VOA标准英语2009年-Israel, Palestinians Trade Blame for Stall

U.S. President Barack Obama made a fresh appeal Thursday for Israel and the Palestinians to jump-start stalled peace negotiations. But getting the two sides together will not be easy. Israel and the Palestinians are trading blame after President Oba

VOA标准英语2009年-Pentagon Says Operations to Clear Taliban

A U.S. Defense Department spokesman says there will be more operations like the one launched in southern Afghanistan to secure a Taliban-controlled district in Helmand Province, and that coalition and Afghan forces will hold such areas after they dr

VOA标准英语2009年-UN Says Lack of Funds May Ground African H

The United Nations World Food Program says it may have to ground a vital humanitarian air service to parts of Africa this month because of a severe funding shortage. The WFP says some of the poorest countries in Africa will be deprived of critical a

VOA标准英语2009年-US Schools to Reopen Amid Flu Concerns

U.S. health officials are warning about a possible resurgence of the Swine Flu virus in North America as the cold weather approaches, and schools prepare to reopen. Health experts say the illness poses a special risk to schools, which are set to re-

VOA标准英语2009年-South Korea Postpones First Rocket Launch

With just minutes to go before liftoff, South Korean engineers postponed the launch of the country's first space-bound rocket. The delay comes as a disappointment to many who looked forward to the launch as a milestone of national pride. Excitement

VOA标准英语2009年-Taliban Escalate Attacks on Kabul Two Days

Eight people died, including two Afghan staff members of the United Nations and at least one foreign soldier, while more than 50 other people were wounded, in the latest wave of Taliban violence around Kabul. The insurgents, who are vowing to disrup

VOA标准英语2009年-Afghan President Karzai Confronts Two Riva

Three candidates in the Afghan presidential election, including incumbent President Hamid Karzai, have faced off in a nationally broadcast debate. It was the first time a sitting president has participated in such an election debate. An Afghan girl

VOA标准英语2009年-Tight Security in Place for Elections Day

Top government officials responsible for security in Afghanistan say there is no way to ensure the Taliban will not be able to cause civilian casualties before the election or on the day of voting. Afghanistan's military is declaring a one-day unila

VOA标准英语2009年-Bombers Kill 35 Shi'ites in Iraq

A series of bomb attacks in the Iraqi city of Mosul and the capital Baghdad killed at least 35 people Friday. Shi'ite pilgrims were marking the birthday of the 12th Imam, a revered figure in Shi'ite Islam. The scene of a road side bomb blast that hi

VOA标准英语2009年-Nigeria's Militant Amnesty Program Begins

A Nigerian government program that offers cash, job training and pardons to militants who turn in their weapons begins Thursday. The government hopes this will bring stability to the troubled, oil-producing Niger Delta. A fighter of the Movement for

VOA标准英语2009年-Envoys from Two Koreas Meet to Discuss Fam

Delegations from South and North Korea are meeting to discuss the resumption of family reunions. Thousands of families remain separated by the political division of the Korean peninsula. Kim Young-chol, chief delegate and secretary-general of S. Kor

VOA标准英语2009年-World Leaders Pay Tribute to Kennedy

World leaders are honoring veteran U.S. Senator Edward Kennedy who died at 77, after a long battle with a brain tumor. The senator was the brother of former President John F. Kennedy. Edward Kennedy addresses Democratic National Convention On the wo

VOA标准英语2009年-French Hostage Freed in Somalia

One of two French military advisors kidnapped last month in the Somali capital Mogadishu is free and in the hands of the Somali government. But there are conflicting reports about how he gained his freedom. In initial reports, senior Somali military

VOA标准英语2009年-South African President to Make First Stat

Many Zimbabweans are looking with anticipation toward South African President Jacob Zuma's planned visit to Harare Thursday. Many are hoping that President Zuma, as outgoing chairman of SADC, will help unblock many outstanding issues in the politica

VOA标准英语2009年-Indonesia says Burma Must Release Democrac

Indonesia's foreign minister has said Burma must release democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi if its 2010 elections are to be credible. Indonesia has been pushing for tougher action against human rights violators during meetings of the Association of S

VOA标准英语2009年-US Senate Ends F-22 Fighter Jet Program

The U.S. Senate voted Tuesday to end funding for the most sophisticated U.S. fighter jet, supporting President Barack Obama on one of the most controversial issues to come before the Congress since he took office six months ago. A 22 Jun 2009 photo

VOA标准英语2009年-South Sudan says It 'Will Respect' Interna

An official of the South Sudanese government says despite its displeasure with the verdict, the semi-autonomous southern government will fully honor Wednesday's ruling in The Hague that redrew the boundaries of the disputed Abyei area. The decision

VOA标准英语2009年-Japan Unlikely to Procure Desired US Fight

Japan's hopes of acquiring the jet touted as the world's most advanced fighter are being dashed. The commander of U.S. Forces Japan, in an unusually blunt remark, says even if American senators had not voted to halt further production of the F-22, t

VOA标准英语2009年-Asia Stocks Extend Gains

Stocks in Asia extended their rally Friday, with investors encouraged by positive economic and company news. Some stock markets have risen more than 70 percent since the start of the year. Display showing Hang Seng Index in Hong Kong, 20 Jul 2009 Ho

VOA标准英语2009年-Analysts: Hugo Chavez Remains Strong as Ve

Venezuela's economy is struggling, weighed down by declining oil revenues, and the mandates and initiatives of President Hugo Chavez's brand of socialism. So says a panel of Venezuelan economists and analysts who are visiting Washington this week. A