US Attorney General Ends Obama Marijuana Policy

  American Attorney General Jeff Sessions has cancelled a federal policy that let American states legalize marijuana. The move came just days after California, the country’s largest state, began permitting recreational use of the drug. President Donald Trump’s top law enforcement official announced the change Thursday. Instead of the earlier hands-off policy, Sessions will let federal lawyers in states where marijuana is already legal decide how aggressively to enforce federal law. In a memo, Sessions asked federal lawyers to consider the seriousness of the crime and its impact “in deciding which marijuana activities to prosecute under these laws.” The move by Sessions is likely to create questions in states where it is legal to buy, use and grow marijuana. Although some state laws have legalized the use of the drug for medical and recreational reasons, marijuana remains illegal under U.S. federal law. In 2013, the Obama administration announced in a memo that it would not resist states’ efforts to legalize marijuana. The memo urged the states to keep marijuana from getting to places where it remained illegal. And it asked the states to keep the drug from criminal gangs and children. Opposition to Sessions’ policy change Republican lawmaker Cory Gardner of Colorado quickly voiced opposition to Sessions’ plan. Colorado is among eight states that have legalized marijuana for recreational use. Gardner said in a Twitter message that the Justice Department “has trampled on the will of the voters” in Colorado and other states. He also said the action goes against what Sessions had said he would do before becoming attorney general. Along with Colorado, recreational use of marijuana is legal in Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, California, Maine and Masachussetts and in the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. Another 21 U.S. states permit the use of marijuana for medical reasons. The legal sale of marijuana has become a multi-million-dollar business. It helps fund schools, educational programs and law enforcement. In California, the business is estimated to bring in $1 billion a year in tax money within the next several years. Maria McFarland Sanchez-Moreno is with the Drug Policy Alliance. She called Sessions’ policy a return to outdated drug-war policies that mainly affected minorities. She added that Sessions “wants to maintain a system that has led to tremendous injustice ... and that has wasted federal resources on a huge scale.” A public opinion study carried out by Gallup in October 2017 shows that 64 percent of Americans support legalizing marijuana. Support for Sessions policy The attorney general and some law enforcement officials have blamed legalization for increased drug trafficking. They said drug traffickers have taken advantage of state laws to grow marijuana. Then, they sell it across state lines for more money. Kevin Sabet of Smart Approaches to Marijuana called Sessions’ decision a “victory.”  Sessions has blamed the illegal use of marijuana and heroin for rising violence in America. But activists argue that legalizing the drug would likely reduce violence, since criminals would no longer control the marijuana trade. I’m Caty Weaver. The Associated Press reported this story. Hai Do adapted it for VOA Learning English. Ashley Thompson was the editor. _________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   recreational - adj. (of a drug) used for pleasure instead of for medical purposes hands-off - adj.  allowing people to do what they want to do without bothering or stopping them memo - n. a usually brief written message from one person or department in an organization, company, etc., to another prosecute - v. ​ to hold a trial against a person who is accused of a crime to see if that person is guilty​ trample - v. ​ to treat other people's rights, wishes, or feelings as if they are worthless or not important​ outdated  - adj. ​no longer useful or acceptable : not modern or current tremendous  - adj. ​very large or great take advantage of - to use (something, such as an opportunity) in a way that helps you : to make good use of (something)

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Iranian Americans Closely Watching Protests in Iran

