English in a Minute: Bent out of Shape

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August 19, 2016

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

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The Grand Canyon: A Sight Beyond Words

  EDITOR'S NOTE: 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. Today, the National Park Service protects over 400 parks and historical sites from coast to coast. Every week, VOA Learning English will profile one of the sites within the National Park Service.     Our National Parks journey continues this week in one of the most popular and beautiful places in America: Grand Canyon National Park in the state of Arizona. The Grand Canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of the world, and one of the largest canyons on Earth. It stretches for 450 kilometers. Parts of the canyon are more than 30 kilometers wide and one kilometer deep. Many writers have tried to describe the wonder of the Grand Canyon. They use words like mysterious, overpowering, and strange. But it is not possible to put human meaning to such a place. The Grand Canyon truly is beyond words. "Is this your first time at the Grand Canyon?" “Yes...."        And what do you think (of the Grand Canyon)? Do you have a few words to describe it?” “Beautiful. Amazing." "What do you think of the Grand Canyon?" "Very huge. Very colorful.” "Do you have some words to describe what you are seeing?" “Magic. It’s so magic(al) when I see it at first look.” A look back in time The canyons of America’s Southwest are deep, ancient openings in the Earth. They look as if they formed as the earth split apart. In reality, rivers formed these canyons.   Forty million years ago, the Colorado River began cutting through the area around the present-day Grand Canyon. The river carried dirt and pieces of stone that slowly ate away at the surrounding rock. It left a pathway of enormous rock openings. At the same time, forces deep within the Earth pushed up the surrounding land. Rain, snow, ice, wind and plant roots rubbed away at the top of this new canyon. Below, the river continued to uncover more and more levels of ancient rock. Some of the exposed rocks along the Grand Canyon’s walls are nearly 2 billion years old. They are among the oldest rocks on earth, with many levels of granite, schist, limestone and sandstone. Environment The Grand Canyon measures 2,500 meters from the canyon floor to its highest point. Because of its size, the weather at the top of the canyon is often much different from the bottom. On some winter days, for example, you may find cold winds and snow at the top. But at the bottom of the canyon, you may find warm winds and flowers. ​The Grand Canyon is home to some 2,000 plant species. Some of these species can only be found in the park. The Park is also home to more than 370 species of bird, 90 kinds of mammals and 40 kinds of reptiles. Many of the birds spend the whole lives in the Grand Canyon. Others species depend of the Canyon for food and shelter during large migrations.  The Grand Canyon was named a Globally Important Bird Area in 2014 because of the role it plays in protecting many species of birds. Humans in the Grand Canyon Native American occupied the Grand Canyon 3,000 years ago. Bones, hair, feathers and the remains of plants have been found in deep, dry caves high in the rock walls. The Hopi, the Paiute, the Navajo and other Native American tribes have all been in the area for at least 700 years. In 1869, American John Wesley Powell explored the Grand Canyon. He recorded much of what we know today about the area.​ Powell and his group traveled in four boats along the Colorado River. He and his group of explorers knew very little about getting over the fast, rocky waters of the Colorado River. In many places, boast could be turned over by giant waves. Soon after they started their journey, Powell’s group lost some of its food and equipment. Three members decided to leave the group. As they walked up and out of the Grand Canyon, they were killed by Native Americans. The rest of Powell's group survived the journey. Starved and tired, Powell and his group reached the end of the canyon. They had traveled by boat down the Colorado for more than three months. ​John Wesley Powell’s reports and maps from the trip greatly increased interest in the Grand Canyon. But visitors did not begin to go there in large numbers until 1901. That year, a railway was built that reached the area. Visiting the Grand Canyon Five million people visit the Grand Canyon National Park every year. The first sight of the canyon can leave visitors speechless. Depending on the time of day, the sun lights up the rock walls in red, orange, and golden colors. The bright colors are the result of minerals in the rock. Their appearance changes endlessly -- with the light, the time of year, and the weather.     At sunset, the canyon walls display fiery red and gold hues. Then they take on softer colors of blue, purple, and green. Most visitors walk along paths partway down the canyon. It takes several hours to walk to the bottom, and even longer to climb back up. Some visitors choose to ride mules to the bottom of the canyon. Mules are strong, sturdy animals that look similar to horses. Visitors can also explore the Grand Canyon in other ways. Hundreds of thousands of people see the canyon by air each year. They pay a helicopter or an airplane pilot to fly them above and around the canyon. Thousands of people every year choose to explore the Grand Canyon by boat from the Colorado River. These trips last one to three weeks. Most people who come to the Grand Canyon National Park visit an area known as the “South Rim.” That area has shuttle buses that take visitors to overlooks.  Fewer people see the canyon from the “North Rim.” The North Rim is less than 20 kilometers across the canyon from the South Rim, but visitors must drive more than 350 kilometers by car from the South Rim to access the North Rim. Visitors can also see the Grand Canyon from a huge glass walkway called the Skywalk. The Skywalk is on the Hualapai Indian Reservation in the western part of the canyon. The Hualapai Indians built it to increase tourism at the reservation. It opened in 2007.   The Skywalk extends more than 20 meters from the canyon’s rim. It is suspended more than 1,200 meters above the bottom of the canyon, and is shaped like a giant horseshoe. Many call the skywalk an engineering wonder. But others have criticized the skywalk and its development. They say it reduces the enjoyment of nature in the Grand Canyon. For visitors hoping to get a view of the entire Grand Canyon, they will have to travel well beyond the state of Arizona. The only place to see the entire canyon at once is from outer space. I'm Ashley Thompson. And I'm Jonathan Evans. Ashley Thompson adapted this report, with materials from VOA Learning English archive and the National Parks Service. Hai Do was the editor.  ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   enormous - adj. very great in size or amount speechless - adj. unable to speak because of anger, surprise, etc minerals - n. a substance (such as quartz, coal, petroleum, salt, etc.) that is naturally formed under the ground helicopter - n. an aircraft that can stay in the air without moving forward and that has metal blades that turn around on its top​ access - v. to be able to use, enter, or get near (something)

