of the British Commonwealth. In Paris, French President Francois Hollande commemorated France's war dead by laying a wreath at the Arc de Triomphe. Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.

President Barack Obama has pledged to serve American military veterans by improving their access to education and medical benefits. In a speech Sunday marking the annual Veterans Day holiday, Mr. Obama said his administration is helping veterans to obtain a college education and "pursue their dreams." Speaking at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, he said authorities also have introduced benefits for Vietnam War veterans exposed to Agent Orange, a herbicide sprayed by U.S. forces to clear vegetation used as a cover by guerrilla forces.

what is the priority for person in the right of the image when he talks about veterans

Obama

helping veterans to obtain a college education and "pursue their dreams

President Barack Obama (L) is seen after placing a Veterans Day wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, November 11, 2012.

Barack Obama

what is the priority for president obama when he talks about veterans

president obama

VOA_EN_NW_2012_12_09_1561593

VOA_EN_NW_2012_12_09_1561593_1

Mandela Hospitalization Worries South Africans JOHANNESBURG —  Nelson Mandela’s second hospitalization this year has raised concerns among South Africans and around the world about the future despite government assurances that the hospitalization is for routine tests. President Zuma said Sunday the former leader was “comfortable” and in good spirits, but South Africans are worried about their beloved former president. Nelson Mandela wrote about feeling, upon his release from prison, that he had failed to be there for his own children and grandchildren. Instead, he wrote, his decades-long struggle against apartheid had turned him into the father of his nation. Former South African President Nelson Mandela as he celebrates his birthday with family in Qunu, South Africa, July 18, 2012. That became clear this weekend as news of his Saturday hospitalization spread and the Internet buzzed with virtual get-well cards from luminaries, journalists and ordinary South Africans. Mandela spent Saturday night in the hospital and appeared “comfortable and in good care” on Sunday morning, said President Jacob Zuma. Still, the get-well wishes keep coming. Congregants packed Soweto’s landmark Regina Mundi church on Sunday to pray for him. Chelsea Clinton tweeted Saturday night: “Thinking of Madiba and the entire Mandela family - hope Madiba comes home soon.” Like many South Africans, Clinton used Mandela’s clan name, Madiba, which is a sign of respect. Many South Africans just call him Tata, the Xhosa word for father. Little is known about Mandela’s condition or his prognosis. Mac Maharaj, a spokesman for the presidency who also spent years alongside Mandela at the infamous Robben Island prison, gave few details, citing patient confidentiality. He would not say what Mr. Mandela’s prognosis was or how long he might remain in the hospital. Maharaj, who spoke to VOA shortly after arriving in the southeastern coastal city of Durban, said he accompanied Zuma on the Sunday morning hospital visit in Pretoria. He said the former president appeared well, and urged the world to not worry and to respect his privacy. “I believe not just South Africans but millions throughout the world will be praying for Madiba, and we are appealing to people to respect his privacy. We want his treatment to be unimpeded, to be done under the least stressful conditions, and for the doctors to have a free hand to attend to him. I’m sure everybody wishes that for him.” On the streets of Johannesburg’s gritty inner-city Hillbrow neighborhood, 33-year-old businesswoman Sharon Zinhle said she is worried about the former leader’s health. She says he brought many positive changes to her life and to the country, and said that since he left office governance has deteriorated. “It’s really bad, it’s really bad. Because if we lose him, hey, we don’t know what’s going to happen to this country, really. During the times of Madiba there was no corruption, I think so, there was no corruption But with this new, ah, the corruption, is too much.” Mandela became South Africa’s first black president in 1994 after spending 27 years in prison for leading the fight against apartheid. He shared the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize with former President F.W. De Klerk for engineering an end to apartheid. Mandela served only one term as president and retired from public life in 2004, telling the next generation, “it’s in your hands.” He has since carefully tried to avoid cultivating a cult of personality - with little success. Last month, the government put his face on its bank notes. It is clear South Africans are not ready to let go of their icon. Many feel they have not had enough time with him. After all, Mandela spent much of his adult life in prison, denied access to the world and with few visits even from his family. In Hillbrow and across town in the sprawling Soweto townships, South Africans prayed for his recovery, as they would for their own grandfather. For Sibusiso Mangena, a 28-year-old gardener, that’s what Mandela feels like. “He’s a family member. He’s a big family member. He did a lot for us. He gave us freedom, no fighting. We are just cool for him, you see,” said Mangena. On the streets of Johannesburg, the message was unanimous: Get well, Tata, get well.

Nelson Mandela wrote about feeling, upon his release from prison, that he had failed to be there for his own children and grandchildren. Instead, he wrote, his decades-long struggle against apartheid had turned him into the father of his nation. Former South African President Nelson Mandela as he celebrates his birthday with family in Qunu, South Africa, July 18, 2012. That became clear this weekend as news of his Saturday hospitalization spread and the Internet buzzed with virtual get-well cards from luminaries, journalists and ordinary South Africans. Mandela spent Saturday night in the hospital and appeared “comfortable and in good care” on Sunday morning, said President Jacob Zuma.

when did person in the image of south africa go into hospital

President

Saturday night

Former South African President Nelson Mandela as he celebrates his birthday with family in Qunu, South Africa, July 18, 2012.

Nelson Mandela

when did the former president of south africa go into hospital

the former president

VOA_EN_NW_2012_12_09_1561593

VOA_EN_NW_2012_12_09_1561593_1

Mandela Hospitalization Worries South Africans JOHANNESBURG —  Nelson Mandela’s second hospitalization this year has raised concerns among South Africans and around the world about the future despite government assurances that the hospitalization is for routine tests. President Zuma said Sunday the former leader was “comfortable” and in good spirits, but South Africans are worried about their beloved former president. Nelson Mandela wrote about feeling, upon his release from prison, that he had failed to be there for his own children and grandchildren. Instead, he wrote, his decades-long struggle against apartheid had turned him into the father of his nation. Former South African President Nelson Mandela as he celebrates his birthday with family in Qunu, South Africa, July 18, 2012. That became clear this weekend as news of his Saturday hospitalization spread and the Internet buzzed with virtual get-well cards from luminaries, journalists and ordinary South Africans. Mandela spent Saturday night in the hospital and appeared “comfortable and in good care” on Sunday morning, said President Jacob Zuma. Still, the get-well wishes keep coming. Congregants packed Soweto’s landmark Regina Mundi church on Sunday to pray for him. Chelsea Clinton tweeted Saturday night: “Thinking of Madiba and the entire Mandela family - hope Madiba comes home soon.” Like many South Africans, Clinton used Mandela’s clan name, Madiba, which is a sign of respect. Many South Africans just call him Tata, the Xhosa word for father. Little is known about Mandela’s condition or his prognosis. Mac Maharaj, a spokesman for the presidency who also spent years alongside Mandela at the infamous Robben Island prison, gave few details, citing patient confidentiality. He would not say what Mr. Mandela’s prognosis was or how long he might remain in the hospital. Maharaj, who spoke to VOA shortly after arriving in the southeastern coastal city of Durban, said he accompanied Zuma on the Sunday morning hospital visit in Pretoria. He said the former president appeared well, and urged the world to not worry and to respect his privacy. “I believe not just South Africans but millions throughout the world will be praying for Madiba, and we are appealing to people to respect his privacy. We want his treatment to be unimpeded, to be done under the least stressful conditions, and for the doctors to have a free hand to attend to him. I’m sure everybody wishes that for him.” On the streets of Johannesburg’s gritty inner-city Hillbrow neighborhood, 33-year-old businesswoman Sharon Zinhle said she is worried about the former leader’s health. She says he brought many positive changes to her life and to the country, and said that since he left office governance has deteriorated. “It’s really bad, it’s really bad. Because if we lose him, hey, we don’t know what’s going to happen to this country, really. During the times of Madiba there was no corruption, I think so, there was no corruption But with this new, ah, the corruption, is too much.” Mandela became South Africa’s first black president in 1994 after spending 27 years in prison for leading the fight against apartheid. He shared the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize with former President F.W. De Klerk for engineering an end to apartheid. Mandela served only one term as president and retired from public life in 2004, telling the next generation, “it’s in your hands.” He has since carefully tried to avoid cultivating a cult of personality - with little success. Last month, the government put his face on its bank notes. It is clear South Africans are not ready to let go of their icon. Many feel they have not had enough time with him. After all, Mandela spent much of his adult life in prison, denied access to the world and with few visits even from his family. In Hillbrow and across town in the sprawling Soweto townships, South Africans prayed for his recovery, as they would for their own grandfather. For Sibusiso Mangena, a 28-year-old gardener, that’s what Mandela feels like. “He’s a family member. He’s a big family member. He did a lot for us. He gave us freedom, no fighting. We are just cool for him, you see,” said Mangena. On the streets of Johannesburg, the message was unanimous: Get well, Tata, get well.

Chelsea Clinton tweeted Saturday night: “Thinking of Madiba and the entire Mandela family - hope Madiba comes home soon.” Like many South Africans, Clinton used Mandela’s clan name, Madiba, which is a sign of respect. Many South Africans just call him Tata, the Xhosa word for father. Little is known about Mandela’s condition or his prognosis. Mac Maharaj, a spokesman for the presidency who also spent years alongside Mandela at the infamous Robben Island prison, gave few details, citing patient confidentiality. He would not say what Mr.

what is the status of person in the image in prison

Mandela

prognosis

Former South African President Nelson Mandela as he celebrates his birthday with family in Qunu, South Africa, July 18, 2012.

Nelson Mandela

what is the status of mandela in prison

mandela

VOA_EN_NW_2012_12_09_1561593

VOA_EN_NW_2012_12_09_1561593_1

Mandela Hospitalization Worries South Africans JOHANNESBURG —  Nelson Mandela’s second hospitalization this year has raised concerns among South Africans and around the world about the future despite government assurances that the hospitalization is for routine tests. President Zuma said Sunday the former leader was “comfortable” and in good spirits, but South Africans are worried about their beloved former president. Nelson Mandela wrote about feeling, upon his release from prison, that he had failed to be there for his own children and grandchildren. Instead, he wrote, his decades-long struggle against apartheid had turned him into the father of his nation. Former South African President Nelson Mandela as he celebrates his birthday with family in Qunu, South Africa, July 18, 2012. That became clear this weekend as news of his Saturday hospitalization spread and the Internet buzzed with virtual get-well cards from luminaries, journalists and ordinary South Africans. Mandela spent Saturday night in the hospital and appeared “comfortable and in good care” on Sunday morning, said President Jacob Zuma. Still, the get-well wishes keep coming. Congregants packed Soweto’s landmark Regina Mundi church on Sunday to pray for him. Chelsea Clinton tweeted Saturday night: “Thinking of Madiba and the entire Mandela family - hope Madiba comes home soon.” Like many South Africans, Clinton used Mandela’s clan name, Madiba, which is a sign of respect. Many South Africans just call him Tata, the Xhosa word for father. Little is known about Mandela’s condition or his prognosis. Mac Maharaj, a spokesman for the presidency who also spent years alongside Mandela at the infamous Robben Island prison, gave few details, citing patient confidentiality. He would not say what Mr. Mandela’s prognosis was or how long he might remain in the hospital. Maharaj, who spoke to VOA shortly after arriving in the southeastern coastal city of Durban, said he accompanied Zuma on the Sunday morning hospital visit in Pretoria. He said the former president appeared well, and urged the world to not worry and to respect his privacy. “I believe not just South Africans but millions throughout the world will be praying for Madiba, and we are appealing to people to respect his privacy. We want his treatment to be unimpeded, to be done under the least stressful conditions, and for the doctors to have a free hand to attend to him. I’m sure everybody wishes that for him.” On the streets of Johannesburg’s gritty inner-city Hillbrow neighborhood, 33-year-old businesswoman Sharon Zinhle said she is worried about the former leader’s health. She says he brought many positive changes to her life and to the country, and said that since he left office governance has deteriorated. “It’s really bad, it’s really bad. Because if we lose him, hey, we don’t know what’s going to happen to this country, really. During the times of Madiba there was no corruption, I think so, there was no corruption But with this new, ah, the corruption, is too much.” Mandela became South Africa’s first black president in 1994 after spending 27 years in prison for leading the fight against apartheid. He shared the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize with former President F.W. De Klerk for engineering an end to apartheid. Mandela served only one term as president and retired from public life in 2004, telling the next generation, “it’s in your hands.” He has since carefully tried to avoid cultivating a cult of personality - with little success. Last month, the government put his face on its bank notes. It is clear South Africans are not ready to let go of their icon. Many feel they have not had enough time with him. After all, Mandela spent much of his adult life in prison, denied access to the world and with few visits even from his family. In Hillbrow and across town in the sprawling Soweto townships, South Africans prayed for his recovery, as they would for their own grandfather. For Sibusiso Mangena, a 28-year-old gardener, that’s what Mandela feels like. “He’s a family member. He’s a big family member. He did a lot for us. He gave us freedom, no fighting. We are just cool for him, you see,” said Mangena. On the streets of Johannesburg, the message was unanimous: Get well, Tata, get well.

Mac Maharaj, a spokesman for the presidency who also spent years alongside Mandela at the infamous Robben Island prison, gave few details, citing patient confidentiality. He would not say what Mr. Mandela’s prognosis was or how long he might remain in the hospital. Maharaj, who spoke to VOA shortly after arriving in the southeastern coastal city of Durban, said he accompanied Zuma on the Sunday morning hospital visit in Pretoria. He said the former president appeared well, and urged the world to not worry and to respect his privacy.

who is the president of south africa who visited woman in the image in hospital

Mandela

Mac Maharaj

Former South African President Nelson Mandela as he celebrates his birthday with family in Qunu, South Africa, July 18, 2012.

Nelson Mandela

who is the president of south africa who visited mandela in hospital

mandela

VOA_EN_NW_2012_09_14_1507776

VOA_EN_NW_2012_09_14_1507776_0

Court Delays Release of 'First Lady' of Khmer Rouge Prosecutors at Cambodia's United Nations-backed war crimes tribunal have appealed the court's decision to unconditionally release the aging sister-in-law of former Khmer Rouge leader Pol Pot. In a statement Friday, the prosecutors said they want tighter restrictions on the release of Ieng Thirith, who a day earlier was found unfit to stand trial for genocide and other charges because of her dementia. The prosecutors say the conditions are to ensure she does not flee the country or interfere with witnesses. They also expressed concern about her safety and said she should be subject to regular health examinations. The court says it has delayed the release of the 80-year-old, once dubbed the "First Lady" of the Khmer Rouge, until it decides on the appeal. Thirith was charged with crimes against humanity, genocide, homicide, torture and religious persecution related to the 1975-1979 rule of the Khmer Rouge. The radical communist rule resulted in the deaths of some 1.7 million Cambodians. Thursday's decision "postponed indefinitely" the charges against Thirith, but said the ruling is not a reflection on her guilt or innocence. But it also left open the possibility that she could still face charges in the unlikely event that her health improves. The tribunal is seeking justice for the victims who died of starvation, execution or lack of medical care during the Khmer Rouge's reign. Ieng Thirith and her three co-defendants are the most senior survivors of the regime's leadership. All defendants deny the charges. Pol Pot died in 1998.

The prosecutors say the conditions are to ensure she does not flee the country or interfere with witnesses. They also expressed concern about her safety and said she should be subject to regular health examinations. The court says it has delayed the release of the 80-year-old, once dubbed the "First Lady" of the Khmer Rouge, until it decides on the appeal. Thirith was charged with crimes against humanity, genocide, homicide, torture and religious persecution related to the 1975-1979 rule of the Khmer Rouge. The radical communist rule resulted in the deaths of some 1.7 million Cambodians.

what charges did man in the image of the khmer guerre face

Lady

genocide

In this photo taken on OctOBER 19, 2011 and released by the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia, Ieng Thirith smiles during a hearing in Phnom Penh.

Ieng Thirith

what charges did the first lady of the khmer guerre face

the first lady

VOA_EN_NW_2012_05_22_920260

VOA_EN_NW_2012_05_22_920260_0

Korean-American Makes Some Noise on "American Idol" Heejun Han has become the highest ranked Korean American ever to appear on the popular reality TV singing competition, American Idol. He finished ninth out of hundreds who tried out for the show. Calling himeself "a cool Korean American who lives in New York with a swag", the 23-year-old entered the annual contest to promote a non-profit organization. Not coming from a musical family, Han taught himself how to sing while in his bathroom and he also learned to play the piano on his own. He said, “my parents don’t know anything about music,” and rarely played music at home. But he started listening to music when he came to America at age 10 and fell in love with rhythm and blues, saying, “it requires honesty and soul.” While appearing on the program, Han showed a self deprecating sense of humor the audience seemed to love. However, some of the judges did not take him seriously because of it. But Han doesn't seem to have any regrets. “If I can make one person laugh, then my job is done," he said. Snce Han appeared on American Idol, people have stopped him on the streets, wanting his autograph. The Mets, an American baseball team in New York, asked him to throw the first pitch at their opening game. Despite his success, Han is very humble and wants to remain that way. He said, “good things come to those who do good, and provide unselfishly for others.” He says his Christian faith keeps him grounded and that he prays before each concert. Han said he entered the American Idol contest not to become a star but to promote Milal Mission, a non-profit organization in Korea that helps disabled youth. Han suffered from depression in his early years and went to the organization for help. He said that working with them turned his life around and that he wanted to give back to those who had given him so much. “When I was in Korea, I pursued my dream [of making it as a singer] for two years but nothing happened, so I had depression. I always wanted to be on stage. I went there (Milal Mission) for my treatment. I fell in love with the kids who taught me how humble they are. They pulled me out of my misery and I wanted to give back.” Han has created awareness and rasied donations for the organization, but he wants to do more. “I want to donate lots of money to the organization when I make it [big],” he said. Han says he would love to appear in TV shows and movies, and make his own acoustic album and perhaps perform a duet with his idol Tony Bennett.

