We take a look beyond the headlines at increasing concerns over cyber-security, a problem that was recently highlighted by an online assault on Google from China. This event added to fears about a digital attack that could cripple the information superhighway. For more, Martin Savidge interviews James Lewis.
Business
Cyber-security risks test U.S. government preparedness
Military coup wrests Niger’s president from power
In Niger, known for its uranium and poverty, the military is in charge after a coup that removed the civilian leader. The president was taken into custody after soldiers attacked the presidential palace in Niamey. His whereabouts are unknown. The deposed leader had rolled back democratic gains and tried to extend his own power. Deutsche Welle reports.
Marijuana laws loosen gradually around the globe
During a recent upswing in drug violence in Mexican border towns, many critics of the drug war called for a change in U.S. policy toward marijuana use. Meanwhile, New Jersey just became the 14th U.S. state to allow marijuana for medical use. View our maps to compare current U.S. marijuana policy to laws in Europe and the rest of the world.
Travel the Trans-Siberian Railroad with Google Maps
Google and Russian Railways have teamed up to provide a virtual tour of the world's longest continuous railroad. Worldfocus researcher Christine Kiernan explains how you can take one of the great train journeys of the world without leaving the comfort of your home.
Mexican economy hard hit by drop in U.S. remittances
Mexicans abroad are sending less money home to their families as a result of the global financial downturn and rising unemployment levels. These remittances are the country's second largest source of foreign currency -- after oil sales. Their rapid decline has hit the Mexican economy particularly hard. For more, Daljit Dhaliwal interviews Rodolfo de la Garza.
U.S. policy toward Cuba remains largely unmodified
Prior to taking office, Barack Obama spoke of the need for a new approach to U.S.-Cuba relations and a sea change from the past. Last April, the Obama administration lifted a few restrictions on Cuban-Americans, including some on travel and on sending money back to Cuba. However, the 47-year-old embargo remain intact. Read what Cuban bloggers are saying.
Cuban trade embargo continues to impair bilateral relations
Jose Moya, a professor of Latin American history at Barnard College, joins Daljit Dhaliwal to discuss the impact of the U.S. trade embargo on Cuba. Moya explains what U.S. policy has meant for Cuban businesses and for American companies investing in Cuba. He also discusses the future of U.S.-Cuba economic relations.
Edgy Berlin artist colony hangs on to irreverent streak
One of the world's most famous art collectives fears going from avant-garde to art history. Born in the frenzy that followed the fall of the Berlin Wall, the artists' compound known as "Tacheles" is among Berlin's most popular -- albeit unusual -- tourist attractions. As Deutsche Welle reports, 20 years of life on the cutting edge may soon come to an end.
Week in Review: Debt crisis in Greece and Iran’s nukes
In this week's roundtable discussion, we focus on Europe's economic challenges, including the debt crisis in Greece that has many Europeans worried about their common currency. We also focus on Iran and what the regime is trying to achieve by moving to a higher level of uranium enrichment. Carla Robbins and Garrick Utley join Daljit Dhaliwal.
South of the border, the drug war rages out of control
Many Mexicans blame America for drug woes south of the border, alleging that Americans are using the drugs and supplying the guns for cartels. Endemic corruption in the Mexican judicial system has paralyzed the government's ability to tackle the problem. For more on Mexico's drug war, Daljit Dhaliwal speaks with Maureen Meyer.











The Worldfocus broadcast went off the air April 2. Our website will remain online, but we will not be adding new content. Thanks to our many partners, experts and viewers for your generous support.