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Amazing Olympic Photos on World Photo Day

  This is What’s Trending Today: Friday was World Photo Day. According to World Photo Day’s website, August 19 is the day the photographic process known as the Daguerreotype was patented in 1839. The first World Photo Day was in 2009. World Photo Day allows people to “celebrate their passion for photography.” On World Photo Day, many people are posting their favorite photos with the hashtag #worldphotoday. That includes photos from the Rio de Janeiro Olympics. One photo many people liked came from the qualifying part of the men’s 200-meter race. Sprinter Usain Bolt of Jamaica was pictured smiling as he crossed the finish line ahead of the other runners. Many people wondered how photographers were able to catch such an image.  Another great photo came from a women’s wrestling gold medal match. Japanese wrestler Risako Kawai celebrated her victory in the 63-kilogram class by throwing her coach to the floor. It was a surprising and different way to celebrate.  Many wrestlers lift their coach up onto their shoulders instead. But do not worry, Kawai did that, too. Earlier in the week, another image from Rio caught the world’s attention. During a 5-kilometer race, American runner Abby D’Agostino and Nikki Hamblin of New Zealand had an accident. The runners’ feet touched and both athletes fell to the ground. Both Hamblin and D’Agostino looked hurt. But they helped each other up and kept running. It turned out D’Agostino had a severe knee injury. She crossed the finish line far behind the other runners. D’Agostino was not able to continue in the Olympics. Many people said the picture of the two women helping each other up was the perfect example of the Olympic spirit. Another dramatic moment came in the women’s 400-meter race. Allyson Felix of the United States was in the lead with just a few meters to go. But at the last second, Shaunae Miller of the Bahamas dove over the finish line to win the gold medal.                     ​Miller’s dive was legal, and she became the Olympic champion. Of course, no World Photo Day would be complete without people sharing photos of their cats. So here is a photo of a cat in bed. And that’s What’s Trending Today.  I’m Dan Friedell. Dan Friedell wrote this story for Learning English. Jill Robbins was the editor. What are the photos you will remember from the Rio Olympics? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page.   ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   patent – n. an official document that gives a person or company the right to be the only one that makes or sells a product for a certain period of time passion – n. a strong feeling of enthusiasm or excitement for something or about doing something qualify – v. to have the skills that are required or do the things that are required to become a member of a team or to be allowed in a competition spirit – n. a shared attitude or feeling that relates to a particular time, place, activity, etc. — often + of dramatic – adj. greatly affecting people's emotions

