WBEZ 91.5 Chicago

Dr. Jim Yong Kim is an expert in global health and is Obama's choice to lead the World Bank. His nomination faces challenges from other countries, which could signal a crack in the 70-year domination of the global financial institution by the United States.

Chilean economist Alfredo Sfeir Younis spent more than 30 years at the World Bank. There he focused on the rights of indigenous peoples, poverty eradication and international trade.

Chilean economist Alfredo Sfeir Younis spent more than 30 years at the World Bank tackling the rights of indigenous peoples, poverty eradication and international trade.

Over the last sixty years, international financial institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund have doled out more than one trillion dollars in loans.

In Syria, some observers are worried that an all-out civil war could erupt. The Assad regime has heightened its crackdown on protesters. The U.S. ambassador recently left the country. And, with Turkey’s support, deserted soldiers are taking up arms against the regime.