America Faces Many Security Challenges

Nuclear weapons, terrorism and computer spying are problems for national security, say American intelligence officials. The officials say challenges and crises are more diverse than ever.  James Clapper and Lieutenant General Vincent Stewart oversee national intelligence operations. They spoke to the Senate Armed Services Committee. Clapper and Stewart said North Korea could soon have enough plutonium to make nuclear weapons. And North Korea has started to develop an intercontinental ballistic missile system -- missiles that could reach other countries. The officials said Iran is another country with a developing nuclear weapons program. Iran plans to keep its nuclear program, Clapper said, although it agreed in July to halt it. Economic sanctions put into place by six major nations were lifted when Iran agreed to halt its program. But Vincent Stewart said the Islamic State terror group is the leading international threat. Islamic State, he said, "will probably attempt to conduct additional attacks in Europe and attempt to direct attacks on the U.S. homeland in 2016." Both officials said Russian and Chinese computer crime is another big threat. Clapper told the senators, "Whether China's commitment of last September (to curb its cyber espionage) moderates its economic espionage remains to be seen.” Clapper said Russia is suspicious of being limited by NATO. "They are greatly concerned about being contained and, of course, very concerned about (the U.S.) missile defense, which would serve to neuter what is the essence of their claim to great power status, which is their nuclear arsenal.” On the same day of the hearing, President Barack Obama announced new measures to enhance cyber security. I’m Caty Weaver.   Zlatica Hoke wrote this story for VOA. Caty Weaver adapted it for Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. What do you think are the main security threats facing your country? Post your thoughts in the comments section or on our Facebook page. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   challenge – n. a difficult task or problem: something that is hard to do diverse – adj. different from each other commitment – n. a promise to do or give something espionage – n. the things that are done to find out secrets from enemies or competitors: the activity of spying essence – n. the basic nature of a thing: the quality or qualities that make a thing what it is

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VOA English Newscast: 1300 UTC February 12, 2016

  From Washington, this is VOA News.       I’m Steve Karesh reporting. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Friday in Munich major powers have agreed to seek a cessation of hostilities in Syria. “We have agreed to implement a nationwide cessation of hostilities to begin in a target of one’s week time. That is ambitious, but everybody is determined to move as rapidly as possible to try to achieve this. This will apply to any and all parties in Syria with the exception of the terrorist organizations, Daesh and al-Nusra, and any other terrorist organization designated by the (United Nations) Security Council.” Kerry added that the 17-nation International Syria Support Group has agreed that a task force, co-chaired by the U.S. and Russia, will work towards a long-term reduction in violence. Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, however, has cautioned the world powers about committing their troops. He said "a ground operation draws everyone taking part in it into a war." The support group also agreed to "accelerate and expand" delivery of humanitarian assistance. Also in Munich, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is to meet with the head of NATO. This after the Western military alliance and the U.S. announced plans for the biggest military build-up in Europe since the Cold War. Russia has called NATO's moves a threat to stability. NATO says the plans are aimed at reassuring eastern European allies concerned about Russian aggression.  South Sudan President Salva Kiir has appointed his rival, rebel leader Riek Machar, as first vice president in a coalition government. The appointment is part of a peace deal signed by the two leaders last August.  Machar told VOA that this is a good step toward implementing that deal.   This is VOA News. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This New   cessation – n. a stopping or suspension of some action implement – v. to begin to use or do ambitious – adj. having a desire to be famous, powerful or successful determined – v. trying to do or carry out something that is difficult rapidly – adj. quickly achieve – v. to get or reach by hard work apply – v. to cause to have an effect designated – adj. chosen for a job, but not doing that job yet task force – n. a group of people who deal with a problem or issue cautioned – v. warned committing – v. to promise or require someone to do something draws in – v. to cause to enter or take part accelerate – v. to speed up delivery – n. the act of taking something to a person or place build-up – n. an increase stability – n. security reassuring – v. to make someone feel less concerned or angry rival – n. opponent   We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section.

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challenging (adjective)

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UN: More Female Genital Mutilation Than Thought