He said, “good things come to those who do good, and provide unselfishly for others.” He says his Christian faith keeps him grounded and that he prays before each concert. Han said he entered the American Idol contest not to become a star but to promote Milal Mission, a non-profit organization in Korea that helps disabled youth. Han suffered from depression in his early years and went to the organization for help. He said that working with them turned his life around and that he wanted to give back to those who had given him so much. “When I was in Korea, I pursued my dream [of making it as a singer] for two years but nothing happened, so I had depression.

who did woman in the image go on american idol to help

Han

Milal Mission

Han is the highest ranked Korean-American ever to appear on “American Idol” (Courtesy Fox "American Idol")

Han

who did korean singer han go on american idol to help

korean singer han

VOA_EN_NW_2012_05_22_920260

VOA_EN_NW_2012_05_22_920260_0

Korean-American Makes Some Noise on "American Idol" Heejun Han has become the highest ranked Korean American ever to appear on the popular reality TV singing competition, American Idol. He finished ninth out of hundreds who tried out for the show. Calling himeself "a cool Korean American who lives in New York with a swag", the 23-year-old entered the annual contest to promote a non-profit organization. Not coming from a musical family, Han taught himself how to sing while in his bathroom and he also learned to play the piano on his own. He said, “my parents don’t know anything about music,” and rarely played music at home. But he started listening to music when he came to America at age 10 and fell in love with rhythm and blues, saying, “it requires honesty and soul.” While appearing on the program, Han showed a self deprecating sense of humor the audience seemed to love. However, some of the judges did not take him seriously because of it. But Han doesn't seem to have any regrets. “If I can make one person laugh, then my job is done," he said. Snce Han appeared on American Idol, people have stopped him on the streets, wanting his autograph. The Mets, an American baseball team in New York, asked him to throw the first pitch at their opening game. Despite his success, Han is very humble and wants to remain that way. He said, “good things come to those who do good, and provide unselfishly for others.” He says his Christian faith keeps him grounded and that he prays before each concert. Han said he entered the American Idol contest not to become a star but to promote Milal Mission, a non-profit organization in Korea that helps disabled youth. Han suffered from depression in his early years and went to the organization for help. He said that working with them turned his life around and that he wanted to give back to those who had given him so much. “When I was in Korea, I pursued my dream [of making it as a singer] for two years but nothing happened, so I had depression. I always wanted to be on stage. I went there (Milal Mission) for my treatment. I fell in love with the kids who taught me how humble they are. They pulled me out of my misery and I wanted to give back.” Han has created awareness and rasied donations for the organization, but he wants to do more. “I want to donate lots of money to the organization when I make it [big],” he said. Han says he would love to appear in TV shows and movies, and make his own acoustic album and perhaps perform a duet with his idol Tony Bennett.

I went there (Milal Mission) for my treatment. I fell in love with the kids who taught me how humble they are. They pulled me out of my misery and I wanted to give back.” Han has created awareness and rasied donations for the organization, but he wants to do more. “I want to donate lots of money to the organization when I make it [big],” he said. Han says he would love to appear in TV shows and movies, and make his own acoustic album and perhaps perform a duet with his idol Tony Bennett.

where did person in the image go to get cancer treatment

Han

Milal Mission

Han is the highest ranked Korean-American ever to appear on “American Idol” (Courtesy Fox "American Idol")

Han

where did dan han go to get cancer treatment

dan han

VOA_EN_NW_2012_11_27_1553966

VOA_EN_NW_2012_11_27_1553966_0

Yemen Political Experiment Moves Cautiously Forward SANA'A —  In Yemen, like in many Arab Spring countries, the revolution’s center of gravity has shifted from the popular revolts in Sana'a’s Change Square to quiet boardrooms across the capital, where nominally-elected political elites are guiding the beleaguered country through the democratic reform process. However, in contrast to other revolutionary struggles around the Middle East and North Africa, Yemen's political transition is being driven by an experimental regional and international effort to stabilize the geopolitically sensitive hotspot in the Arabian Peninsula. Beginning with the November 2011 transfer of power from former President Ali Abdullah Saleh to his longtime second-in-command Abd Rabu Mansur Hadi, the Saudi-brokered, U.S. and UN-backed Gulf country initiative has achieved progress toward its stated goals of restructuring the military and government in preparation for multiparty elections in early 2014. The progress includes several rounds of presidential decrees removing or demoting former President Saleh's relatives and loyalists from top military and government posts. High expectations Yet many worry that these early victories could be wiped away if the impending National Dialogue Conference (NDC), originally scheduled to begin mid-November, fails to meet its high aims. Head of the preparatory committee for Yemen's National Dialogue Conference, Abdul-Kareem al-Eriani addresses a news conference in Sanaa November 17, 2012. The NDC, now slated to begin in December, will convene Yemen’s diverse political landscape for six months of discussions aimed at drafting a new constitution and preserving the unity of the state. Preparations for the dialogue have been underway since mid-year, when the president tasked a 25-person “preparatory committee” with deciding the structure of the conference. The committee membership spans three generations and is made up of representatives from nearly all major interest groups in Yemen. Participants say they are fully aware of the magnitude of their work. Committee member Dr. Ahmed Bin-Mubarak, the Director of the Center of Business Administration at Sana’a University, said, "In all our history, we never had such opportunity to sit together for months." Many Yemenis welcome the NDC because it represents a break from Sana'a’s elite-driven political process, marking the first time such an inclusive spectrum of representatives will come face to face to discuss issues affecting daily life. Mubarak’s fellow committee member, Saleh al-Sayadi, secretary general of People’s Democratic Party, said, “Yemenis don't have a choice other than the dialogue," citing civil war as a looming alternative. The preparatory committee’s many delays are a reflection of the daunting endeavor they have embarked on. Some members blame missed deadlines on the two major Islamic holidays that have interrupted scheduled meetings. Mubarak adds that he was surprised to find that topics of discussion he “expected to take one day, took two weeks.” Representatives on the preparatory committee said that all they have left to do is decide on the allocation of the 565 NDC seats – no small chore – before submitting their report to President Hadi, who will officially announce the start date for the dialogue. Once that happens, the real work begins. National and international leaders will focus their efforts on lobbying two political blocs whose particpation could determine the success or failure of the dialogue and, by extension, the Gulf initiative’s vision of a unified Yemeni state. Southern question The so-called “southern question” is considered by many to be the greatest challenge. In only five years, the Southern Movement or Hirak, based out of the southern port city of Aden, has transformed itself from a simple alliance of disgruntled workers from the former People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen (PDRY) into a formidable, although divided, political bloc whose more radical elements are calling for nothing short of secession from the “northern” government in Sanaa. Internal divisions among southerners in general has been a sensitive topic for both the committee and the Yemeni population at large. Although it is an ongoing debate, many agree with Sayadi that “Hirak doesn't represent all the south, and the south is not all Hiraki," a reality that makes designating southern representatives to the NDC a potentially explosive subject. The preparatory committee recently addressed that issue by announcing that 50-percent of seats will be reserved for southerners, in an apparent concession to lure Hirakis to the negotiation table. But because members of parties other than Hirak can also be considered southerners, even if they do not agree with the movement’s objectives, the last-minute effort may fall flat. Hirak’s participation in the dialogue remains up in the air. Beyond issues of representation in the NDC, Mubarak says that there also needs to be “on the ground” changes in order for Hirak to participate. He feels President Hadi must send a clear signal, possibly through executive decrees resolving land disputes or reinstating pensions, that northern policy towards the south is shifting. Without these changes, he argues, Hirak’s participation is unlikely because doing so would amount to Hirak “burn[ing] themselves” in the eyes of their supporters. Northern challenge "The rebellious Shi'ite Huthi movement, based in northern Yemen along the Saudi border, has flooded Sana'a with its provocative slogan, 'Death to America, Death to Israel, Curse upon the Jews, Victory to Islam.'" (C. Coombs for VOA) The other major obstacle to the plan for a unified Yemen lies north of the capital in Saada governorate, which borders Saudi Arabia. There, a Zaidi Shi’ite movement, known as Al-Huthi, has been beating back government forces for control of the territory for most of the past decade. Last year’s anti-government revolts created an opening for the rebels not only to solidify their stronghold in Saada but to expand southward into the capital. Both Mubarak and Sayadi feel the Huthis have been surprisingly cooperative in NDC preparations up to this point, even arguing that they have been more open to the idea of a “modern civil state” than the country’s dominant political party Islah, composed of tribal and Islamist groups. But President Hadi has routinely accused the Huthis of accepting Iranian support aimed at destabilizing the transition process. And the group continues to lambast what it perceives to be American and Saudi meddling in Yemeni affairs. Its caustic slogan, “Death to America, Death to Israel, Curse Upon the Jews, Victory to Islam,” has flooded Sana'a since September. Issues such as the U.S. drone attacks against al-Qaida militants are not on the agenda because NDC is focused exclusively on domestic issues. But other tough questions are facing the NDC, including what role the military will play in the state, and what type of political system the new Yemen will base its constitution on. Although the committee has not ruled out the possibility of allowing more than six months for the NDC to tackle these complex issues, Sayadi says that, until now, “there is no interest in postponing or extending the transition period.” President Hadi, for his part, has insisted that he will relinquish his post in February 2014, in an apparent gesture to his domestic audience and the international community that the days of power grabs in Yemen have given way to the rule of law. But a lot could change between now and then. In the meantime, Yemen’s political transition in general and the NDC in particular remain untested experiments in the Arab Spring era.

Yemen Political Experiment Moves Cautiously Forward SANA'A —  In Yemen, like in many Arab Spring countries, the revolution’s center of gravity has shifted from the popular revolts in Sana'a’s Change Square to quiet boardrooms across the capital, where nominally-elected political elites are guiding the beleaguered country through the democratic reform process. However, in contrast to other revolutionary struggles around the Middle East and North Africa, Yemen's political transition is being driven by an experimental regional and international effort to stabilize the geopolitically sensitive hotspot in the Arabian Peninsula. Beginning with the November 2011 transfer of power from former President Ali Abdullah Saleh to his longtime second-in-command Abd Rabu Mansur Hadi, the Saudi-brokered, U.S. and UN-backed Gulf country initiative has achieved progress toward its stated goals of restructuring the military and government in preparation for multiparty elections in early 2014. The progress includes several rounds of presidential decrees removing or demoting former President Saleh's relatives and loyalists from top military and government posts.

when did yemen change from man in the left of the image to abd rabu hadi

Abd Rabu Mansur Hadi

November 2011

Yemen's President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi (C) speaks with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary General Abdullatif al-Zayani during a ceremony in Sanaa November 19, 2012.

Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi

when did yemen change from abd rabu mansur hadi to abd rabu hadi

abd rabu mansur hadi

VOA_EN_NW_2012_11_27_1553966

VOA_EN_NW_2012_11_27_1553966_0

Yemen Political Experiment Moves Cautiously Forward SANA'A —  In Yemen, like in many Arab Spring countries, the revolution’s center of gravity has shifted from the popular revolts in Sana'a’s Change Square to quiet boardrooms across the capital, where nominally-elected political elites are guiding the beleaguered country through the democratic reform process. However, in contrast to other revolutionary struggles around the Middle East and North Africa, Yemen's political transition is being driven by an experimental regional and international effort to stabilize the geopolitically sensitive hotspot in the Arabian Peninsula. Beginning with the November 2011 transfer of power from former President Ali Abdullah Saleh to his longtime second-in-command Abd Rabu Mansur Hadi, the Saudi-brokered, U.S. and UN-backed Gulf country initiative has achieved progress toward its stated goals of restructuring the military and government in preparation for multiparty elections in early 2014. The progress includes several rounds of presidential decrees removing or demoting former President Saleh's relatives and loyalists from top military and government posts. High expectations Yet many worry that these early victories could be wiped away if the impending National Dialogue Conference (NDC), originally scheduled to begin mid-November, fails to meet its high aims. Head of the preparatory committee for Yemen's National Dialogue Conference, Abdul-Kareem al-Eriani addresses a news conference in Sanaa November 17, 2012. The NDC, now slated to begin in December, will convene Yemen’s diverse political landscape for six months of discussions aimed at drafting a new constitution and preserving the unity of the state. Preparations for the dialogue have been underway since mid-year, when the president tasked a 25-person “preparatory committee” with deciding the structure of the conference. The committee membership spans three generations and is made up of representatives from nearly all major interest groups in Yemen. Participants say they are fully aware of the magnitude of their work. Committee member Dr. Ahmed Bin-Mubarak, the Director of the Center of Business Administration at Sana’a University, said, "In all our history, we never had such opportunity to sit together for months." Many Yemenis welcome the NDC because it represents a break from Sana'a’s elite-driven political process, marking the first time such an inclusive spectrum of representatives will come face to face to discuss issues affecting daily life. Mubarak’s fellow committee member, Saleh al-Sayadi, secretary general of People’s Democratic Party, said, “Yemenis don't have a choice other than the dialogue," citing civil war as a looming alternative. The preparatory committee’s many delays are a reflection of the daunting endeavor they have embarked on. Some members blame missed deadlines on the two major Islamic holidays that have interrupted scheduled meetings. Mubarak adds that he was surprised to find that topics of discussion he “expected to take one day, took two weeks.” Representatives on the preparatory committee said that all they have left to do is decide on the allocation of the 565 NDC seats – no small chore – before submitting their report to President Hadi, who will officially announce the start date for the dialogue. Once that happens, the real work begins. National and international leaders will focus their efforts on lobbying two political blocs whose particpation could determine the success or failure of the dialogue and, by extension, the Gulf initiative’s vision of a unified Yemeni state. Southern question The so-called “southern question” is considered by many to be the greatest challenge. In only five years, the Southern Movement or Hirak, based out of the southern port city of Aden, has transformed itself from a simple alliance of disgruntled workers from the former People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen (PDRY) into a formidable, although divided, political bloc whose more radical elements are calling for nothing short of secession from the “northern” government in Sanaa. Internal divisions among southerners in general has been a sensitive topic for both the committee and the Yemeni population at large. Although it is an ongoing debate, many agree with Sayadi that “Hirak doesn't represent all the south, and the south is not all Hiraki," a reality that makes designating southern representatives to the NDC a potentially explosive subject. The preparatory committee recently addressed that issue by announcing that 50-percent of seats will be reserved for southerners, in an apparent concession to lure Hirakis to the negotiation table. But because members of parties other than Hirak can also be considered southerners, even if they do not agree with the movement’s objectives, the last-minute effort may fall flat. Hirak’s participation in the dialogue remains up in the air. Beyond issues of representation in the NDC, Mubarak says that there also needs to be “on the ground” changes in order for Hirak to participate. He feels President Hadi must send a clear signal, possibly through executive decrees resolving land disputes or reinstating pensions, that northern policy towards the south is shifting. Without these changes, he argues, Hirak’s participation is unlikely because doing so would amount to Hirak “burn[ing] themselves” in the eyes of their supporters. Northern challenge "The rebellious Shi'ite Huthi movement, based in northern Yemen along the Saudi border, has flooded Sana'a with its provocative slogan, 'Death to America, Death to Israel, Curse upon the Jews, Victory to Islam.'" (C. Coombs for VOA) The other major obstacle to the plan for a unified Yemen lies north of the capital in Saada governorate, which borders Saudi Arabia. There, a Zaidi Shi’ite movement, known as Al-Huthi, has been beating back government forces for control of the territory for most of the past decade. Last year’s anti-government revolts created an opening for the rebels not only to solidify their stronghold in Saada but to expand southward into the capital. Both Mubarak and Sayadi feel the Huthis have been surprisingly cooperative in NDC preparations up to this point, even arguing that they have been more open to the idea of a “modern civil state” than the country’s dominant political party Islah, composed of tribal and Islamist groups. But President Hadi has routinely accused the Huthis of accepting Iranian support aimed at destabilizing the transition process. And the group continues to lambast what it perceives to be American and Saudi meddling in Yemeni affairs. Its caustic slogan, “Death to America, Death to Israel, Curse Upon the Jews, Victory to Islam,” has flooded Sana'a since September. Issues such as the U.S. drone attacks against al-Qaida militants are not on the agenda because NDC is focused exclusively on domestic issues. But other tough questions are facing the NDC, including what role the military will play in the state, and what type of political system the new Yemen will base its constitution on. Although the committee has not ruled out the possibility of allowing more than six months for the NDC to tackle these complex issues, Sayadi says that, until now, “there is no interest in postponing or extending the transition period.” President Hadi, for his part, has insisted that he will relinquish his post in February 2014, in an apparent gesture to his domestic audience and the international community that the days of power grabs in Yemen have given way to the rule of law. But a lot could change between now and then. In the meantime, Yemen’s political transition in general and the NDC in particular remain untested experiments in the Arab Spring era.

The preparatory committee’s many delays are a reflection of the daunting endeavor they have embarked on. Some members blame missed deadlines on the two major Islamic holidays that have interrupted scheduled meetings. Mubarak adds that he was surprised to find that topics of discussion he “expected to take one day, took two weeks.” Representatives on the preparatory committee said that all they have left to do is decide on the allocation of the 565 NDC seats – no small chore – before submitting their report to President Hadi, who will officially announce the start date for the dialogue. Once that happens, the real work begins. National and international leaders will focus their efforts on lobbying two political blocs whose particpation could determine the success or failure of the dialogue and, by extension, the Gulf initiative’s vision of a unified Yemeni state.

who is person in the left of the image of yemen at the time of the dialogue

President

President Hadi

Yemen's President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi (C) speaks with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary General Abdullatif al-Zayani during a ceremony in Sanaa November 19, 2012.

Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi

who is the president of yemen at the time of the dialogue

the president

VOA_EN_NW_2012_12_05_1559222

VOA_EN_NW_2012_12_05_1559222_0

US Secretary Clinton Praises NATO, Bids Farewell U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has praised the "great strides" made by the NATO security alliance as she made what she called her final attendance at a NATO foreign ministerial meeting. Clinton said Wednesday in Brussels that she has spent a lot of time at NATO headquarters during her four years as the top U.S. diplomat, and she called it "time well spent." Clinton was at NATO headquarters for two days of talks among the 28 members. She called the alliance, formed following World War II, one of the world's greatest forces for stability and security. One of NATO's main principles is that an attack on one of its member nations constitutes an attack on all of them, a significant point at its formation during the Cold War, when western European nations feared a nuclear attack by the Soviet Union. Clinton also praised a number of the alliance's achievements, including the drawdown of NATO-led troops in Afghanistan and a thaw in relations with Russia, which was once the heart of the Soviet Union. Clinton is expected to step down from her position in 2013. A successor would be named by U.S. President Barack Obama. Possible nominees include the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Susan Rice, and current Senator and former Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry. Some information for this report was provided by AP and AFP.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has praised the "great strides" made by the NATO security alliance as she made what she called her final attendance at a NATO foreign ministerial meeting. Clinton said Wednesday in Brussels that she has spent a lot of time at NATO headquarters during her four years as the top U.S. diplomat, and she called it "time well spent." Clinton was at NATO headquarters for two days of talks among the 28 members. She called the alliance, formed following World War II, one of the world's greatest forces for stability and security.

who was the last us person in the image to visit nato headquarters

diplomat

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton speaks at a press conference at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, December 5, 2012.

Hillary Clinton

who was the last us diplomat to visit nato headquarters

diplomat

VOA_EN_NW_2012_09_20_1511908

VOA_EN_NW_2012_09_20_1511908_0

British Court to Investigate Former Russian Agent's Poisoning LONDON —  A senior judge says an inquest will take place early next year into the death of a former Russian FSB security services officer who was poisoned in Britain in 2006. The family of Alexander Litvinenko wants the hearing to investigate what it believes was the "criminal role" of the Russian state. At a preliminary hearing on Thursday, High Court judge Robert Owen said the six-year delay between Litvinenko's death and the holding of an inquest was "regrettable." He said the hearing will take place in early 2013. Human rights lawyer Louise Christian is the legal representative for Alexander Litvinenko’s widow, Marina Litvinenko. Christian says she has waited a long time for answers about her husband’s death. “It is of course very difficult for her. She has gone all this time without a full inquiry but we are now very optimistic that the inquest will be heard quickly and that it will get to the bottom of things,” Christian said. Alexander Litvinenko was a former Russian agent who later became a critic of the Kremlin. He came to Britain in 2000 and claimed asylum. After he died in 2006, a post-mortem examination linked his death to poisoning by the radioactive substance polonium-210. British police identified Andrei Lugovoi, also a former Russian security services agent, as the main suspect in their investigation. They accused him of putting polonium in Litvinenko's tea during a meeting at a London hotel. Police have also accused a second former Russian agent, Dmitry Kovtun, who was also at the meeting. Both deny the allegations and Russia has refused to extradite them. The coroner said Thursday that the inquest will investigate all links to Litvinenko’s death and will also hear allegations that he was murdered by the Russian state. It also emerged Thursday that sections of a police report related to whether Litvinenko had contact with Britain's foreign intelligence service will be kept secret. At the government's request, those sections will be available to lawyers and to the coroner but will not be made public. Solicitor Christian says all avenues must be investigated, including a possible link to the Kremlin. “The two people who have been named by the very thorough investigations by the police and the crown prosecution service, who of course are independent, as having been responsible - that's Mr. Lugovoi and Mr. Kovtun - were both ex-agents of the FSB, which is the Russian Security Services. It seems unlikely that they would have brought this substance into this country on their own, of their own initiative," he said. "And I think there are lots of questions to be asked about where the polonium came from, who was producing it, and what their motivation might have been.” The Russian government has denied any involvement in Litvinenko’s death. It says Britain has a bias against Russia. Jonathan Eyal, director of International Studies at London’s Royal United Services Institute, says the relationship between the governments in Britain and Russia has been icy since Litvinenko’s death. Recently, he says, the relationship has thawed, but this inquiry may reverse the progress. “In many respects a reiteration of some of these facts, or even the revelation of new facts, are unlikely to change very substantially the situation that we are in now. They may however bring a new chill to a relationship that has never been very healthy,” Eyal said. In Britain, inquests examine sudden or unexplained deaths. They aim to establish the details of the death, including the place and time and how the deceased met his or her death. They are not trials and do not apportion criminal or civil liability.

British Court to Investigate Former Russian Agent's Poisoning LONDON —  A senior judge says an inquest will take place early next year into the death of a former Russian FSB security services officer who was poisoned in Britain in 2006. The family of Alexander Litvinenko wants the hearing to investigate what it believes was the "criminal role" of the Russian state. At a preliminary hearing on Thursday, High Court judge Robert Owen said the six-year delay between Litvinenko's death and the holding of an inquest was "regrettable." He said the hearing will take place in early 2013. Human rights lawyer Louise Christian is the legal representative for Alexander Litvinenko’s widow, Marina Litvinenko.

when is the inquest into person in the image taking place

Litvinenko

early 2013

Alexander Litvinenko (2002 photo)

Alexander Litvinenko

when is the inquest into litvinenko taking place

litvinenko

VOA_EN_NW_2012_06_16_1212023

VOA_EN_NW_2012_06_16_1212023_0

Pope, Cardinals Meet on Scandal Probe Pope Benedict XVI has met with three retired cardinals who are carrying out a probe into a leaked-documents scandal that revealed a power struggle in the highest levels of the church hierarchy. The closed-door meeting with Spaniard Julian Herranz, Jozef Tomko of Slovakia and Italian Salvatore De Giorgi was scheduled for Saturday afternoon. No other information was available. The scandal broke in January when Italian journalist Gianluigi Nuzzi revealed letters from a former top Vatican administrator who begged the pope not to transfer him for having exposed alleged corruption that cost the Holy See millions of dollars. The prelate - Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano - was transferred and is now the Vatican's ambassador in Washington. Last month Nuzzi published an entire book based on new documentation, including the pope's personal correspondence with his private secretary. The pope's butler Paolo Gabriele was arrested May 23 and charged with stealing papal documents found inside his Vatican City apartment. But Italian news reports quoted Vatican sources as saying the butler could not have acted alone and was possibly acting on behalf of more powerful figures. The investigative panel headed by the three elderly cardinals has a broad mandate to question Vatican officials and prelates to get to the bottom of the leaks.

Pope, Cardinals Meet on Scandal Probe Pope Benedict XVI has met with three retired cardinals who are carrying out a probe into a leaked-documents scandal that revealed a power struggle in the highest levels of the church hierarchy. The closed-door meeting with Spaniard Julian Herranz, Jozef Tomko of Slovakia and Italian Salvatore De Giorgi was scheduled for Saturday afternoon. No other information was available. The scandal broke in January when Italian journalist Gianluigi Nuzzi revealed letters from a former top Vatican administrator who begged the pope not to transfer him for having exposed alleged corruption that cost the Holy See millions of dollars. The prelate - Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano - was transferred and is now the Vatican's ambassador in Washington.

who is meeting with man in the left of the image today

Pope

Jozef Tomko of Slovakia

Pope Benedict XVI

Benedict XVI

who is meeting with pope benedict today

pope benedict

VOA_EN_NW_2012_06_16_1212023

VOA_EN_NW_2012_06_16_1212023_0

Pope, Cardinals Meet on Scandal Probe Pope Benedict XVI has met with three retired cardinals who are carrying out a probe into a leaked-documents scandal that revealed a power struggle in the highest levels of the church hierarchy. The closed-door meeting with Spaniard Julian Herranz, Jozef Tomko of Slovakia and Italian Salvatore De Giorgi was scheduled for Saturday afternoon. No other information was available. The scandal broke in January when Italian journalist Gianluigi Nuzzi revealed letters from a former top Vatican administrator who begged the pope not to transfer him for having exposed alleged corruption that cost the Holy See millions of dollars. The prelate - Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano - was transferred and is now the Vatican's ambassador in Washington. Last month Nuzzi published an entire book based on new documentation, including the pope's personal correspondence with his private secretary. The pope's butler Paolo Gabriele was arrested May 23 and charged with stealing papal documents found inside his Vatican City apartment. But Italian news reports quoted Vatican sources as saying the butler could not have acted alone and was possibly acting on behalf of more powerful figures. The investigative panel headed by the three elderly cardinals has a broad mandate to question Vatican officials and prelates to get to the bottom of the leaks.

Pope, Cardinals Meet on Scandal Probe Pope Benedict XVI has met with three retired cardinals who are carrying out a probe into a leaked-documents scandal that revealed a power struggle in the highest levels of the church hierarchy. The closed-door meeting with Spaniard Julian Herranz, Jozef Tomko of Slovakia and Italian Salvatore De Giorgi was scheduled for Saturday afternoon. No other information was available. The scandal broke in January when Italian journalist Gianluigi Nuzzi revealed letters from a former top Vatican administrator who begged the pope not to transfer him for having exposed alleged corruption that cost the Holy See millions of dollars. The prelate - Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano - was transferred and is now the Vatican's ambassador in Washington.

who is meeting with person in the left of the image today

Pope

Jozef Tomko of Slovakia

Pope Benedict XVI

Benedict XVI

who is meeting with pope benedict XVI today

pope benedict XVI

VOA_EN_NW_2012_06_16_1212023

VOA_EN_NW_2012_06_16_1212023_0

Pope, Cardinals Meet on Scandal Probe Pope Benedict XVI has met with three retired cardinals who are carrying out a probe into a leaked-documents scandal that revealed a power struggle in the highest levels of the church hierarchy. The closed-door meeting with Spaniard Julian Herranz, Jozef Tomko of Slovakia and Italian Salvatore De Giorgi was scheduled for Saturday afternoon. No other information was available. The scandal broke in January when Italian journalist Gianluigi Nuzzi revealed letters from a former top Vatican administrator who begged the pope not to transfer him for having exposed alleged corruption that cost the Holy See millions of dollars. The prelate - Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano - was transferred and is now the Vatican's ambassador in Washington. Last month Nuzzi published an entire book based on new documentation, including the pope's personal correspondence with his private secretary. The pope's butler Paolo Gabriele was arrested May 23 and charged with stealing papal documents found inside his Vatican City apartment. But Italian news reports quoted Vatican sources as saying the butler could not have acted alone and was possibly acting on behalf of more powerful figures. The investigative panel headed by the three elderly cardinals has a broad mandate to question Vatican officials and prelates to get to the bottom of the leaks.

The prelate - Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano - was transferred and is now the Vatican's ambassador in Washington. Last month Nuzzi published an entire book based on new documentation, including the pope's personal correspondence with his private secretary. The pope's butler Paolo Gabriele was arrested May 23 and charged with stealing papal documents found inside his Vatican City apartment. But Italian news reports quoted Vatican sources as saying the butler could not have acted alone and was possibly acting on behalf of more powerful figures. The investigative panel headed by the three elderly cardinals has a broad mandate to question Vatican officials and prelates to get to the bottom of the leaks.

who is accused of leaking documents to the press about person in the left of the image

pope

Paolo Gabriele

Pope Benedict XVI

Benedict XVI

who is accused of leaking documents to the press about the pope

the pope

VOA_EN_NW_2012_09_26_1515296

VOA_EN_NW_2012_09_26_1515296_1

A Quarter of US States Hold Keys to Presidential Outcome The U.S. has 50 states, but its national presidential election is likely to be decided in about a quarter of them. They are often called battleground states, where surveys show that voters are closely split in deciding whether to give the Democratic incumbent, President Barack Obama, a second four-year term in the White House, or come January, make his Republican challenger, one-time venture capitalist Mitt Romney, the American leader. They are the states that sometimes swing from election to election in their support for Democratic or Republican candidates, whether for president or lawmakers in Congress. Voters across the country are now weighing their choice in advance of the November 6 election, with residents in some states already starting to cast ballots under early-voting provisions. But analysts watching the close contest said the presidential outcome is likely to be decided in 12 or 13 of the states. U.S. presidents are essentially elected in a collection of state-by-state contests, in a two-century-old electoral college system, with each state’s influence on the outcome roughly dependent on the size of its population. Stephen Wayne weighs in Political scientist Stephen Wayne at Georgetown University in Washington said the candidates pick the places where they campaign because they think they have a chance of winning another state in their quest to reach the needed majority of 270 votes in the electoral college. “The candidates do a really good job of monitoring which states they have a chance at. And then they follow the polls, since the polls show that they’re winning by a lot, or losing by a lot, they’ll move out of that state," Wayne said. "If you know how the state’s going to turn out, then you don’t concentrate in those states, you concentrate in other states where you’re not sure and you think your campaign will make a difference, one way or another.” President Barack Obama and Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney So it is that Mr. Obama and Mr. Romney, and their respective running mates, Vice President Joe Biden and Wisconsin congressman Paul Ryan, are regularly staging rallies in the industrial heartland of the country, in the states of Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. They are wooing farmers in the rural Midwestern state of Iowa, visiting retirees in warm-weather Florida in the southeast and looking for votes among government workers in the Virginia suburbs outside the national capital, Washington. The presidential contenders are also stopping in the small rural state of New Hampshire in the northeastern sector of the country, the technology and financial centers in the mid-Atlantic state of North Carolina, and the central state of Missouri. They also head regularly to three western states - the gambling center of Nevada, mountainous Colorado and New Mexico, the mostly rural sagebrush state on the country’s southwestern border with Mexico. Battleground surveys say ... One recent survey of the battleground states, by the respected Gallup poll, showed that voters in the battleground states narrowly favored Mr. Obama, by a 48-to-46 percent margin. In the last several weeks, other surveys have generally shown the president slightly leading Mr. Romney in all but one of the battleground states - Missouri. But in recent days, new polling by media outlets suggests that the president has moved well ahead of his challenger in Ohio, Florida and Pennsylvania, three battleground states with a combined 67 electoral votes. Mr. Obama has moved marginally ahead in several national surveys as well, or, at worst, is tied with Mr. Romney. With the election being waged in the battleground states, the candidates only fleetingly visit some of the country’s most populous states - New York, California, Illinois and Texas - and then just long enough to tap the pockets of some of their wealthiest supporters for campaign donations. The reason is simple: Voter surveys show that Mr. Obama is handily ahead in liberal-oriented New York, California and his home state of Illinois, while Mr. Romney is expected to easily carry the conservative southern state of Texas. The U.S. - unlike many democracies throughout the world - does not elect its leader through a direct popular vote, as is the case with French presidential elections. And it does not have a prime minister, as is the case in parliamentary systems throughout Europe and some other parts of the world, where the country’s leader is picked from among the lawmakers whose party wins the most seats in parliament. Since U.S. states vary widely in population, they also have vastly different numbers of electoral votes - and as a result a sharply contrasting influence on the eventual outcome of the election. The question of California California, the most populous state, has 55 electoral votes, while several sparsely populated states have only three. So in the final six weeks of the campaign, the two presidential contenders and their running mates are doing almost all of their campaigning in the eastern half of the country, where 10 of the battleground states are located and the outcome is uncertain. With a couple exceptions, the popular vote winner in each state collects all of the electoral votes from that state. The national popular vote does not determine the winner. Political scientist Wayne said the U.S. electoral college has its roots in the country’s founding days more than two centuries ago. “The electoral college system was created by the framers of the American constitution to try to make sure that the most qualified person, not necessarily the most popular, would be elected president," said Wayne. "And the framers of the American constitution in 1787, 1788, when it was written, did not have a lot of faith in the knowledge and the abilities of average citizens to make an intelligent choice. And most people weren’t educated at that point. Illiteracy was very high.” As a result, he said the country’s earlier leaders settled on creation of its electoral college. “So they designed a system whereby states would choose people - presumably these people would be better educated - and those people would then choose the president based more on ability than popularity,” Wayne added. Use of the electoral college has on three occasions resulted in a president assuming office who did not win the most votes nationally, but carried states with the most electoral votes. That occurred most recently in 2000, when Republican George W. Bush won the first of his two terms as president. The political battleground states develop over time, partly because of changing demographics. Wayne said the less politically competitive states are often identified by voters’ political allegiances and ideological views. “Much of it has to do with partisanship, and where Republicans and Democrats live," he said. "There are certain states where there are more Republicans than Democrats, and vice versa. It also has to do with ideological beliefs that people in the South tend to be more conservative than the people in the northeast and up [along] the Pacific Coast. And so you tend to have states that are not as closely balanced politically.” He said that at least for the moment, Mr. Obama enjoys the edge in the race, even though the American economy is only sluggishly recovering from the severe downturn in 2008 and 2009, and many voters blame him for the slow advance. “Incumbents do have an advantage over challengers," Wayne added. "Americans prefer the devil they know to the devil they don’t know.” It's the economy! “There are signs that the economy is not getting weaker," he said. "People seem to be a little bit more confident now, or maybe a little less fearful. And the anger against Obama has dissipated a little bit. People are disappointed in his presidency, but with the exception of Republicans, they’re not angry.” Wayne said that Mr. Romney, a former governor of Massachusetts, has yet to convince enough voters that he should replace the president. "Romney’s got to prove that he is the equal of the president," Wayne said. "We don’t change horses until either we are very dissatisfied or somebody makes an acceptable case for change. Romney hasn’t made that case yet. And while people are dissatisfied, they’re not very dissatisfied.”

Romney, a former governor of Massachusetts, has yet to convince enough voters that he should replace the president. "Romney’s got to prove that he is the equal of the president," Wayne said. "We don’t change horses until either we are very dissatisfied or somebody makes an acceptable case for change. Romney hasn’t made that case yet. And while people are dissatisfied, they’re not very dissatisfied.”

why is woman in the left of the image running for president in 2012

Romney

yet to convince enough voters that he should replace the president.

President Barack Obama and Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney

Mitt Romney

why is mccromney running for president in 2012

mccromney

VOA_EN_NW_2012_09_26_1515296

VOA_EN_NW_2012_09_26_1515296_1

A Quarter of US States Hold Keys to Presidential Outcome The U.S. has 50 states, but its national presidential election is likely to be decided in about a quarter of them. They are often called battleground states, where surveys show that voters are closely split in deciding whether to give the Democratic incumbent, President Barack Obama, a second four-year term in the White House, or come January, make his Republican challenger, one-time venture capitalist Mitt Romney, the American leader. They are the states that sometimes swing from election to election in their support for Democratic or Republican candidates, whether for president or lawmakers in Congress. Voters across the country are now weighing their choice in advance of the November 6 election, with residents in some states already starting to cast ballots under early-voting provisions. But analysts watching the close contest said the presidential outcome is likely to be decided in 12 or 13 of the states. U.S. presidents are essentially elected in a collection of state-by-state contests, in a two-century-old electoral college system, with each state’s influence on the outcome roughly dependent on the size of its population. Stephen Wayne weighs in Political scientist Stephen Wayne at Georgetown University in Washington said the candidates pick the places where they campaign because they think they have a chance of winning another state in their quest to reach the needed majority of 270 votes in the electoral college. “The candidates do a really good job of monitoring which states they have a chance at. And then they follow the polls, since the polls show that they’re winning by a lot, or losing by a lot, they’ll move out of that state," Wayne said. "If you know how the state’s going to turn out, then you don’t concentrate in those states, you concentrate in other states where you’re not sure and you think your campaign will make a difference, one way or another.” President Barack Obama and Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney So it is that Mr. Obama and Mr. Romney, and their respective running mates, Vice President Joe Biden and Wisconsin congressman Paul Ryan, are regularly staging rallies in the industrial heartland of the country, in the states of Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. They are wooing farmers in the rural Midwestern state of Iowa, visiting retirees in warm-weather Florida in the southeast and looking for votes among government workers in the Virginia suburbs outside the national capital, Washington. The presidential contenders are also stopping in the small rural state of New Hampshire in the northeastern sector of the country, the technology and financial centers in the mid-Atlantic state of North Carolina, and the central state of Missouri. They also head regularly to three western states - the gambling center of Nevada, mountainous Colorado and New Mexico, the mostly rural sagebrush state on the country’s southwestern border with Mexico. Battleground surveys say ... One recent survey of the battleground states, by the respected Gallup poll, showed that voters in the battleground states narrowly favored Mr. Obama, by a 48-to-46 percent margin. In the last several weeks, other surveys have generally shown the president slightly leading Mr. Romney in all but one of the battleground states - Missouri. But in recent days, new polling by media outlets suggests that the president has moved well ahead of his challenger in Ohio, Florida and Pennsylvania, three battleground states with a combined 67 electoral votes. Mr. Obama has moved marginally ahead in several national surveys as well, or, at worst, is tied with Mr. Romney. With the election being waged in the battleground states, the candidates only fleetingly visit some of the country’s most populous states - New York, California, Illinois and Texas - and then just long enough to tap the pockets of some of their wealthiest supporters for campaign donations. The reason is simple: Voter surveys show that Mr. Obama is handily ahead in liberal-oriented New York, California and his home state of Illinois, while Mr. Romney is expected to easily carry the conservative southern state of Texas. The U.S. - unlike many democracies throughout the world - does not elect its leader through a direct popular vote, as is the case with French presidential elections. And it does not have a prime minister, as is the case in parliamentary systems throughout Europe and some other parts of the world, where the country’s leader is picked from among the lawmakers whose party wins the most seats in parliament. Since U.S. states vary widely in population, they also have vastly different numbers of electoral votes - and as a result a sharply contrasting influence on the eventual outcome of the election. The question of California California, the most populous state, has 55 electoral votes, while several sparsely populated states have only three. So in the final six weeks of the campaign, the two presidential contenders and their running mates are doing almost all of their campaigning in the eastern half of the country, where 10 of the battleground states are located and the outcome is uncertain. With a couple exceptions, the popular vote winner in each state collects all of the electoral votes from that state. The national popular vote does not determine the winner. Political scientist Wayne said the U.S. electoral college has its roots in the country’s founding days more than two centuries ago. “The electoral college system was created by the framers of the American constitution to try to make sure that the most qualified person, not necessarily the most popular, would be elected president," said Wayne. "And the framers of the American constitution in 1787, 1788, when it was written, did not have a lot of faith in the knowledge and the abilities of average citizens to make an intelligent choice. And most people weren’t educated at that point. Illiteracy was very high.” As a result, he said the country’s earlier leaders settled on creation of its electoral college. “So they designed a system whereby states would choose people - presumably these people would be better educated - and those people would then choose the president based more on ability than popularity,” Wayne added. Use of the electoral college has on three occasions resulted in a president assuming office who did not win the most votes nationally, but carried states with the most electoral votes. That occurred most recently in 2000, when Republican George W. Bush won the first of his two terms as president. The political battleground states develop over time, partly because of changing demographics. Wayne said the less politically competitive states are often identified by voters’ political allegiances and ideological views. “Much of it has to do with partisanship, and where Republicans and Democrats live," he said. "There are certain states where there are more Republicans than Democrats, and vice versa. It also has to do with ideological beliefs that people in the South tend to be more conservative than the people in the northeast and up [along] the Pacific Coast. And so you tend to have states that are not as closely balanced politically.” He said that at least for the moment, Mr. Obama enjoys the edge in the race, even though the American economy is only sluggishly recovering from the severe downturn in 2008 and 2009, and many voters blame him for the slow advance. “Incumbents do have an advantage over challengers," Wayne added. "Americans prefer the devil they know to the devil they don’t know.” It's the economy! “There are signs that the economy is not getting weaker," he said. "People seem to be a little bit more confident now, or maybe a little less fearful. And the anger against Obama has dissipated a little bit. People are disappointed in his presidency, but with the exception of Republicans, they’re not angry.” Wayne said that Mr. Romney, a former governor of Massachusetts, has yet to convince enough voters that he should replace the president. "Romney’s got to prove that he is the equal of the president," Wayne said. "We don’t change horses until either we are very dissatisfied or somebody makes an acceptable case for change. Romney hasn’t made that case yet. And while people are dissatisfied, they’re not very dissatisfied.”

A Quarter of US States Hold Keys to Presidential Outcome The U.S. has 50 states, but its national presidential election is likely to be decided in about a quarter of them. They are often called battleground states, where surveys show that voters are closely split in deciding whether to give the Democratic incumbent, President Barack Obama, a second four-year term in the White House, or come January, make his Republican challenger, one-time venture capitalist Mitt Romney, the American leader. They are the states that sometimes swing from election to election in their support for Democratic or Republican candidates, whether for president or lawmakers in Congress. Voters across the country are now weighing their choice in advance of the November 6 election, with residents in some states already starting to cast ballots under early-voting provisions.

states that are likely to vote for person in the left of the image in the presidential election

one

battleground states

President Barack Obama and Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney

Mitt Romney

states that are likely to vote for one candidate in the presidential election

one candidate

VOA_EN_NW_2012_09_26_1515296

VOA_EN_NW_2012_09_26_1515296_1

A Quarter of US States Hold Keys to Presidential Outcome The U.S. has 50 states, but its national presidential election is likely to be decided in about a quarter of them. They are often called battleground states, where surveys show that voters are closely split in deciding whether to give the Democratic incumbent, President Barack Obama, a second four-year term in the White House, or come January, make his Republican challenger, one-time venture capitalist Mitt Romney, the American leader. They are the states that sometimes swing from election to election in their support for Democratic or Republican candidates, whether for president or lawmakers in Congress. Voters across the country are now weighing their choice in advance of the November 6 election, with residents in some states already starting to cast ballots under early-voting provisions. But analysts watching the close contest said the presidential outcome is likely to be decided in 12 or 13 of the states. U.S. presidents are essentially elected in a collection of state-by-state contests, in a two-century-old electoral college system, with each state’s influence on the outcome roughly dependent on the size of its population. Stephen Wayne weighs in Political scientist Stephen Wayne at Georgetown University in Washington said the candidates pick the places where they campaign because they think they have a chance of winning another state in their quest to reach the needed majority of 270 votes in the electoral college. “The candidates do a really good job of monitoring which states they have a chance at. And then they follow the polls, since the polls show that they’re winning by a lot, or losing by a lot, they’ll move out of that state," Wayne said. "If you know how the state’s going to turn out, then you don’t concentrate in those states, you concentrate in other states where you’re not sure and you think your campaign will make a difference, one way or another.” President Barack Obama and Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney So it is that Mr. Obama and Mr. Romney, and their respective running mates, Vice President Joe Biden and Wisconsin congressman Paul Ryan, are regularly staging rallies in the industrial heartland of the country, in the states of Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. They are wooing farmers in the rural Midwestern state of Iowa, visiting retirees in warm-weather Florida in the southeast and looking for votes among government workers in the Virginia suburbs outside the national capital, Washington. The presidential contenders are also stopping in the small rural state of New Hampshire in the northeastern sector of the country, the technology and financial centers in the mid-Atlantic state of North Carolina, and the central state of Missouri. They also head regularly to three western states - the gambling center of Nevada, mountainous Colorado and New Mexico, the mostly rural sagebrush state on the country’s southwestern border with Mexico. Battleground surveys say ... One recent survey of the battleground states, by the respected Gallup poll, showed that voters in the battleground states narrowly favored Mr. Obama, by a 48-to-46 percent margin. In the last several weeks, other surveys have generally shown the president slightly leading Mr. Romney in all but one of the battleground states - Missouri. But in recent days, new polling by media outlets suggests that the president has moved well ahead of his challenger in Ohio, Florida and Pennsylvania, three battleground states with a combined 67 electoral votes. Mr. Obama has moved marginally ahead in several national surveys as well, or, at worst, is tied with Mr. Romney. With the election being waged in the battleground states, the candidates only fleetingly visit some of the country’s most populous states - New York, California, Illinois and Texas - and then just long enough to tap the pockets of some of their wealthiest supporters for campaign donations. The reason is simple: Voter surveys show that Mr. Obama is handily ahead in liberal-oriented New York, California and his home state of Illinois, while Mr. Romney is expected to easily carry the conservative southern state of Texas. The U.S. - unlike many democracies throughout the world - does not elect its leader through a direct popular vote, as is the case with French presidential elections. And it does not have a prime minister, as is the case in parliamentary systems throughout Europe and some other parts of the world, where the country’s leader is picked from among the lawmakers whose party wins the most seats in parliament. Since U.S. states vary widely in population, they also have vastly different numbers of electoral votes - and as a result a sharply contrasting influence on the eventual outcome of the election. The question of California California, the most populous state, has 55 electoral votes, while several sparsely populated states have only three. So in the final six weeks of the campaign, the two presidential contenders and their running mates are doing almost all of their campaigning in the eastern half of the country, where 10 of the battleground states are located and the outcome is uncertain. With a couple exceptions, the popular vote winner in each state collects all of the electoral votes from that state. The national popular vote does not determine the winner. Political scientist Wayne said the U.S. electoral college has its roots in the country’s founding days more than two centuries ago. “The electoral college system was created by the framers of the American constitution to try to make sure that the most qualified person, not necessarily the most popular, would be elected president," said Wayne. "And the framers of the American constitution in 1787, 1788, when it was written, did not have a lot of faith in the knowledge and the abilities of average citizens to make an intelligent choice. And most people weren’t educated at that point. Illiteracy was very high.” As a result, he said the country’s earlier leaders settled on creation of its electoral college. “So they designed a system whereby states would choose people - presumably these people would be better educated - and those people would then choose the president based more on ability than popularity,” Wayne added. Use of the electoral college has on three occasions resulted in a president assuming office who did not win the most votes nationally, but carried states with the most electoral votes. That occurred most recently in 2000, when Republican George W. Bush won the first of his two terms as president. The political battleground states develop over time, partly because of changing demographics. Wayne said the less politically competitive states are often identified by voters’ political allegiances and ideological views. “Much of it has to do with partisanship, and where Republicans and Democrats live," he said. "There are certain states where there are more Republicans than Democrats, and vice versa. It also has to do with ideological beliefs that people in the South tend to be more conservative than the people in the northeast and up [along] the Pacific Coast. And so you tend to have states that are not as closely balanced politically.” He said that at least for the moment, Mr. Obama enjoys the edge in the race, even though the American economy is only sluggishly recovering from the severe downturn in 2008 and 2009, and many voters blame him for the slow advance. “Incumbents do have an advantage over challengers," Wayne added. "Americans prefer the devil they know to the devil they don’t know.” It's the economy! “There are signs that the economy is not getting weaker," he said. "People seem to be a little bit more confident now, or maybe a little less fearful. And the anger against Obama has dissipated a little bit. People are disappointed in his presidency, but with the exception of Republicans, they’re not angry.” Wayne said that Mr. Romney, a former governor of Massachusetts, has yet to convince enough voters that he should replace the president. "Romney’s got to prove that he is the equal of the president," Wayne said. "We don’t change horses until either we are very dissatisfied or somebody makes an acceptable case for change. Romney hasn’t made that case yet. And while people are dissatisfied, they’re not very dissatisfied.”

But in recent days, new polling by media outlets suggests that the president has moved well ahead of his challenger in Ohio, Florida and Pennsylvania, three battleground states with a combined 67 electoral votes. Mr. Obama has moved marginally ahead in several national surveys as well, or, at worst, is tied with Mr. Romney. With the election being waged in the battleground states, the candidates only fleetingly visit some of the country’s most populous states - New York, California, Illinois and Texas - and then just long enough to tap the pockets of some of their wealthiest supporters for campaign donations.

what states are likely to vote for person in the left of the image. obero in 2012

Mr

Pennsylvania

President Barack Obama and Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney

