Detecting language using up to the first 30 seconds. Use `--language` to specify the language Detected language: English [00:00.000 --> 00:04.240] But, polluted, we look at how Kazakhstan's finally trying to clean up its act. [00:13.920 --> 00:18.320] So, just a few cities in the world left now waiting to tick over to 2012. [00:18.320 --> 00:20.960] The west coast of the United States places like Los Angeles [00:20.960 --> 00:22.960] gets its turn in an hour from now. [00:22.960 --> 00:27.200] A Hawaii in about three hours from now, then it's basically all done. [00:27.200 --> 00:31.600] But, for the last 20 hours, millions of people across the globe have been celebrating the [00:31.600 --> 00:32.640] start of the new year. [00:32.640 --> 00:34.960] The latest to light up, the Big Apple. [00:36.560 --> 00:38.640] There is hundreds of thousands of people packed. [00:39.360 --> 00:43.360] Into New York Times square, the crossroads of the world, as they call it, [00:43.920 --> 00:46.720] to watch the countdown joined by Mayor Michael Bloomberg. [00:46.720 --> 00:48.720] They're in Lady Gaga as well, pop singer, [00:48.720 --> 00:51.680] who hit the switch sending the country's famous crystal, [00:51.680 --> 00:54.240] city's famous crystal ball on its countdown that dropped. [00:54.240 --> 00:56.960] A few hours earlier in London. [01:02.800 --> 01:06.640] It was bombs, the chimes of Big Bend marked the arrival of 2012, [01:06.640 --> 01:10.880] around 250,000 people, quarter of a million on the banks of the River Tames, [01:10.880 --> 01:14.000] to watch a new fireworks display there. [01:14.000 --> 01:16.400] Big year for the British capital hosting the Olympic Games [01:17.280 --> 01:21.440] in July and August, for the Olympic theme to those colours there as well. [01:21.440 --> 01:25.040] Thousands toasting the new year on the Shomtonese in Paris. [01:26.160 --> 01:29.440] A little glass of champagne, the Eiffel Tower had a special display [01:29.440 --> 01:32.720] illuminating for the end of 2011. [01:32.720 --> 01:35.760] There were some 60,000 police officers, firefighters, [01:35.760 --> 01:38.720] and other emergency personnel, on standby across France, actually. [01:40.080 --> 01:42.560] And world leaders have taken this chance to deliver their new, [01:42.560 --> 01:44.080] year, messages, here's a few of them. [01:45.200 --> 01:50.480] Downs surdieting, world peace and development of facing new opportunities and challenges. [01:50.480 --> 01:54.240] China will continue to adhere to safeguarding world peace and promoting [01:54.240 --> 01:57.200] common development in its foreign policy objectives, [01:57.200 --> 02:00.400] adhere to an independent foreign policy, the peace, [02:00.400 --> 02:04.480] and, unswervingly, follow the road of peaceful development. [02:04.480 --> 02:06.160] Rona Dvacicliatnaza. [02:06.160 --> 02:11.120] Exactly 20 years ago, we celebrated our first new year in a country called Russia, [02:11.120 --> 02:15.440] a name celebrated for the illustrious deeds of our great ancestors. [02:15.440 --> 02:19.040] It is our duty to preserve it and to build a progressive state. [02:19.040 --> 02:21.040] Rona Dvacicliatnaza. [02:21.040 --> 02:24.000] This 2011 comes to an end, and we look ahead to 2012. [02:24.000 --> 02:27.040] I want to wish everyone a happy and healthy new year. [02:27.040 --> 02:31.040] The last year has been a time of great challenge and great progress for our country. [02:31.040 --> 02:35.040] We ended one war and began to wind down another. [02:35.040 --> 02:39.040] We dealt a crippling blow to Al Qaeda and made America more secure. [02:39.040 --> 02:43.040] It was a man with a fight on his hands in 2012, isn't he? [02:43.040 --> 02:45.040] With the economy still struggling in the United States, [02:45.040 --> 02:47.040] it is going to be one tough year for Barack Obama, [02:47.040 --> 02:49.040] as he tries to hold onto the White House, [02:49.040 --> 02:53.040] and ensure he doesn't become a one-term president. [02:53.040 --> 