VOA标准英语2011--Ending Use of Child Soldiers in Somalia

Ending Use of Child Soldiers in Somalia This week, Somali government officials agreed to begin taking steps to end the recruitment of child soldiers. The Transitional Federal Government, or TFG, and the al Shabab militant group, are cited by the Unit

VOA标准英语2011--Kyoto Protocol's Future to Be Determined in Durban

Kyoto Protocol's Future to Be Determined in Durban The Kyoto Protocol sets binding reduction targets on greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide, but it expires next year. That's why reaching a new agreement is a top priority for diplomats at

VOA标准英语2011--Conrad Pope Tells Marilyn Monroe Story Through Music

Conrad Pope Tells Marilyn Monroe Story Through Music The new film My Week with Marilyn tells the story of a week in the life of the legendary film star Marilyn Monroe, who in the 1950s was in Britain making a film with the iconic actor Laurence Olivi

VOA标准英语2011--Drive Underway to Recall Wisconsin Governor

Drive Underway to Recall Wisconsin Governor The governor of the U.S. state of Wisconsin faces a possible special election to remove him from office. Opponents are angry at Governor Scott Walker for backing legislation earlier this year that restricte

VOA标准英语2011--Tahrir Square Looms Over Egyptian Elections

Tahrir Square Looms Over Egyptian Elections Egypt's military rulers insist parliamentary elections will go ahead as planned Monday, despite unrest that has left dozens of anti-military protesters dead, and the center of Cairo in upheaval. A capital c

VOA标准英语2011--In Afghan North, US-Backed Militias Spur Local Backlash

In Afghan North, US-Backed Militias Spur Local Backlash In an effort to counter a growing insurgency in northern Afghanistan, two U.S.-backed programs in Kunduz have recruited local militias to oppose Taliban militants in the area. But while the mili

VOA标准英语2011--Marathon Attracts Sports Tourists to Kenya’s Masai Mara

Marathon Attracts Sports Tourists to Kenyas Masai Mara It's called The World's Wildest Marathon, and it drew more than 1600 athletes from around the world to a Kenyan game reserve last week. This was the third running of the Masai Mara Marathon - and

VOA标准英语2011--Eastern Congolese Gear Up for Election

Eastern Congolese Gear Up for Election The eastern provinces are some of the most volatile parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and have been plagued by war and humanitarian crisis for decades. This week, as they gear up to vote in Congo's seco

VOA标准英语2011--Kenya Moves Full-Steam Ahead on Geothermal Production

Kenya Moves Full-Steam Ahead on Geothermal Production Kenya is expanding plans to become one of the worlds top geothermal power producers with the start of explorations at a site called Menengai. The government is also aiming to make geothermal Kenya

VOA标准英语2011--US Republican Presidential Candidates Tackle Foreign Policy Issues

US Republican Presidential Candidates Tackle Foreign Policy Issues Republican candidates who want to replace President Barack Obama sparred in Washington Tuesday night in one of the few televised debates centered on foreign policy issues. The candida

VOA标准英语2011--Exhibit Showcases Islamic Gift-Giving Tradition

Exhibit Showcases Islamic Gift-Giving Tradition Islam has spread to cultures and regions far beyond its birthplace on the Arabian peninsula. Among its traditions is the value placed on gift giving These gifts, from over the centuries, are works of ar

VOA标准英语2011--Foggy California City is Tops With Tourists

Foggy California City is Tops With Tourists Hilly San Francisco is Americas 13th-largest city. Three other California cities - Los Angeles, San Diego and San Jose - are larger. Yet each year, San Francisco ranks first or second in the nation in touri

VOA标准英语2011--Euro Crisis Prompts Italian Village to Declare Independence

Euro Crisis Prompts Italian Village to Declare Independence Italy's tough austerity drive includes plans to force local authorities to merge, in a bid to rein in public spending. The tiny village of Filettino faces such a prospect - but its mayor is

VOA标准英语2011--Rapes, Retribution in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Rapes, Retribution in the Democratic Republic of Congo Five years after officials in the Democratic Republic of Congo passed stricter laws against sexual violence, there are more criminal prosecutions - including prosecutions of soldiers. The central

VOA标准英语2011--Report: Africa Not Prepared for Aging Population

Report: Africa Not Prepared for Aging Population A new report says African governments are ill prepared to handle the growing number of people over age 65. The African Development Bank is raising concerns over the lack of health insurance and pension

VOA标准英语2011--Yodeling’s Still Big in Mississippi

Yodelings Still Big in Mississippi In the hot and humid piney woods of the Deep South, youll find a small industrial city that has become a hub for trucks that crisscross the nation. But Meridian, Mississippi - population 40,000 - was once an importa

VOA标准英语2011--Egypt to Form New Government, Military to Transfer Power

Egypt to Form New Government, Military to Transfer Power Egypt's military rulers have agreed to form a new government and promise to transfer power to a civilian body by July. Politicians say the agreement was made during a crisis meeting on Tuesday

VOA标准英语2011--Landmine Report: Record Clearance and Funding

Landmine Report: Record Clearance and Funding The latest report on landmines has both good and bad news. It says governments have provided a record level of funding to remove the weapons. But at the same time the use of antipersonnel mines has increa

VOA标准英语2011--Museum Serves Up Native American-Inspired Feast

Museum Serves Up Native American-Inspired Feast This Thursday, most Americans will gather with loved ones to celebrate Thanksgiving, an annual holiday inspired by a harvest feast held in 1621 in Massachusetts when English colonists and members of the

VOA标准英语2011--Curiosity Rover Bound for Mars

Curiosity Rover Bound for Mars The newest of NASA's Mars rovers is set to launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on Saturday, November 26 and reach the Red Planet in August 2012. It's called the Mars Science Laboratory, MSL for short, or 'Curiosity' to