  Iranian Americans have been closely watching protests in Iran. An Iranian government campaign against protesters led to the deaths of at least 21 people over the past week. More than 400 others were arrested. Thousands of Iranians have also taken part in pro-government demonstrations. Many Iranian Americans are hoping for a peaceful resolution and reform. Southern California is home to the largest Iranian community outside Iran. The largest number of Iranian immigrants live in the Little Persia neighborhood on the west side of Los Angeles. People there are openly critical of Iran’s religious government, which they consider useless and corrupt. “When you are mullah,” one immigrant says of Iran’s religious rulers, and “you want to manage a country like Iran, you destroy everything.” He added that Iranians are tired of the government. Iran’s government has a history of repression, said an immigrant named Ali. He told VOA that “the people are angry, especially young people,” and everyone is worried there will be more violence. United States government officials have criticized the Iranian government’s actions. The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, has called on the Security Council to hold an emergency meeting over the protests and government actions. Iranian officials have restricted the use of social media sites such as Instagram. U.S. President Donald Trump has promised “support from the United States” in messages posted on Twitter. Some Iranian Americans say the U.S. government should react carefully because the anti-government protests are the result of internal problems. Muhammad Sahimi works at the University of Southern California. He also follows Iranian politics. “If the U.S. intervenes in any shape or form, or even supports some faction against another, the hardliners in Iran will use that as an excuse” for more violence, he said. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has already blamed what he calls “enemies of Iran” for inciting the protests. The secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council accuses the United States, Britain and Saudi Arabia of supporting the opposition. The demonstrations started last week as workers in a number of cities marched to protest corruption and high unemployment. Sahimi does not believe that the protests are as popular as those in 2009. That was when students and members of the middle class denounced election results in a movement that came to be known as the Green Revolution. Others believe the current protests will spread, as the earlier ones did. Los Angeles publisher Bijan Khalili blames mismanagement of the Iranian economy. He says Iranian officials will not accept responsibility, and “the only thing that is left is blaming it on foreign countries and foreign people.” Muhammad Sahimi says that U.S. measures set up to punish Iran for its nuclear activities are also an issue. He notes that President Trump has promised to strengthen those sanctions by removing waivers on Iranian oil. He says stronger actions will only worsen economic conditions in Iran. Businessman Sam Kermanian says the nuclear agreement with world powers raised the hopes of Iran’s people. But when the economy did not improve, he adds, people became angry over corruption among religious leaders. Los Angeles grocer Todd Khodadadi says Iranians are “trying to get their rights, and they raised their voices…Hopefully, peacefully, they (will) get what they want,” he says. “What they want is freedom,” says travel agent Farhad Besharati. “It’s not too much,” he argues. “We’re in the 21st century. The government killing them? This is not fair. It’s not good,” he says. These Iranian Americans say the nations of the world should defend the right to peaceful protest. They add that the demonstrations should be left in the hands of Iran’s people to avoid giving the government an excuse for more violence. I'm Susan Shand. ___________________________________________ Words in this story: mullah – n. a Muslim learned in Islamic teachings and religious law hardliner – n. a member of a group, often a political group, who is not willing to compromise sanctions – n. a threatened penalty for disobeying a law or rule. waiver – n. a document recording the surrendering of a right or claim. grocer – n. someone who sells food, meats, fruits, vegetables and usually other products excuse – n. reason manage – v. to direct or supervise someone or something

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Getting to Know Gerunds and Infinitives

