NPR News

The case of an American who faces murder charges in Pakistan is straining the already delicate relationship between the two countries. Raymond Davis is accused of fatally shooting two Pakistanis late last month. Davis says he fired in self-defense because the two were about to rob him. Host Liane Hansen talks with Najam Sethi, editor-in-chief of the Friday Times in Pakistan about strained relations between the U.S. and Pakistan over the case of an American charged with murder.

In Alabama, the Sons of Confederate Veterans are planning a re-enactment of the swearing in of Jefferson Davis this weekend. The group wants to commemorate the upcoming 150th anniversary of the Civil War. The ceremony and accompanying parade of re-enactors is rubbing some people the wrong way.

Many cities have statues of icons that represent the spirit of those towns. New York has the Statue of Liberty. Metropolis, Ill., has a statue of Superman. And, of course, Philadelphia has statues of Ben Franklin and Rocky Balboa. Detroit's thinking of getting a statue, too: of RoboCop.

Yes, RoboCop, the star of the 1987 classic science-fiction film. The movie was set in a futuristic Detroit, though it wasn't filmed there.

There are protests happening all over the Middle East and North Africa Sunday. Anti-government protesters in Yemen, Libya, Bahrain and other countries are calling for change. Host Liane Hansen speaks with Rob Malley of the International Crisis Group about the latest developments in the Middle East.

Sir Derek Jacobi is one of Great Britain's leading actors with decades of work on stage and in television and film. He can be seen in movie theaters now in The King's Speech as the archbishop of Canterbury. His latest triumph is his award-winning role as King Lear at the Donmar Warehouse in London. Host Liane Hansen speaks with Jacobi about his illustrious career.