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Articles by Ivan Watson
Exclusive: Inside the prison that executes people for supplying cannabis
Singapore (CNN) — Though he is provided with a straw mat, Matthew says he prefers to sleep on the concrete floor of his cell in the maximum-security wing of Singapore’s Changi Prison. “It’s more cooling that way,” says the 41-year-old former schoolteacher, who was sentenced to more than seven years in prison and seven strokes of the cane for selling methamphetamine.
Those leaving Lebanon hold their families extra tight as they say goodbye
By Ivan Watson, CNN Beirut, Lebanon (CNN) — When our plane finally took off from Beirut, it was nearly an hour late. The mood in the sold-out cabin was grim. Like many of the passengers, my family and I had been on vacation in Lebanon last week, trying to enjoy a long-awaited reunion with my in-laws. Instead, we watched with growing dread and absolute powerlessness, as day by day, rocket strikes and assassinations pushed this beautiful corner of the eastern Mediterranean ever closer to all-out war.
Zelensky says China’s ‘support to Russia’ will extend war in Ukraine during surprise appearance in Asia
By Brad Lendon, Ivan Watson and Simone McCarthy, CNN Singapore (CNN) — China’s support to Russia will extend the war in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Sunday, as he called on countries across the Asia-Pacific to join an upcoming peace summit he accused Russia of trying to thwart. Zelensky made the comments in Singapore during a surprise appearance at a meeting of defense chiefs from across the Asia-Pacific, including China and the US.
Zelensky says China’s ‘support to Russia’ will extend war in Ukraine during surprise appearance in Asia
Singapore (CNN) — China’s support to Russia will extend the war in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Sunday, as he called on countries across the Asia-Pacific to join an upcoming peace summit he accused Russia of trying to thwart.
Traumatized Thai farmers recount horror of Hamas massacre as families wait for news of loved ones held hostage
Udon Thani, Thailand (CNN) — Touching the side of his neck gingerly, 30-year-old Withawat Kunwong reveals a jagged network of scars he received after being attacked at a poultry farm where he had been working in southern Israel. The wound, Kunwong says, is a painful reminder of the fear and trauma he endured on October 7 when thousands of Hamas fighters broke through Israel’s border defenses in an unprecedented surprise attack.
Traumatized Thai farmers recount horror of Hamas massacre as families wait for news of loved ones held hostage
Udon Thani, Thailand (CNN) — Touching the side of his neck gingerly, 30-year-old Withawat Kunwong reveals a jagged network of scars he received after being attacked at a poultry farm where he had been working in southern Israel. The wound, Kunwong says, is a painful reminder of the fear and trauma he endured on October 7 when thousands of Hamas fighters broke through Israel’s border defenses in an unprecedented surprise attack. kAm%96 72C> 96 925 366? H@C<:?8 @? H2D =@42E65 :? E96 w@=:E <:33FEK[ 2?
Despair and anguish stalks hospitals as India reels from devastating train crash
Balasore, Odisha (CNN) — Manto Kumar was traveling on the Coromandel Express with six of his friends when his train compartment began to violently shake like an earthquake. “Suddenly something crashed into us. Some of the coaches rolled to the other side,” the 32-year-old restaurant worker told CNN from a hospital in India’s eastern Odisha state.
Despair and anguish stalks hospitals as India reels from devastating train crash
Balasore, Odisha (CNN) — Manto Kumar was traveling on the Coromandel Express with six of his friends when his train compartment began to violently shake like an earthquake. “Suddenly something crashed into us. Some of the coaches rolled to the other side,” the 32-year-old restaurant worker told CNN from a hospital in India’s eastern Odisha state. “I got up and wrapped my shirt around my bleeding head. Then, I started looking for my friends.
Crushed rail cars. Bodies tangled in metal. Passengers and first responders recount the horror of deadly India train crash
Bahanaga, India CNN — Authorities investigating one of the deadliest train crashes in India’s history were examining whether a signal failure led to the disaster, as rescue workers finished their search for survivors and overturned train cars were cleared from the tracks on Sunday.
