VOA标准英语2009年-Recession Woes Again Batter World Markets

Following Asia's lead, European markets are down Thursday due to persistent worries about the length and depth of the unfolding global recession. In Britain, yet another large central bank interest rate cut was announced to combat the downward econo

VOA标准英语2009年-Obama Warns of Severe Consequences Without Stim

President-elect Barack Obama is urging Congress to act quickly on his economic recovery program, warning that inaction by Washington could extend the current recession for years. President-elect Barack Obama makes remarks on nation's economy at Geor

VOA标准英语2009年-UN Agency Suspends Aid Deliveries in Gaza Becau

The U.N. relief agency has suspended operations in Gaza because of the danger posed by Israeli military action. The decision was made as Israel pressed its air and ground offensive amid a rising civilian death toll and international efforts to halt

VOA标准英语2009年-US Studies Withdrawing More Troops from Iraq

A top American military commander says there could soon be a further reduction in the U.S. troop presence in Iraq, based on recommendations from commanders in the field. The head of U.S. Central Command, General David Petraeus, spoke to reporters in

VOA标准英语2009年-UN Emergency Session Deals With Gaza Crisis

The U.N.'s top human rights official, Navi Pillay, is calling for an independent investigation into possible war crimes in both Gaza and Israel. She spoke at the opening of an emergency session called by the UN Human Rights Council to discuss the cr

VOA标准英语2009年-House of Representatives Approves Gaza Resoluti

Emotional statements made clear that while they strongly support the right of Israel to defend itself, lawmaker's are troubled by Palestinian civilian casualties in Gaza. US Congress Howard Berman chairs the House Foreign Affairs Committee. I have n

VOA标准英语2009年-Petraeus Cites US-Iran 'Common Interests' on Af

The commander of U.S. forces in the Middle East and Central Asia says it may be possible to work with Iran on some issues related to the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. But at the same time General David Petraeus also said some Iranian elements m

VOA标准英语2009年-African Union Will Sanction Guinea Unless Elect

The African Union says Guinea's military rulers will face international sanctions if they go back on a promise to hold elections within six months. West African leaders plan to meet in Nigeria Saturday to discuss their response to the coup. Jean Pin

VOA标准英语2009年-US Senate Democratic Leaders Outline New Agenda

A day after a new Democratic-led U.S. Congress was sworn in, lawmakers are focusing on an ambitious agenda. Senate Democratic leaders Wednesday outlined their priorities, which range from passing an economic stimulus plan to addressing new global th

VOA标准英语2009年-Egypt Bids to Mediate Israeli-Palestinian Cease

Two top Israeli envoys are in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, to attend talks with Egyptian mediators, in a bid to reach a ceasefire in Gaza. Palestinian representatives are meeting with the Egyptians separately. Egyptian diplomats are conducting gruel

VOA标准英语2009年-Israel Hit by Rockets From Lebanon as Gaza War

Several rockets have been fired from Lebanon into northern Israel, as fighting and rocket fire continues in the south and Gaza. An Israeli woman walks in her damaged kitchen after a rocket fired from southern Lebanon hit the northern Israeli town of

VOA标准英语2009年-Envoys Continue Negotiations at UN on Cessation

Foreign ministers from the United States, Britain, France and the Arab League met separately and together behind closed doors at the United Nations Wednesday, seeking an end to nearly two weeks of deadly fighting in the Gaza Strip. After hours of ta

VOA标准英语2009年-Hungary, Eastern Europe Face Cold Without Russi

Even though Russia and Ukraine have backed off from their energy war, Eastern Europe and the Balkans face natural gas shortages after Moscow closed the taps for deliveries destined for Europe. Europeans are facing a harsh winter in which at least a

VOA标准英语2009年-Ukraine, Russia Pricing Dispute Halts Russian G

The ongoing dispute over transit fees and pricing has halted Russian natural gas exports to Europe. A gas pressure gauge is seen at a snow-covered transit point on the main pipeline from Russia in the village of Boyarka, near Kyiv, Ukraine, 06 Jan 2

VOA标准英语2009年-Zimbabwe's Mugabe Appoints Temporary Ministers

Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe has appointed eight ministers to head key portfolios in an acting capacity. The appointments were made as Movement for Democratic Change leaders meet in Johannesburg. Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe (file photo) P

VOA标准英语2009年-Rains Bring Drought Relief to Parched Australia

Australia's worst drought in 100 years is showing signs of easing. While much of the continent remains gripped by dry conditions, the Bureau of Meteorology says in 2008 some regions received a much-needed drenching, easing the arid conditions that h

VOA标准英语2009年-Analysts: Gaza Might Be Obama's First Foreign P

Middle East analysts say the fierce fighting in the Gaza Strip might be the first major foreign policy crisis for Barack Obama when he is sworn in as U.S. president January 20. The massive Israeli air and ground assault against Hamas militants in Ga

VOA标准英语2009年-WFP Welcomes Israel's 'Humanitarian Recess' in

The U.N. World Food Program says Israel's decision to hold its fire for three hours a day in Gaza City will help ease the plight of the conflict-stricken population. The WFP says more is needed. Palestinians wait in line to buy bread at a bakery in

VOA标准英语2009年-Israel Opens Up Humanitarian Corridors in Gaza

Israel ordered a temporary halt to its military operations in Gaza for several hours Wednesday to allow aid to reach civilians in the territory through humanitarian corridors. Israel also says it is studying proposals for a ceasefire in Gaza, but fi

VOA标准英语2009年-Sarkozy: 'Too Soon to Talk of Good News in Gaza

French President Nicholas Sarkozy traveled to Egypt on Tuesday, after visiting Syria and Lebanon earlier in the day on a tour aimed at bringing peace to the conflict-torn Gaza Strip. There were few results. But, the French president was hopeful. Fre