Mitt Romney

what states are likely to vote for mr. obero in 2012

mr

VOA_EN_NW_2012_09_26_1515296

VOA_EN_NW_2012_09_26_1515296_1

A Quarter of US States Hold Keys to Presidential Outcome The U.S. has 50 states, but its national presidential election is likely to be decided in about a quarter of them. They are often called battleground states, where surveys show that voters are closely split in deciding whether to give the Democratic incumbent, President Barack Obama, a second four-year term in the White House, or come January, make his Republican challenger, one-time venture capitalist Mitt Romney, the American leader. They are the states that sometimes swing from election to election in their support for Democratic or Republican candidates, whether for president or lawmakers in Congress. Voters across the country are now weighing their choice in advance of the November 6 election, with residents in some states already starting to cast ballots under early-voting provisions. But analysts watching the close contest said the presidential outcome is likely to be decided in 12 or 13 of the states. U.S. presidents are essentially elected in a collection of state-by-state contests, in a two-century-old electoral college system, with each state’s influence on the outcome roughly dependent on the size of its population. Stephen Wayne weighs in Political scientist Stephen Wayne at Georgetown University in Washington said the candidates pick the places where they campaign because they think they have a chance of winning another state in their quest to reach the needed majority of 270 votes in the electoral college. “The candidates do a really good job of monitoring which states they have a chance at. And then they follow the polls, since the polls show that they’re winning by a lot, or losing by a lot, they’ll move out of that state," Wayne said. "If you know how the state’s going to turn out, then you don’t concentrate in those states, you concentrate in other states where you’re not sure and you think your campaign will make a difference, one way or another.” President Barack Obama and Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney So it is that Mr. Obama and Mr. Romney, and their respective running mates, Vice President Joe Biden and Wisconsin congressman Paul Ryan, are regularly staging rallies in the industrial heartland of the country, in the states of Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. They are wooing farmers in the rural Midwestern state of Iowa, visiting retirees in warm-weather Florida in the southeast and looking for votes among government workers in the Virginia suburbs outside the national capital, Washington. The presidential contenders are also stopping in the small rural state of New Hampshire in the northeastern sector of the country, the technology and financial centers in the mid-Atlantic state of North Carolina, and the central state of Missouri. They also head regularly to three western states - the gambling center of Nevada, mountainous Colorado and New Mexico, the mostly rural sagebrush state on the country’s southwestern border with Mexico. Battleground surveys say ... One recent survey of the battleground states, by the respected Gallup poll, showed that voters in the battleground states narrowly favored Mr. Obama, by a 48-to-46 percent margin. In the last several weeks, other surveys have generally shown the president slightly leading Mr. Romney in all but one of the battleground states - Missouri. But in recent days, new polling by media outlets suggests that the president has moved well ahead of his challenger in Ohio, Florida and Pennsylvania, three battleground states with a combined 67 electoral votes. Mr. Obama has moved marginally ahead in several national surveys as well, or, at worst, is tied with Mr. Romney. With the election being waged in the battleground states, the candidates only fleetingly visit some of the country’s most populous states - New York, California, Illinois and Texas - and then just long enough to tap the pockets of some of their wealthiest supporters for campaign donations. The reason is simple: Voter surveys show that Mr. Obama is handily ahead in liberal-oriented New York, California and his home state of Illinois, while Mr. Romney is expected to easily carry the conservative southern state of Texas. The U.S. - unlike many democracies throughout the world - does not elect its leader through a direct popular vote, as is the case with French presidential elections. And it does not have a prime minister, as is the case in parliamentary systems throughout Europe and some other parts of the world, where the country’s leader is picked from among the lawmakers whose party wins the most seats in parliament. Since U.S. states vary widely in population, they also have vastly different numbers of electoral votes - and as a result a sharply contrasting influence on the eventual outcome of the election. The question of California California, the most populous state, has 55 electoral votes, while several sparsely populated states have only three. So in the final six weeks of the campaign, the two presidential contenders and their running mates are doing almost all of their campaigning in the eastern half of the country, where 10 of the battleground states are located and the outcome is uncertain. With a couple exceptions, the popular vote winner in each state collects all of the electoral votes from that state. The national popular vote does not determine the winner. Political scientist Wayne said the U.S. electoral college has its roots in the country’s founding days more than two centuries ago. “The electoral college system was created by the framers of the American constitution to try to make sure that the most qualified person, not necessarily the most popular, would be elected president," said Wayne. "And the framers of the American constitution in 1787, 1788, when it was written, did not have a lot of faith in the knowledge and the abilities of average citizens to make an intelligent choice. And most people weren’t educated at that point. Illiteracy was very high.” As a result, he said the country’s earlier leaders settled on creation of its electoral college. “So they designed a system whereby states would choose people - presumably these people would be better educated - and those people would then choose the president based more on ability than popularity,” Wayne added. Use of the electoral college has on three occasions resulted in a president assuming office who did not win the most votes nationally, but carried states with the most electoral votes. That occurred most recently in 2000, when Republican George W. Bush won the first of his two terms as president. The political battleground states develop over time, partly because of changing demographics. Wayne said the less politically competitive states are often identified by voters’ political allegiances and ideological views. “Much of it has to do with partisanship, and where Republicans and Democrats live," he said. "There are certain states where there are more Republicans than Democrats, and vice versa. It also has to do with ideological beliefs that people in the South tend to be more conservative than the people in the northeast and up [along] the Pacific Coast. And so you tend to have states that are not as closely balanced politically.” He said that at least for the moment, Mr. Obama enjoys the edge in the race, even though the American economy is only sluggishly recovering from the severe downturn in 2008 and 2009, and many voters blame him for the slow advance. “Incumbents do have an advantage over challengers," Wayne added. "Americans prefer the devil they know to the devil they don’t know.” It's the economy! “There are signs that the economy is not getting weaker," he said. "People seem to be a little bit more confident now, or maybe a little less fearful. And the anger against Obama has dissipated a little bit. People are disappointed in his presidency, but with the exception of Republicans, they’re not angry.” Wayne said that Mr. Romney, a former governor of Massachusetts, has yet to convince enough voters that he should replace the president. "Romney’s got to prove that he is the equal of the president," Wayne said. "We don’t change horses until either we are very dissatisfied or somebody makes an acceptable case for change. Romney hasn’t made that case yet. And while people are dissatisfied, they’re not very dissatisfied.”

"People seem to be a little bit more confident now, or maybe a little less fearful. And the anger against Obama has dissipated a little bit. People are disappointed in his presidency, but with the exception of Republicans, they’re not angry.” Wayne said that Mr. Romney, a former governor of Massachusetts, has yet to convince enough voters that he should replace the president. "Romney’s got to prove that he is the equal of the president," Wayne said.

who's running for president in 2012 woman in the left of the image. mccain or woman in the left of the image

Mr

Mr. Romney, a former governor of Massachusetts,

President Barack Obama and Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney

Mitt Romney

who's running for president in 2012 mr. mccain or mr

mr

VOA_EN_NW_2012_09_26_1515296

VOA_EN_NW_2012_09_26_1515296_1

A Quarter of US States Hold Keys to Presidential Outcome The U.S. has 50 states, but its national presidential election is likely to be decided in about a quarter of them. They are often called battleground states, where surveys show that voters are closely split in deciding whether to give the Democratic incumbent, President Barack Obama, a second four-year term in the White House, or come January, make his Republican challenger, one-time venture capitalist Mitt Romney, the American leader. They are the states that sometimes swing from election to election in their support for Democratic or Republican candidates, whether for president or lawmakers in Congress. Voters across the country are now weighing their choice in advance of the November 6 election, with residents in some states already starting to cast ballots under early-voting provisions. But analysts watching the close contest said the presidential outcome is likely to be decided in 12 or 13 of the states. U.S. presidents are essentially elected in a collection of state-by-state contests, in a two-century-old electoral college system, with each state’s influence on the outcome roughly dependent on the size of its population. Stephen Wayne weighs in Political scientist Stephen Wayne at Georgetown University in Washington said the candidates pick the places where they campaign because they think they have a chance of winning another state in their quest to reach the needed majority of 270 votes in the electoral college. “The candidates do a really good job of monitoring which states they have a chance at. And then they follow the polls, since the polls show that they’re winning by a lot, or losing by a lot, they’ll move out of that state," Wayne said. "If you know how the state’s going to turn out, then you don’t concentrate in those states, you concentrate in other states where you’re not sure and you think your campaign will make a difference, one way or another.” President Barack Obama and Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney So it is that Mr. Obama and Mr. Romney, and their respective running mates, Vice President Joe Biden and Wisconsin congressman Paul Ryan, are regularly staging rallies in the industrial heartland of the country, in the states of Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. They are wooing farmers in the rural Midwestern state of Iowa, visiting retirees in warm-weather Florida in the southeast and looking for votes among government workers in the Virginia suburbs outside the national capital, Washington. The presidential contenders are also stopping in the small rural state of New Hampshire in the northeastern sector of the country, the technology and financial centers in the mid-Atlantic state of North Carolina, and the central state of Missouri. They also head regularly to three western states - the gambling center of Nevada, mountainous Colorado and New Mexico, the mostly rural sagebrush state on the country’s southwestern border with Mexico. Battleground surveys say ... One recent survey of the battleground states, by the respected Gallup poll, showed that voters in the battleground states narrowly favored Mr. Obama, by a 48-to-46 percent margin. In the last several weeks, other surveys have generally shown the president slightly leading Mr. Romney in all but one of the battleground states - Missouri. But in recent days, new polling by media outlets suggests that the president has moved well ahead of his challenger in Ohio, Florida and Pennsylvania, three battleground states with a combined 67 electoral votes. Mr. Obama has moved marginally ahead in several national surveys as well, or, at worst, is tied with Mr. Romney. With the election being waged in the battleground states, the candidates only fleetingly visit some of the country’s most populous states - New York, California, Illinois and Texas - and then just long enough to tap the pockets of some of their wealthiest supporters for campaign donations. The reason is simple: Voter surveys show that Mr. Obama is handily ahead in liberal-oriented New York, California and his home state of Illinois, while Mr. Romney is expected to easily carry the conservative southern state of Texas. The U.S. - unlike many democracies throughout the world - does not elect its leader through a direct popular vote, as is the case with French presidential elections. And it does not have a prime minister, as is the case in parliamentary systems throughout Europe and some other parts of the world, where the country’s leader is picked from among the lawmakers whose party wins the most seats in parliament. Since U.S. states vary widely in population, they also have vastly different numbers of electoral votes - and as a result a sharply contrasting influence on the eventual outcome of the election. The question of California California, the most populous state, has 55 electoral votes, while several sparsely populated states have only three. So in the final six weeks of the campaign, the two presidential contenders and their running mates are doing almost all of their campaigning in the eastern half of the country, where 10 of the battleground states are located and the outcome is uncertain. With a couple exceptions, the popular vote winner in each state collects all of the electoral votes from that state. The national popular vote does not determine the winner. Political scientist Wayne said the U.S. electoral college has its roots in the country’s founding days more than two centuries ago. “The electoral college system was created by the framers of the American constitution to try to make sure that the most qualified person, not necessarily the most popular, would be elected president," said Wayne. "And the framers of the American constitution in 1787, 1788, when it was written, did not have a lot of faith in the knowledge and the abilities of average citizens to make an intelligent choice. And most people weren’t educated at that point. Illiteracy was very high.” As a result, he said the country’s earlier leaders settled on creation of its electoral college. “So they designed a system whereby states would choose people - presumably these people would be better educated - and those people would then choose the president based more on ability than popularity,” Wayne added. Use of the electoral college has on three occasions resulted in a president assuming office who did not win the most votes nationally, but carried states with the most electoral votes. That occurred most recently in 2000, when Republican George W. Bush won the first of his two terms as president. The political battleground states develop over time, partly because of changing demographics. Wayne said the less politically competitive states are often identified by voters’ political allegiances and ideological views. “Much of it has to do with partisanship, and where Republicans and Democrats live," he said. "There are certain states where there are more Republicans than Democrats, and vice versa. It also has to do with ideological beliefs that people in the South tend to be more conservative than the people in the northeast and up [along] the Pacific Coast. And so you tend to have states that are not as closely balanced politically.” He said that at least for the moment, Mr. Obama enjoys the edge in the race, even though the American economy is only sluggishly recovering from the severe downturn in 2008 and 2009, and many voters blame him for the slow advance. “Incumbents do have an advantage over challengers," Wayne added. "Americans prefer the devil they know to the devil they don’t know.” It's the economy! “There are signs that the economy is not getting weaker," he said. "People seem to be a little bit more confident now, or maybe a little less fearful. And the anger against Obama has dissipated a little bit. People are disappointed in his presidency, but with the exception of Republicans, they’re not angry.” Wayne said that Mr. Romney, a former governor of Massachusetts, has yet to convince enough voters that he should replace the president. "Romney’s got to prove that he is the equal of the president," Wayne said. "We don’t change horses until either we are very dissatisfied or somebody makes an acceptable case for change. Romney hasn’t made that case yet. And while people are dissatisfied, they’re not very dissatisfied.”

A Quarter of US States Hold Keys to Presidential Outcome The U.S. has 50 states, but its national presidential election is likely to be decided in about a quarter of them. They are often called battleground states, where surveys show that voters are closely split in deciding whether to give the Democratic incumbent, President Barack Obama, a second four-year term in the White House, or come January, make his Republican challenger, one-time venture capitalist Mitt Romney, the American leader. They are the states that sometimes swing from election to election in their support for Democratic or Republican candidates, whether for president or lawmakers in Congress. Voters across the country are now weighing their choice in advance of the November 6 election, with residents in some states already starting to cast ballots under early-voting provisions.

states where voters are likely to choose between woman in the left of the image and challenger

incumbent

battleground states

President Barack Obama and Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney

Barack Obama

states where voters are likely to choose between incumbent and challenger

incumbent

VOA_EN_NW_2012_09_26_1515296

VOA_EN_NW_2012_09_26_1515296_1

A Quarter of US States Hold Keys to Presidential Outcome The U.S. has 50 states, but its national presidential election is likely to be decided in about a quarter of them. They are often called battleground states, where surveys show that voters are closely split in deciding whether to give the Democratic incumbent, President Barack Obama, a second four-year term in the White House, or come January, make his Republican challenger, one-time venture capitalist Mitt Romney, the American leader. They are the states that sometimes swing from election to election in their support for Democratic or Republican candidates, whether for president or lawmakers in Congress. Voters across the country are now weighing their choice in advance of the November 6 election, with residents in some states already starting to cast ballots under early-voting provisions. But analysts watching the close contest said the presidential outcome is likely to be decided in 12 or 13 of the states. U.S. presidents are essentially elected in a collection of state-by-state contests, in a two-century-old electoral college system, with each state’s influence on the outcome roughly dependent on the size of its population. Stephen Wayne weighs in Political scientist Stephen Wayne at Georgetown University in Washington said the candidates pick the places where they campaign because they think they have a chance of winning another state in their quest to reach the needed majority of 270 votes in the electoral college. “The candidates do a really good job of monitoring which states they have a chance at. And then they follow the polls, since the polls show that they’re winning by a lot, or losing by a lot, they’ll move out of that state," Wayne said. "If you know how the state’s going to turn out, then you don’t concentrate in those states, you concentrate in other states where you’re not sure and you think your campaign will make a difference, one way or another.” President Barack Obama and Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney So it is that Mr. Obama and Mr. Romney, and their respective running mates, Vice President Joe Biden and Wisconsin congressman Paul Ryan, are regularly staging rallies in the industrial heartland of the country, in the states of Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. They are wooing farmers in the rural Midwestern state of Iowa, visiting retirees in warm-weather Florida in the southeast and looking for votes among government workers in the Virginia suburbs outside the national capital, Washington. The presidential contenders are also stopping in the small rural state of New Hampshire in the northeastern sector of the country, the technology and financial centers in the mid-Atlantic state of North Carolina, and the central state of Missouri. They also head regularly to three western states - the gambling center of Nevada, mountainous Colorado and New Mexico, the mostly rural sagebrush state on the country’s southwestern border with Mexico. Battleground surveys say ... One recent survey of the battleground states, by the respected Gallup poll, showed that voters in the battleground states narrowly favored Mr. Obama, by a 48-to-46 percent margin. In the last several weeks, other surveys have generally shown the president slightly leading Mr. Romney in all but one of the battleground states - Missouri. But in recent days, new polling by media outlets suggests that the president has moved well ahead of his challenger in Ohio, Florida and Pennsylvania, three battleground states with a combined 67 electoral votes. Mr. Obama has moved marginally ahead in several national surveys as well, or, at worst, is tied with Mr. Romney. With the election being waged in the battleground states, the candidates only fleetingly visit some of the country’s most populous states - New York, California, Illinois and Texas - and then just long enough to tap the pockets of some of their wealthiest supporters for campaign donations. The reason is simple: Voter surveys show that Mr. Obama is handily ahead in liberal-oriented New York, California and his home state of Illinois, while Mr. Romney is expected to easily carry the conservative southern state of Texas. The U.S. - unlike many democracies throughout the world - does not elect its leader through a direct popular vote, as is the case with French presidential elections. And it does not have a prime minister, as is the case in parliamentary systems throughout Europe and some other parts of the world, where the country’s leader is picked from among the lawmakers whose party wins the most seats in parliament. Since U.S. states vary widely in population, they also have vastly different numbers of electoral votes - and as a result a sharply contrasting influence on the eventual outcome of the election. The question of California California, the most populous state, has 55 electoral votes, while several sparsely populated states have only three. So in the final six weeks of the campaign, the two presidential contenders and their running mates are doing almost all of their campaigning in the eastern half of the country, where 10 of the battleground states are located and the outcome is uncertain. With a couple exceptions, the popular vote winner in each state collects all of the electoral votes from that state. The national popular vote does not determine the winner. Political scientist Wayne said the U.S. electoral college has its roots in the country’s founding days more than two centuries ago. “The electoral college system was created by the framers of the American constitution to try to make sure that the most qualified person, not necessarily the most popular, would be elected president," said Wayne. "And the framers of the American constitution in 1787, 1788, when it was written, did not have a lot of faith in the knowledge and the abilities of average citizens to make an intelligent choice. And most people weren’t educated at that point. Illiteracy was very high.” As a result, he said the country’s earlier leaders settled on creation of its electoral college. “So they designed a system whereby states would choose people - presumably these people would be better educated - and those people would then choose the president based more on ability than popularity,” Wayne added. Use of the electoral college has on three occasions resulted in a president assuming office who did not win the most votes nationally, but carried states with the most electoral votes. That occurred most recently in 2000, when Republican George W. Bush won the first of his two terms as president. The political battleground states develop over time, partly because of changing demographics. Wayne said the less politically competitive states are often identified by voters’ political allegiances and ideological views. “Much of it has to do with partisanship, and where Republicans and Democrats live," he said. "There are certain states where there are more Republicans than Democrats, and vice versa. It also has to do with ideological beliefs that people in the South tend to be more conservative than the people in the northeast and up [along] the Pacific Coast. And so you tend to have states that are not as closely balanced politically.” He said that at least for the moment, Mr. Obama enjoys the edge in the race, even though the American economy is only sluggishly recovering from the severe downturn in 2008 and 2009, and many voters blame him for the slow advance. “Incumbents do have an advantage over challengers," Wayne added. "Americans prefer the devil they know to the devil they don’t know.” It's the economy! “There are signs that the economy is not getting weaker," he said. "People seem to be a little bit more confident now, or maybe a little less fearful. And the anger against Obama has dissipated a little bit. People are disappointed in his presidency, but with the exception of Republicans, they’re not angry.” Wayne said that Mr. Romney, a former governor of Massachusetts, has yet to convince enough voters that he should replace the president. "Romney’s got to prove that he is the equal of the president," Wayne said. "We don’t change horses until either we are very dissatisfied or somebody makes an acceptable case for change. Romney hasn’t made that case yet. And while people are dissatisfied, they’re not very dissatisfied.”

