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Iran Defies US With Test Missiles

Iran said Tuesday it conducted ballistic missile tests to defy U.S. sanctions and to show its "deterrent power" and “ability to confront any threats.” The tests came two months after the United States imposed new sanctions against Iranians and companies with links to Iran’s missile program. Iranian state television reportedly showed a missile being fired from underground silo at night. The announcer said it was a medium-range Qiam-1 missile, according to Reuters. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, or IRGC, is the security force under Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei. On its official website, it said Tuesday's test was "to show Iran's deterrent power and also the Islamic Republic's ability to confront any threat against the (Islamic) Revolution.” General Amir Ali Hajizadeh is the head of the IRGC’s space program. He said “the missile struck a target 700 kilometers away.” Last July, the U.S. and world powers reached an agreement with Iran on its nuclear activities. Iran agreed to remove most of its nuclear fuel and to avoid testing nuclear-capable missiles in exchange for the lifting of sanctions. After two Iranian missile tests last October, the U.S. announced new sanctions in January against Iranians and companies for helping Iran’s ballistic missile program. The U.S. said the tests violated a U.N. resolution. The resolution banned Iran from “any activity related to ballistic missiles designed to be capable of delivering nuclear weapons, including launches using such ballistic missile technology." Iran has always denied any link between its missile program and the disputed nuclear activity. I'm Mario Ritter. VOANews.com report on this story. Hai Do adapted the report. His story also includes information from the Reuters news service and the New York Times. Kathleen Struck was the editor. ​We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section and our Facebook page. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   deterrent – adj. able or intended to stop the progress of development of something silo - n. underground chamber in which a guided missile is kept ready for firing  

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South Sudan Civil War Marked By Killing, Rape

A human rights group has evidence of killing, rape and disappearances committed by both sides in South Sudan’s civil war. Human Rights Watch, an organization that monitors human rights, said serious violations have been committed by both Sudan's army and Sudanese rebels in the East African nation. The watch group visited Western Equatoria in February. At that time, witnesses reported that soldiers attacked homes. The military also stole property and displaced civilians, said eyewitnesses. Human Rights Watch has asked for the African Union to establish a court to try the most serious cases of violence. Human Rights Watch and other groups have called for an arms embargo on South Sudan. Tens of thousands of people have died in the past two years in South Sudan during the civil war. More than two million people have been displaced because of the violence. I’m Jim Dresbach. VOANews.com reported on this story. Jim Dresbach adapted the story for Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   committed - v. carried out monitor - v. to watch or observe embargo – n. a government or organization order that limits trade in some way

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Suicide Bombs Kill Dozens in Iraq, Pakistan

Two suicide bombings in Pakistan and Iraq have killed at least 70 people and injured 100. South of Baghdad, a suicide truck bombing killed 61 people on Sunday, according to the Associated Press. In northwest Pakistan, a suicide bomber attacked an entrance to a court on Monday. The AP reported 11 people are dead in that attack. The Islamic State, or IS, claimed responsibility for the bombing in Hillah. The town is about 95 kilometers from Baghdad. Suicide attacks claimed by IS killed more than 170 people in the past months, according to AP. Sunday’s bombing was the third bombing in more than a week against security forces and the country’s Shiite majority. In the Pakistani town of Shabqadar, police, women and children were killed and wounded. The attacker tried to enter the court. Security officials intercepted him. When police tried to grab him, the bomb was detonated. Pakistani security official Tariq Hassan said: “One of the police officials grabbed [the bomber]. … In the struggle, the suicide bomber was left fully confused … to locate his target before blowing himself up.” A group affiliated with the Pakistani Taliban named Jamut-ul-Ahrar claimed responsibility. Two policemen and a policewoman were among the dead in the Pakistan bombing, the police reported. I’m Dorothy Gundy.   Ayaz Gul wrote this story for VOANews.com. Jim Dresbach adapted the story for Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or visit our Facebook page. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   kilometers – n. a unit of length equal to 1,000 meters confused – v. to make something uncertain or unable to understand something detonate – v. to explode or to cause something to explode

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Trending: New Octopus Spotted on Ocean Floor