Welcome to another episode of Everyday Grammar on VOA Learning English. English learners have difficulty with gerunds and infinitives. A gerund is the –ing form of a verb that functions the same as a noun. For example, “Running is fun.” In this sentence, “running” is the gerund. It acts just like a noun. The infinitive form of a verb appears either as the basic form (with no marking) or with the word “to.” For example, you can say “I might run to the store” or  “I like to run.” In this sentence, “to run” is the infinitive. It is difficult for English learners to know whether to use a gerund or an infinitive after a verb. Here’s an example. Which sentence is correct? Sentence One: I suggested going to dinner. Sentence Two: I suggested to go to dinner. Sentence One, with the gerund, is correct. “I suggested going to dinner.” Why? You can only use a gerund after the verb “suggest.” Let’s take the word “like.” You can say “I like" running” or “I like to run.” Both sentences have the same meaning. You can use either a gerund or an infinitive after “like.” Now let’s try “enjoy.” We can say, “I enjoy running.” But we cannot say, “I enjoy to run.” Why? Only a gerund can follow the verb “enjoy.” Are you confused yet? You’re not alone. Gerunds and infinitives confuse even very advanced English learners. Basically, some verbs are followed by gerunds, some verbs are followed by infinitives, and some verbs can be followed by gerunds or infinitives. Native speakers do not think about the difference. But English learners have to memorize the hundreds of different verb combinations. Here are a few tips. Tip Number 1: you almost always find a gerund after a preposition. For example, “She is afraid of flying.” In this sentence “of” is the preposition and “flying” is the gerund. You cannot say “She is afraid of to fly.” An infinitive cannot be the object of a preposition, only a gerund can. You could say, “She is afraid to fly,” but in this sentence, the preposition “of” is gone. Tip Number 2: When you are talking about an activity, you usually use a gerund. For example, “I stopped smoking.” You can describe many activities by using “go” before a gerund. “Let’s go shopping,” or “We went skiing.” Let’s see how much you know. Try to complete these sentences using the verb “study.” Ready? I’ll read the first part of the sentence and you finish it. I enjoy … (studying) I considered … (studying) I managed … (to study) I hope … (to study) I suggested … (studying) I like… … (studying) or … (to study) This is only a simple introduction to a complicated grammar topic. There is no quick and easy way to learn gerunds and infinitives. It takes years of practice and familiarity with the English language. Next time you read or listen to a VOA Learning English story, pay attention to use of gerunds and infinitives. Over time, you will begin to hear the right verb combination. Below is a helpful reference list for using gerunds and infinitives. I’m Jonathan Evans. And I’m Ashley Thompson.   Adam Brock wrote this story for Learning English. Dr. Jill Robbins was the editor. _________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   gerund  - n. an English noun formed from a verb by adding -ing infinitive - n. the basic form of a verb; usually used with to except with modal verbs like should and could and certain other verbs like see and hear preposition - n.  a word or group of words that is used with a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase to show direction, location, or time, or to introduce an object Now it’s your turn. In the Comments section, write one sentence that uses a verb followed by a gerund or an infinitive. We’ll respond with feedback about your usage. _____________________________________________________________ Only a gerund can follow these verbs: admit, avoid, be used to, can’t help, can’t stand, consider, deny, discuss, dislike, end up, enjoy, feel like, finish, get used to, give up, go on, have difficulty, have problems, have trouble, imagine, it’s no use, it’s worthwhile, keep, look forward to, mention, mind, miss, recommend, remember, quit, spend time, stop, suggest, understand, waste time, work at Either a gerund or an infinitive can follow these verbs, and there is no change in meaning advise (requires object with infinitive), begin, continue, hate, intend, like, love, prefer, start Either a gerund or an infinitive can follow these verbs, but the meaning may change: forget, remember, stop An infinitive follows these verbs: afford, agree, appear, arrange, ask, care, decide, demand, expect, fail, hope, learn, manage, mean, offer, plan, prepare, pretend, promise, refuse, remember, seem, stop, volunteer, wait, want, wish A noun or pronoun and an infinitive follow these verbs advise, allow, ask, cause, challenge, command, convince, expect, forbid, force, hire, instruct, invite, order, pay, permit, program, remind, teach, tell, urge, want, warn

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China Offers to Work with US on Opioid Drug Crisis

  A Chinese official says the United States should not blame China for the widespread use of opioid drugs in America. Yu Haibin of the China National Narcotics Control Commission spoke to reporters last week. He said there is little evidence that China provided much of the chemicals used to produce the powerful drug fentanyl. ​ Fentanyl is a synthetic drug similar to morphine that is prescribed by doctors to block pain. Fentanyl is said to be 50 to 100 times more powerful than morphine. The U.S. and China have worked together to fight the worldwide flow of illegal man-made drugs. But some issues remain disputed. In November, U.S. President Donald Trump voiced strong concerns about what he called a “flood of cheap and deadly” fentanyl that is made in China. He said the drug is part of the deadliest drug epidemic in U.S. history. Speaking of recent drug shipments, Yu said, “China doesn’t deny that shipments to the U.S. happen, but there isn’t the proof to show how much – whether it’s 20 percent or 80 percent.” He said U.S. officials have sent him information about only six shipments from China in the past year. In October, the Associated Press identified 12 Chinese companies willing to export the drug carfentanil around the world. AP says the cost was a few thousand dollars for one kilogram. Carfentanil is said to be 100 times more powerful than fentanyl. It is used as an anesthetic for elephants and other large animals. Yu urged the U.S. to share more information with Chinese officials. He said the over-use of pain medication and cultural attitudes about drugs have increased the demand for opioids in America. “As many states decriminalize marijuana, the public’s attitudes and trends of thinking toward drugs will also have a bad effect,” Yu said. Yu told reporters that China wants to work more closely with U.S. law enforcement and also with officials in Mexico. The drugs are believed to pass through Mexico on their way to the U.S. Chinese officials announced that they raided a factory that makes fentanyl in November. Officials said they seized 4.7 kilograms of the drug. The U.S. immigration and customs agency provided information about an online seller named “Diana.” It turns out that “Diana” was an illegal drug organization of 19 people. China has supported a U.S. proposal this year to add substances used to make fentanyl to a United Nations list of controlled substances. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that most fentanyl overdoses come from illegally made versions of the drug. The agency says more than 66,000 people in America died from drug overdoses in the 12-month period ending in May of 2017. That is more than a 17 percent increase from the year before. I’m Jill Robbins.   Mario Ritter adapted this Associated Press story for VOA Learning English. Hai Do 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   opioid –adj. describing a drug that chemically acts like opium based drugs that block pain narcotic –adj. a powerful drug that affects the brain synthetic –adj. not natural, made artificially anesthetic –adj. a drug that causes sleep or uncosciousness attitudes –n. the way people think about something, feelings that affect one’s behavior trends –n. the way an issue is changing or developing regulate –v. to control with rules  