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'A Horseman in the Sky' by Ambrose Bierce

Our story today is called, "A Horseman in the Sky."  It was written by Ambrose Bierce.  Carter Druse was born in Virginia. He loved his parents, his home and the south. But he loved his country, too. And in the autumn of eighteen sixty-one, when the United States was divided by a terrible civil war, Carter Druse, a southerner, decided to join the Union Army of the north. He told his father about his decision one morning at breakfast. The older man looked at his only son for a moment, too shocked to speak. Then he said, "As of this moment you are a traitor to the south. Please don't tell your mother about your decision. She is sick, and we both know she has only a few weeks to live." Carter's father paused, again looking deep into his son's eyes. "Carter," he said, "No matter what happens -- be sure you always do what you think is your duty." Both Carter Druse and his father left the table that morning with broken hearts. And Carter soon left his home, and everyone he loved to wear the blue uniform of the Union soldier. One sunny afternoon, a few weeks later, Carter Druse lay with his face in the dirt by the side of a road. He was on his stomach, his arms still holding his gun. Carter would not receive a medal for his actions. In fact, if his commanding officer were to see him, he would order Carter shot immediately. For Carter was not dead or wounded. He was sleeping while on duty. Fortunately, no one could see him. He was hidden by some bushes, growing by the side of the road. The road Carter Druse had been sent to guard was only a few miles from his father's house. It began in a forest, down in the valley, and climbed up the side of a huge rock. Anyone standing on the top of this high rock would be able to see down into the valley. And that person would feel very dizzy, looking down. If he dropped a stone from the edge of this cliff, it would fall for six hundred meters before disappearing into the forest in the valley below. Giant cliffs, like the one Carter lay on, surrounded the valley. Hidden in the valley's forest were five union regiments -- thousands of Carter's fellow soldiers. They had marched for thirty-six hours. Now they were resting. But at midnight they would climb that road up the rocky cliff. Their plan was to attack by surprise an army of southerners, camped on the other side of the cliff. But if their enemy learned about the Union Army hiding in the forest, the soldiers would find themselves in a trap with no escape. That was why Carter Druse had been sent to guard the road. It was his duty to be sure that no enemy soldier, dressed in gray, spied on the valley, where the union army was hiding. But Carter Druse had fallen asleep. Suddenly, as if a messenger of fate came to touch him on the shoulder, the young man opened his eyes. As he lifted his head, he saw a man on horseback standing on the huge rocky cliff that looked down into the valley. The rider and his horse stood so still that they seemed made of stone. The man's gray uniform blended with the blue sky and the white clouds behind him. He held a gun in his right hand, and the horse's reins in the other. Carter could not see the man's face, because the rider was looking down into the valley. But the man and his horse seemed to be of heroic, almost gigantic size, standing there motionless against the sky. Carter discovered he was very much afraid, even though he knew the enemy soldier could not see him hiding in the bushes. Suddenly the horse moved, pulling back its head from the edge of the cliff. Carter was completely awake now. He raised his gun, pushing its barrel through the bushes. And he aimed for the horseman's heart. A small squeeze of the trigger, and Carter Druse would have done his duty. At that instant, the horseman turned his head and looked in Carter's direction. He seemed to look at Carter's face, into his eyes, and deep into his brave, generous heart. Carter's face became very white. His entire body began shaking. His mind began to race, and in his fantasy, the horse and rider became black figures, rising and falling in slow circles against a fiery red sky. Carter did not pull