Millions more girls and women are victims of female genital mutilation than previously thought, said the United Nations (UN). UNICEF is the UN children’s agency. They said in a report released Thursday that at least 200 million girls and women alive today have had ritual cutting. The practice of cutting and stitching a female’s genitals is a cultural practice focused on modesty and chastity. Half of the victims live in just three countries – Egypt, Ethiopia and Indonesia. This is nearly 70 million more girls and women than estimated in 2014. New data was collected in Indonesia. The practice has been banned there since 2006. Somalia has the highest rate of women and girls who have been cut. It affects 98 percent of the female population between the ages of 15 and 49. Guinea, Djibouti and Sierra Leone also have very high rates. About 44 million victims of female genital mutilation around the world are aged 14 or younger. The majority of girls who have their genitals mutilated were cut before they were 5 years old, reported UNICEF.          “In Yemen, 85 percent of girls experienced the practice before their first week of life,” said the report. Hard to track UNICEF said exact numbers are hard to find. Few of the 30 countries where it is practiced keep reliable data on the procedure. Most rely on household surveys. The practice also exists in countries not in the study. This includes India, Malaysia, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. In addition, the practice happens in parts of Australia, North America and Europe, where immigrants from countries with a large number of female circumcisions live. The report said that total rates of female genital mutilation have fallen in the last three decades. But progress has been uneven. Countries that have seen sharp declines include Liberia, Burkina Faso and Kenya. The UN General Assembly unanimously approved a resolution in December 2012 calling for a ban on female genital mutilation. It is a centuries-old practice stemming from the belief that circumcising girls controls women’s sexuality and increases fertility. Last September, the UN set a goal of eliminating the practice by 2030. I’m Mary Gotschall.    Smita Nordwall reported on this story for VOANews.com. Mary Gotschall adapted this story for Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. Do you have an opinion about this topic? Let us know what you think in the Comments section below, or on our Facebook page. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   female genital mutilation – n. all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitals, or other injury to female genital organs for non-medical reasons ritual – adj.  done as part of a ceremony or ritual modesty – n. the quality of behaving and especially dressing in ways that do not attract sexual attention chastity – n. the state of not having sex with anyone genitals – b. sexual organs mutilate – v.  to cause severe damage to (the body of a person or animal) circumcision – n.  the act of cuting off the clitoris or outer sexual organs of (a woman or girl)  unanimously – adv. agreed to by everyone resolution – n.  the act of finding an answer or solution to a conflict, problem, etc. : the act of resolving something sexuality – n.  the sexual habits and desires of a person fertility – n.  the state or condition of being fertile: the ability to produce young  

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Career and Fans 'Rise Up' for Singer Andra Day

Andra Day's life changed when Stevie Wonder called her on the telephone. The music superstar asked Day if he could work with her. That was almost six years ago. Stevie Wonder had heard about the singer from his wife at the time, Kai Millard Morris. She had discovered Day in a short video. It showed Day singing in front of a small shopping center in Malibu, California. Andra Day said her talk with Stevie Wonder inspired her. "I was so nervous,'' she said. "I kept saying to myself that he's just a regular person. But in the same breath, I was saying, 'He's a legend.' I felt like a meteor hit my house. It inspired me to keep pushing.'' A year later Wonder introduced Day to longtime producer Adrian Gurvitz. He signed her to his company, Buskin Records. Now her career is taking off. The 31-year-old singer is nominated for two Grammy Awards - best R&B album for her debut, "Cheers to the Fall,'' and best R&B performance for the single "Rise Up.'' Day and Grammy nominee Ellie Goulding will sing together at the awards ceremony. The Grammy Awards are on February 15. Until then, Day is preparing for her upcoming 35-city show tour. Everything seems to be falling into place for Day. "My prayers are being answered for my career,'' she said. "There's a reason I have this platform. There's a reason I have this gift. It's a blessing.'' Filmmaker Spike Lee saw Day perform last year at the Sundance Film Festival. She sang there during a Nina Simone tribute. After seeing Day’s performance, Lee offered to direct the music video for her first single, “Forever Mine.” This month, Day will appear on a Black History Month program on ESPN television. ESPN is featuring Day and her song "Rise Up'' as part of the network's Black History Month hour-long program. It airs February 14th. “Rise Up” will play during the special program, which honors black athletes. Day has also performed in commercials with Stevie Wonder and Serena Williams. Over the holidays, the Obama family asked Day to perform in two White House events, including the 2015 National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. Day said her album, “Cheers to the Fall,” is about her life. She said that includes a past relationship in which she wronged a friend. "I want people to ... not be afraid of their truth,'' Day said. “No matter how dark or precarious it may seem, continue to pursue your truth.” I’m Caty Weaver.   The Associated Press reported this story. Caty Weaver adapted it for Learning English. Ashley Thompson was the editor. Have you heard “Rise Up” or seen a video of Andra Day performing the song? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or visit our Facebook page. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story inspire – v. to make (someone) want to do something : to give (someone) an idea about what to do or create meteor – n. a piece of rock or metal that burns and glows brightly in the sky as it falls from outer space into the Earth's atmosphere legend – n. a famous or important person who is known for doing something extremely well sign – v. to hire (someone) to do something especially by having that person sign a contract take off – phrasal verb. to suddenly become successful or popular fall into place – expression  to become organized; when a situation becomes as it should be tour – n. a series of related performances or appearances that occur at different places over a period of time platform – n. something that allows someone to tell a large number of people about an idea, product, etc.

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Carnival and Mardi Gras Around the World

People all over the world enjoy one big celebration leading up to Lent, the most solemn part of the Christian calendar. Lent leads into Good Friday and Easter.

