Search results for

As leaders of the seven major industrialized countries gather in Lyon, France for the annual G-7 economic summit, they'll have one eye cast on the problem of slow economic growth in Europe, especially in Germany...the country that has long been the continent's economic powerhouse. German unemployment is near eleven percent, and economic growth has been stagnant for at least six months. NPR's John Ydstie (ID-stee) talks with businesspeople and workers about the growing debate in Germany over how to create new jobs. While many economists say the country's labor costs are too high and that Germany's social welfare state is too generous, German workers fear they're being blamed for a problem that's really the fault of a government intent on pleasing each special interest group with its own social program.

The Air Force unit attacked in Dhahran was there as part of the unfinished business of the Gulf War. But the attack is not expected to generate any change in US policy in the Gulf area, or threaten US relations with Saudi Arabia. NPR's Ted Clark has a report.

Outgoing Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole lost in a bid to pass a balanced budget amendment today. He brought the issue up for a vote, knowing the Democrats would not help him get the two-thirds margin required. But Dole forces consider the loss a plus. The Dole presidential campaign will accuse President Clinton and the Democrats of not being serious about wanting a balanced budget. NPR's Peter Kenyon reports on today's debate.

Robert and Linda read listeners' comments. To contact All Things Considered, the address is 635 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20001; or via e-mail, the address is ATC at NPR dot ORG.

Robert talks to Robert Hunter, the U-S ambassador to NATO, about changes to the structure of the organization announced today. In order to respond more effectively to post-cold war instabilities, NATO will move its focus from containing Russian influence to responding to problems within Europe. One new aspect of the plan involves "combined joint task forces" in which two or more NATO countries could form a force using their own troops and borrowing materiel from the U-S. The restructuring gives European nations a higher profile within NATO and in NATO exercises.

Edward Lifson talks with people in Chicago about why they don't vote.

accused of conspiring to blow up federal buildings in Phoenix. The arrest is the result of a six-month federal investigation.

Susan talks with the son of a former Japanese diplomat who defied his government to save the lives of Jews during World War II.

NPR's Eric Weiner reports on how Israel's new cabinet looks to be shaping up. Former generals like Ariel Sharon (shah-ROHN) and Raphael Eitan (AY-tahn) are vying for senior posts. But there's also talk of a national unity government that would join Labor and Likud... and shift the government closer to the center.

The Smithsonian's celebration of the American South includes an array of terrific bands. Robert met with Michael Doucet (doo-SAY), the leader of the Cajun band Beausoleil (BOH-soh-LAY). He also listened to the Treme (TRAY-may) brass band from New Orleans, and the Birmingham Sunlights, a five-member a cappella (AH-kuh-PELL-uh) band.

Record producer NICK VENET. He has produced more than 300 albums in his career and has collected numerous Grammy nominations and awards. He is co-producer of a new Bobby Darin box set (Rhino). VENET was also Darin's producer and friend. (ORIGINAL BROADCAST 3/19/96) (THIS INTERVIEW CONTINUES INTO THE SECOND HALF OF THE SHOW

NPR Senior news analyst Daniel Schorr takes a look at the hilospohical shifts in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization over the years ince its formation.