the trigger. Instead, he let go of his gun and slowly dropped his face until it rested again in the dirt. Brave and strong as he was, Carter almost fainted from the shock of what he had seen. Is it so terrible to kill an enemy who might kill you and your friends? Carter knew that this man must be shot from ambush -- without warning. This man must die without a moment to prepare his soul; without even the chance to say a silent prayer. Slowly, a hope began to form in Carter Druse's mind. Perhaps the southern soldier had not seen the northern troops. Perhaps he was only admiring the view. Perhaps he would now turn and ride carelessly away. Then Carter looked down into the valley so far below. He saw a line of men in blue uniforms and their horses, slowly leaving the protection of the forest. A foolish Union officer had permitted his soldiers to bring their horses to drink at a small stream near the forest. And there they were -- in plain sight! Carter Druse looked back to the man and horse standing there against the sky. Again he took aim. But this time he pointed his gun at the horse. Words rang in his head -- the last words his father ever spoke to him: "No matter what happens, be sure you always do what you think is your duty." Carter Druse was calm as he pulled the trigger of his gun. At that moment, a Union officer happened to look up from his hiding place near the edge of the forest. His eyes climbed to the top of the cliff that looked over the valley. Just looking at the top of the gigantic rock, so far above him, made the soldier feel dizzy. And then the officer saw something that filled his heart with horror. A man on a horse was riding down into the valley through the air! The rider sat straight in his saddle. His hair streamed back, waving in the wind. His left hand held his horse's reins while his right hand was hidden in the cloud of the horse's mane. The horse looked as if it were galloping across the earth. Its body was proud and noble. As the frightened Union officer watched this horseman in the sky, he almost believed he was witnessing a messenger from heaven. A messenger who had come to announce the end of the world. The officer's legs grew weak, and he fell. At almost the same instant, he heard a crashing sound in the trees. The sound died without an echo. And all was silent. The officer got to his feet, still shaking. He went back to his camp. But he didn't tell anyone what he had seen. He knew no one would ever believe him. Soon after firing his gun, Carter Druse was joined by a Union sergeant. Carter did not turn his head as the sergeant kneeled beside him. "Did you fire?" The sergeant whispered. "Yes." "At what?" "A horse. It was on that rock. It's not there now. It went over the cliff." Carter's face was white. But he showed no other sign of emotion. The sergeant did not understand. "See here, Druse," he said, after a moment's silence. "Why are you making this into a mystery. I order you to report. Was there anyone on the horse?" "Yes." "Who? " "My father."   "A Horseman in the Sky" was written by Ambrose Bierce, and adapted by Dona de Sanctis. Download activities to help you understand this story here. Now it's your turn to use the words in this story. How difficult is it for you to think or act when you are afraid? Should you always do what a boss, supervisor or authority tells you to do? Let us know in the comments section or on our Facebook page. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   gigantic - adj. extremely large trigger - n. a lever on a gun that you pull to fire the gun fantasy – n.  something that is produced by the imagination : an idea about doing something that is far removed from normal reality ambush - n. an act of hiding, waiting for others to appear, and then suddenly attacking them : a surprise attack dizzy - adj. feeling that you are turning around in circles and are going to fall even though you are standing still reins – n. a strap that is fastened to a device (called a bridle) placed on the head of an animal (such as a horse) and that is used to guide and control the animal — usually plural

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Russia Defends Use of Iranian Base to Launch Syrian Airstrikes