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Hillary Clinton's Campaign Email Goes Viral

This is What's Trending Today... The hashtag #ImNotKiddingMaddi is everywhere on social media this week. The hashtag comes from an email sent by former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. She is one of two candidates seeking the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination. This week, Clinton lost to Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders in the Democratic primary election in New Hampshire. After the loss, the Clinton campaign team sent an email to her supporters. The subject of the email was “I’m not kidding,” followed by the supporter’s name. “I’m not kidding” is another way of saying “I am being serious.” The email was asking her supporters to give any small amount of money to Clinton’s political campaign. One of her supporters, named Maddi, found humor in the message.In the email, her campaign team wrote, “I’m not kidding, Maddi, I’m asking you to give $1 right now.” Maddi published images of the email on social media. From there, people began making jokes about it on the Internet. Some compared Clinton’s email to the one dollar menu at McDonald’s restaurants. Although most people just joked about the hashtag, some on social media wrote that the e-mail and hashtag could end up hurting Hillary Clinton.  A now-famous Internet meme that compares the two Democratic presidential candidates also joined the #ImNotKiddingMaddi conversation. The “Bernie versus Hillary” meme gives mostly humorous opinions from both candidates about campaign issues. This week’s issue? “Maddi’s Dollar.” Under Sanders’ photograph are the words, “Maddi works very hard for her money and she’s entitled to donate to a candidate who will work for her.” Under Clinton’s photo, it just said: “I’m not kidding, Maddi.” And that’s What’s Trending Today. I'm Ashley Thompson.  _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   kidding - v. to speak to (someone) in a way that is not serious : to say things that are not true to (someone) in a joking way humor -  n. a funny or amusing quality​ meme - n. a humorous image, video, or  text that is copied (often with small changes) and spread rapidly by Internet users​

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North Korea Ordered Military Takeover of Kaesong

North Korea has declared a military takeover of the Kaesong industrial area and called South Korea’s decision to suspend operations a “declaration of war.” North Korea said it was responding to South Korea’s decision to suspend operations at the jointly-run Kaesong industrial area. The North also froze South Korean assets and expelled South Koreans from the factory. South Korea suspended operations in response to North Korea launching a long-range missile Sunday. The North said the missile test was to put an “earth observation” satellite in orbit. But the United States, South Korea and other nations said the launch tested a missile able to carry a nuclear weapon. North Korea also tested a nuclear weapon in January. U.S. Senate approves sanctions bill In addition to South Korea’s move to close Kaesong, the United States Senate approved sanctions against the North after the missile launch. The sanctions target the North’s nuclear program and its poor human rights record. The economic sanctions are meant to reduce revenue going the government of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Republican Senator Bob Corker is the Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He said the bill would require the president to look at a number of issues related to North Korea. “The president will be required to investigate a wide range of sanctionable conduct, including proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, arms-related materials, luxury goods, which affect the elite in that country, human rights abuses, activities undermining cybersecurity...” Democratic Senator Ben Cardin of Maryland said the bill penalizes Chinese and other groups that work with North Korea. Over the weekend, China joined other members of the UN Security Council to approve a statement condemning North Korea’s missile launch. The council pledged to quickly adopt a resolution with “significant” new sanctions against North Korea. So far, that has not happened. Kaesong an important symbol of Korean cooperation The suspension of the Kaesong industrial area will be costly for North Korea. James Kim is with the Asan Institute for Policy Studies, based in Seoul. He said the suspension would cost North Korea about $100 million a year in lost income. He said the amount is considerable “for an economy that’s not that big.” The special industrial area was opened in 2004 as an economic link between the two Koreas. It is also a symbol of reconciliation between the two sides. Trade in the special zone has grown regularly over the years. However, operations at Kaesong have been suspended before. In 2013, North Korea withdrew its workers and closed down the area for five months. David Straub of Stanford University said it is unclear what impact the sanctions would have if the U.S. legislation is signed into law. He said the recent developments were not a surprise. He added that the decision to suspend work at more than 120 factories was difficult for South Korean President Park Geun-hye. He said the cost to South Korean companies that have invested in the project will be high. Since 2013, North Korea has pursued what has been called a Byunjin policy of developing the “economy and nuclear weapons.” North Korea considers both important for its independence. I’m Mario Ritter. Michael Bowman, Victor Beattie, the Associated Press and Reuters reported on this story. Mario Ritter wrote this report for VOA Learning English. Hai Do was the editor. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   revenue – n. money made or paid to a business or organization penalize – v. to punish a person, group or country for breaking a rule rein in – v. to limit or control something reconciliation – n. the act of causing two people or groups to become friendly again after a disagreement responding - v. making a statement to answer something else assets - n. valuables, such as property and investments sanctions - n. measures threatening punishment for disobeying rules or laws pledged - v. promised