And then they follow the polls, since the polls show that they’re winning by a lot, or losing by a lot, they’ll move out of that state," Wayne said. "If you know how the state’s going to turn out, then you don’t concentrate in those states, you concentrate in other states where you’re not sure and you think your campaign will make a difference, one way or another.” President Barack Obama and Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney So it is that Mr. Obama and Mr. Romney, and their respective running mates, Vice President Joe Biden and Wisconsin congressman Paul Ryan, are regularly staging rallies in the industrial heartland of the country, in the states of Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

where are they campaigning for woman in the left of the image. mitt Romney in 2012

Mr

Ohio

President Barack Obama and Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney

Barack Obama

where are they campaigning for mr. mitt Romney in 2012

mr

VOA_EN_NW_2012_07_24_1444340

VOA_EN_NW_2012_07_24_1444340_1

High-Tech Edge Sharpens Olympic Games At the very first Olympic Games, in 1896, an American won a gold medal in the pole vault event after jumping 3.30 meters using a wooden pole. Four years ago in Beijing, an Australian won gold in the same event with a 5.96-meter jump. The pole he used was lighter and stronger and made from carbon fibers. When the 2012 Olympic games begin later this month in London, athletes will not only be better-trained than ever before, but also better-equipped. “What we have seen really is nothing short of a revolution, particularly in the use of advanced materials, integrated with engineering design,” says Michael Caine, a professor of sports technology at Loughborough University in England. Breaking records He says athletes with lighter and stronger bats, rackets and golf clubs can hit balls further, harder or with more spin. Often these engineering innovations can be tracked by the records in the sport. Until the Beijing Games in 2008, there was an average of 22 record-breaking performances during each Olympiad. At the Beijing Games, 108 new records were set. Caine says in swimming, 94 percent of the races were won by athletes wearing full-body swimsuits made with engineered materials. American Olympic medalists Amanda Beard, left, Natalie Coughlin, right, and Michael Phelps pose in the high-tech Speedo LZR Racer swimsuits worn at the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics. “Which was making the athletes’ hydrodynamics much superior [than] with previous suits," Caine says. "And you could see that in the times that were set and the number of world records that were falling.” This ignited a debate over what Caine calls "technological doping," that materials - like those in the swimsuit - give the 'haves' an unfair advantage over the 'have-nots.' The governing body for swimming later banned the special suits from competition. “Of course if you have technology dominating, or if you have a technology that’s limited to richer nations, then the ethos of fair competition comes into question,” Caine says. Boosting performance While the full body swimsuits made a big splash in Beijing, new equipment won’t be as visible in London. Most of the technological innovations boosting athletic performance are more evident during the training process. “For monitoring and feedback between the coach and the athletes," Caine says. "We’ve seen a huge amount of advance in miniaturization of sensors, in wireless technologies, in the way athletes communicate with their performance teams, in the way we monitor an athlete’s recovery from a training program, in the way we look at their nutritional status and make changes to what they are eating and drinking and so on.” The materials engineered for elite athletes, like the strong, flexible carbon fiber used in clubs, rackets and bikes, have also found a solid foothold in the market place. They are common components in cars and airplanes and have been incorporated into the design of modern wheelchairs. Motion tracking is another sports-training innovation. “It was developed for monitoring the swing profile of tennis players and golfers," Caine says. "It is now being used for stroke rehabilitation, where you can look at the gait patterns of the patient and how closely they are to a normal gait pattern.” Despite the boost these innovations can give an athlete’s performance, Caine says what he hopes to see in London is that the best, most dedicated athletes win. Writing in Nature Materials, he adds, “The need to balance innovation and tradition in sport is set to remain an enduring and compelling challenge.”

At the Beijing Games, 108 new records were set. Caine says in swimming, 94 percent of the races were won by athletes wearing full-body swimsuits made with engineered materials. American Olympic medalists Amanda Beard, left, Natalie Coughlin, right, and Michael Phelps pose in the high-tech Speedo LZR Racer swimsuits worn at the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics. “Which was making the athletes’ hydrodynamics much superior [than] with previous suits," Caine says. "And you could see that in the times that were set and the number of world records that were falling.” This ignited a debate over what Caine calls "technological doping," that materials - like those in the swimsuit - give the 'haves' an unfair advantage over the 'have-nots.'

when did man with the black suit in the image start wearing speedo swimsuits

Amanda Beard

2008

American Olympic medalists Amanda Beard, left, Natalie Coughlin, right, and Michael Phelps pose in the high-tech Speedo LZR Racer swimsuits worn at the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics.

Amanda Beard

when did amanda beard start wearing speedo swimsuits

amanda beard

VOA_EN_NW_2012_10_14_1526453

VOA_EN_NW_2012_10_14_1526453_0

Young Singer Natasha Meister Hailed as Africa’s Blues Queen This is Part Four of a six-part series on South African Vocalists Continue to Parts: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 When she was a teenager a few years ago, Natasha Meister strolled into a hazy bar in the country of her birth, Canada. She and her elder sister, Cherie, were there to perform in a music competition. The sisters had been singing gospel music since they were toddlers. But, unbeknown to them, they’d signed up to compete with some of the area’s best amateur blues artists. The awestruck teens walked into a crescendo of electric guitars, growling vocals and leather clad men singing about unfaithful women, liquor-soaked nights, murder, redemption and lost love. “We didn’t know it was like a full on blues competition with full on blues bands and everything, and we came on [stage] doing our gospel music! People were like, ‘What’s going on?’ That’s when I heard the blues for the first time,” said Meister. Amid the smell of beer, sweat and personal pain, she underwent a life-changing experience. Natasha Meister: Canadian by birth, but practicing stunning blues guitar in Africa (Natasha Meister) “I remember watching a guy who was in his early 20s. He was playing amazing blues guitar with this amazing band, and people were just cheering and getting off on it, and I thought to myself, ‘I want to do that….’” Meister recalled. Encouraged by her father, who bought her an acoustic guitar and taught her some basic chords, she began her blues education. She plunged into the works of legendary American blues guitar maestros BB King, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Buddy Guy, and soul divas Aretha Franklin and Etta James. These were her teachers. “I’ve never actually gone for proper guitar lessons or vocal lessons. I’ve just listened to a lot of music, and it’s just all about the feel and the groove. It just has to feel good and that’s what it’s always been about for me,” Meister said. Passions But it’s two different things to love singing the blues and playing electric guitar as a teenager and actually doing it to the point where you become the first woman in Africa to be endorsed by legendary American guitar company, Fender. Despite her youth, Meister believes she has every right to write and sing the blues (Courtesy Natasha Meister) Yet this is exactly what the 21-year-old Meister, based in Cape Town, has achieved, placing her in illustrious company. Many great guitarists have used, and continue to use, Fenders – including rock music’s holy triumvirate of Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck. Not that Meister for one second believes that she deserves to be in this pantheon of guitar masters. “I’m still learning; every day I learn something new. Playing guitar and singing are my passions. I honestly don’t know where my skill came from. I’ve just been given this talent and I’m using it; that’s all I can say,” she told VOA after a recent rousing performance. Sadness and suffering Meister feels the electric guitar is an extension of her body and uses it to enhance her humanity. Natasha Meister with her beloved electric guitar, the first woman in Africa to be endorsed by Fender guitars(Courtesy Natasha Meister) “I love playing the guitar, and electric guitar especially, because it’s the best way for me to express my emotions – whether frustration, anger or joy, the guitar for me is the perfect instrument to do this.” In “Drowning,” a key track from her debut album, Half Way, Meister sings in a sultry tone similar to that of internationally acclaimed vocalist Norah Jones, “I just can’t think of anything better / Than sitting here on the floor / In the dark / Humming this tune / And strumming my guitar.” Singing and playing guitar also allow her to channel sadness and suffering. “Once in a while / I just don’t care / The pain is hard to bear / Now suddenly I’m scared…. I’m half way on my way / To nowhere,” Meister sings on the title song of her new record. “A lot of people ask me how can I play the blues, how can I understand the blues when I’m only 21? You know, I haven’t been through all these hardships in life but I mean I have my own little hardships and I also get sad sometimes,” she explained. Shelter Meister described Half Way as blues, with a bit of pop and rock added. “I’m kind of experimenting with my sound at the moment,” she said. Meister performs at Kirstenbosch, South Africa (Courtesy Natasha Meister) The album is a mellow mix of easy-on-the ear blues that accentuates her rich, pure voice and her languid, almost liquid guitar playing. Her guitar work is never flashy. Her lyrics speak of the joy of a new relationship; regret at a failed one; self-doubt but also optimism and hope. What always shines through in her songs is her belief in music as her savior, her shelter from harm. Meister clearly has her own style but acknowledged that she’s tempted to model herself on a modern-day blues hero. “I’m a huge fan of John Mayer; I think he’s got one of the greatest feels for blues guitar,” she said. Sincerity Meister is extremely attractive and exudes confidence, and she could easily don a figure-hugging outfit, perhaps as a gyrating, pouting member of a girl group selling records based on their sexy appearance rather than any superior musical talent. She acknowledged, “I’ve thought about like going that totally commercial route, like all about body image and the dance and techno stuff you hear on radio every day; you know, like I could make lots of money and I could hit the big time real quick….” But she hastened to add, “I’d be selling myself short and that’s not what I want to do. I’d rather take the long road and do what I love and see what happens, without becoming something I really am not…I don’t think I’ll ever move completely away from the blues. There’s just something so pure about it, as a musical genre. It’s just such sincere music.” Good responses Right now, Meister and her band are performing all over South Africa, wherever they’re able to get gigs. “I don’t want to sound brash, but we are hoping to go international, to go overseas to play in Germany and maybe even the United States. We’ve received good responses from both those countries,” she said, smiling. Currently, Meister’s immersed in writing new material. Meister belting out the blues at a recent live performance in South Africa (Courtesy Natasha Meister) “It’s very exciting and I’m hoping to get a second album out soon. Of course I’d love to be signed by a record label, if the opportunity ever comes along, but I wouldn’t want that to mean that I have to change my sound in a major way,” she said. One of her favorite songs on Half Way is “Safe in the silence.” But, standing on a stage in front of hundreds of festival goers, her guitar moaning deliciously and her honeyed voice washing over the crowd, it’s unlikely that Natasha Meister ever will be. Listen to profile of South African vocalist Natasha Meister 0:04:39 ▶ 0:00:00 /0:04:39 ▶ Direct link Pop-out player

People were like, ‘What’s going on?’ That’s when I heard the blues for the first time,” said Meister. Amid the smell of beer, sweat and personal pain, she underwent a life-changing experience. Natasha Meister: Canadian by birth, but practicing stunning blues guitar in Africa (Natasha Meister) “I remember watching a guy who was in his early 20s. He was playing amazing blues guitar with this amazing band, and people were just cheering and getting off on it, and I thought to myself, ‘I want to do that….’” Meister recalled. Encouraged by her father, who bought her an acoustic guitar and taught her some basic chords, she began her blues education.

who taught man in the image how to play guitar

Natasha Meister

her father

Natasha Meister: Canadian by birth, but practicing stunning blues guitar in Africa (Natasha Meister)

Natasha Meister

who taught natasha meister how to play guitar

natasha meister

VOA_EN_NW_2012_10_14_1526453

VOA_EN_NW_2012_10_14_1526453_0

Young Singer Natasha Meister Hailed as Africa’s Blues Queen This is Part Four of a six-part series on South African Vocalists Continue to Parts: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 When she was a teenager a few years ago, Natasha Meister strolled into a hazy bar in the country of her birth, Canada. She and her elder sister, Cherie, were there to perform in a music competition. The sisters had been singing gospel music since they were toddlers. But, unbeknown to them, they’d signed up to compete with some of the area’s best amateur blues artists. The awestruck teens walked into a crescendo of electric guitars, growling vocals and leather clad men singing about unfaithful women, liquor-soaked nights, murder, redemption and lost love. “We didn’t know it was like a full on blues competition with full on blues bands and everything, and we came on [stage] doing our gospel music! People were like, ‘What’s going on?’ That’s when I heard the blues for the first time,” said Meister. Amid the smell of beer, sweat and personal pain, she underwent a life-changing experience. Natasha Meister: Canadian by birth, but practicing stunning blues guitar in Africa (Natasha Meister) “I remember watching a guy who was in his early 20s. He was playing amazing blues guitar with this amazing band, and people were just cheering and getting off on it, and I thought to myself, ‘I want to do that….’” Meister recalled. Encouraged by her father, who bought her an acoustic guitar and taught her some basic chords, she began her blues education. She plunged into the works of legendary American blues guitar maestros BB King, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Buddy Guy, and soul divas Aretha Franklin and Etta James. These were her teachers. “I’ve never actually gone for proper guitar lessons or vocal lessons. I’ve just listened to a lot of music, and it’s just all about the feel and the groove. It just has to feel good and that’s what it’s always been about for me,” Meister said. Passions But it’s two different things to love singing the blues and playing electric guitar as a teenager and actually doing it to the point where you become the first woman in Africa to be endorsed by legendary American guitar company, Fender. Despite her youth, Meister believes she has every right to write and sing the blues (Courtesy Natasha Meister) Yet this is exactly what the 21-year-old Meister, based in Cape Town, has achieved, placing her in illustrious company. Many great guitarists have used, and continue to use, Fenders – including rock music’s holy triumvirate of Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck. Not that Meister for one second believes that she deserves to be in this pantheon of guitar masters. “I’m still learning; every day I learn something new. Playing guitar and singing are my passions. I honestly don’t know where my skill came from. I’ve just been given this talent and I’m using it; that’s all I can say,” she told VOA after a recent rousing performance. Sadness and suffering Meister feels the electric guitar is an extension of her body and uses it to enhance her humanity. Natasha Meister with her beloved electric guitar, the first woman in Africa to be endorsed by Fender guitars(Courtesy Natasha Meister) “I love playing the guitar, and electric guitar especially, because it’s the best way for me to express my emotions – whether frustration, anger or joy, the guitar for me is the perfect instrument to do this.” In “Drowning,” a key track from her debut album, Half Way, Meister sings in a sultry tone similar to that of internationally acclaimed vocalist Norah Jones, “I just can’t think of anything better / Than sitting here on the floor / In the dark / Humming this tune / And strumming my guitar.” Singing and playing guitar also allow her to channel sadness and suffering. “Once in a while / I just don’t care / The pain is hard to bear / Now suddenly I’m scared…. I’m half way on my way / To nowhere,” Meister sings on the title song of her new record. “A lot of people ask me how can I play the blues, how can I understand the blues when I’m only 21? You know, I haven’t been through all these hardships in life but I mean I have my own little hardships and I also get sad sometimes,” she explained. Shelter Meister described Half Way as blues, with a bit of pop and rock added. “I’m kind of experimenting with my sound at the moment,” she said. Meister performs at Kirstenbosch, South Africa (Courtesy Natasha Meister) The album is a mellow mix of easy-on-the ear blues that accentuates her rich, pure voice and her languid, almost liquid guitar playing. Her guitar work is never flashy. Her lyrics speak of the joy of a new relationship; regret at a failed one; self-doubt but also optimism and hope. What always shines through in her songs is her belief in music as her savior, her shelter from harm. Meister clearly has her own style but acknowledged that she’s tempted to model herself on a modern-day blues hero. “I’m a huge fan of John Mayer; I think he’s got one of the greatest feels for blues guitar,” she said. Sincerity Meister is extremely attractive and exudes confidence, and she could easily don a figure-hugging outfit, perhaps as a gyrating, pouting member of a girl group selling records based on their sexy appearance rather than any superior musical talent. She acknowledged, “I’ve thought about like going that totally commercial route, like all about body image and the dance and techno stuff you hear on radio every day; you know, like I could make lots of money and I could hit the big time real quick….” But she hastened to add, “I’d be selling myself short and that’s not what I want to do. I’d rather take the long road and do what I love and see what happens, without becoming something I really am not…I don’t think I’ll ever move completely away from the blues. There’s just something so pure about it, as a musical genre. It’s just such sincere music.” Good responses Right now, Meister and her band are performing all over South Africa, wherever they’re able to get gigs. “I don’t want to sound brash, but we are hoping to go international, to go overseas to play in Germany and maybe even the United States. We’ve received good responses from both those countries,” she said, smiling. Currently, Meister’s immersed in writing new material. Meister belting out the blues at a recent live performance in South Africa (Courtesy Natasha Meister) “It’s very exciting and I’m hoping to get a second album out soon. Of course I’d love to be signed by a record label, if the opportunity ever comes along, but I wouldn’t want that to mean that I have to change my sound in a major way,” she said. One of her favorite songs on Half Way is “Safe in the silence.” But, standing on a stage in front of hundreds of festival goers, her guitar moaning deliciously and her honeyed voice washing over the crowd, it’s unlikely that Natasha Meister ever will be. Listen to profile of South African vocalist Natasha Meister 0:04:39 ▶ 0:00:00 /0:04:39 ▶ Direct link Pop-out player

Amid the smell of beer, sweat and personal pain, she underwent a life-changing experience. Natasha Meister: Canadian by birth, but practicing stunning blues guitar in Africa (Natasha Meister) “I remember watching a guy who was in his early 20s. He was playing amazing blues guitar with this amazing band, and people were just cheering and getting off on it, and I thought to myself, ‘I want to do that….’” Meister recalled. Encouraged by her father, who bought her an acoustic guitar and taught her some basic chords, she began her blues education. She plunged into the works of legendary American blues guitar maestros BB King, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Buddy Guy, and soul divas Aretha Franklin and Etta James.

who taught person in the image how to play the guitar

Meister

her father

Natasha Meister: Canadian by birth, but practicing stunning blues guitar in Africa (Natasha Meister)

Natasha Meister

who taught natasha meister how to play the guitar

natasha meister

VOA_EN_NW_2012_07_24_1444298

VOA_EN_NW_2012_07_24_1444298_0

US State Stays Execution Over Single-Drug Method The supreme court in the southern U.S. state of Georgia has temporarily granted a stay of execution for a convicted murderer, saying it needs to examine the method of execution. The court ruled Monday, just two hours before the state was to put Warren Hill to death, that it needed to investigate whether the new single-drug injection method was legal under Georgia law. The 52-year-old Hill is to be the first inmate in Georgia executed using a single drug, rather than a three-drug mix the state has previously used. He was originally set to die last week, but the state delayed the execution because of the change in execution procedure. The state supreme court also declined to review a separate defense appeal that claimed Hill is mentally disabled and should not be executed, despite pleas from rights groups and a U.N. official. Already in prison for life in connection with another murder, Hill was convicted of the 1990 murder of a fellow inmate. The judge in the 1990 case said Hill was more likely than not to be mentally retarded, but said Hill's attorney failed to prove that. Federal courts upheld Georgia state law that requires defendants to prove claims of mental retardation beyond a reasonable doubt. The Supreme Court ruled in 2002 that it is unconstitutional to execute people who are mentally retarded, saying those defendants "face a special risk of wrongful execution." The decision left it up to individual states to decide what level of proof defendants must show of their mental capacity. Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.

