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Although graced with stunning physical beauty and a long and rich history, Yemen is burdened with crushing poverty, an exploding population, the mistrust of its Persian Gulf neighbors and increasing pressure from the United States.

U.S. Pressures Yemen to Crack Down on Militants

Washington is pressuring Yemen to get tougher on militants, including those involved in the 2000 bombing of the USS Cole. Yemeni officials say the government isn't strong enough to defeat the extremists militarily, and warn that America's hard stance could backfire.

Hundreds of Homes Burn, Quarter-Million People Urged to Flee as Fires Menace Calif.

Wildfires blown by fierce desert winds Monday reduced hundreds of Southern California homes to ashes, forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee and laid a hellish, spidery pattern of luminous ora

KPBS Commentaries

The Politics of Water or Goodbye to Street Showers

Elderly Makrihori villagers gather at a local cafe. Many of them lost their homes, crops and livestock during the fires.

Blazes in Greece a Wake-Up Call for Climate Change

This summer's wildfires in Greece killed more than 60 people and destroyed livestock, crops, old-growth forest and scrubland. Environmentalists warn that if drastic measures aren't taken soon, the fires are just an early sign of disasters to come.

Civilian Casualties Stir Angst In Afghanistan

After a joint U.S.-Afghan military operation allegedly killed 90 Afghan civilians, Afghan support for U.S. military action is waning. Officials say bad intelligence probably led to the deadly strike aimed at Taliban fighters.

Authorities Fear SoCal Rain Could Trigger Mudslides, Flooding

Homeowners still struggling to rebuild their lives after last fall's wildfires are preparing for downpours that could bring more than a foot of rain to some mudslide-prone mountain canyons.

KPBS Commentaries

The Politics of Fire Prevention

Report: Climate Change Weighs on Economy

Climate change could trigger a global economic recession, says a new report from the British government. The study concludes that it would cost less to take strong action against climate change than react to the changes as they unfold.

Budget Cuts Are Putting Squeeze on Local Fire Departments

How will local fire districts deal with the budget cuts from Sacramento? What can residents do on their own to improve local fire protection? We speak to two fire chiefs about the impact of budget cuts on local districts, and to discuss the importance of individual fire preparation.

Organic Farmers Face Higher Insurance Costs

Organic farmers are trying to meet growing demand for chemical-free food but among their financial hurdles is paying more for federal crop insurance than farmers who use pesticides. But a provision in the farm bill tells the Agriculture Department to justify the higher price, or stop charging it.

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