Crushed rail cars. Bodies tangled in metal. Passengers and first responders recount the horror of deadly India train crash
Bahanaga, India (CNN) — Authorities investigating one of the deadliest train crashes in India’s history were examining whether a signal failure led to the disaster, as rescue workers finished their search for survivors and overturned train cars were cleared from the tracks on Sunday.
‘We thought it was an earthquake’: Probe into deadly train crash focuses on signal failure, as rescue efforts end
Balasore, India (CNN) — Authorities investigating one of the deadliest train crashes in India’s history were examining whether a signal failure led to the disaster, as rescue workers finished their search for survivors and overturned train cars were cleared from the tracks on Sunday.
'He was curious about the world': Friends remember American student killed in Seoul Halloween disaster
By Rebecca Wright, Ivan Watson, Jake Kwon and Tom Booth, CNN When he arrived in the South Korean city of Seoul in late August, American exchange student Steven Blesi quickly developed a wide circle of friends from around the world. The 20-year-old from Atlanta was studying at the city’s Hangyang University, as part of a US study abroad program.
As Putin's 'partial mobilization' begins, tearful goodbyes and an exodus from Russia
Vladimir Putin's "partial mobilization" of citizens for his war in Ukraine has already set in motion sweeping changes for many Russians, as drafted men bid their families emotional goodbyes, while others attempt to flee, scrambling to make it across land border crossings or buy air tickets out. For many of those leaving, the reason is the same: to avoid being drafted into Putin's brutal and faltering assault on neighboring Ukraine.
Al Qaeda Tied to Iraq Fighting
A U.S. military official tells the Reuters news service that some fighters detained after recent clashes in Iraq may be tied to al Qaeda. But clear evidence of involvement by the terrorist cell has yet to emerge. At least 40 U.S. soldiers have died in sporadic attacks since May 1. Hear NPR's Ivan Watson and NPR's Steve Inskeep. Copyright 2003 NPR
Turkey Confirms Another Case of Avian Flu
RENEE MONTAGNE, host: This is MORNING EDITION from NPR News. I'm Renee Montagne. STEVE INSKEEP, host: And I'm Steve Inskeep. Turkish television is reporting a new case of bird flu. The case was discovered as Turkish officials conducted tests across the country. Now even before today's news, Turkey confirmed 14 bird flu victims, including three children who died. NPR's Ivan Watson is in the eastern Turkish town where those children died. He's tracking the story.
Former U.S. Adviser Chalabi Wanted in Iraq
Iraq issues an arrest warrant for former Pentagon adviser and Iraqi governing council member Ahmed Chalabi. He's accused of counterfeiting. A warrant issued for his nephew accuses Salem Chalabi of murder. Hear NPR's Ivan Watson. Copyright 2004 NPR
U.S. Soldier Killed in Iraq Ambush
Gunmen pretending to seek emergency medical care kill an American soldier in western Iraq. The death marks the 29th U.S. military fatality in Iraq since President Bush declared an end to hostilities on May 1. U.S. officials report an increase in coordinated attacks carried out by men they describe as trained military professionals. NPR's Ivan Watson reports. Copyright 2003 NPR
Hezbollah Leader Promises More Attacks on Israel
DEBBIE ELLIOTT, host: As Sunday turns to Monday in the Mideast, witnesses say Israeli airstrikes hit the Lebanese city of Tripoli and other targets along the Mediterranean Coast near Beirut. Earlier Sunday, Hezbollah leader Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah broadcast a televised statement, promising further surprises for Israel. Earlier we spoke to NPR's Ivan Watson in Beirut. I asked him about the Hezbollah leader's remarks.
Clashes, tear gas, pot-banging: New protests sweep Turkish city
By Ivan Watson, CNN ISTANBUL, Turkey (CNN) — The commercial and entertainment heart of Turkey’s largest city again became the scene of clashes between riot police and small groups of protesters Saturday night, after security forces fired tear gas, water cannons and plastic pellets to disperse anti-government demonstrators. “The police detained one friend who was just sitting at our table,” said Safak Velioglu, the owner of a bar located on an alley in the center of the district.