The 52-year-old Hill is to be the first inmate in Georgia executed using a single drug, rather than a three-drug mix the state has previously used. He was originally set to die last week, but the state delayed the execution because of the change in execution procedure. The state supreme court also declined to review a separate defense appeal that claimed Hill is mentally disabled and should not be executed, despite pleas from rights groups and a U.N. official. Already in prison for life in connection with another murder, Hill was convicted of the 1990 murder of a fellow inmate.

how many drugs does georgia use to put woman in the image to death

Hill

a single drug

Undated image of convict Warren L. Hill, who was scheduled to be put to death on July 23, 2012.

Warren L. Hill

how many drugs does georgia use to put george hill to death

george hill

VOA_EN_NW_2012_10_31_1536857

VOA_EN_NW_2012_10_31_1536857_3

Interpol: Fighting Poaching with Better Training The worldwide poaching of elephants has been growing rapidly. More than 20,000 were killed in 2011, for an estimated 24,000 kilograms of ivory — a fraction, say authorities, of the amount actually sold. Officials with the International Criminal Police Organization, Interpol, say the high market value of ivory — over $900 per kilogram in China — has attracted new sponsors: organized crime. But as poaching increases, so do efforts to meet the challenge. One of the most prominent is Project Wisdom, a multi-year effort by Interpol’s Environmental Crime Program to fight trafficking in African elephant ivory and rhinoceros horn. So far, it’s included five different initiatives, yielding record amounts of ivory and more arrests than ever before. The most recent effort, called Operation Worthy, involved 14 African countries, including Ethiopia, Kenya, Liberia, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda and Zimbabwe over a three-month period. William Clark, the lead officer and coordinator of the project, said it includes multiple government agencies from each participating country, including the judiciary, customs, police, wildlife and even revenue services. Officer with Interpol's Operation Worthy inspects seized ivory tusks (Kenya Wildlife Service) "We ended up with 214 arrests, about two tons of elephant ivory seized; [and] a big variety of other wildlife contraband," he said. "We’ve from time to time in our operations picked up some drugs, some illegal gold and even some smuggled cigarettes." He said other contraband proves the poachers are becoming more sophisticated: 30 military firearms, including AK47’s, G3’s and even M16’s, which Clark says are not legitimately sold to anyone outside the military. "We are just starting to see them in the past year or so come in such increasing numbers [that] they’re starting to alarm people," he said. "[The M16] is a weapon that’s more accurate than the old Kalashnikov [rifle and submachine gun], with a greater range [and] more fire power. Even the wound made by an M16 bullet is much more tearing than the Kalashnikov, so it’s a more deadly, harmful weapon." Clark said organized crime is hiring gangs of up to 18 people, many of whom wear fatigues and adopt military-style techniques, such as security patrols to guard their camps. Instead of engaging the criminals in a race for more sophisticated weapons, he said, Interpol and its partners areuse policing methods based on human rights, including the right to be charged before a magistrate and the right to remain silent. "Military armies go out intent on battle and killing enemy soldiers," he said. "A police officer goes out under the legal requirement to use the least force necessary to have the law enforced." Interpol offers technical investigative assistance and training, and provides national police agencies with improved technologies, including night-vision equipment. Authorities seized over 24,000 kilograms of ivory in 2011. (Kenya Wildlife Service) Poachers, he said, often surrender without a fight once they realize they’re surrounded, as many gangs march long distances to their destinations, giving authorities plenty of time to catch them. "For example," said Clark, "some poachers come out of Somalia to poach elephants in Kenya, and they’ve got to walk a couple of hundred miles on foot. If there is pressure, [as from] a Kenya Wildlife Service unit [which can be refreshed from time to time with new people by helicopter], then you run [the poachers] until they’re really puffing. Then they won’t have as much fight as when they were starting the ordeal." Interpol also helps customs agents recognize standard techniques that some criminals use to transport contraband, such as packing false walls of 20-foot steel shipping crates with timber, sisal or other products, or burying ivory in wet tea leaves to discolor it, since international law allows the sale of ivory purchased before1989, which marked the signing of the convention protecting endangered wildlife. Other smuggling techniques include wrapping contraband in aluminum foil to avoid X-rays or packing it in pepper to trick dogs trained to identify ivory by smell. One gang, he said, actually baked the ivory in clay pieces that were shaped like artifact. Increased collaboration Once the poachers are apprehended, said Clark, Interpol works closely with judiciaries in partner countries to ensure stiff sentences are applied. Often, he said, Interpol helps to shape prosecution so that it can be expanded to include multi-count indictments. One of several free roaming elephants in the Bouba Ndjida National Park in northern Cameroon killed by Sudanese poachers. (IFAW) "[For example], if this fellow was dealing in ivory, that’s an offense," explained Clark. "But he must [also] have cooked his books and held dual records and financial infractions: there must [also] be some unreported income, and if it’s unreported there must be some tax evasion. Maybe there’s some money laundering as well as common crimes such as fraud [and] conspiracy. Maybe [there are] other violations — veterinary, sanitary and a host of other laws we can enforce in countries where we have to make enough of case that justice will be served." Interpol is planning to expand its African partnerships to included French-speaking countries and continue to work with China and other Asian countries to curtail demand for ivory products. Interpol officials say by tackling wildlife trafficking in source countries, during shipping and in global markets, authorities can help prevent the extinction of the world’s remaining wild elephants. Listen to report on INTERPOL's efforts to curb poaching 0:06:19 ▶ 0:00:00 /0:06:19 ▶ Direct link Pop-out player

Authorities seized over 24,000 kilograms of ivory in 2011. (Kenya Wildlife Service) Poachers, he said, often surrender without a fight once they realize they’re surrounded, as many gangs march long distances to their destinations, giving authorities plenty of time to catch them. "For example," said Clark, "some poachers come out of Somalia to poach elephants in Kenya, and they’ve got to walk a couple of hundred miles on foot. If there is pressure, [as from] a Kenya Wildlife Service unit [which can be refreshed from time to time with new people by helicopter], then you run [the poachers] until they’re really puffing. Then they won’t have as much fight as when they were starting the ordeal."

how much ivory does kenya get from poachers of man in the bottom of the image

elephants

over 24,000 kilograms of ivory in 2011. (Kenya Wildlife Service)

One of several free roaming elephants in the Bouba Ndjida National Park in northern Cameroon killed by Sudanese poachers. (IFAW)

elephants

how much ivory does kenya get from poachers of elephants

elephants

VOA_EN_NW_2012_08_10_1483897

VOA_EN_NW_2012_08_10_1483897_0

Exhibit Gives Rare Glimpse of Mughal Art The Mughal Emperor Akbar probably would be pleased with the curators at Washington’s Sackler Gallery. The exhibit "Worlds Within Worlds: Imperial Paintings from India and Iran” shows the gallery’s love of painting, particularly the finely-detailed works commissioned by Akbar, his son Jahangir, and his grandson Shah Jahan – the builder of the Taj Mahal. The Mughals – who reigned from 1526 to 1857 – were direct descendants from Genghis Khan through Chagatai Khan and Timur (also known as Tamarlane). Eventually they controlled most of modern day Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. As the Empire expanded, the Mughals imported the finest artists and crafstmen into their court - including from neighboring Persia. The Mughals were avid readers and collectors – with Emperor Akbar reported to have 24,000 volumes in his library. Akbar’s son Jahangir is thought of as the greatest of the Mughal patrons – with the best books, the best artists, and the best craftsmen available in his court. The Mughal’s artistic tastes embraced many styles, from Persian and Indian painting to European Renaissance styles. Rare Works on Display The show offers more than 50 works from the Smithsonian Institution's Sackler and Freer Galleries and chronicles the history of the Mughal Empire from the 14th to the 17th century. Many of the images on view were taken from large manuscripts or folios and are filled with scenes of adventure, courtly life, and intrigue. They also show the emperors in a positive light, especially Emperor Jahangir, whose names means “World Seizer.” Debra Diamond is the exhibit’s curator. On a recent tour of the gallery, she said that the exhibit aims to show the diverse and creative atmosphere in the Mughal court, with the emperors embracing many artistic influences. There are many that hate painting; but such men I dislike. Akbar, Mughal Emperor “In paintings made for all three of the emperors (Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan) we can see many, many cosmopolitan moments and interests,” she said. “One in the subject of the manuscripts themselves, which range from Persian poetry to sacred Hindu texts that were translated from Sanskrit into Persian; two, in the styles that were used – because we have Mughal artists who are both quoting Persian Timurid style and quoting European painting so we see atmospheric perspective, naturalism and shading; and finally in the motifs themselves,” Diamond explained. Color and Detail Sa'di and the Youth of Kashgar (Courtesy Arthur M. Sackler Gallery) The bright colors of the images and the fine details are set off against muted green walls in the gallery. Visitors are provided with magnifying glasses in order to explore the intricate details – including the rays of the sun emanating from Emperor Jahangir’s huge halo in one painting. The paint is opaque water color, with gold and fine pigments setting off the lively images . The detail in the paintings is exquisite. Some of the artists used a brush made from the hair of a cat’s tail. Intricate geometric designs surround some of the images. The artwork shows the influence of Persian court artists, through depictions of Akbar’s life, to idealized portraits of Jahangir and Shah Jahan at the beginning of his rule and in his old age. Religious Diversity Portrayed The paintings also show the religious tolerance in the courts of Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan. Though the Mughal’s were Islamic rulers, they welcomed many faiths to their courts, including Jesuit missionaries, and some of the painting backgrounds show European influence in landscapes and perspective. Debra Diamond says religious tolerance was part of the Mughal court. “We have rulers who are Muslims but who are also extremely tolerant, and often deeply fascinated by other religions,” she said. “And it plays out for each ruler in a slightly different way – partly dependent on politics at the time and partly dependent on their interests.” Rare Glimpses of Court Life Three of the images of Emperor Jahangir are so light sensitive that the gallery only allows them out of special storage for six months at a time every five years. Visitors get to see three of these images in “Worlds Within Worlds” – including one where Jahangir sits above other rulers including King James I of England to show his preferred place in the world. Shah Jahan with Asaf Khan (Courtesy Arthur M. Sackler Gallery) Shah Jahan’s portraits are more formal – the Emperor is shown in profile as both a young man and an elderly ruler. His hands are clasped and he is surrounded by angels, wildlife and elaborate borders. In one image he is shown with Islamic scholars in the margin of the painting to show his faithfulness. Above the Emperor’s head, angels hold a Timurid diadem to emphasize his descent from Timur, also known as Tamerlane – the Mongol-Turkic ruler who conquered much of West, South, and Central Asia in the 14th and early 15th centuries. Debra Diamond says “Worlds Within Worlds” gives visitors a rare glimpse of priceless artwork . “Most of our exhibitions are 13 weeks,” she said. “But this exhibition because of the light sensitivity of the paintings and because of our desire to bring out all of the great ones at once, is only seven weeks long,” Diamond added. The exhibit also includes the elaborately decorated cover from the Gulshan – or Rose Garden – Album, which Jahangir worked on for most of his life. Its lacquered surface features finely detailed vignettes of ostriches, dragons, musicians, huntsmen and yogis. The album covers were found just 10 years ago and one of them is displayed is a special case. “Worlds Within Worlds: Imperial Paintings from India and Iran” is at Washington’s Sackler Gallery. The exhibit continues through September 16.

Some of the artists used a brush made from the hair of a cat’s tail. Intricate geometric designs surround some of the images. The artwork shows the influence of Persian court artists, through depictions of Akbar’s life, to idealized portraits of Jahangir and Shah Jahan at the beginning of his rule and in his old age. Religious Diversity Portrayed The paintings also show the religious tolerance in the courts of Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan. Though the Mughal’s were Islamic rulers, they welcomed many faiths to their courts, including Jesuit missionaries, and some of the painting backgrounds show European influence in landscapes and perspective.

what is the significance of the paintings of woman in the center of the image and shah jahan

Jahangir

the religious tolerance in the courts of Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan

Detail from an allegorical representation of Emperor Jahangir and Shah 'Abbas of Persia' (Courtesy of Arthur M. Sackler Gallery)

Jahangir

what is the significance of the paintings of jahangir and shah jahan

jahangir

VOA_EN_NW_2012_08_10_1483897

VOA_EN_NW_2012_08_10_1483897_0

Exhibit Gives Rare Glimpse of Mughal Art The Mughal Emperor Akbar probably would be pleased with the curators at Washington’s Sackler Gallery. The exhibit "Worlds Within Worlds: Imperial Paintings from India and Iran” shows the gallery’s love of painting, particularly the finely-detailed works commissioned by Akbar, his son Jahangir, and his grandson Shah Jahan – the builder of the Taj Mahal. The Mughals – who reigned from 1526 to 1857 – were direct descendants from Genghis Khan through Chagatai Khan and Timur (also known as Tamarlane). Eventually they controlled most of modern day Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. As the Empire expanded, the Mughals imported the finest artists and crafstmen into their court - including from neighboring Persia. The Mughals were avid readers and collectors – with Emperor Akbar reported to have 24,000 volumes in his library. Akbar’s son Jahangir is thought of as the greatest of the Mughal patrons – with the best books, the best artists, and the best craftsmen available in his court. The Mughal’s artistic tastes embraced many styles, from Persian and Indian painting to European Renaissance styles. Rare Works on Display The show offers more than 50 works from the Smithsonian Institution's Sackler and Freer Galleries and chronicles the history of the Mughal Empire from the 14th to the 17th century. Many of the images on view were taken from large manuscripts or folios and are filled with scenes of adventure, courtly life, and intrigue. They also show the emperors in a positive light, especially Emperor Jahangir, whose names means “World Seizer.” Debra Diamond is the exhibit’s curator. On a recent tour of the gallery, she said that the exhibit aims to show the diverse and creative atmosphere in the Mughal court, with the emperors embracing many artistic influences. There are many that hate painting; but such men I dislike. Akbar, Mughal Emperor “In paintings made for all three of the emperors (Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan) we can see many, many cosmopolitan moments and interests,” she said. “One in the subject of the manuscripts themselves, which range from Persian poetry to sacred Hindu texts that were translated from Sanskrit into Persian; two, in the styles that were used – because we have Mughal artists who are both quoting Persian Timurid style and quoting European painting so we see atmospheric perspective, naturalism and shading; and finally in the motifs themselves,” Diamond explained. Color and Detail Sa'di and the Youth of Kashgar (Courtesy Arthur M. Sackler Gallery) The bright colors of the images and the fine details are set off against muted green walls in the gallery. Visitors are provided with magnifying glasses in order to explore the intricate details – including the rays of the sun emanating from Emperor Jahangir’s huge halo in one painting. The paint is opaque water color, with gold and fine pigments setting off the lively images . The detail in the paintings is exquisite. Some of the artists used a brush made from the hair of a cat’s tail. Intricate geometric designs surround some of the images. The artwork shows the influence of Persian court artists, through depictions of Akbar’s life, to idealized portraits of Jahangir and Shah Jahan at the beginning of his rule and in his old age. Religious Diversity Portrayed The paintings also show the religious tolerance in the courts of Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan. Though the Mughal’s were Islamic rulers, they welcomed many faiths to their courts, including Jesuit missionaries, and some of the painting backgrounds show European influence in landscapes and perspective. Debra Diamond says religious tolerance was part of the Mughal court. “We have rulers who are Muslims but who are also extremely tolerant, and often deeply fascinated by other religions,” she said. “And it plays out for each ruler in a slightly different way – partly dependent on politics at the time and partly dependent on their interests.” Rare Glimpses of Court Life Three of the images of Emperor Jahangir are so light sensitive that the gallery only allows them out of special storage for six months at a time every five years. Visitors get to see three of these images in “Worlds Within Worlds” – including one where Jahangir sits above other rulers including King James I of England to show his preferred place in the world. Shah Jahan with Asaf Khan (Courtesy Arthur M. Sackler Gallery) Shah Jahan’s portraits are more formal – the Emperor is shown in profile as both a young man and an elderly ruler. His hands are clasped and he is surrounded by angels, wildlife and elaborate borders. In one image he is shown with Islamic scholars in the margin of the painting to show his faithfulness. Above the Emperor’s head, angels hold a Timurid diadem to emphasize his descent from Timur, also known as Tamerlane – the Mongol-Turkic ruler who conquered much of West, South, and Central Asia in the 14th and early 15th centuries. Debra Diamond says “Worlds Within Worlds” gives visitors a rare glimpse of priceless artwork . “Most of our exhibitions are 13 weeks,” she said. “But this exhibition because of the light sensitivity of the paintings and because of our desire to bring out all of the great ones at once, is only seven weeks long,” Diamond added. The exhibit also includes the elaborately decorated cover from the Gulshan – or Rose Garden – Album, which Jahangir worked on for most of his life. Its lacquered surface features finely detailed vignettes of ostriches, dragons, musicians, huntsmen and yogis. The album covers were found just 10 years ago and one of them is displayed is a special case. “Worlds Within Worlds: Imperial Paintings from India and Iran” is at Washington’s Sackler Gallery. The exhibit continues through September 16.

