Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson

German Terrorism Trial Puts Racism Fears In The Spotlight

Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson — Mon, 06 May 2013 07:42:00 +0000

Emotions ran high as Germany's biggest terrorism trial in decades got underway Monday in Munich. The hearing is on the murders of 10 people who were the victims of a nearly decadelong neo-Nazi terror campaign against the Turkish community there.

A group of Turkish immigrants scuffled with German security forces, trying to get into the courthouse to see the trial up close. They and many others among the 3 million people of Turkish descent who live in Germany are angry, saying the murders and aftermath highlight prevalent racism not just in society but in the government.

Netherlands Welcomes First New King In Over A Century

Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 20:43:00 +0000

The Netherlands has a new king today — Willem-Alexander. He follows his mother Beatrix who abdicated on Tuesday and is the first male monarch in the country in more than a century.

Germany Braces For Trial Blamed On Right-Wing Extremists

Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 19:11:00 +0000

Germany is preparing for its most important terrorism trial in decades.

Ten people — eight of them of Turkish descent, one of Greek extraction and one a German policewoman, were gunned down between 2000 and 2007. For years, German authorities failed to see a link between the crimes, even though the same gun was used in all of the shootings.

'I Liked It,' Putin Says Of Protest By Topless Women

Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 17:09:00 +0000

At a trade fair in Hanover, Germany, on Monday, three women protesters got quite close to Russian President Vladimir Putin before stripping off their blouses and shouting expletives at the Russian leader.

Putin, who was joined at the fair by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, later sarcastically thanked the women for calling the news media's attention to the gathering.

"As to this action, I liked it," Putin said, according to a German translator.

Jewishness On Display: 'Truth' By Way Of Discomfort

Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 07:19:00 +0000

In Berlin's Jewish Museum, a new exhibit called "The Whole Truth" asks visitors uncomfortable and even absurd questions about Jews. One of the curators, Michal Friedlander, says it is intentionally provocative.

"The point is to get people talking about how they perceive Jews, particularly in Germany today," she says.

But some German Jews accuse the museum of going too far.

Visitors to the 30-part exhibit are bombarded with questions but given few answers.

German Anti-Euro Group Has Big-Name Backers

Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 10:11:00 +0000

Transcript

SCOTT SIMON, HOST:

European politicians seeking to abolish the euro are plentiful, but they tend not to win elections. So, when a political party was founded in Germany this month to challenge Chancellor Angela Merkel's euro policies, her allies quickly dismissed the group as unpopular. But this party, called Alternative for Germany, may not be easy to ignore. The party supporters include economists and business leaders playing to a German electorate that is growing weary of bailing out the eurozone with German funds.

Long After Its Fall, Berlin Wall Is Focus Of New Protests

Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 20:30:00 +0000

Protected by scores of German police officers, workers removed sections of a key remnant of the Berlin Wall before dawn Wednesday despite earlier protests demanding the concrete artifact of the Cold War be preserved.

The removal came as a shock to residents, just as it did on Aug.

European Parliaments Next To Approve Cyprus Deal

Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 08:56:00 +0000

Transcript

RENEE MONTAGNE, HOST:

It's MORNING EDITION, from NPR News. I'm Renee Montagne.

DAVID GREENE, HOST:

And I'm David Greene.

The tiny Mediterranean island of Cyprus was on the brink of bankruptcy. But at the last minute, European finance ministers approved a multibillion-dollar bailout for the country.

What's Worked, And What Hasn't, In Gun-Loving Switzerland

Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 20:44:00 +0000

Switzerland has an entrenched gun culture that is embraced by most of its 8 million citizens, some of them as young as 10 years old.

Every Swiss community has a shooting range, and depending on who is counting, the alpine country ranks third or fourth in the number of guns per capita.

"You can walk into a cafe in a town where there is a shooting festival and you'll see rifles hanging on the hat rack. It's just incredible.

