The World

Syria's northern provinces were badly hit by the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck the region on Monday. Rescue efforts continue as aid trickles in through the border crossing between Turkey and northwest Syria. And, aid workers are also pouring into southern Turkey to help with earthquake relief efforts, but many victims are in rural areas that are tough to reach, especially in the winter. Also, the island nation of Kiribati is rejoining the Pacific Islands Forum, a regional alliance of 18 island states and territories. Kiribati left the group last year because its leaders said that concerns in Micronesia were not being addressed by the body as a whole. Plus, a bit of calm with "Ocean Blue."

Two massive, back-to-back earthquakes have left thousands dead and many missing or injured in the region of southern Turkey and northern Syria. We learn about the scale of devastation in a region where vulnerable populations are already struggling. And, the US missile that downed a Chinese surveillance balloon Saturday off the South Carolina coast may have taken with it efforts to repair US-China relations. One analyst says the incident might be seen as a “wake-up call” for officials from both sides. Also, Iran’s government plans on pardoning thousands of people held in its prisons since anti-government protests began late last year. But it's not clear exactly who will get released. Plus, a teen inspired this ocean cleanup project.

On Friday, the US postponed a planned trip by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to meet Xi Jinping in Beijing. This comes amid controversy over a Chinese surveillance balloon currently floating over the western US. And, Canada's western province of British Columbia is starting a three-year pilot program to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of heroin, meth, ecstasy, or crack cocaine. The program is part of an effort to fight a drug overdose crisis which has affected thousands in the province. Also, as violence erupts once again between Israelis and the Palestinians, can Arab nations that signed the Abraham Accords play a role in lowering tensions? Plus, an award for the best song for social change.

The US is gaining access to four additional military bases in the Philippines following a deal signed between the US and Philippines on Thursday in Manila.  And, in recent weeks, US officials have loudly debated what weapons systems should be sent to Ukraine. But discussions about US goals and limitations in the war effort seem to be happening in quieter corners. Also, Shell and Exxon are reporting their biggest earnings ever for 2022, with Shell netting $40 billion and Exxon hauling in $56 billion. Plus, a song that pays homage to disappeared towns.

On Tuesday, Pope Francis arrived in Democratic Republic of Congo to begin what he's calling an "ecumenical pilgrimage of peace." Peace is expected to be his main message in DR Congo and South Sudan. And, the US says Russia is violating the New START treaty, the last remaining nuclear arms agreement between the two countries, by not allowing American inspectors into Russian nuclear weapons facilities. The Biden administration renewed the treaty for another five years in 2021. Also, Peru-bound travelers have been canceling their trips because of demonstrations throughout the country. Tourists at the iconic Machu Picchu archaeological site in Cusco were stranded recently as protesters sabotaged the region's train tracks. Plus, stunning 2,000-year-old gems were found down the drain of an ancient Roman bathhouse.

The International Monetary Fund says that economic growth worldwide will exceed their previous expectations. The IMF did have some bad news for the UK: Their economic outlook looks worse than Russia, which has been heavily targeted with economic sanctions. And, Tunisians voted in a runoff parliamentary election over the weekend. Only 11% of eligible voters actually came out to vote — the same level of participation in the first round of voting. Also, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken traveled to meet Palestinian Authority head, Mahmud Abbas in Ramallah on Tuesday. Many residents say they have low expectations about this visit helping to improve their quality of life. Plus, we hear about the challenges of supporting displaced Ukrainians.

On Monday, a suicide bombing targeted a mosque in Peshawar, Pakistan, killing over 30 people and injuring more than 150. The head of a group known as the Pakistani Taliban claimed on social media to have carried out the attack. And, a British Iranian consultant-turned-fixer for bribes has been sentenced to five years in prison in the United States. His work on bribes has tainted an estimated billions of dollars in deals across the Middle East and Africa. Also, Niger has one of the youngest, most vulnerable populations on the planet and many face an uncertain future. In much of the country, civilian abductions are rampant, and the government is at the mercy of bandits. Plus, why can't singer Seu Jorge name his baby Samba, the genre he's known for?

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will head to Egypt and onward to visit Palestinian and Israeli officials. He will arrive on the heels of an Israeli counterinsurgency raid that killed at least two civilians and ratcheted up tensions on either side of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. And, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen visited South Africa this week. South Africa is planning on holding joint military drills with China and Russia on the anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine. Also, 23 Jewish doctors forced to stay in the Warsaw Ghetto documented what starvation does to the body. Their book was recently rediscovered by a Tufts University professor. Plus, happy birthday to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, born on Jan. 27, 1756.

The World Health Organization is calling for "immediate action" to protect children from contaminated cough syrup that has killed more than 300 children in Asia and Africa. The syrup has been linked to pharmaceutical manufacturers in India. And, Israeli soldiers conducted a raid on suspected militants in Jenin Camp, a Palestinian refugee camp. Their targets were members of Islamic Jihad, but civilians were also killed. Also, for the first time ever, China's military sent an aircraft carrier within hundreds of miles of US soil: the territory of Guam. Pentagon officials speculate that if China invades Taiwan, it will likely strike Guam. Plus, India bans a film that criticizes its prime minister.

Germany announced on Wednesday that it will send tanks to Ukraine to aid in its fight against Russian invaders. German support for the war in Ukraine marks a big shift in its defense policy. And in Canada, grocery store theft is at an all-time high. Some Canadians blame big grocery store chains for profiteering from inflation. Also, more than 50 people have been killed in Peru in protests that started a month ago, after President Pedro Castillo tried to dissolve the nation's Congress, got arrested and was then removed from office himself. Protests began in Indigenous areas and are are now being held in Lima, the capital. Plus, poet Robert Burns inspires global suppers.