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What Is a 'Bomb Cyclone?'

  This is What’s Trending Today… When it comes to weather, it is hard to sound more frightening than to call a storm a “bomb cyclone.” But that is how weather experts are describing a huge winter storm that is hitting the U.S. East Coast this week. From the northern state of Maine to Georgia in the south, the storm has brought high winds and heavy snow. Schools and government offices have closed because of the weather and thousands of flights have been cancelled. But as fearsome as the storm is, it probably will not be as “explosive” as the name sounds. Weather experts, or meteorologists, have used the term “bomb” for storms for many years. The word has a clear definition for weather experts, says University of Oklahoma meteorology professor Jason Furtado. After “bomb cyclone” appeared in a Washington Post story this week, the weather term became popular, or “blew up,” on social media. It became a top trending topic. The same thing happened four years ago with the phrase “polar vortex” -- another long-used weather term that was not well known to the public. The technical term is “Bombogenesis.” Bomb cyclone is a shorter way of saying it, which is better for social media, says meteorologist Ryan Maue. He helped popularize “polar vortex” in 2014. Although “bomb cyclone” sounds bad, Maue notes, nothing will actually explode. Storm strength is measured by central pressure. The lower the pressure, the stronger it is. A storm is considered a “bomb” when the pressure drops quickly  -- at least 24 mililbars in 24 hours. This week’s storm in the United States is expected to strengthen at two times that rate, says Bob Oravec. He is the lead forecaster at the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center. Around the world, about 40 to 50 bomb cyclones develop each year. However, most are over the open ocean and few people notice them. “We use the term bomb,” Furtado said. “We (weather experts) know what it means, but I do think it gets a little hyped up.” I’m Mario Ritter.   Ashley Thompson adapted this AP story for VOA Learning English. Mario Ritter was the editor. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   cyclone –n. n extremely large, powerful, and destructive storm with very high winds that turn around an area of low pressure mililbars –n. a unit used to measure atmospheric pressure forecaster –n. a person whose job it is to predict something in the future, for example a weather forecaster hyped up –phrasal verb. to talk or write about something in a way to get people excited about it        

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China-Taiwan Relations: What to Expect in 2018