This is What’s Trending Today: There are still lots of undiscovered areas around the globe – but most are below the surface of the ocean. Recently, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, discovered something new on the ocean floor. And everyone is calling it “cute” and “adorable". And people on social media love it. Scientists say it might be a new species of octopus. It is similar to some octopi that live in shallow water, but this one was found more than 4,000 meters below the surface. Before this new discovery, the only octopi found in water this deep were very different. Some people want to name it Casper after the famous ghost of cartoons and movies. NOAA posted a video to YouTube of the octopus sitting on the ocean floor and wiggling its arms. It has more than 200,000 views since March 3. The science writer Melissa Dahl called the octopus “adorable.” The magazine Popular Science called the octopus a “cutie.” And wrote about it with this headline “Aww and Awe…” “Aww” is the sound people make when they are looking at something cute, like a puppy or baby. “Awe” is a word used to describe something unique and impressive. But the octopus is not only “cute” and “adorable.” It looks to be an important scientific discovery. The scientists at NOAA say the octopus may be part of a new species. And the funny thing is, NOAA was not looking for new sea creatures. It is investigating the way some islands near the U.S. state of Hawaii formed many years ago. To do this, the scientists aboard a ship drop some remote-controlled submarines into the ocean. They go down to the floor, more than 4,000 meters deep, and collect rock samples. As soon as the investigators saw this octopus, they said it was “beautiful … different than the two we got on video last year.” They also said it was definitely not in the “HURL guide,” which is a directory of undersea creatures in the Pacific Ocean. NOAA released images and video of this new octopus in early March and people on social media sites started talking about it over the weekend. And that’s What’s Trending Today. I’m Dan Friedell.   Dan Friedell wrote this story for Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. What do you think of the new octopus? Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   cute – adj. having a pleasing and usually youthful appearance adorable – adj. very appealing or attractive : very lovable species – n. a group of animals or plants that are similar and can produce young animals or plants : a group of related animals or plants that is smaller than a genus scary – adj. causing fear awe – n. a strong feeling of fear or respect and also wonder remote control – n. a process or system that makes it possible to control something from a distance by using electronic signals wiggle – v. to move up and down or from side to side with short quick motions globe - n. an object shaped like a large ball with a map of the world on it ghost - n. the spirit of a dead person cartoon - n. a series of pictures that tell a story unique - adj. special impressive - adj. worthy of attention or respect

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Female Castration Remains Global Crime Against Women

The world needs to take urgent action to end female genital mutilation (FGM) says a leading advocate for stopping the practice. “FGM is a hugely harmful violation of a girls’ rights. It causes major medical and psychological harm. We do not know how many girls have died from it, but many have.” The comments come from Mary Wandia in a VOA interview. She is FGM program manager for Equality Now, which works to stop the practice. The harm done by female genital mutilation is expected to get attention Tuesday on International Women’s Day. Sponsors say the day is designed to build opportunities for women, including in education and medical care. A United Nations report issued last month said 70 million more girls and women are victims of female genital mutilation than previously thought. It said at least 200 million girls and women in 30 nations have been mutilated. FGM is the cutting, sewing or destruction of a female’s genitals. It is practiced by various religions and cultures. It has been practiced for centuries. It causes severe pain and prolonged bleeding, infection, infertility and even death, the UN report said. Broadcast reports show girls writhing in pain and shock. The mutilation is typically done without pain relief. By most who practice it, FGM is believed to control female sexuality and increase fertility. However, doctors have long disputed this view. Medical researchers in Sudan found that girls who went through the procedure were more likely to be infertile. Last September, the UN set a goal of ending the practice by 2030. Cultures in the Nile River Valley in Egypt and Sudan have practiced FGM, but it is more widespread. One reason for the higher numbers is that the UN reported numbers from Indonesia for the first time. Half of Indonesian girls aged 11 and younger have undergone the practice, according to the UN. Immigrants to other countries where FGM is not practiced often return their girls to their home country to have FGM. Wandia said the most success in stopping the practice is “where governments have shown leadership.” Wandia said Kenya reduced FGM rates for teenage girls to about 11 percent. By comparison, half of adult women have had FGM, she said. Liberia and Burkina Faso are also reducing FGM, Wandia said. But she said progress is offset by population growth. Wandia said some countries, notably Liberia, Mali, Sudan and Sierra Leone, have not banned the practice. “Countries such as Egypt and Indonesia must prevent doctors and other health workers from carrying it out,” she said. In her interview with VOA, Wandia said it is time for the world “to make sure that we finally get to grips with this extreme form of violence against girls.” “We cannot have any more excuses,” she said. Somalia has the highest rate of female genital mutilation, the UN said. It affects 98 percent of the female population between the ages of 15 and 49. Guinea and Sierra Leone also have very high rates. I'm Bruce Alpert.   Bruce Alpert reported on this story for VOA Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or share your views or experiences on our Facebook Page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   genital – n. of or relating to the sexual organs mutilation – n. the act of tearing up a person’s body parts psychological – adj. of or relating to the mind opportunity – n. an amount of time or a situation in which something can be done infertility – n. not able to reproduce writhing – v. to twist your body from side to side because of severe pain relief – n. the removal or reducing of pain grips – n. getting control of a problem

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US Park Honors Women's Rights