    Russia is defending its use of an Iranian air base to launch airstrikes against targets in Syria. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced that Russian fighter jets are using the Hamedan air base with Iran’s approval. He said the aircraft are supporting what he called “counter-terrorism” operations in Syria. Russia’s defense ministry said it started using the base this week to attack Islamic State (IS) positions in northern and eastern Syria. The defense ministry said the attacks also targeted Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, the militant group formerly known as the al-Nusra Front. The United States is leading an international coalition against IS forces in Iraq and Syria. The coalition cleared the way for the Russian airplanes to pass over Iraq on their way from Iran to Syria. Coalition spokesman Chris Garver confirmed the flights. “They informed us they were coming through, and we insured safety of flight as those bombers passed through the area and toward their target.” Russia has been carrying out airstrikes in support of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s government for nearly a year. But until this week, all the flights started in Syria or Russia. US reaction In Washington, State Department spokesman Mark Toner called Russia’s use of the Iranian air base “unfortunate, but not surprising or unexpected.” He noted that while Russia has said it is bombing IS and other militants, the attacks “predominantly target moderate Syrian opposition forces.” Toner also said Russia’s operation could violate a U.N. resolution banning the supply, sale and transfer of combat aircraft to Iran. Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov denied this. “In this case. we’re discussing. There has been no supply, sale or transfer of fighter jets to Iran,” he told reporters. Russia and Iran are both longtime supporters of Syrian President Assad. Rebel groups have been fighting forces supporting Assad during the country’s 5-year-old civil war. State Department spokesman Toner said the United States is committed to pursuing “a credible, nationwide cessation of hostilities,” as well as a political process to help achieve peace in Syria. Using the base in Iran puts Russian fighter jets much closer to their targets. Flying from the Hamedan air base, instead of a Russian base in the north Caucasus, cuts the distance from about 2,000 kilometers to about 700 kilometers. Viktor Ozerov is a Russian senator. He said the shorter flying distance will increase the accuracy of Russian airstrikes in Syria. He said it will also reduce the risk of being hit by ground-to-air missiles that may be launched by rebel groups in Syria. In Iran, the head of the country's National Security Council was reported as saying that Iran and Russia cooperate on fighting terrorism in Syria. He said the two countries are sharing facilities in support of that goal. The speaker of Iran’s parliament, Ali Larijani, noted that Iran has not given Russia approval to operate a permanent base in its territory. But some military experts say Russia’s decision to use the Iranian air base could mean that the move will make it permanent. Christopher Harmer is with the Institute for the Study of War. “This looks like Russia is acknowledging the limitations of operating from Syrian bases and is digging in for a long-term campaign based out of Iran,” he said.   Russia power shift? Jonathan Adelman, from the University of Denver, said Russia’s latest move represents a clear change for the Russian government. “First, it’s showing that the real power in the Middle East today is Russia. Secondly, that they are aligned, at the same moment, with both sides. They are supporting Syria. They are, of course, working together with the Iranians...” Omar Lamrani is with the U.S.-based global intelligence community Stratfor. He said he also believes Russia’s movement of military equipment and personnel into Iran signals a change in Iran’s position in the Middle East. “That says a lot to the Saudis,” Lamrain said. “That says a lot to the Gulf Cooperation Council. They’re going to be asking such questions as, ‘If we do come into conflict with Iran, does that also mean we are coming into conflict with Russia?’” I’m Bryan Lynn.   Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English. Additional material came from VOA correspondent Jeff Seldin, the Associated Press and Reuters. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   unfortunate – adj. unlucky predominantly – adv. mainly, mostly credible – adj. able to be trusted of believed cessation –n. the end of something happening, especially violence accuracy – n. how exact or correct something is  

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China Launches First Quantum Satellite