  As a stalemate between China and Taiwan continues, experts say China’s government may seek new efforts in 2018 to try to restart negotiations. Officials from both countries recently named some of the issues they expect to be important in the coming year. A statement from China’s Taiwan Affairs Office says the government will continue to emphasize its long-held one-China policy. Chinese officials have said acceptance of this policy is a condition for negotiations. Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen rejects that idea, however. China considers Taiwan a rebel province and believes it must eventually be reunified with China, even if by force. Public opinion studies show most Taiwanese oppose unification. China’s official Xinhua news agency reported the Taiwan Affairs Office described China-Taiwan relations in 2017 as “complex and severe.” The office said it would oppose all forms of “Taiwan independence” in the coming year, Xinhua said.   Tsai, a former law scholar, has said she seeks continued cooperation with China and a peaceful relationship. But she has also promised to strongly defend the country’s security and political system. During a year-end press conference, Tsai said that as president, she is “responsible for safeguarding national sovereignty and maintaining regional peace and stability.” She said Taiwan is currently part of an “unpredictable geopolitical environment.” Among the conditions creating this environment, she said, are the growing number of Chinese military activities in the air and at sea. “China's intention to expand their military presence in the region has become increasingly evident.” She added that other security issues in the area include increased tensions on the Korean Peninsula and territorial disputes in the South China Sea. Tsai said Taiwan has been expanding and upgrading its military capabilities in recent years as a result. She said it is important for the country to be able to depend on its own military. She also called for respect in future relations with China and promised not to take a “reckless” path.     Many experts say the president’s Democratic Progressive Party will delay making changes to its China policy until after local elections in late 2018. Wu Chung-li is a political science research fellow at Taipei-based university Academia Sinica. He says voters who do not agree with China policy changes might choose opposition candidates, some of whom might favor Taiwan’s legal independence from China. Wu said he believes Taiwan’s government sees improving ties with China as an issue of top importance. “But the ruling party is also kidnapped by the local elections. I really don’t know how they can make any change,” he added. Gratiana Jung is a political researcher with the Yuanta-Polaris Research Institute in Taipei. She says she thinks China might decide to use more “creative” means in 2018 to pressure Taiwan to return to talks and accept its one-China position. This could include increases in Chinese military planes circling Taiwan in a show of force, Jung said. She added that Chinese officials could also attempt to limit Taiwan’s overseas diplomacy. China currently has more than 170 diplomatic allies, compared to Taiwan’s 20. I’m Bryan Lynn. Ralph Jennings reported this story for VOA News. Bryan Lynn adapted it for VOA Learning English, with additional information from Reuters, Xinhua news agency and other sources.  Caty Weaver 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 stalemate – n. dispute in which parties cannot come to agreement emphasize – v. give special attention to something sovereignty – n. a country's independent authority and the right to govern itself maintain – v. to continue something that has been started regional – adj. relating to a specific area stability – n. continuous state of something, not easily changed geopolitical – adj. relating to the political and geographic parts of something intention – n. something you plan to do or achieve reckless – adj. doing something dangerous and not caring about what might happen  

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News Words: Ordinary

This news word is from a story about puppies.

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January 4, 2018

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

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How Will Machines and AI Change the Future of Work?