Kurds Depart N. Iraq Oilfields
NPR's Ivan Watson reports growing numbers of Kurds are leaving the oil center of Kirkuk. Iraqi security forces there have staged a security clampdown ahead of an anticipated attack by the United States. Copyright 2003 NPR
Former U.S. Adviser Chalabi Wanted in Iraq
Iraq issues an arrest warrant for former Pentagon adviser and Iraqi governing council member Ahmed Chalabi. He's accused of counterfeiting. A warrant issued for his nephew accuses Salem Chalabi of murder. Hear NPR's Ivan Watson. Copyright 2004 NPR
Turkey Confirms Another Case of Avian Flu
RENEE MONTAGNE, host: This is MORNING EDITION from NPR News. I'm Renee Montagne. STEVE INSKEEP, host: And I'm Steve Inskeep. Turkish television is reporting a new case of bird flu. The case was discovered as Turkish officials conducted tests across the country. Now even before today's news, Turkey confirmed 14 bird flu victims, including three children who died. NPR's Ivan Watson is in the eastern Turkish town where those children died. He's tracking the story.
Hezbollah Leader Promises More Attacks on Israel
DEBBIE ELLIOTT, host: As Sunday turns to Monday in the Mideast, witnesses say Israeli airstrikes hit the Lebanese city of Tripoli and other targets along the Mediterranean Coast near Beirut. Earlier Sunday, Hezbollah leader Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah broadcast a televised statement, promising further surprises for Israel. Earlier we spoke to NPR's Ivan Watson in Beirut. I asked him about the Hezbollah leader's remarks.
Bombs Kill 140 on Shiite Holy Day in Iraq
Suicide bombings and mortar attacks in Iraq leave more than 140 people dead and hundreds wounded in Baghdad and the holy city of Karbala. The nearly simultaneous attacks targeted Shiite shrines, where more than 2 million Shiite Muslims -- many of them pilgrims -- had come to observe the holy day of Ashoura. NPR's Ivan Watson reports. Copyright 2004 NPR
Iraqi Council Seeks to Revive Interim Constitution
Efforts are under way in Baghdad to revive the interim constitution that was supposed to be signed by Iraqi factions yesterday. At the last moment, five Shia Muslim leaders refused to endorse the document, to the embarrassment of U.S. administrators. A new meeting is set for Monday. Hear NPR's John Ydstie and NPR's Ivan Watson. Copyright 2004 NPR
Authorities Continue Probe into London Blasts
JENNIFER LUDDEN, host: From NPR News, this is ALL THINGS CONSIDERED. I'm Jennifer Ludden. British police today continued their investigation into Thursday's terrorist attacks in London. They now put the number killed at 49, but expect the death toll to rise as they sift through debris. NPR's Ivan Watson reports from London. IVAN WATSON reporting: Two days into the investigation, British police abruptly revised the chronology of the terror attacks.
Iraqis Push for Armed Militias
Bombings at Shiite Muslim shrines in Baghdad and Karbala have led to increased demands for Shiite militiamen to be given authorization to help maintain security in Shiite areas. Officials of the U.S. occupation authority remain opposed to the idea. NPR's Ivan Watson reports. Copyright 2004 NPR
Sistani Calls on U.N. to Back Iraqi Elections
Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani says he will accept a caucus-elected government in July if the United Nations guarantees direct elections will be held in Iraq by 2005. Sistani, Iraq's most prominent Shiite cleric, had previously insisted that elections take place by June 30, the date targeted by the United States for a transfer of power to an Iraqi government. Hear NPR's Ivan Watson. Copyright 2004 NPR
Sunni, Kurdish Voters Report Few Election Problems
Security was tight for Iraq's national election in troubled areas of the country like Baqubah, a Sunni stronghold. Early Sunday, a brief but fierce firefight broke out, raising an alert. But the day saw no major violence in the area, allowing people to head to ballot boxes. Some irregularities were reported during the day's voting, ranging from people who claimed they were wrongly left off the voting rolls to a lack of election workers or materials that kept some votes from being cast.
