Newscast for Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Tianannmen Square anniversary: witnesses recall democracy movement´s rise and fall
Twenty years ago, the Chinese government extinguished one of the world´s largest democracy movements.

Students and political activists set up a massive pro-democracy campsite for months in Beijing's Tianannmen Square. But on the night of June 3rd 1989, Chinese troops marched into Tianannmen square to break up the peaceful demonstrations.

Many were killed and injured - estimates vary widely, from hundreds to thousands. FSRN´s Daniel Bastard reports.

Israel conducts its largest ever military exercise
The Israeli military is conducting a five-day military exercise this week called "Turning Point 3" to simulate an attack on the country. According to military officials the drills simulates a three-front attack on Israel, from Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the Syrian army.

Israel started the drills after the war with Hezbollah in Lebanon in 2006. The military simulation also comes immediately before the Lebanese elections, in which some analysts predict Hezbollah could win. FSRN's Ghassan Bannoura reports

Professor Stephen Zunes talks about the “new” US empire
As military drills take place in Israel, President Obama makes a much anticipated visit to the Middle East.

Obama´s discussing Iran´s nuclear program with Saudi Arabia´s king Abdullah and he is also expected to pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to stop the development of Jewish Settlements in the West Bank.

On Thursday, Obama will deliver a speech in Cairo where many expect the President will unveil a new Arab-Israeli peace plan.

But how´s this different from George Bush´s approach to the region?

Stephen Zunes is a professor of Politics at the University of San Francisco, and a Middle East expert.  He spoke with FSRN's Nathan Moore about U.S. foreign policy during Obama's first months in office.

Oil rich Nigeria running out of fuel; citizens angered by shortages
There´s an acute fuel scarcity in Nigeria, and workers are taking to the streets to demand the government resolve this situation.

FSRN´s Sam Olukoya reports from Lagos.

Rep. John Conyers tours US promoting health care act
While Congress was in recess, Rep. John Conyers took the time to visit six cities advocating House Resolution 676, the United Sates National Health Care Act.

The bill is also known as Medicare for All, a single payer insurance paid for by the federal government with money from taxes, and medical bills going directly to a government insurance plan, similar to Medicare.

Conyers began his tour in Atlanta, Georgia where health care advocates have struggled to maintain quality public services for working class, low-income, and no income residents. Sacajawea Hall reports.