Latest update: 01/02/2013 

- Barack Obama - Democrats (USA) - immigration - John McCain - law - Republicans (USA) - US politics


Republicans and Democrats unite on immigration reform

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In a rare example of bipartisanship, Republican and Democrat senators in the US are working together to tackle the explosive issue of immigration reform. Barack Obama won 70% of the Hispanic vote in November's presidential election, largely because he had promised to help illegal immigrants get residency. But critics fear the policy could backfire and open the doors to millions of new Americans.

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By Kate WILLIAMS / Katherine SPENCER / Sammy BERRAHMOUN
TV fans defend Afghan soap opera against conservative critics
24/04/2013 - AFGHANISTAN

TV fans defend Afghan soap opera against conservative critics

Afghanistan's TV industry is thriving. Since the Taliban were ousted in 2001, more than 40 channels have been created. Shows are usually imported from India, Turkey and even South Korea. But one of them is different: "University FM" is an Afghan-made soap opera that's breaking taboos by running storylines on arranged marriages and Islamism. The show has done well in the ratings, but it's provoked anger, particularly in a country where actresses are still considered by many to be prostitutes.
France legalises same-sex marriage in face of protests
23/04/2013 - FRANCE

France legalises same-sex marriage in face of protests

It's an issue that has divided French society for months, but this Tuesday, the National Assembly finally approved a bill making France the 14th country in the world to allow same-sex marriage. The bill also grants gay and lesbian couples the right to adopt children. But the past months have been marred by widespread demonstrations, for and against, and even a spate of violent homophobic attacks. We look back at the debate and division leading up to Tuesday's historic vote.
Polish community seeks to learn more about its Jewish heritage
23/04/2013 - POLAND

Polish community seeks to learn more about its Jewish heritage

Poland is marking 70 years since the start of the Warsaw ghetto uprising. It was the first major act of resistance against the occupying Nazis during World War II and went down in history as a heroic act to restore the dignity of a condemned people. Indeed, of the 6 million Jews killed by the Nazis, half of them were Polish. Poland had the largest Jewish population of any country before World War II; it now has only around 20,000.
Half of Guantanamo prisoners on hunger strike
22/04/2013 - USA

Half of Guantanamo prisoners on hunger strike

The United States military announced on Tuesday that half of the prisoners at the Guantanamo prison camp in Cuba are on hunger strike. They are protesting their indefinite confinement and a recent crackdown on behaviour. Yet until recently, detainees were said to be gradually enjoying more freedoms: most could spend up to 22 hours a day in recreation yards with fellow prisoners, watch satellite TV and take courses, including language lessons.
The most world's heavily guarded border
22/04/2013 - KOREAN PENINSULA

The most world's heavily guarded border

With recent tensions still casting their shadow over the Korean peninsula, we take a closer look at the dividing line between north and south. The DMZ, or demilitarised zone, stands on what was the front line of war in 1953. It’s remained a dividing line ever since. Few pass inside, except guided visitors, fascinated by the most heavily guarded border in the world.

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Republicans and Democrats can

by Harrison Picot - 02/02/2013 - 16:32

Republicans and Democrats can agree on this bill because all the costs will be borne by the middle and lower classes that will pay the state and local taxes that cover schools, and dilute the Social Security and Medicare benefits.
Nobody is saying that any benefit will accrue to the middle or lower classes, just that Wall Street willl like the news that more low cost labor is available, and now it is legal to pay less than a living wage to get the dirty jobs done.

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