02:55.040] This is from Alan Fischer now in Washington for us. [02:55.040 --> 02:59.040] It will be the battleground for the next U.S. presidential election. [02:59.040 --> 03:03.040] While Americans have spent the past month hunting for bargains, [03:03.040 --> 03:05.040] soon they'll be shopping for a president. [03:05.040 --> 03:07.040] They hope can deliver what they're after. [03:07.040 --> 03:11.040] In this election, issues like security, immigration, and foreign policy [03:11.040 --> 03:13.040] have been pushed to the margins. [03:13.040 --> 03:15.040] In a famous political phrase from the past, [03:15.040 --> 03:17.040] it's all about the economy stupid. [03:17.040 --> 03:19.040] The economy is going to be front-center. [03:19.040 --> 03:21.040] It always is in every election, [03:21.040 --> 03:23.040] particularly presidential years. [03:23.040 --> 03:25.040] And particularly when you have a serious downturn, [03:25.040 --> 03:27.040] or we're still recovering from the downturn, [03:27.040 --> 03:29.040] it's hard to believe that won't be front-end center. [03:29.040 --> 03:33.040] Barack Obama is going into the election with an unemployment rate of more than 8%. [03:33.040 --> 03:35.040] A figure which would normally kill any chance of winning. [03:35.040 --> 03:39.040] The national debt is $15 trillion. [03:39.040 --> 03:41.040] I'm growing by around $4 billion a day. [03:41.040 --> 03:45.040] But still, his approval rating is 47%. [03:45.040 --> 03:47.040] The highest in five months. [03:47.040 --> 03:51.040] This is, as ever, a referendum on the top two candidates who America likes best. [03:51.040 --> 03:55.040] But it's also an ideological battle on the type of government America wants. [03:55.040 --> 03:59.040] Whether it favors the Democrat idea of spending more money to create jobs, [03:59.040 --> 04:03.040] or whether it backs the Republicans, cutting taxes, cutting spending [04:03.040 --> 04:05.040] to build a stronger economy. [04:05.040 --> 04:09.040] This is a battle, a crucial vote on the future direction of America. [04:09.040 --> 04:11.040] And who gets to lead it? [04:11.040 --> 04:15.040] Throughout the series of Republican debates to select a candidate, [04:15.040 --> 04:17.040] issues which have played big in previous elections, [04:17.040 --> 04:21.040] such as immigration and national security, have all had an hearing. [04:21.040 --> 04:25.040] But one observer says they are minor considerations as people go to vote. [04:25.040 --> 04:29.040] Americans always care more about what's going on at home than overseas. [04:29.040 --> 04:33.040] The examples throughout history are plentiful. [04:33.040 --> 04:37.040] This year is the same way, especially right now when we're getting out of [04:37.040 --> 04:41.040] classes a week, can trying to get out of Afghanistan. [04:41.040 --> 04:43.040] So that's all in the background right now. [04:43.040 --> 04:47.040] The first votes in the 2012 presidential election campaign [04:47.040 --> 04:49.040] will be cast on January 3rd in Iowa. [04:49.040 --> 04:53.040] The final vote, the general election, is November 6th. [04:53.040 --> 04:57.040] The thing about elections here is that a single moment, a single comment, [04:57.040 --> 04:59.040] can change the entire landscape. [04:59.040 --> 05:03.040] But this election will be won by the person who can convince Americans [05:03.040 --> 05:05.040] better times are coming, and they will have more money in their pocket. [05:05.040 --> 05:09.040] I'm Fisher, I'll just eat a Washington. [05:09.040 --> 05:11.040] Tough times for the U.S. economy clearly. [05:11.040 --> 05:13.040] What about Europe, though, in her end of year, [05:13.040 --> 05:17.040] speaks to the German Chancellor had this prediction for the year ahead. [05:17.040 --> 05:19.040] It's a noon. [05:19.040 --> 05:23.040] Today you can be sure that I will do everything in my power to strengthen the euro. [05:23.040 --> 05:27.040] But this will only work if Europe learns from its mistakes. [05:27.040 --> 