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New York Times
Andes Bureau Chief for the New York Times, based in Caracas, Venezuela; former Middle East correspondent for the Wall Street Journal
PROFILE
Nicholas Casey
Guest
FROM Nicholas Casey
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Colombian president awarded Nobel Peace Prize days after peace deal is rejected Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced the award Friday , just days after Colombian voters rejected a peace deal President Santos had been negotiating with FARC rebels to end 52 years of conflict. What’s the committee’s justification for awarding a peace prize to someone whose peace deal has fallen through? Nobel Committee Chairwoman Kaci Kullmann Five said she hoped the award would spur the process forward toward lasting peace.
To the Point
Chronic Food Shortages Prompt Riots in Venezuela Venezuela’s worsening economic crisis has spilled over into chaos in recent weeks. Hungry protestors have been rioting, ransacking and looting stores and restaurants, leaving scores of businesses in shambles and at least five people dead. The government has declared a state of emergency, and basic necessities are being rationed. How did a relatively recently prosperous country which sits on the world’s largest oil reserves come to this -- the world’s worst rate of inflation and nearly 90% of its population unable to afford to eat?
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Venezuela on the Verge of Collapse In Venezuela, spontaneous protests erupted Thursday near the Presidential Palace in Caracas. Over one hundred people ran through the streets chanting, “No more talk. We want food." Venezuela is in the midst of a political and economic crisis. Plummeting oil prices have wiped out the economy; the country’s rate of inflation has skyrocketed, up 700 percent by some estimates. Add to that, prolonged power blackouts as a result of drought and El Nino, and a food shortage, and you have the ingredients for mass unrest. Critics say the leftist President, Nicolas Maduro, hasn’t addressed the needs of the people, and some U.S. intelligence officials say Venezuela might be on the verge of collapse. We speak with reporter Nicholas Casey who recently returned from Caracas about what life is like for Venezuelans right now.
To the Point
Venezuela on the Brink of Collapse In Venezuela, an economic crisis is causing a public health crisis and President Nicolas Maduro has imposed a state of emergency amid real concern that his government is on the verge of collapse. Nicholas Casey is in Caracas, reporting for the New York Times . Photo: President Nicolas Maduro ( Agencia de Noticias ANDES )
To the Point
Gaza Ceasefire Breaks Down Hours After It Begins It took an hour and a half for a 72-hour ceasefire in Gaza to break down today. In the Southern City of Rafah, 2 Israeli soldiers were killed by a suicide bomber, and a third reportedly has been kidnapped. Since then, Israeli tank fire has killed at least 35 Palestinians. Nicholas Casey is in Gaza City for the Wall Street Journal.
To the Point
Have Parents Avoided Foreign-Made Toys This Holiday Season? Millions of recalls rocked the toy business last summer and fall, leading to dire predictions about the Christmas season. Now that it's upon us, are parents choosing safety above all or giving into their children's demands. Nicholas Casey writes for the Wall Street Journal.
Which Way, L.A.?
Mattel Expands Recall of Toys Made in China For the second time in two weeks, Mattel has announced a toy recall . This time its for 9 million toys, made in China, recalled because of magnets children can swallow or which could have lead paint. Call for additional information: Magnets 888-597-6597 Lead paint in Cars 800-916-4997
To the Point
Mattel Expands Recall of Toys Made in China For the second time in two weeks, Mattel has announced a toy recall. This time it's for nine million toys made in China, recalled because of magnets children can swallow or because of lead paint . Nicholas Casey reports for the Wall Street Journal , which has been ahead of the story. Additional information on the toy recall is available at: * 888-597-6597 for information on magnets * 800-916-4997 for information on lead paint
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To the Point
Human Rights in the era of Donald Trump President Trump’s UN Ambassador, Nikki Haley, said today the US might pull out of the United Nations’ Human Rights Council. Serious violators of human rights are members of the Council itself–and a US resignation could make things worse. Later on today’s show, now that he’s into his second term, comedian turned US Senator Al Franken is telling jokes again.
To the Point
Terrorism and tweets, hate speech and murder Just days before an election, Britain is coping with a rash of deadly terrorism, and Prime Minister Theresa May is on the defensive. And again today, President Trump has tweeted criticism of the Mayor of London. Later, a double murder in Portland, Oregon has revealed the ugly past of a supposedly “progressive” city. One immediate question: is “hate speech” protected by the First Amendment?
To the Point
Venezuela spirals into economic and political chaos Venezuela, a country whose potential for prosperity is unmatched, finds itself on the verge of civil war. What sustains the repressive government? With time running out, guest host León Krauze looks at what the international community can do to pull the country from the edge of collapse.