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Russia Offers Ceasefire Proposal for Syria

Russia is proposing talks about a ceasefire in Syria, but European diplomats have expressed concerns about the offer. The Europeans see the proposal as a way to delay agreement on how to end the Syrian civil war. They say the plan would give Russia time to continue intense airstrikes on Aleppo, Syria’s second largest city. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said his country had offered a “quite specific” proposal. He spoke in Germany Thursday as he sat down for talks with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry. Russia and the United States are a part of the 17-country International Syria Support Group (ISSG). “We wait for the American response before we take it (the proposal) to the ISSG,” Lavrov said. Western media reports say Russia wants the ceasefire to take effect on March 1. That would be too late to stop a humanitarian crisis in and around Aleppo. In Washington, a U.S. government spokesman said the Obama administration wants an immediate truce. The Russian proposal comes while a Russian-supported Syrian government offensive and siege near Aleppo continues. The fighting and airstrikes have forced thousands of Syrians to flee toward the Turkish border. Aid groups say nearly 100,000 Syrians have fled from their homes in the past week. Kerry is also meeting with Syrian opposition leader Riyadh Hijab. On Wednesday, Hijab and other opposition representatives met with British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond and other officials in London. Talks between the Syrian government and opposition were suspended in early February. They were halted partly because of opposition concerns about the bombing campaign in Aleppo. I’m Anne Ball.   VOA State Department correspondent Pamela Dockins reported on this story. Jim Dresbach adapted her report for Learning English. Additional information for this story came from VOANews.com. George Grow was the editor. Do you think peace will come soon to Syria? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   siege – n. a situation in which soldiers or police officers surround a city or building in order to try to take control of it specific – adj. detailed

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Did a Meteorite Kill a Man in India?

It sounds like the opening act of a science fiction film. Indian officials say they believe a meteorite killed a man on Sunday in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. A local television station, NDTV, reported an Indian government minister as saying that a meteorite fell on the grounds of a private engineering college. This official said the space rock created a two-meter wide hole, or crater, on the college campus. The American space agency, NASA, was quick to react. It said that photographs of the crater seem to show a “land-based explosion” may have caused the damage. While the cause is unknown, debris from the blast killed a man standing nearby. Witnesses say the blast also shook buildings and broke windows. The head of the college told the Associated Press police recovered an object that investigators plan to test. The object is described as dark blue with jagged edges. It is reportedly small enough to be held in a closed hand. However, it is unknown if it came from space or could have fallen off a passing airplane. Officials have tested the crater for metals. They also plan to examine soil from the crater. The cause of the explosion is not yet known. However, what is known is that even native English speakers have trouble with the words meteor, meteoroid and meteorite. Meteor, meteoroid or meteorite? If you have ever seen a shooting star, you have seen a meteor. The science website Hubbel.com says a meteor is the flash of light we see in the sky when a small piece of “interplanetary debris burns up as it passes through our atmosphere.” "Meteor” means the burst of light caused by the debris, not the debris itself,” says the website. The debris is called a meteoroid. A meteoroid is interplanetary matter. It is smaller than a kilometer wide and can often be only a few millimeters in size. Most meteoroids that enter Earth's atmosphere are so small that they vaporize completely and never reach the surface. But, if any part of a meteoroid lands on Earth, it is called a meteorite. Most meteorites are very small. However, they can vary in size. They can be as small as a pebble or as big as a huge, life-destroying boulder. This recent incident in India comes nearly three years after a large meteor was seen streaking across the sky in the Russian city of Chelyabinsk. The shock from the blast injured more than 1,000 people and caused extensive property damage. Collage of video footage of Chelyabinsk meteor streaking across the sky and the meteorite hitting Russia.    I’m Anna Matteo.   Have you ever seen a shooting star, or meteor, in the sky? Let us know in the Comments section. Or simply share your thoughts on this story. This story first appeared on VOANews.com. Anna Matteo adapted the story for Learning English. She used additional information from Hubble.com and other sources. George Grow was the editor. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   crater – n. a large round hole in the ground made by the explosion of a bomb or by something falling from the sky debris – n. the pieces that are left after something has been destroyed; wreckage impact – v. to strike forcefully jagged – adj. having a sharply uneven edge or surface chunk – n. a large amount or part of something interplanetary – adj. situated or traveling between planets vaporize – v. to destroy by or as if by making into vapor boulder – n. a very large stone or rounded piece of rock streaking – v. to move quickly  

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English @ the Movies: 'Felt Like I Belonged'

Our English @ the Movies phrase today is "felt like I belonged." It is from the movie "Burnt," which stars Bradley Cooper. He plays a man with a passion for cooking. What does he mean when he says the kitchen is the only place that he has ever "felt like I belonged?" Let us watch.

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