  China has launched the first satellite using quantum technology to send communications back to earth. Quantum technology will make these communications safe from hackers. A rocket named the Long March-2D launched the satellite into space. The launch site was in China’s northwest Gobi Desert.   The 600-plus-kilogram satellite is named Micius after a Chinese philosopher and scientist who lived 2,500 years ago. Micius will circle the earth every 90 minutes. It will do this after entering a sun-synchronous orbit 500 kilometers above the earth. Sun-synchronous orbit means it will always be in sunlight. This type of orbit is useful for weather, imaging and spy satellites. China’s Xinhua news agency said that during its two year mission, Micius will establish 'hack-proof' communications. It will do this by using un-crackable codes. It explained that a quantum photon, or subatomic particle, is impossible to wiretap, intercept, hack or crack. Xinhua said the satellite’s first test will be communicating between Beijing and the Xinjiang capital, Urumqi. Major step forward for China Morris Jones is an Australian who studies the Chinese space program. He told VOA that this satellite is a major step forward for China. China, however, has made quantum physics an important part of its five-year economic development plan.  I’m Anna Matteo. Victor Beattie wrote this story for VOA News. Anna Matteo adapted it for Learning English. Pete Heinlein was the editor. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   quantum – n. physics : the smallest amount of many forms of energy (such as light) sun-synchronous physics : an orbit in which the satellite's orbital plane is at a fixed orientation to the sun hack-proof – adj. secure from hackers; impossible to hack into. photon – n. physics : a tiny particle of light or electromagnetic radiation wiretap – v. to place a device on (someone's phone) in order to secretly listen to telephone calls intercept – v. to stop and take someone or something that is going from one place to another place before that person or thing gets there hack – v. to gain access to a computer illegally crack – v. to puzzle out and expose, solve, or reveal the mystery of  something 

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New York City Baseball Program Improves Children's Lives

  A baseball program in New York City continues to help East Harlem children escape poverty.   The program is named Harlem RBI. The program was founded in 1991. The community is now celebrating the 25th anniversary of Harlem RBI. Close to 2,000 boys and girls have become a part of Harlem RBI’s success. In 1991, East Harlem was filled with public housing and parks covered with asphalt. East Harlem was a neighborhood filled with minorities. The community had a high poverty rate. Students had trouble reading and understanding mathematics in school. Marilyn Morales is a former resident of East Harlem. She said East Harlem “was very scary” in 1991. The neighborhood was filled with homeless people, drug addicts, and buildings destroyed by fire. Morales now lives in Westchester County, New York. Westchester County is close to 40 kilometers from East Harlem. She is now a mother who drives to New York City every day. Her son plays in Harlem RBI's summer league. The children are now part of a success rate instead of a poverty rate. Harlem RBI added a charter-school program of its own, called DREAM in 2008. DREAM students perform better than students in the state, city and school districts. DREAM teaches a high number of special-needs students and English-language learners. Almost all Harlem RBI students graduate from high school. Nearly all Harlem RBI players have been able to enter college over the past 11 years. Richard Berlin is the executive director of Harlem RBI. He started with Harlem RBI as a volunteer coach in 1994. He said the charter school fills "every one of our seats ... with a deserving child who wants to be here." Berlin said lessons on a baseball field can lead to a life of success. "Baseball is a game of failure,” he said. “If you fail seven out of 10 times [in baseball], you are wildly successful in this game." Morales said the program and ball games help her son stay focused in life. "It keeps him off drugs, hopefully, and it just helps keep him you know motivated and focus in life." Taina Figueroa is an eighth grader and a shortstop and pitcher in the league. She has been with Harlem RBI for six years. Figueroa said the program is built on the life skills that baseball teaches: confidence, perseverance and sportsmanship. "When people are on your side and they are rooting for you, it gives me motivation to hit the ball harder or pitch harder or run faster," Figueroa said. The program just received $85 million to improve the school building. And many former East Harlem residents would like to move back home. But the neighborhood is not the same. Morales says she wishes she could move back today. But it's not that simple. "It's too expensive, I can't live here!" she said, laughing. I’m Jill Robbins. Ramon Taylor wrote this story for VOA News. Jim Dresbach adapted it for Learning English. George Grow 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   baseball – n. a game played on a large field by two teams of nine players who try to score runs by hitting a small ball with a bat and then running to each of the four bases without being put out asphalt – n. a black substance that is used for making roads scary – adj. causing fear drug addict – n. a person who cannot stop taking an illegal drug charter school – n. a school that is established by a charter, is run by teachers and parents and uses tax money but does not have to be run according to the rules of a city or state special-needs student – n. students suffering from any of a wide range of physical or mental disabilities or medical conditions shortstop – n. a baseball player who defends the area between second and third base pitcher – n. the player who throws the ball to the batter in baseball perseverance – n. the quality that allows someone to continue trying to do something even though it is difficult sportsmanship – n.  fair play, respect for opponents and polite behavior by someone who is competing in a sport or other competition