05:31.040] One of these is that a common currency can only really be successful [05:31.040 --> 05:33.040] if we in Europe cooperate more than we have done. [05:33.040 --> 05:35.040] Europe is growing together in the crisis. [05:35.040 --> 05:39.040] The path to overcoming this remains long and won't be free from setbacks. [05:39.040 --> 05:43.040] But at the end of it, Europe will emerge stronger from the crisis [05:43.040 --> 05:45.040] than it went into it. [05:45.040 --> 05:49.040] The single euro currency was actually launched this day, [05:49.040 --> 05:53.040] ten years ago, but the debt crisis has really put its future in doubt. [05:53.040 --> 05:55.040] Estonia is the newest member of the euro. [05:55.040 --> 05:59.040] Charlie Angela is there for us to gauge the economic climates. [05:59.040 --> 06:03.040] The word is from Switzerland, the felt from Belgium, [06:03.040 --> 06:07.040] the strings from Germany, and Estonia piano takes three months to make [06:07.040 --> 06:11.040] and depends on Europe for its parts. [06:11.040 --> 06:15.040] These and other exports of textiles and machinery make Estonia's [06:15.040 --> 06:19.040] $19 billion economy Europe's fastest growing. [06:19.040 --> 06:29.040] Venezuela manages the factory and runs his fingers over each instrument before [06:29.040 --> 06:35.040] it has shipped. He says a success of his company and country lies in its size. [06:35.040 --> 06:41.040] We survived the recession because we're small and flexible. [06:41.040 --> 06:45.040] We don't mass produce, so we didn't have any pianos lingering [06:45.040 --> 06:47.040] and warehouses that didn't sell. [06:47.040 --> 06:49.040] Joining the euro was good for us. [06:49.040 --> 06:51.040] It did away with customs fees and border paperwork. [06:51.040 --> 06:55.040] It's brought us closer to our European neighbours and helped us break into new [06:55.040 --> 06:57.040] markets. [06:57.040 --> 06:59.040] When the euro arrived last year, the mood was festive. [06:59.040 --> 07:03.040] Estonia's were excited, but now in the capital [07:03.040 --> 07:05.040] talent that mood has changed. [07:05.040 --> 07:07.040] It was a terrible idea. [07:07.040 --> 07:11.040] We were already poor, but by next year we'll be beggars. [07:11.040 --> 07:13.040] Before when I paid for electricity and housing, [07:13.040 --> 07:15.040] I'd have $30 left. [07:15.040 --> 07:17.040] Now I have nothing. [07:17.040 --> 07:19.040] It was a bad decision. [07:19.040 --> 07:21.040] Europe is now in a financial crisis and the future looks dark. [07:21.040 --> 07:23.040] It's not a good thing. [07:23.040 --> 07:27.040] As the crisis deepens, Estonia is taking precautions. [07:27.040 --> 07:31.040] The finance minister has won awards for his austerity measures, [07:31.040 --> 07:35.040] but admits the euro's own troubles could take his country down. [07:35.040 --> 07:37.040] We have been pulled down anyway. [07:37.040 --> 07:39.040] We are part of Europe. [07:39.040 --> 07:45.040] We have been economy, our export markets are there. [07:45.040 --> 07:49.040] We depend very much on external environment. [07:49.040 --> 07:51.040] It doesn't make it different. [07:51.040 --> 07:59.040] There are only additional obligations being a part of euro's own. [07:59.040 --> 08:01.040] There are also merits. [08:01.040 --> 08:05.040] It's unclear what 2012 will hold for Estonians in the rest of the euro's own. [08:05.040 --> 08:09.040] At least this country's debts are low, and its financial assets [08:09.040 --> 08:11.040] could cushion a fall back into a session. [08:11.040 --> 08:15.040] But some say that by joining the euro when it did, [08:15.040 --> 08:19.040] Estonia really bought the last ticket onto the Titanic, [08:19.040 --> 08:21.040] Charlie Angela. [08:21.040 --> 08:25.040] Now Nigeria's president has declared an emergency in four states, [08:25.040 --> 08:29.040] after a series of attacks by the Islamist group Boko Haram. [08:29.040 --> 08:31.040] The group is behind the recent Christmas Day