  Several recent studies examined how machine automation and artificial intelligence (AI) will change the future of work. Some estimates predict these technologies could displace up to 30 percent of workers worldwide by 2030. One study was published by PricewaterhouseCoopers, an international company providing financial and tax services. It predicted about 38 percent of American jobs could be at high risk for automation by the early 2030s. In Germany, up to 35 percent of jobs could be at risk. The company said about 30 percent could be affected in Britain and 21 percent in Japan. The risk of being displaced will greatly increase for workers with less education, PricewaterhouseCoopers said. It estimated that in Britain, up to 46 percent of workers without a college degree could be at risk due to automation. This would drop to about 12 percent for workers with undergraduate degrees or higher. “New smart machines have the potential to replace our minds and to move around freely in the world,” the study said. It added that the greatest job displacement is expected to come in the areas of transportation, storage, manufacturing and retail. The Rand Corporation recently issued its own report on the future effects of automation and AI on jobs and the workplace. Osonde Osoba was a co-author of the report. He noted that fears over machines taking jobs from humans goes back centuries. In 16th century England, Queen Elizabeth famously refused an inventor’s request for a patent for a device to make material for clothing. The Queen explained that the device would lead to major job losses, forcing affected workers to become “beggars.”  Osoba agrees there will be major job disruptions due to AI and automation, especially for lower skilled workers. But he told VOA he believes the future problems have been overestimated without historical evidence to back up the predictions.    “It’s not so much that the jobs are getting displaced, it’s more like tasks are getting displaced and jobs are reconfiguring over time to account for that automation.” He added that it will be very difficult for companies to completely automate most jobs, because they require a worker to perform many different duties and to react to unexpected situations. The RAND report identifies three job types that will be very difficult to replace with a machine. These include jobs depending on human motor skills, positions requiring creative thinking and actions, and jobs dealing with intense social interaction.    There are recent examples of companies like Google and Facebook using AI to limit certain kinds of content. Osoba says this can be problematic for machines, which do not understand cultural norms in the population. “So that understanding of cultural norms, or social norms or ethical norms, that’s not something that’s easy – at least so far we haven’t found that easy to program into artificial intelligence.”   The McKinsey Global Institute, a private think tank, has also studied the issue. Its research suggests that up to one-third of work activities across 46 nations could be displaced by 2030. The organization’s report predicts automation could force 75 million to 375 million workers into new job areas by 2030.  McKinsey identified several jobs that will not be easily replaceable by machines. These include health-care providers, engineers, scientists, accountants, technology experts and managers. It also predicted rising demand for educators, and “creatives,” a group of workers including artists, performers and entertainers. The study said automation will also raise productivity and economic growth. It said this growth – along with other economic influences - could help offset the displacement of millions of workers. “All workers will need to adapt, as their occupations evolve alongside increasingly capable machines,” the report said. McKinsey says this will require ongoing retraining of workers. In addition, employees will be spending more time on activities difficult to automate. This includes tasks requiring emotional, creative and cognitive skills, the study said. Rand Corporation’s Osonde Osoba agrees. He says workers will increasingly have to be willing and prepared to regularly change jobs and roles to keep up with technology. “If you are thinking about concrete things an individual might do to prepare themselves, I guess being more adaptable, being more flexible, being able to reeducate yourself to fit into a different job.” He added that there will be a great need in the future for many more AI developers and researchers. For this reason, he suggests young people interested in these areas start their career paths early to prepare for these high-paying, competitive jobs.      I’m Bryan Lynn.   Bryan Lynn reported this story for VOA Learning English. Hai Do 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   displace – v. force people to move from one place, job, etc. to another retail – n. the activity of selling products to the public patent – n. official document giving a person or company the right to be the only one that makes or sells a product for a certain period of time beggar – n. person who lives by asking people to give them money, food, etc. disruption – n. causing something to be unable to continue in the normal way reconfigure – v. change the way something is arranged or prepared filter – v. remove something unwanted ethical – adj. involving questions of right and wrong behavior evolve – v. to develop or make something develop over time cognitive – adj. of, relating to, or involving conscious mental activities concrete – adj. of or related to a real thing, people or actions flexible – adj. able to easily change or adapt to a situation  

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Iran's Islamic Republic Faces Protests