Al Qaeda Tied to Iraq Fighting
A U.S. military official tells the Reuters news service that some fighters detained after recent clashes in Iraq may be tied to al Qaeda. But clear evidence of involvement by the terrorist cell has yet to emerge. At least 40 U.S. soldiers have died in sporadic attacks since May 1. Hear NPR's Ivan Watson and NPR's Steve Inskeep. Copyright 2003 NPR
U.S. Soldier Killed in Iraq Ambush
Gunmen pretending to seek emergency medical care kill an American soldier in western Iraq. The death marks the 29th U.S. military fatality in Iraq since President Bush declared an end to hostilities on May 1. U.S. officials report an increase in coordinated attacks carried out by men they describe as trained military professionals. NPR's Ivan Watson reports. Copyright 2003 NPR
US will not ignore China's behavior in South China Sea, acting defense secretary Shanahan says
News By Brad Lendon and Ivan Watson, CNN The United States can't fully trust China until Beijing starts playing by the rules. That was the overarching message delivered by acting US Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan at... Friday, May 31st 2019, 6:01 PM HST By Brad Lendon and Ivan Watson, CNN The United States can't fully trust China until Beijing starts playing by the rules.
US will not ignore China's behavior in South China Sea, acting defense secretary Shanahan says
News By Brad Lendon and Ivan Watson, CNN The United States can't fully trust China until Beijing starts playing by the rules. That was the overarching message delivered by acting US Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan at... Saturday, June 1st 2019, 12:01 AM EDT Updated: Saturday, June 1st 2019, 2:31 AM EDT By Brad Lendon and Ivan Watson, CNN The United States can't fully trust China until Beijing starts playing by the rules.
US will not ignore China's behavior in South China Sea, acting defense secretary Shanahan says
(CNN) — The United States can't fully trust China until Beijing starts playing by the rules. That was the overarching message delivered by acting US Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan at Asia's premier defense forum Saturday morning in Singapore.
Sri Lanka fears new attacks as weekend prayers begin
Carl Court/Getty Images Police officers look on as women queue to pass through security to attend a funeral for a person killed in the Easter Sunday attack on St Sebastian's Church, on April 25, 2019, in Negombo , Sri Lanka. Carl Court/Getty Images Police officers look on as women queue to pass through security to attend a funeral for a person killed in the Easter Sunday attack on St Sebastian's Church, on April 25, 2019, in Negombo , Sri Lanka.
'Both died in my hands:' Man lost his wife and only child in Sri Lanka Easter attack
(CNN) -- Wearing a bright yellow dress and a flower in her hair, 10-year-old Alexendria Kolonne spent Easter Saturday singing songs and playing the guitar for her family. A day later, she was dead, murdered alongside her mother by a suicide bomber in their local church -- two of 359 people who died in six coordinated attacks on churches and hotels across Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday.
'Both died in my hands:' Man lost his wife and only child in Sri Lanka Easter attack
(CNN) -- Wearing a bright yellow dress and a flower in her hair, 10-year-old Alexendria Kolonne spent Easter Saturday singing songs and playing the guitar for her family. A day later, she was dead, murdered alongside her mother by a suicide bomber in their local church -- two of 359 people who died in six coordinated attacks on churches and hotels across Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday.
'Both died in my hands:' Man lost his wife and only child in Sri Lanka Easter attack
(CNN) -- Wearing a bright yellow dress and a flower in her hair, 10-year-old Alexendria Kolonne spent Easter Saturday singing songs and playing the guitar for her family. A day later, she was dead, murdered alongside her mother by a suicide bomber in their local church -- two of 359 people who died in six coordinated attacks on churches and hotels across Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday.
Australian-Sri Lankan lost his wife and only child in Easter attack
Carl Court/Getty Images People attend the funeral of a person killed in the Easter Sunday attack on St Sebastian's Church, on April 23, 2019, in Negombo , Sri Lanka. Carl Court/Getty Images People attend the funeral of a person killed in the Easter Sunday attack on St Sebastian's Church, on April 23, 2019, in Negombo , Sri Lanka.
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