  This year, the U.S. National Park Service turns 100. American’s 28th President, Woodrow Wilson, formed the National Park Service in 1916 to “protect the wild and wonderful landscapes” in the United States. President Ulysses Grant established Yellowstone National Park as the country’s first national park in 1872. Every month, VOA Learning English will feature some of the 407 parks and historical sites within the National Park Service. To celebrate International Women’s Day, we start our tour in Seneca Falls, a small city in the state of New York. Seneca Falls is known as the birthplace of the women's rights movement in America. The town is home to the Women’s Rights National Historical Park. The park tells the story of the first Women’s Right Convention, held in Seneca Falls, in 1848. On July 19 and 20 of 1848, 300 women and men gathered at the town’s Wesleyan Chapel for the Women’s Rights Convention. Among them was Elizabeth Cady Stanton. She was one of the early leaders of the women’s rights movement, and one of five women who organized the convention in Seneca Falls. Leaders at the convention discussed the “social, civil and religious conditions and the rights of woman.” At the end of the two-day convention, 68 women and 32 men signed the Declaration of Sentiments, which Elizabeth Cady Stanton co-wrote. The declaration stated, “we insist that they [women] have immediate admission to all the right and privileges which belong to them as citizens of these United States.” The declaration called for voting rights for women, among other demands. In 1920 -- 72 years later -- the 19th amendment to the U.S. Constitution gave women the right to vote. The meeting in Seneca Falls paved the way for the women’s rights movement in America. And the Women’s Rights National Historical Park honors its role in U.S. history. The visitor’s center displays life-size statues of the five women who organized the first Women’s Rights Convention. Sculptor Lloyd Lillie created the statues. His work is called “The First Wave.” Visitors to the Women’s Rights National Historical Park can go inside of Elizabeth Cady Stanton’s house. She lived in Seneca Falls from 1847 until 1862. She called her house there the “center of the rebellion.” Visitors can also tour the Wesleyan Chapel, where the meeting took place 168 years ago. The chapel was built in 1843. Political rallies, free speech events, and antislavery activity often took place inside the church. Seneca Falls is now also home to the National Women’s Hall of Fame. It was created in 1969. The National Women’s Hall of Fame is the oldest organization that recognizes and honors important American women. More than 200 women have been named to the National Women’s Hall of Fame. One of them is current U.S. presidential candidate and former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. She became a member in 2005. Clinton was the first female U.S. senator from New York State, and the first former First Lady elected to the U.S. Senate. I’m Ashley Thompson.   Ashley Thompson wrote this report for VOA Learning English, with materials from NPS.gov. Hai Do was the editor. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   convention - n. a conference or meeting landscape – n. an area of land that has a particular quality or appearance pave the way for – expression (v). to make it easier for something to happen or for someone to do something rally – n. a public meeting to support or oppose someone or something

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World Fails to Educate Its Girls

Nearly twice as many girls are denied an education as boys. That is according to a new report by the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The report was released to mark International Women’s Day on Tuesday. A lack of educational options “stunt the lives of girls and women from one generation to the next,” said UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova. Across sub-Saharan Africa, 9.5 million girls will never walk into a classroom, compared to 5 million boys, according to the UNESCO report. More than 30 million children aged six to 11 are out of school across the region. The gender gap is wider in South and West Asia, where 80 percent of girls will never enter formal education -- compared to 16 percent of boys, according to the report. Girls are the majority of the millions of children denied school in Arab nations, UNESCO said. But the organization said exact numbers are not available because of conflicts in the region. Discrimination against girls and women drew worldwide attention in 2012 when Malala Yousafzai, then 15, was shot in the head on her way home from school in Pakistan. The Taliban targeted her and her family because they called for more and better education for girls. Malala survived the attack, after successful surgery in England, and continued to advocate for girls education. She gave a speech on her 16th birthday to the United Nations. She wrote a book, “I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban.” In 2014, Malala won the Nobel Peace Prize. Alice Albright, chief executive of the Global Partnership for Education, said Malala Yousafzai helped show the plight of girls and women. Albright said discrimination against girls is even worse after elementary school. Girls face more barriers than boys to further their education. The reasons differ, but include parents deciding they need their children to work in fields or do other work, Albright said. She adds that it is far more likely that girls are chosen for these tasks. Another reason is that girls are often forced into marriages after elementary school. Girls are also more likely to have no way of getting safely to school -- given military conflicts and crime problems in some countries. And sometimes, girls or their parents decide against continuing education because, at many schools, girls and boys share the same bathrooms, Albright said. Adding to the problems girls have getting an education is a lack of school buildings and teachers in many poor nations. Boys often get the chance at scarce resources. “I do think some progress is being made, but by no means is it enough progress,” Albright told VOA Learning English. The challenge to improving access includes changing long-held cultural views, she said. She said it is important that her group and others show the “many benefits” of improving access to education for girls. In a recent report, the Global Partnership for Education said educated girls are far more likely to get better jobs and more income. They are also likely to give birth to healthier children. And girls that remain in school past elementary school are less likely to be put into forced marriages or to marry as children. A recent Brookings Institution report said better educated girls and women generally have fewer children. And that could reduce population growth in some of the world’s poorest nations.   Bruce Alpert reported on this story for VOA Learning English.  Kathleen Struck was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or share your views or educational experiences on our Facebook Page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   stunt – v. to stop someone from growing or developing plight – n. a very bad or difficult situation elementary – adj. first grades of school bathroom – n. a room with a sink and toilet challenge – n. to test the ability, skill, or strength of someone generally – adj. in a way that is not detailed or specific

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March 7, 2016

A look at the best news photos from around the world.