German Prince Plans To Put Bison Back In The Wild

Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 17:59:00 +0000

A small herd of European bison will soon be released in Germany's most densely populated state, the first time in nearly three centuries that these bison — known as wisents — will roam freely in Western Europe.

The project is the brainchild of Prince Richard of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg.

Germans Are Drinking Less Beer These Days, But Why?

Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 17:19:00 +0000

For centuries, Germany has been synonymous with beer. Tourists flock from around the world to take part in the country's many beer festivals, including the famous Oktoberfest.

But officials say the German beer tradition is waning. A recent government report found Germans drink less beer now than they did a generation ago.

Germany Called On To Evolve Its Gobal Military Role

Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 10:38:00 +0000

For decades after the devastation of World War Two, Germany recoiled from any prospect of military engagement. Now the country is under pressure to get involved in foreign military conflicts as the U.S. cuts back its role as the world's policeman. Germany's growing military role is now being debated in government and academic circles.

Dresden Marks WWII Bombing 68 Years Ago

Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 11:05:00 +0000

Transcript

RENEE MONTAGNE, HOST:

Thousands gathered last night in the German city of Dresden to mark the 68th anniversary of the allied bombing that destroyed that city during the Second World War. These days, the annual commemoration is less about remembering those who perished than a fight against modern-day Nazis - a fight waged sometimes with questionable methods.

Troop Deployment No Long Sparks Mass Protests In Germany

Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson — Sun, 27 Jan 2013 11:55:00 +0000

After two devastating world wars, Germans recoiled from any prospect of military intervention. But today, German troops are posted in Afghanistan and engage in combat. This week, German lawmakers are expected to extend their country's military's mission in Afghanistan for 13 more months.

Germany's Housing Market Is Hot. Is It Overheating?

Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 10:28:00 +0000

Few Western countries are as conservative about home ownership as Germany, where less than half the country's citizens own property.

German banks have tough lending rules. Would-be buyers are usually asked to provide hefty down payments to secure mortgages, meaning few Germans even think about buying a home until they are settled and financially secure.

But the European debt crisis appears to be changing the traditions around home ownership.

Egypt Referendum Marred By Irregularities

Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 10:25:00 +0000

In Egypt, unofficial results show the country's controversial draft constitution was narrowly approved in the first stage of a referendum held this past Saturday. The draft constitution has deeply divided Egyptians. The second round of voting will take place this Saturday.

Egyptian Constitutional Referendum Appears To Have Passed

Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson — Sun, 16 Dec 2012 13:26:00 +0000

In Egypt, voters appear to have approved the controversial draft referendum on a proposed constitution in the first stage of the referendum held across half of the country yesterday.

The outcome is unofficial at this point as the government has said it will not announce official results until the referendum concludes in the rest of Egypt next Saturday. The vote is being held in two stages because a boycott by many judges who were supposed to supervise the elections.

Some Polling Issues As Egyptians Vote On Draft Constitution

Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson — Sat, 15 Dec 2012 10:17:00 +0000

Update at 2:54 p.m. ET: Voting Hours Extended:

Voter turnout on the first day of a referendum on Egypt's controversial draft constitution was so high in Cairo and nine other governorates that election officials decided to extend poll hours from 7 until 11 p.m. local time.

Shortly after the extension was announced, the state-funded al-Ahram newspaper posted on its website the results from one polling station in the northern governorate of Dakahlia where 49 votes were cast.

Egypt's Morsi Authorizes Military To Arrest Civilians

Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 11:27:00 +0000

Over the weekend, Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi rescinded most of a temporary order that elevated his powers above judicial review. But he did not concede on demands to postpone a vote on a new constitution.

How Long Will Egypt's Protesters Stay Unified?

Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 09:55:00 +0000

Transcript

DAVID GREENE, HOST:

Protests in Egypt rage on, despite President Mohammed Morsi's offer in a televised speech last night to meet with his opponents. Demonstrators filled Cairo's streets again today. The opposition in Egypt is confident and they're displaying a newfound unity, something Egypt hasn't seen since the early days of the revolution that ousted Morsi's predecessor, Hosni Mubarak.

