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Jeff Swicord

Produced by Jeff Swicord

October 23, 2016
US Justice Department Reducing Number of Federal Election Observers

Comments by Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump about electoral fraud have alarmed many in the U.S. and abroad. Free and fair elections have always been the cornerstone of American Democracy and a standard for many around the world. While experts agree there is no statistically significant electoral fraud in the U.S., they caution this is an unusual electoral year for many reasons. And problems could arise. Jeff Swicord Reports.
September 26, 2016
After Signing, Colombian Peace Agreement May Still Face Hurdles

Analyst, locals express doubts truce will bring major changes in short term
September 26, 2016
After Signing, Colombia Peace Agreement Faces Hurdles

A formal peace agreement between the Colombian government and the rebel group FARC will be signed in the port city of Cartagena on Monday, ending the longest running conflict in the Americas. As Jeff Swicord reports, the deal faces one more hurdle before its implementation.
September 21, 2016
Why Are Humanitarian Workers Being Targeted in Syria?

With five French aid workers killed near Aleppo, Syria, on Wednesday and 20 people killed during an airstrike on an aid convoy earlier this week, many are wondering why humanitarian workers appear to be targeted in the war-torn country. As VOA's Jeff Swicord reports, the carnage is part of a complex battle for control over what was once Syria's industrial center.
August 19, 2016
Brazilians Hit with Hidden Cost of Rio Olympics

The official estimated cost for the Olympic games in Rio de Janeiro ranges somewhere between $4.5 and more than $6 billion, far lower than the Sochi and London games. Some of that money was spent on glossy infrastructure projects that were expected to be a lasting legacy of the games for the city. But as Jeff Swicord reports, the social cost associated with all that development will affect some of the citizens of Rio for the rest of their lives.
August 19, 2016
Brazilians Hit with Hidden Cost of Rio Olympics

It is estimated that 20,000 people in Rio have been evicted from their homes for Olympic development
August 15, 2016
Brazil is Destination or Stopover for Refugees

Escaping the world's conflict zones — like Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan — is not easy. For those lucky enough to leave, there are few countries around the world willing to accept refugees from war-torn regions. Several of those countries are in South America. Increasingly over the last five years, Brazil has been used both as a destination and transit point to Europe and the U.S. Jeff Swicord reports from Rio de Janeiro.
August 12, 2016
Volleyball Promotes Itself at Rio Olympics

Fans attending the Olympic games in Rio de Janeiro have all kinds of opportunities to broaden their sporting and cultural horizons. It’s also an opportunity for specific sports to market themselves to new audiences. VOA's Jeff Swicord visited one such facility, Volleyball House on Copacabana beach — a fan-interactive exhibit.
August 10, 2016
Brazilians Struggle Economically in Midst of Olympic Games

Underlying the pageantry of the Olympics is great turmoil; Brazil is in the grip of a crippling political and economic crisis
August 09, 2016
What It's Like to Be at the Rio Olympic Games

A sunny day in Rio brings out the crowds at the Olympic park in Barra. Initially there were complaints of long lines at security check points, but those problems are fading as the Summer games kick into high gear. VOA's Jeff Swicord finds the Olympic spirit is catching on, and everyone seems to be having a good time.
August 06, 2016
Athletes at Rio Look to Move Past Doping Controversy

The doping scandal surrounding mostly Russian athletes grabbed headlines in the days and weeks before the Rio Games. Now that competition has begun, athletes are looking to put the incident behind them and build an enduring legacy with their own performances. VOA's Jeff Swicord reports.
June 27, 2016
2016 Games Face Greater Challenges than Zika, Says Olympic Committee CEO

Temperatures are low enough to keep mosquito at bay, Sidney Levy tells VOA; bigger challenges are security, transportation and water quality
June 15, 2016
What Makes for Effective Counterterrorism?

Experts tell VOA law enforcement has critical role in countering extremism, but role should start when there is suspicion crime is going to be committed
June 14, 2016
Politics of Fear: How Rhetoric Affects US Islamic Community

Vast majority of US Muslims are well integrated in mixed neighborhoods, yet there's fear of backlash
June 13, 2016
Islamist Extremism in US Getting Closer Look

Is religion the problem? Rethinking the causes of radicalization in America in the wake of Orlando
April 07, 2016
Experts: IS Looting Antiquities on Industrial Scale

Destruction and sale of treasures is not only condoned but has been institutionalized within Islamic State itself
April 07, 2016
Experts: IS Looting Antiquities on Industrial Scale

Experts say the Islamic State is looting and selling cultural antiquities from Iraq and Syria on an industrial scale. The destruction and sale of these treasures is not only condoned but has been institutionalized within the Islamic State itself. And as Jeff Swicord reports, artifacts are beginning to show up on antiquities markets around the world.
March 25, 2016
Brussels Bombers Use Old Tools With New Twist

The attacks in Brussels that killed more than 30 people and wounded more than 250 were carried out with an explosive compound made from ingredients available at a typical pharmacy anywhere in the world. Directions for its manufacture can easily be found on the Internet. Islamic State militants and al-Qaida may have perfected its manufacture in the past decade, which has terrorism officials alarmed. With Amy Katz narrating, VOA's Jeff Swicord reports.
March 09, 2016
Trudeau Visit Raises US-Canada Contrast Over Syrian Refugees

Canadian PM arrives Thursday in Washington for a state visit and meets with President Barack Obama, two leaders will discuss ways to deepen bilateral relationship
January 25, 2016
Hollande Vows to Hit IS Hard After Latest Video

French President Francois Hollande vowed to hit back hard at the Islamic State during a visit Monday to India. The French leader's remarks were in response to the latest Islamic State video showing footage of the nine militants who took part in last November's Paris attacks. Jeff Swicord reports.

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