Supporters of Iran’s government held demonstrations in cities across the country Wednesday following days of anti-government protests. Iranian state television showed video of crowds waving Iranian flags and expressing support for Iran’s top leader. Later in the day, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said the anti-government protests were at an end. At least 21 people have died in the unrest over the past week. Many of the anti-government protesters are angry about high unemployment and inflation. These conditions have continued even after the end of international sanctions in 2015. Those measures were designed to punish Iran for its nuclear activities. In exchange for limits on its nuclear program, international powers cancelled trade restrictions and released billions of dollars of Iranian money. But critics say the current president, Hassan Rouhani, has failed to use the money to improve the country’s economy. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, blamed other governments for problems in the country. “In recent days, enemies of Iran used different tools, including cash, weapons, politics and intelligence apparatus to create troubles for the Islamic Republic,” he said. The Islamic Republic in Iran Iran’s form of government is called an Islamic Republic. The republic is led by a president, who is directly elected by voters. But in Iran, the position of Supreme Leader is above the president. The position is given to an Islamic scholar. The Supreme Leader has power to appoint top government officials. They include commanders of the armed forces, the head of state radio and television, and members of national security councils. The Supreme Leader also can make appointments to the Assembly of Experts. They form a group of experts who are knowledgeable in Islamic law, known as Sharia. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is the second man to hold the position since Iran declared itself an Islamic Republic in 1979. The first, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, took power during the Iranian revolution, which ousted the Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. Khomeini ruled until his death in 1989. The Supreme Leader can use his powers to design and supervise the general policies of the Islamic Republic. He can order special elections on important issues. He has powers over the armed forces. He can take command of the military or solve disputes between branches of the military. In addition, the Supreme Leader has powers to approve election results, pardon or reduce sentences of people jailed for crimes and to approve the removal of a president. In short, Iran’s Supreme Leader makes final decisions on the economy, environment, foreign policy, education, population growth and elections. However, he is not directly elected. The president of Iran is directly elected to a four-year term and is limited to two terms. However, he must answer to the Supreme Leader. Rouhani is considered a moderate who supports improved ties with the West. He was elected to his second term in 2017. He follows Mahmoud Ahmadinejad who was considered a conservative. Iran’s president leads the executive branch of government and can choose a cabinet with approval from parliament. He is deputy commander-in-chief of the armed forces. He also can declare emergencies or military rule. The president also leads the National Security Council and the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution. The Islamic Consultative Assembly is Iran’s lawmaking body. The assembly has 290 members. They can create propose and approve legislation so long as it is not in conflict with Islamic teachings. The Assembly can investigate issues affecting the nation and approve international treaties. It also can put questions to the president and hold a vote of confidence on the president’s election. Reports note that the anti-government protests appear to be directed at Iran’s top leaders. Many of the protesters consider Rouhani corrupt. They also blame the Supreme Leader for the country’s condition. The protesters say Iran should spend less money in places like Syria and Lebanon. Instead, they want more done to create jobs, to improve the economy and to limit corruption. Some experts say women are taking part in the protests to call for equal rights. I’m Ashley Thompson. And I'm Mario Ritter. Marissa Melton reported this story for VOA News. Mario Ritter adapted her report for Learning English. 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   sanctions – n. measures taken against a country to cause it to obey international rules usually by limiting trade apparatus – n. an organization or system that operates something or carries out a broad task scholar – n. a person who has studied a subject for a long time and knows a lot about it cash – n. ready money branch – n. a part of a larger organization; an extension of a tree executive – adj. of or relating to the direction of people of things confidence – n. a feeling that you can do something well  

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Peruvian Writers Speak Out Against Fujimori Pardon

  More than 230 Peruvian writers have signed a letter rejecting the pardon of former President Alberto Fujimori. The letter criticizes current President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski for offering the pardon, announced on December 24. Alfredo Bryce Echenique, Fernando Iwasaki and Nobel Prize winner Mario Vargas Llosa spoke out in the letter. Kuczynski said he extended the pardon for humanitarian reasons linked to Fujimori’s poor health. The former leader had been serving a 25-year prison sentence for human rights abuses and other charges. The letter says Fujimori was responsible for a government overthrow and destruction of the country’s institutions. It says the pardon “demonstrates a lack of appreciation for dignity, for equality before the law, and the right to remember wrongdoing.” It also describes the pardon as a dangerous agreement between political forces hoping to control corruption cases that involve them. In addition, Vargas Llosa wrote a commentary in El Pais, the most widely read newspaper in Spain. He said the people who voted for Kuczynski had unknowingly helped return power to Fujimori. He added that the pardon makes Kuczynski a partner and hostage of Fujimori. The former president was found guilty of human rights violations, corruption, and approving of death squads during his time in office from 1990 to 2000. Some Peruvians honor Fujimori for fighting rebels. Others say he was a corrupt dictator. The pardon has led to protests in Lima, the Peruvian capital. Opponents of Fujimori were waving pictures of people imprisoned or killed during his rule. Police fired tear gas at the crowds December 24. Two days later, the 79-year-old Fujimori asked the public for forgiveness. In a Facebook video filmed from his hospital bed, Fujimori said, "I am aware that the results of my government were well received on one side, but I admit that I have let down other compatriots, and I ask them to forgive me with all my heart." Fujimori thanked Kuczynski for the pardon and said that, as a free man, he would support the president's calls for greater unity in the country. Fujimori was taken to the hospital December 23 after suffering a severe drop in blood pressure and an abnormal heartbeat. Some say Fujimori was acting sick in order to get a pardon. His doctor denies the accusations. I’m Jonathan Evans.   Melissa Melton wrote this story for VOA News. Alice Bryant adapted it for Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   institution – n. an established organization appreciation – n. a feeling of being grateful for something dignity – n. the quality of being worthy of honor or respect death squad – n. an armed group formed to kill particular people, especially political opponents aware – adj. knowing that something exists compatriot – n. a person from the same country as someone else

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