Morsi Calls For Consensus Amid Escalating Protests

Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 22:21:00 +0000

Transcript

AUDIE CORNISH, HOST:

From NPR News, this is ALL THINGS CONSIDERED. I'm Audie Cornish.

MELISSA BLOCK, HOST:

And I'm Melissa Block.

Egypt's President Mohamed Morsi is on the defensive. He went on state television late today and appealed for an end to the violence between supporters and opponents of his government. Last night, the two sides clashed outside the presidential palace. Six people were killed and hundreds more wounded.

CORNISH: The fighting is a sharp escalation in the two-week-old conflict that began after Morsi gave himself sweeping new powers.

Ach! No End In Sight For Berlin Airport Woes

Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 08:09:00 +0000

Germans are famous for their efficiency and being on time. But a much-delayed, expensive new airport in the German capital, Berlin, is rapidly destroying that reputation.

Located in the former East Berlin neighborhood of Schoenefeld, the new airport is to replace three others that serviced passengers in the once-divided city.

Opposition Protest In Cairo A Rare Show Of Unity

Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 12:48:00 +0000

Protesters thronged to Tahrir Square on Tuesday night to protest the Egyptian president's recent decision to give himself and a committee drafting a new constitution unchecked power. It was the largest crowd at a demonstration in Egypt since Mohammed Morsi became president last summer and displayed a rare unity of the secular opposition in Egypt.

Egyptians Debate What New Decrees Will Mean

Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson — Sun, 25 Nov 2012 12:33:00 +0000

In Egypt, the main association of judges is calling for a nationwide strike by the country's courts to protest last week's power grab by the Egyptian president. So far, few courts are taking part.

A Wave Of Plagiarism Cases Strikes German Politics

Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson — Sat, 24 Nov 2012 10:32:00 +0000

More than half a dozen politicians in Germany are caught up in an embarrassing cheating scandal that last year cost the German defense minister his job.

The country's education minister is also implicated.

Berlin Calls On Volunteer Hunters To Cull Wild Boars

Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 22:01:00 +0000

Berlin is known as the "wild boar capital" in Germany, with thousands of the animals roaming its residential neighborhoods. In the past, the city and animal rights activists battled over hiring hunters to kill the streetwise swine, who cause a lot of damage. But with attacks like the one in late October in which four people were injured by a male boar, curbing the wild pig population in the German capital is a growing priority.

A German City With Debt Problems Of Its Own

Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 22:30:00 +0000

Germany, the economic engine of Europe, has been a key player in bailing out the Continent's most troubled economies.

Yet there are places in the former West Germany — like Oberhausen — that are struggling with their own debt problems, even as they pay hefty sums to revitalize former East German cities with transfers known as "Solidarity Pact" payments.

Borrowing To Stay Afloat — And Pay Out

E.U. Summitt To Discuss Currency Commission

Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 08:37:00 +0000
Transcript
RENEE MONTAGNE, HOST:
NPR's business news starts a plan to save the euro.
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)
MONTAGNE: A week after the European Union won the Nobel Peace Prize, its leaders are meeting in Brussels to discuss strengthening their fiscal union to help stabilize European economies.

Can't Change Your Money In Iran? Try Afghanistan

Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 22:31:00 +0000
The western Afghan city of Herat has become a thriving hub for the money exchange business, a consequence of geography and politics.

Iran Turns To Afghanistan When Laundering Money

Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 21:59:00 +0000
There may be international sanctions against Iran, but not in Afghanistan's border provinces with the Islamic Republic where trade and money-laundering are thriving. Every day, millions in Iranian currency are brought in by taxis ferrying passengers. The Iranian money is exchanged for dollars, which are then shipped back to Iran. American officials recently ordered the Afghan banks to crack down on this phenomenon and it appears to be having some effect. But Afghan money changers claim the money-laundering will never stop unless border guards stop accepting bribes and letting the Iranians in.