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English @ the Movies: 'White Collar Crime'

Today's English @ the Movies phrase is from the movie "Equity." This is a movie about women in the business world of New York City. They end up finding corruption. The phrase is "white collar crime." What kind of crime is that? Listen and find out.

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Report Criticizes Military Use of Schools in Afghanistan

A new report says that state security forces in Afghanistan are using schools in Taliban-held areas for combat missions. These actions, the report says, do not just interfere with children's education. Often, the schools become battlegrounds, leaving schools damaged or destroyed. Students and teachers are put in danger, too. Human Rights Watch, in a report released this week, demanded that the government take steps to stop putting schools at the center of the fighting. Keeping schools out of harm's way, the report says, is one way to protect the gains that the education sector has made in Afghanistan since 2001. Military activity in Baghlan Province The report focused on the military activities of Afghan security forces in the northern Baghlan province. This area has had intense fighting over the past year in and around its capital city, said Patricia Gossman, the senior Afghanistan researcher at the New York-based organization. Gossman explained that Human Rights Watch interviewed more than 20 teachers and school administrators, in addition to local families affected by the conflict, for the report. She noted the number of times in which Afghan soldiers occupied schools was "quite shocking." Taliban insurgents, too, have used schools in Baghlan to launch attacks. In one such case, Taliban forces occupied a Swedish government-financed school soon after it opened in 2015, the report says. In early 2016, government forces attacked the Taliban forces. The Taliban forces escaped, but the fighting destroyed the school. Afghan government challenges Human Rights Watch report Dawlat Waziri is an Afghan Defense Ministry spokesperson. He rejected the report, saying the government's investigations have not found violations. "However, we do not rule out the possibility of use of schools by security forces for an hour, or a couple of days, in instances when these facilities were closed for vacations, or in areas where operations were underway against insurgents," Waziri told VOA. Impact on education sector Gossman said that she is particularly concerned about the impact on girls' education. "We had situations where even tent schools were being used by the military. And obviously, the other concern is that this has a disproportionate effect on girls' education because if you have got a bunch of armed men in a school, families are going to be particularly reluctant to send their girls to school." Education is one of the few success stories in Afghanistan since the end of Taliban rule in 2001. At that time, less than a million children – all boys – were going to school. Since then, the number of children in school has risen to 9.5 million. About 40 percent of students are girls. The future of the security situation in Baghlan The security situation in Baghlan continues to grow worse. The Taliban have advanced in a number of areas and recently captured a key district just a few kilometers from the provincial capital. The Afghanistan Analysts' Network is pessimistic about the future of the security situation in Baghlan. It notes that the recently captured district was the first to fall in Baghlan province since 2001. I'm John Russell.    VOA's Ayaz Gul reported this story from Islamabad. John Russell adapted it for Learning English. Jill Robbins was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   combat mission – n. a specific military or naval task that involves active fighting sector – n. a sociological, economic, or political subdivision of society disproportionate - adj. having or showing a difference that is not fair, reasonable, or expected reluctant – adj. feeling or showing doubt about doing something pessimistic – adj. having or showing a lack of hope for the future

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August 18, 2016

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

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