US ups the ante in the war with Iran

As US President Donald Trump threatens to destroy Iran’s “whole civilization” we take a look back at Iran’s heritage over the centuries. Also, opposition politician Cheng Li-wun visits China to bolster Taiwan’s ties to the mainland as the war in Iran raises concerns about the US’s military bandwidth. And, people in South India are creating mechanical elephants to replace real ones during Hindu religious services. Plus, a visit to Akira Comics in Spain, which attributes its success to immersive fantasy. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

A look at the tensions currently on display between diplomacy and escalation in the Iran war. Also, scientists in Southeast Asia are bio-hacking mosquitoes to curb the spread of disease. And, the editor-in-chief of an independent newspaper in Afghanistan tells the story of trying to protect his paper from the Taliban. Plus, Pakistani American doctor Seema Jilani defines what it means to find home while working in war zones. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Bridges, vaccine and public health institutes, and cultural sites are among the latest locations targeted by Israeli and American forces in Iran. Also, the military leader of Burkina Faso has said that its citizens should forget about democracy. And, who is Reza Pahlavi, and how did his name suddenly become so prominent? Plus, Gen-Z is all in for Baby Boomer jazz-rock guitarist Masayoshi Takanaka. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

The US lifted sanctions against acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez yesterday. It's the latest in a series of changes that began when President Nicolás Maduro was captured and brought to the US to face criminal charges. Also, Afghan refugees in India face challenges getting government benefits. Also, a conversation with novelist Sahar Delijani on the struggles of Iranians at home and abroad. Plus, we raise a glass to wine-making traditions around the world. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

A look at how security feeds and traffic cameras have become tools in some of the most high-level killings in recent wars. Also, Bologna, Italy, has established a certification process to distinguish authentic pasta and the artisans who make them from imposters. And, the European Broadcasting Union has announced the launch of the international song competition Eurovision in Asia. Plus, new scientific research finds that “googly eyes” can help deter seagulls. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

A Russian oil tanker has reached Cuba, offering brief relief after months of severe fuel shortages; but for many Cubans, the crisis runs much deeper. Also, Israeli settler violence, raids and  demolitions are forcing West Bank residents from their homes in unprecedented numbers. At the same time, a new Israeli law imposes the death penalty as the default sentence for Palestinians convicted in fatal attacks. And, The World’s Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel gains exclusive access to information about allegations of forced labor violations at a factory for global EV giant BYD in Hungary. Plus, as Jewish people across the globe prepare for Passover, Kat Romanow discusses her cooking classes and the global influences that shape Jewish cuisine in Montreal, including variations on seder staples like homemade matzo. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

This weekend, the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, arrived in the waters off of Split, Croatia, after being pulled from combat operations in the Red Sea. Also, in a blunt Palm Sunday sermon, Pope Leo XIV implicitly criticized the world powers behind the war in Iran, arguing that God “does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war but rejects them.” And, recovery in Jamaica from Hurricane Melissa is a slow and ongoing process five months on. Plus, Composer Sami Yusuf’s musical journey continues with his newest album, “Ecstasy: Voices of the Earth.” Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

On the first day of US and Israeli attacks in Iran, a school bombing in the village of Minab that killed many children triggered global outrage. The World investigates another similar attack that also resulted in the death of children in the city of Lamerd that went mostly unnoticed. Also, a new amendment to the national security law in Hong Kong allows police to demand the password to a person's phone in order to search it. And, the British colonial-era diamond giant De Beers is now up for sale, and former African colonies, like Botswana, are looking to buy the company that long profited from their diamond mines. Plus, a new swing set celebrates a wacky border shared by two towns between the Netherlands and Belgium. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

The International Olympic Committee has announced that transgender women will be banned from competing in women’s events at the Olympic Games, under new rules coming into force from 2028. Also, ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who was abducted early this year in a US military raid, is in court today. And, a look at financial scams targeting women in Yemen. Also, the UN votes to name the trans-Atlantic slave trade “the gravest crime against humanity.” Plus, composer and trumpet player John Vanore releases a new composition inspired by the ancient statues on Easter Island. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Ukraine’s president recently said he had a "very bad feeling" about the impact of the Middle East conflict on the war in Ukraine. The Kremlin is reaping windfall profits as the price of oil rises, and the air defense weaponry Kyiv needs is in increasingly short supply. Also, Europe sees a rise in antisemitic attacks. And, it’s been 10 years since The Rolling Stones performed in Cuba. Plus, a look at the relationship between K-Pop and Black music. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices