NPR People: Eric Westervelt http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=2101350&ft=1&f=2101350 Correspondent Eric Westervelt covers national security and military affairs for NPR's Foreign Desk. Westervelt has reported from Iraq five times since the start of the war, from the initial U.S.-led ground attack to the ongoing guerilla attacks on U.S. forces and the struggle to rebuild the country after the U.S. overthrow of Saddam Hussein. Copyright 2009 NPR - For Personal Use Only NPR API RSS Generator 0.93 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 04:05:00 -0500 http://media.npr.org/images/podcasts/thumbnail/npr_generic_image_75.jpg Eric Westervelt http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=2101350&ft=1&f=2101350 yes Corruption Mars Romania's Post-Communist Progress Communist rule of Romania ended 20 years ago in a bloody revolt that killed more than 1,000 people. The country is now a member of the EU, with a solid economy and a passionate, if hectic, democratic life. But some believe Romania's rampant corruption is threatening its future. Thu, 12 Nov 2009 04:05:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120290631&ft=1&f=2101350 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120290631&ft=1&f=2101350 Communist rule of Romania ended 20 years ago in a bloody revolt that killed more than 1,000 people. The country is now a member of the EU, with a solid economy and a passionate, if hectic, democratic life. But some believe Romania's rampant corruption is threatening its future. 468 no Communist rule of Romania ended 20 years ago in a bloody revolt that killed more than 1,000 people. The country is now a member of the EU, with a solid economy and a passionate, if hectic, democratic life. But some believe Romania's rampant corruption is threatening its future.

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]]> Now Free, Some Czechs Fear Complacency Prague is brimming with commerce, optimism and tourists two decades after the Velvet Revolution overthrew the communist government and brought dissident poet Vaclav Havel into the presidential palace. But some Czechs worry their once dynamic political culture is declining and active citizenship waning. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 03:45:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120281482&ft=1&f=2101350 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120281482&ft=1&f=2101350 Prague is brimming with commerce, optimism and tourists two decades after the Velvet Revolution overthrew the communist government and brought dissident poet Vaclav Havel into the presidential palace. But some Czechs worry their once dynamic political culture is declining and active citizenship waning. 467 no Prague is brimming with commerce, optimism and tourists two decades after the Velvet Revolution overthrew the communist government and brought dissident poet Vaclav Havel into the presidential palace. But some Czechs worry their once dynamic political culture is declining and active citizenship waning.

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]]> Poles Embrace The Good Life, Post-Communism Two decades after striking shipyard workers in Poland helped to spark the end of communism, many Poles today — especially the young — are enjoying the fruits of capitalism. Since joining the EU in 2004, Poland has developed the most dynamic economy in Eastern Europe. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:26:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120239273&ft=1&f=2101350 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120239273&ft=1&f=2101350 Two decades after striking shipyard workers in Poland helped to spark the end of communism, many Poles today — especially the young — are enjoying the fruits of capitalism. Since joining the EU in 2004, Poland has developed the most dynamic economy in Eastern Europe. 467 no Two decades after striking shipyard workers in Poland helped to spark the end of communism, many Poles today — especially the young — are enjoying the fruits of capitalism. Since joining the EU in 2004, Poland has developed the most dynamic economy in Eastern Europe.

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]]> Berlin Marks 20th Anniversary Of Wall's Fall Thousands of joyous Germans and foreign visitors to Berlin crowded into the city to remember the night 20 years ago that the Berlin Wall fell, an event that has come to symbolize the end of communism in Europe. The celebrations included fireworks, concerts and the toppling of a row of giant dominoes to mark the anniversary. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:40:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120246110&ft=1&f=2101350 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120246110&ft=1&f=2101350 Thousands of joyous Germans and foreign visitors to Berlin crowded into the city to remember the night 20 years ago that the Berlin Wall fell, an event that has come to symbolize the end of communism in Europe. The celebrations included fireworks, concerts and the toppling of a row of giant dominoes to mark the anniversary. no Thousands of joyous Germans and foreign visitors to Berlin crowded into the city to remember the night 20 years ago that the Berlin Wall fell, an event that has come to symbolize the end of communism in Europe. The celebrations included fireworks, concerts and the toppling of a row of giant dominoes to mark the anniversary.

