There seems to be a light at the end of the pandemic tunnel with the approval of several vaccines and the widespread rollout of vaccination campaigns around the world. But questions about vaccine acceptance persist. As part of The World's regular series of conversations about the coronavirus and as a special feature in our podcast feed, reporter Elana Gordon moderated a discussion with Harvard University public opinion expert Gillian SteelFisher, who discussed public attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines.

Listen to more of The World's Coronavirus Conversation series: https://www.theworld.org/coronavirus-conversations

Coronavirus Conversations: Vaccine acceptance and public attitudes

Host Marco Werman and his team of producers bring you the world's most interesting stories that remind us just how small our planet really is.

News

Voting has begun in India in what's being called the largest election in recorded history. Nearly 1 billion people are eligible to vote in the election, which will happen over the next six weeks. Also, US and Iranian officials confirm an Israeli attack on the Iranian city of Isfahan, which is home to several key military sites. And, there’s a growing social media campaign to boycott Canada's biggest grocery store chain, Loblaws, as prices rise across the market. Plus, the UN describes the current state of government and society in Haiti as "cataclysmic," with armed gangs seizing control of much of the country.Music heard on air
My Soul Thirsts
Moonshine Part 1
All Winter
Nature

Voting begins in India in world's largest election

Qatar has been holding negotiations between Israel and Hamas aimed at securing the release of Israeli hostages and bringing about a ceasefire in Gaza. But those efforts have so far failed and Qatar is taking heat for its role from politicians in Washington. And, British surgeon Dr. Khaled Dawas completed his second trip to Gaza last week. He tells us about deteriorating health care conditions in the conflict zone. Also, repeated volcanic eruptions on a remote island in the Indonesian archipelago have prompted authorities to issue a tsunami alert and order more than 11,000 people to leave the area. Indonesia sits along the "Ring of Fire" and has 120 active volcanoes. Plus, a walk across the plains of eastern Turkey, historically known as Anatolia.Music heard on air:
Shifting Sky
Albala
West Vybe
Yapilacak Kadin

Qatar reevaluates role as Gaza war mediator

Heavy rains have dumped more than two years worth of precipitation on Dubai and surrounding nations. It’s in an extreme weather event analysts are linking to climate change. More than five inches of rain fell in 24 hours. And a controversial bishop in Australia is the latest victim of a knife attack. It’s the second-highest profile knifing in three days. Also, a new landmark agreement between the Haida Nation and the British Columbia government recognizes Haida title over all of Haida Gwaii, an archipelago of more than 150 islands almost 60 miles off of British Columbia's north coast. This agreement was negotiated, not litigated in the courts. Plus, Emerson the seal is back again. Music heard on air:

Trippar 
The Dadra Cycle
Camino De Nacar
Bla
Planet Mars

Global weather woes as 'rain bomb' strikes Dubai

What is the US' role at this moment in the Middle East, and does the Biden administration hold sway over what comes next? We speak with Retired Admiral John Kirby, who is the spokesman for the National Security Council. Also, Ukraine's leadership has been calling on the US and other partners to replenish its air defense and artillery stocks. Right now, Ukraine is rationing artillery on the front lines, while being outgunned by Russia at a rate of 5 to 1. And, venting when you're angry is often said to be the best way to "get it out." But researchers say that increasing arousal is probably not a good thing. Despite what popular wisdom may suggest, even going for a run is not an effective strategy because it increases arousal levels and ends up being counterproductive. We'll tell what the best way really is.Music heard on air:
Sekerleme
Olutobazzi
Malungu
Repetitions
Chorinho De Gafieira
Bir Adim Ote
E40

What is the US' role at this moment in the Middle East?

Iran used hundreds of drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles in an unprecedented attack on Israel over the weekend. It's a turning point in the hostility between the two countries, and in the regional conflict in the Middle East. We have the latest on Israel, Iran and the US role in a deepening crisis as well as reaction inside Iran to weekend attacks on Israel. Plus, a kora player from The Gambia defies deep family traditions around the musical instrument by becoming the first woman to play it. And, Indigenous and First Nations fashion designers are getting more opportunities to showcase their work in special fashion week events.

Coronavirus Conversations: Vaccine acceptance and public attitudes

Download our free app to listen on your phone