The majority of deaths from the 2004 earthquake and tsunami were in Indonesia. But one island had just a handful of deaths, and researchers say that was partly due to folklore passed down through generations. Also, an update on the situation in Syria as Syrians look to the future with a mixture of fear and hope. And, Albania's former president was arrested on suspicion of corruption and money laundering, but the problem may be more widespread. Plus, a soup to celebrate, not only the new year, but Haiti’s independence day.

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On the 20th anniversary of the Indian Ocean tsunami that took the lives of more than 220,000 people, we look at why there are so many abandoned houses that were built for survivors in Indonesia. Also, investigations are underway to determine what caused a passenger plane to crash in Kazakhstan. And, the theft of succulents has become a massive illegal trade across the globe. Plus, reconnecting with a family whose neighbor left a pile of gifts for their son before passing away.

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The World travels the globe to share various religious traditions in this holiday special. We look at Armenian Christians in the Old City of Jerusalem who say their community is facing an unprecedented threat. Also, a shuttered synagogue reopens in India for the funeral services of a community elder. And, millions of people journey to Iraq for the annual Arbaeen walk. Plus, colorful flower “carpets” made of sawdust adorn the streets of Guatemala for Holy Week.

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The World takes a look at what people consider sacred spaces around the globe in this holiday special. On the tropical island of Bougainville, locals discover an icon of Saint Mary believed to have supernatural powers. Also, some Mapuche communities in Chile use an ancestral sport to help protect and revive their culture, customs and language. And, a Buddhist nun and surfer hits the waves, discovering a higher sense of purpose that can come from being in the natural world. Plus, Argentine Jewish musicologists embark on a mission to revive their community's musical heritage.

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Japan’s second- and third-largest automakers are pursuing a $50 billion deal that could dramatically shake up the global auto industry. Also, Palestinians discuss death as the war in Gaza drags on. And, The Guardian publishes the first known photos of an uncontacted community living in the Amazon. Plus, a rice porridge keeping people in Denmark warm and cozy through the winter season.

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The US State Department's top Middle East envoy, Barbara Leaf, arrived in Damascus today for meetings with Syria's new interim government. Also, a Belgian train conductor is under investigation for violating the country's language laws after greeting passengers bilingually. And, why the conditions for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip are improving, and what incentives are pushing the talks forward between Israel and Hamas. Plus, why Hong Kong's claw machines may need to be regulated by the government.

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US officials say Russia has deployed some 8,000 North Koreans in the Kursk region, the border area where Ukrainian forces seized Russian territory in a surprise attack over the summer. But there may be far fewer troops returning home than Pyongyang expected. Also, journalists use fake Tinder profiles to identify and follow the movements of hundreds of soldiers in Europe, including many Americans. And, a look into the growing phenomenon of countries repressing dissidents beyond their own borders, including a NATO ally of the US: Turkey. Plus, Host Marco Werman puts his knowledge of Africa to the test in a trivia game.

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As Syria goes through historic changes, minority groups remain on edge. The commander of the US-backed Kurdish SDF discusses the situation in an exclusive interview with The World. Also, the tiny island nation of Vanuatu struggles to recover from a powerful earthquake. And, a controversial anti-LGBTQ bill in Ghana is one step closer to becoming law. Also, Thailand is offering a path to citizenship for nearly half a million stateless people in its borders in what its government is calling a “New Year’s gift.” Plus, a worldwide competition to find the coolest stick.

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A bomb went off early this morning in Moscow, killing a Russian General Igor Kirillov. He was the head of the Russian military’s nuclear, biological and chemical protection forces. Also, a mass grave has been found in Al-Qutayfah, Syria, bringing clarity to the fate of many political prisoners under the Assad regime. And, this year brought significant changes to Canada’s education sector, creating upheaval for international students. Plus, a new high-speed bullet train between Paris and Berlin is being hailed as a symbol of French-German friendship.

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Israel's prime minister says his government plans to double the Israeli population in the Golan Heights, an area considered a "strategic plateau" since Israel captured it from Syria in 1967. Also, South Korea's constitutional court is deciding whether or not to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol. And, legendary tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain dies at the age of 73. Plus, a spicy Thai soup with a twist.

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