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]]> The Night The Wall Fell: Freedom, Fatherhood Collide Twenty years ago, the Berlin Wall that divided the city and served as the symbol of a Europe divided between communist East and democratic West fell. For one young German, that momentous day held both political and personal significance. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 07:06:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120188440&ft=1&f=2101350 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120188440&ft=1&f=2101350 Twenty years ago, the Berlin Wall that divided the city and served as the symbol of a Europe divided between communist East and democratic West fell. For one young German, that momentous day held both political and personal significance. 466 no Twenty years ago, the Berlin Wall that divided the city and served as the symbol of a Europe divided between communist East and democratic West fell. For one young German, that momentous day held both political and personal significance.

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]]> Nuclear Deal With Iran May Be Close The International Atomic Energy Agency says Iranian negotiators have agreed to a draft deal on its nuclear program. Diplomats say the deal would see Iran ship out most of its enriched uranium to Russia, stripping Tehran of most of the material it would need to make a nuclear weapon. Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=114012279&ft=1&f=2101350 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=114012279&ft=1&f=2101350 The International Atomic Energy Agency says Iranian negotiators have agreed to a draft deal on its nuclear program. Diplomats say the deal would see Iran ship out most of its enriched uranium to Russia, stripping Tehran of most of the material it would need to make a nuclear weapon. 228 no The International Atomic Energy Agency says Iranian negotiators have agreed to a draft deal on its nuclear program. Diplomats say the deal would see Iran ship out most of its enriched uranium to Russia, stripping Tehran of most of the material it would need to make a nuclear weapon.

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]]> Talks May Decide Iran's Seriousness On Nuclear Issue In Vienna, three Western powers are holding talks with Iran aimed at convincing it to send most of its low-enriched uranium abroad for processing. That would keep Iran from processing it into bomb-making material. The International Atomic Energy Agency is hosting the talks with representatives of Iran, the United States, Russia and France. Tue, 20 Oct 2009 06:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113957498&ft=1&f=2101350 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113957498&ft=1&f=2101350 In Vienna, three Western powers are holding talks with Iran aimed at convincing it to send most of its low-enriched uranium abroad for processing. That would keep Iran from processing it into bomb-making material. The International Atomic Energy Agency is hosting the talks with representatives of Iran, the United States, Russia and France. 207 no In Vienna, three Western powers are holding talks with Iran aimed at convincing it to send most of its low-enriched uranium abroad for processing. That would keep Iran from processing it into bomb-making material. The International Atomic Energy Agency is hosting the talks with representatives of Iran, the United States, Russia and France.

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]]> Geneva Talks Help To Defuse Tensions With Iran Iran has agreed to open its covertly built uranium enrichment plant to international inspectors. The agreement came in Switzerland in talks it held with six world powers. One EU official called the meeting productive but cautioned there is a long process ahead. The talks are to continue later in the month. President Obama has challenged the Iranians to follow up on their promises. Fri, 02 Oct 2009 06:48:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113423268&ft=1&f=2101350 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113423268&ft=1&f=2101350 Iran has agreed to open its covertly built uranium enrichment plant to international inspectors. The agreement came in Switzerland in talks it held with six world powers. One EU official called the meeting productive but cautioned there is a long process ahead. The talks are to continue later in the month. President Obama has challenged the Iranians to follow up on their promises. 138 no Iran has agreed to open its covertly built uranium enrichment plant to international inspectors. The agreement came in Switzerland in talks it held with six world powers. One EU official called the meeting productive but cautioned there is a long process ahead. The talks are to continue later in the month. President Obama has challenged the Iranians to follow up on their promises.

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]]> U.S., Allies Meet With Iran On Nuclear Program Representatives from the U.S. and five other world powers outlined their concerns about Iran's nuclear program at a meeting in Switzerland with an Iranian delegation. U.S. officials held the highest-level direct talks with the Iranians in years. Thu, 01 Oct 2009 17:20:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113405201&ft=1&f=2101350 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113405201&ft=1&f=2101350 Representatives from the U.S. and five other world powers outlined their concerns about Iran's nuclear program at a meeting in Switzerland with an Iranian delegation. U.S. officials held the highest-level direct talks with the Iranians in years. 218 no Representatives from the U.S. and five other world powers outlined their concerns about Iran's nuclear program at a meeting in Switzerland with an Iranian delegation. U.S. officials held the highest-level direct talks with the Iranians in years.