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Chocolate-Covered French Fries Anyone?

Fast-food chain McDonald’s is adding french fries drizzled with chocolate sauce to its menu in Japan. The new item is called McChoco Potato. The fast-food appetizer consists of McDonald’s famous fries drizzled with brown and white chocolate syrup. A portion of the potatoes and chocolate cost 330 yen, which is around $3. The chocolate fries are McDonald's Japan’s attempt to reverse poor sales. According to the Japan Times, McDonald's Japan reported an annual loss of over 34 billion yen, or nearly $300 million, last year. “Undoubtedly, 2015 was the most challenging year we have faced in our 45-year history,” said McDonald's Japan president Sarah Casanova. U.S.-based McDonald’s opened its first restaurant in Tokyo in 1971. In the past few years, McDonald’s Japan closed hundreds of the restaurants known for its golden arches. Because of the McChoco Potato, customer sales increased in January for the first time in a number of years. “The chocolate fries have been extremely popular with customers, and actually not just customers in Japan,” said Casanova. The chocolate-covered french fries debuted January 26. They are available at Japan’s McDonald's for a limited time. I’m Jim Dresbach.   Jim Dresbach wrote this story for VOA Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   drizzle – v. to pour a small amount of liquid onto or over something menu – n. a list of the foods that may be ordered at a restaurant appetizer – n. a small dish of food served before the main part of a meal syrup – n. a sweet, thick liquid made of sugar and water with flavoring added to it yen – n. the basic unit of money of Japan debuted – v. to appear in public for the first time

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N. Korea Threatens Nuclear Strike, US, S. Korea Begin Drills

North Korea has threatened a preemptive nuclear strike as the U.S. and South Korean forces began their largest joint military exercises ever. The yearly military drills often increase tensions between North and South Korea. This year, tensions are especially high after the U.N. Security Council approved new sanctions on North Korea. The sanctions are in response to the North’s recent nuclear and long-range rocket tests.  Key Resolve and Foal Eagle drills much larger this year The joint military exercises are known as Key Resolve and Foal Eagle. The drills involve 17,000 American troops. That is four times the number that took part last year. Three hundred thousand South Korean troops joined the drills. Many U.S. aircraft and naval ships are also involved. These include the nuclear-powered submarine, the USS North Carolina, and the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the USS John C. Stennis.  North Korea’s National Defense Commission denounced the military exercises in a statement. It said North Korea was prepared for a "sacred war of justice for reunification.” In the statement, the commission said the military exercises were aimed at harming “the sovereignty” of the North. South Korean Defense Ministry spokesman Moon Sang-kyun called the North Korean threat “unacceptable.” The U.S. and South Korea said the joint drills are defensive in nature. This year, the two allies reportedly will practice carrying out preemptive military strikes against North Korean targets. Communication lines not in place North Korea’s recent tests have resulted in an increase in the potential for inter-Korean conflict. In response, the South Korean government in Seoul closed the Kaesong Industrial Complex that it jointly operated with the North.   North Korea then deported all South Koreans who were working at the Kaesong center. It also cut an emergency communication hotline put in place to avoid dangerous military situations. Daniel Pinkston of Troy University in Seoul said the situation is risky. “If North Korea wants to take some kind of belligerent military action against the South and in some limited way, I think they are running a very high risk of facing some retaliation,” he said. Philippines seizes vessel Also, the Philippines has become the first country to enforce the new UN sanctions on North Korea. The Philippine Coast Guard on Friday detained and searched the Jin Teng, a ship with a crew of 21 North Korean citizens. The search revealed no illicit cargo, only minor safety violations. However, the Jin Teng has been sanctioned by the U.N. as one of 31 ships owned by Ocean Maritime Management Company. The company is based in North Korea’s capital Pyonyang. It has been targeted for suspected involvement in trading arms in the past.   Brian Padden reported this story from Seoul. Mario Ritter adapted it for VOA Learning English. Hai Do was the editor. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   Preemptive –adj. done to prevent an unwanted act by another group, country, or force Drill –n. an exercise done to practice military skills or activities Vessel –n. a ship or large boat Sovereignty –n. a country’s independent authority and the right to govern itself Potential –n. capable of becoming real Retaliation –n. to take action against someone, group or country to answer to some kind of attack

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