Intricate geometric designs surround some of the images. The artwork shows the influence of Persian court artists, through depictions of Akbar’s life, to idealized portraits of Jahangir and Shah Jahan at the beginning of his rule and in his old age. Religious Diversity Portrayed The paintings also show the religious tolerance in the courts of Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan. Though the Mughal’s were Islamic rulers, they welcomed many faiths to their courts, including Jesuit missionaries, and some of the painting backgrounds show European influence in landscapes and perspective. Debra Diamond says religious tolerance was part of the Mughal court.

the paintings of woman with the white dress in the image and shah jahan depict the cultural diversity of the mughal court

Jahangir

the courts of Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan

Detail from an allegorical representation of Emperor Jahangir and Shah 'Abbas of Persia' (Courtesy of Arthur M. Sackler Gallery)

Jahangir

the paintings of jahangir and shah jahan depict the cultural diversity of the mughal court

jahangir

VOA_EN_NW_2012_10_14_1526457

VOA_EN_NW_2012_10_14_1526457_0

Singer Auriol Hays Molds Personal Torment into Brilliant Second Album This is Part Three of a six-part series on South African Vocalists Continue to Parts: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 Auriol Hays’ second record is a cascading blend of genres that include soul, jazz and blues, interpreted by one of the strongest voices to emerge on the South African music scene in many years. The album is a rollercoaster ride of emotions and moods. It condemns deceit and pleas for peace. It’s faithless yet reverent, luminescent with the idea of falling in love and angry over its pitfalls. Some songs are sinister, others offer playful swagger; some crackle with electronic menace, others are laden with industrial percussion and screeching effects; some are spare piano and acoustic guitar ballads that soothe and caress. One recalls the orchestral swell of some of the best work by Welsh diva Shirley Bassey; another is a tortured Portuguese lament. The album is diverse but not disjointed, its many ingredients ultimately enhancing and uniting it. Catharsis The overall tone of Cape Town-based Hays’s new work, Call It Love: Anima Sola, is shaped by pain, loss and regret. Auriol Hays’ second album is a mix of different musical styles and influences (Courtesy Auriol Hays) She’s blunt when explaining its roots. “My marriage had just fallen apart, pretty much. Writing the music has been a way of dealing with all of that, and a way of healing,” she said. The record’s title calls on Roman Catholic tradition. The Anima Sola, or Forsaken Soul, is an image of a woman suffering in purgatory, surrounded by flames. She’s shown in a dungeon, breaking free of her chains. Hays is frank when she says her new album emerged from the end of her marriage (A. Hays) The picture is particularly apt when applied to Hays’s album. “I was in a space where there was absolutely no personal love when I wrote it,” she told VOA. Hays felt desolate, but her art saved her, she said. “The only place where I can find some kind of peace is when I write music because…music is like an oracle of thoughts,” she explained. The singer said she allowed her personal agony to “infect” her music. “Even as you are busy facing the end of a marriage, the end of a relationship, that pain and honesty…it’s beautiful; it’s delicious; you can revel in it and you can turn it into something magical!” she said. Hays added, “I’ve sung my best when I’ve been at my saddest.” For her, Call It Love was clearly cathartic. “By the time I’m finished singing a song like “I sing the blues”…you feel so much lighter; you feel so much better,” she said. The track reflects on the loss of love. Hays sings in a stretched and strained voice, ‘This cage we’re in / The hurt, the sin / I don’t know where to begin / So I sing the blues / I sing the blues / When you’re around.’ Hays as she appears in the video of her song, ‘Better Man’ from her latest record (A. Hays) The song, with its robotic rhythm, plunges the listener into what sounds like the bowels of a factory, a hot and harsh place where there is no love, only relentless toil; where people slave in service to a heartless metal machine. No anesthetic The record also jolts the listener with anger, disappointment and bitterness – probably most evident on the terrifying track “Devil woman,” during which Hays seethes through clenched teeth, ‘The devil is a woman / So slick and so sly…She’ll hide her claws / And her horns / Where no one can see / Until the time it becomes necessary,’ before tearing into the pulsating chorus, ‘Devil woman, devil woman / Take that smirk off your face / Devil woman, devil woman / Get the hell out of my place….’ The song is loaded with a bestial appetite for revenge. It’s one of the defining moments on Call It Love, its pounding, military-like drums being Hays’s chief allies in her declaration of war on the deceitful devil woman who has wronged her. Another scene from the video of ‘Better Man’ (A. Hays) Assessing some of the record’s fury, Hays said, “Anyone that’s ever loved that much and has had to see that fall apart – of course you’re angry, of course you’re bitter! And so I allow myself to feel that angry, to feel that hurt. I don’t want to anaesthetize myself because how I am I going to get through it if I don’t confront it? How?” She’s also not afraid to confront her own frailties and failings, as she does on the gorgeous piano ballad “In love with the past,” in which she laments, ‘With everything I do / I betray you,’ and finally acknowledges that she’s not strong enough to bear any more pain. Incongruence of love Hays said the album’s dominant theme is “wrestling with love.” On the opener, “My love,” she warns against falling in love but in almost the same breath whispers, “For true love / There is nothing / I would not do.” In another song she immerses herself in a “sublime love” and on the sparkling, hymnal ballad “Time for love” – arguably her most accessible tune so far – she declares, “Let romance begin…. This is the start of something beautifully divine.” In “Do I really have to say the words?” she states simply, “I love you.” But then she plunges into the pain of love gone wrong in “I sing the blues” and “Over my shoulders,” where she sings “Better to run / I can’t stay here with you / Knowing I am not the one / You would turn to / On your darkest days.” And on “In love with the past,” she exclaims that she’s in love only with that – the past. “Well, life isn’t black and white,” Hays said of the apparent incongruity. “Love is a multifaceted, complicated thing.” Love is complicated and her music reflects that, says Auriol Hays (A. Hays) Then she acknowledged, “I don’t have the most balanced view on love…. I am constantly falling in and out of love, swinging between belief in love and complete mistrust and distrust of it, failing to distinguish between lust and love. Do you know how hard it is to distinguish between lust and love? It’s insane! It’s very, very hard! The one masquerades as the other brilliantly!” But she hastily added, “Put two people who are in front of me who are in love – oh! You would hear me gush and I will sing my soul out for those two people if I know they are in the audience.” Hays’s latest record may well be a testament to a period in her life when love abandoned her, but for many others it could signal the beginning of an enduring relationship with her music. See Auriol Hays video of single ‘Better Man’: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zlXp4Y2i_A Listen to profile of South African vocalist Auriol Hays 0:05:29 ▶ 0:00:00 /0:05:29 ▶ Direct link Pop-out player

The album is diverse but not disjointed, its many ingredients ultimately enhancing and uniting it. Catharsis The overall tone of Cape Town-based Hays’s new work, Call It Love: Anima Sola, is shaped by pain, loss and regret. Auriol Hays’ second album is a mix of different musical styles and influences (Courtesy Auriol Hays) She’s blunt when explaining its roots. “My marriage had just fallen apart, pretty much. Writing the music has been a way of dealing with all of that, and a way of healing,” she said.

where does person in the image come from and where does she write

Auriol Hays

Cape Town-based Hays

Auriol Hays’ second album is a mix of different musical styles and influences (Courtesy Auriol Hays)

Auriol Hays

where does auriol hays come from and where does she write

auriol hays

VOA_EN_NW_2012_10_14_1526457

VOA_EN_NW_2012_10_14_1526457_0

Singer Auriol Hays Molds Personal Torment into Brilliant Second Album This is Part Three of a six-part series on South African Vocalists Continue to Parts: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 Auriol Hays’ second record is a cascading blend of genres that include soul, jazz and blues, interpreted by one of the strongest voices to emerge on the South African music scene in many years. The album is a rollercoaster ride of emotions and moods. It condemns deceit and pleas for peace. It’s faithless yet reverent, luminescent with the idea of falling in love and angry over its pitfalls. Some songs are sinister, others offer playful swagger; some crackle with electronic menace, others are laden with industrial percussion and screeching effects; some are spare piano and acoustic guitar ballads that soothe and caress. One recalls the orchestral swell of some of the best work by Welsh diva Shirley Bassey; another is a tortured Portuguese lament. The album is diverse but not disjointed, its many ingredients ultimately enhancing and uniting it. Catharsis The overall tone of Cape Town-based Hays’s new work, Call It Love: Anima Sola, is shaped by pain, loss and regret. Auriol Hays’ second album is a mix of different musical styles and influences (Courtesy Auriol Hays) She’s blunt when explaining its roots. “My marriage had just fallen apart, pretty much. Writing the music has been a way of dealing with all of that, and a way of healing,” she said. The record’s title calls on Roman Catholic tradition. The Anima Sola, or Forsaken Soul, is an image of a woman suffering in purgatory, surrounded by flames. She’s shown in a dungeon, breaking free of her chains. Hays is frank when she says her new album emerged from the end of her marriage (A. Hays) The picture is particularly apt when applied to Hays’s album. “I was in a space where there was absolutely no personal love when I wrote it,” she told VOA. Hays felt desolate, but her art saved her, she said. “The only place where I can find some kind of peace is when I write music because…music is like an oracle of thoughts,” she explained. The singer said she allowed her personal agony to “infect” her music. “Even as you are busy facing the end of a marriage, the end of a relationship, that pain and honesty…it’s beautiful; it’s delicious; you can revel in it and you can turn it into something magical!” she said. Hays added, “I’ve sung my best when I’ve been at my saddest.” For her, Call It Love was clearly cathartic. “By the time I’m finished singing a song like “I sing the blues”…you feel so much lighter; you feel so much better,” she said. The track reflects on the loss of love. Hays sings in a stretched and strained voice, ‘This cage we’re in / The hurt, the sin / I don’t know where to begin / So I sing the blues / I sing the blues / When you’re around.’ Hays as she appears in the video of her song, ‘Better Man’ from her latest record (A. Hays) The song, with its robotic rhythm, plunges the listener into what sounds like the bowels of a factory, a hot and harsh place where there is no love, only relentless toil; where people slave in service to a heartless metal machine. No anesthetic The record also jolts the listener with anger, disappointment and bitterness – probably most evident on the terrifying track “Devil woman,” during which Hays seethes through clenched teeth, ‘The devil is a woman / So slick and so sly…She’ll hide her claws / And her horns / Where no one can see / Until the time it becomes necessary,’ before tearing into the pulsating chorus, ‘Devil woman, devil woman / Take that smirk off your face / Devil woman, devil woman / Get the hell out of my place….’ The song is loaded with a bestial appetite for revenge. It’s one of the defining moments on Call It Love, its pounding, military-like drums being Hays’s chief allies in her declaration of war on the deceitful devil woman who has wronged her. Another scene from the video of ‘Better Man’ (A. Hays) Assessing some of the record’s fury, Hays said, “Anyone that’s ever loved that much and has had to see that fall apart – of course you’re angry, of course you’re bitter! And so I allow myself to feel that angry, to feel that hurt. I don’t want to anaesthetize myself because how I am I going to get through it if I don’t confront it? How?” She’s also not afraid to confront her own frailties and failings, as she does on the gorgeous piano ballad “In love with the past,” in which she laments, ‘With everything I do / I betray you,’ and finally acknowledges that she’s not strong enough to bear any more pain. Incongruence of love Hays said the album’s dominant theme is “wrestling with love.” On the opener, “My love,” she warns against falling in love but in almost the same breath whispers, “For true love / There is nothing / I would not do.” In another song she immerses herself in a “sublime love” and on the sparkling, hymnal ballad “Time for love” – arguably her most accessible tune so far – she declares, “Let romance begin…. This is the start of something beautifully divine.” In “Do I really have to say the words?” she states simply, “I love you.” But then she plunges into the pain of love gone wrong in “I sing the blues” and “Over my shoulders,” where she sings “Better to run / I can’t stay here with you / Knowing I am not the one / You would turn to / On your darkest days.” And on “In love with the past,” she exclaims that she’s in love only with that – the past. “Well, life isn’t black and white,” Hays said of the apparent incongruity. “Love is a multifaceted, complicated thing.” Love is complicated and her music reflects that, says Auriol Hays (A. Hays) Then she acknowledged, “I don’t have the most balanced view on love…. I am constantly falling in and out of love, swinging between belief in love and complete mistrust and distrust of it, failing to distinguish between lust and love. Do you know how hard it is to distinguish between lust and love? It’s insane! It’s very, very hard! The one masquerades as the other brilliantly!” But she hastily added, “Put two people who are in front of me who are in love – oh! You would hear me gush and I will sing my soul out for those two people if I know they are in the audience.” Hays’s latest record may well be a testament to a period in her life when love abandoned her, but for many others it could signal the beginning of an enduring relationship with her music. See Auriol Hays video of single ‘Better Man’: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zlXp4Y2i_A Listen to profile of South African vocalist Auriol Hays 0:05:29 ▶ 0:00:00 /0:05:29 ▶ Direct link Pop-out player

The singer said she allowed her personal agony to “infect” her music. “Even as you are busy facing the end of a marriage, the end of a relationship, that pain and honesty…it’s beautiful; it’s delicious; you can revel in it and you can turn it into something magical!” she said. Hays added, “I’ve sung my best when I’ve been at my saddest.” For her, Call It Love was clearly cathartic. “By the time I’m finished singing a song like “I sing the blues”…you feel so much lighter; you feel so much better,” she said. The track reflects on the loss of love.

what is the song call it love by person in the image about

Hays

the loss of love

Auriol Hays’ second album is a mix of different musical styles and influences (Courtesy Auriol Hays)

Auriol Hays

what is the song call it love by jennifer hays about

jennifer hays

VOA_EN_NW_2012_06_29_1351805

VOA_EN_NW_2012_06_29_1351805_0

Malaysian, Indonesian Culture Spats Flare Up JAKARTA — They may be close neighbors, but they are not always close allies. A long-standing cultural spat between Indonesia and Malaysia has re-ignited this week, sparking fierce debate over who owns culture. Located on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, the Mandailing region is better known for its rich highland coffee beans than gordang sambilan - a nine-drum ensemble sacred to the local Batak tribe. But the traditional instrument has become embroiled in a fierce cultural debate after Malaysia announced it was adding the drums and the traditional tortor dance - both originally from Mandailing, Indonesia - to its national heritage list. The Indonesian Education and Cultural Ministry has demanded a written explanation, while angry demonstrators have thrown eggs and stones at the Malaysian embassy. One Indonesian legislator, a North Sumatran native, even said that every now and again Malaysia should be “bombed” to keep it in check. But well-known Indonesian poet and art curator Sitok Srengenge says the dance and the drums pre-date territorial borders. “Tortor and gordang sembilan already exist before Indonesia or Malaysia exist," he said. "[Malaysia] has a right to use the culture ... [of] Mandailing society, because, you know, there is no culture independent, no cultural original; every culture is influenced with other cultures." Malaysia says it was only recording, not claiming, the heritage of Sumatra’s Mandailing people, some of whom have lived in Malaysia for more than a century. But to outraged Indonesians, the claims are the latest addition to a long list of provocative acts of cultural piracy. In 2009, a Malaysian tourism ad featuring the Indonesian pendet dance created an uproar, prompting Kuala Lumpur's tourism ministry to issue a formal apology claiming a mix up with the production company. Claims over other cultural practices such as wayang kulit - traditional shadow puppets - batik and even satay, have fueled the ongoing cultural war. An old story According to Dr. Ross Tapsell, an expert on Indonesian media at the Australian National University, the sometimes-strained relations between the two countries is nothing new. “I think [cultural warring] is a very popular topic - and media works on reinforcing topics which are sensational, but also topics that are already in the public mind - and one of the long-entrenched stories that gets a run in the Indonesian media is the kind of abusive Malaysia, or the dominating Malaysia, or Singapore, for that matter, taking things from Indonesia.” But the historical record itself tells of a different tension that isn't merely cultural. Territorial disputes and the frequent sexual and physical abuse of Indonesian migrant workers by their Malaysian employers have also soured the relationship. But with such close links, including a common language, Srengenge says both governments should be better prepared to negotiate future conflicts. “Both governments have to [have] more intensive ... dialogue, you know, have cultural and political diplomacy," he said. "We have to be clear in our minds and cool in our hearts ... to see the problem carefully and not too reactively.” While any real quarrel is very unlikely, this latest cultural spat has necessitated some careful diplomatic posturing.

Malaysian, Indonesian Culture Spats Flare Up JAKARTA — They may be close neighbors, but they are not always close allies. A long-standing cultural spat between Indonesia and Malaysia has re-ignited this week, sparking fierce debate over who owns culture. Located on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, the Mandailing region is better known for its rich highland coffee beans than gordang sambilan - a nine-drum ensemble sacred to the local Batak tribe. But the traditional instrument has become embroiled in a fierce cultural debate after Malaysia announced it was adding the drums and the traditional tortor dance - both originally from Mandailing, Indonesia - to its national heritage list. The Indonesian Education and Cultural Ministry has demanded a written explanation, while angry demonstrators have thrown eggs and stones at the Malaysian embassy.

where is the traditional music of person in the center of the image located

Mandailing

the Indonesian island of Sumatra

Malaysians of the Mandailing ethnic group perform Gordang Sambilan or Nine Great Drums, near Kuala Lumpur, June 27, 2012.

Malaysians

where is the traditional music of mandailing located

mandailing