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]]> High-Stakes Talks In Geneva With Iran, Top Powers Representatives of six world powers sit down in Geneva with diplomats from Iran for rare face-to-face talks on Iran's nuclear program on Thursday. Iran says it won't discuss what it calls its nuclear "rights" and insists its program is only for peaceful energy production. Thu, 01 Oct 2009 07:10:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113374395&ft=1&f=2101350 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113374395&ft=1&f=2101350 Representatives of six world powers sit down in Geneva with diplomats from Iran for rare face-to-face talks on Iran's nuclear program on Thursday. Iran says it won't discuss what it calls its nuclear "rights" and insists its program is only for peaceful energy production. 183 no Representatives of six world powers sit down in Geneva with diplomats from Iran for rare face-to-face talks on Iran's nuclear program on Thursday. Iran says it won't discuss what it calls its nuclear "rights" and insists its program is only for peaceful energy production.

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]]> 60 Percent Want German Troops Out Of Afghanistan For nearly eight years, Germany's mission in Afghanistan has been unpopular and controversial. German politicians don't seem to want to talk about it much. For the last three years, polls have consistently shown that two thirds of German voters oppose having troops there. Nearly 60 percent now say they want an immediate withdrawal. Mon, 28 Sep 2009 06:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113265255&ft=1&f=2101350 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113265255&ft=1&f=2101350 For nearly eight years, Germany's mission in Afghanistan has been unpopular and controversial. German politicians don't seem to want to talk about it much. For the last three years, polls have consistently shown that two thirds of German voters oppose having troops there. Nearly 60 percent now say they want an immediate withdrawal. 164 no For nearly eight years, Germany's mission in Afghanistan has been unpopular and controversial. German politicians don't seem to want to talk about it much. For the last three years, polls have consistently shown that two thirds of German voters oppose having troops there. Nearly 60 percent now say they want an immediate withdrawal.

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]]> Merkel Claims Victory In German Election German voters handed conservative Chancellor Angela Merkel a second term and a chance to create a new center-right government Sunday, while her center-left rivals suffered a historic defeat in the national election. Sun, 27 Sep 2009 14:58:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113255639&ft=1&f=2101350 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113255639&ft=1&f=2101350 German voters handed conservative Chancellor Angela Merkel a second term and a chance to create a new center-right government Sunday, while her center-left rivals suffered a historic defeat in the national election. no German voters handed conservative Chancellor Angela Merkel a second term and a chance to create a new center-right government Sunday, while her center-left rivals suffered a historic defeat in the national election.

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]]> Allies' Reaction Mixed As U.S. Alters Missile Defense Plan The decision by the Obama administration to drastically change U.S. plans for a missile defense shield in Europe has been met with mixed reaction from NATO allies in the region. Fri, 18 Sep 2009 06:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112953549&ft=1&f=2101350 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112953549&ft=1&f=2101350 The decision by the Obama administration to drastically change U.S. plans for a missile defense shield in Europe has been met with mixed reaction from NATO allies in the region. 254 no The decision by the Obama administration to drastically change U.S. plans for a missile defense shield in Europe has been met with mixed reaction from NATO allies in the region.

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]]> Germany's Election-Season Consensus: Yawn German voters go to the polls in national elections at the end of September. But so far, it has been a lackluster race. Despite recent pressure on Chancellor Angela Merkel over German troops in Afghanistan and smaller parties' electoral gains, most Germans seem content with the status quo. Sat, 12 Sep 2009 19:21:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112759021&ft=1&f=2101350 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112759021&ft=1&f=2101350 German voters go to the polls in national elections at the end of September. But so far, it has been a lackluster race. Despite recent pressure on Chancellor Angela Merkel over German troops in Afghanistan and smaller parties' electoral gains, most Germans seem content with the status quo. 255 no German voters go to the polls in national elections at the end of September. But so far, it has been a lackluster race. Despite recent pressure on Chancellor Angela Merkel over German troops in Afghanistan and smaller parties' electoral gains, most Germans seem content with the status quo.

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]]> Wave Of Violence Strikes Eastern Europe's Gypsies There have been a series of vicious attacks on the minority, also known as Roma, in Eastern Europe this year. Several Roma, including children, have been killed in attacks involving firearms, gasoline bombs and hand grenades. Wed, 02 Sep 2009 06:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112460670&ft=1&f=2101350 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112460670&ft=1&f=2101350 There have been a series of vicious attacks on the minority, also known as Roma, in Eastern Europe this year. Several Roma, including children, have been killed in attacks involving firearms, gasoline bombs and hand grenades. 310 no There have been a series of vicious attacks on the minority, also known as Roma, in Eastern Europe this year. Several Roma, including children, have been killed in attacks involving firearms, gasoline bombs and hand grenades.

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