attacks, [08:31.040 --> 08:33.040] which killed at least 42 people. [08:33.040 --> 08:37.040] Now, in a national address, President Donaldson said the state of emergency [08:37.040 --> 08:39.040] is only an interim measure. [08:39.040 --> 08:41.040] The plan is to restore security in the north, [08:41.040 --> 08:43.040] where most of the violence has taken place. [08:43.040 --> 08:45.040] The measures include closing parts of Nigeria's borders [08:45.040 --> 08:47.040] with Niger, Cameroon and Chad. [08:47.040 --> 08:51.040] Ahmed Idris reports now from the capital of Budja. [08:51.040 --> 08:55.040] This rapidly escalating insurgency launched by the Islamist group Boko Haram [08:55.040 --> 08:57.040] has left dozens dead across the country, [08:57.040 --> 08:59.040] in a tax carried out on Christmas Day. [08:59.040 --> 09:03.040] Speaking of centuries' church in Abuja, where 37 died, [09:03.040 --> 09:05.040] President Goudla of Jonathan said, [09:05.040 --> 09:07.040] Boko Haram had started as a harmless group, [09:07.040 --> 09:09.040] but had now grown cancerous. [09:09.040 --> 09:11.040] We will crush the terrorist he said. [09:11.040 --> 09:15.040] Later, he went on television in an address to the nation [09:15.040 --> 09:17.040] to declare a state of emergency. [09:17.040 --> 09:21.040] The crisis of a joint terrorist dimension [09:21.040 --> 09:25.040] to fight that insurptions of government including the United Nations [09:25.040 --> 09:29.040] wielding and places of worship becoming tights [09:29.040 --> 09:31.040] of terrorist attacks. [09:33.040 --> 09:35.040] While it shouts for lasting solution, [09:35.040 --> 09:37.040] it's ongoing. [09:37.040 --> 09:41.040] It has become imperative to take some precise measures [09:41.040 --> 09:43.040] necessary to restore numbers in the country, [09:43.040 --> 09:47.040] especially within the affected communities. [09:47.040 --> 09:49.040] The decision to invoke emergency powers [09:49.040 --> 09:53.040] came after briefing from the President's chief of defense staff. [09:53.040 --> 09:55.040] Both the closure of international borders [09:55.040 --> 09:57.040] along the states of Yobian border [09:57.040 --> 10:01.040] in the Northeast, while part of state and central Nigeria, [10:01.040 --> 10:03.040] and Niger state, have also been declared affected areas. [10:03.040 --> 10:07.040] Boko Haram would loosely translate this Western education [10:07.040 --> 10:09.040] as forbidden, seeks the implementation of strict [10:09.040 --> 10:11.040] sharia law across the country. [10:11.040 --> 10:15.040] Their thought to have been involved in string of attacks across Nigeria [10:15.040 --> 10:19.040] in 2011, including the bombing of the U.N. in August, [10:19.040 --> 10:21.040] leaving 21 people dead. [10:21.040 --> 10:25.040] The state of emergency raises fears of an escalation [10:25.040 --> 10:27.040] in Africa's most populous nation, [10:27.040 --> 10:29.040] which is split between a largely Christian south [10:29.040 --> 10:31.040] and Muslim north. [10:31.040 --> 10:35.040] Ahmadid-Riz, Al-Jazeera, Aboujah, Nigeria. [10:35.040 --> 10:39.040] There have also been clashes in the east of the country. [10:39.040 --> 10:41.040] At least 40 people were killed in fighting [10:41.040 --> 10:45.040] between neighboring communities in Abonni state. [10:45.040 --> 10:49.040] The clashes appear to be related to a long-running land dispute. [10:49.040 --> 10:51.040] The Boko Haram insurgency. [10:51.040 --> 10:53.040] In a moment, the latest from Syria, [10:53.040 --> 10:55.040] and then, a leader to die for, [10:55.040 --> 10:57.040] North Korea's new year messages [10:57.040 --> 10:59.040] typically, psychophantic, but also [10:59.040 --> 11:01.040] acknowledges people are going hungry. [11:01.040 --> 11:03.040] But gadgets or gimmicks, [11:03.040 --> 11:05.040] we take a look at some of the new technology [11:05.040 --> 11:23.040] which could take hold in 2012. [11:23.040 --> 11:27.040] Hello, it's looking like a mild start to the new year [11:27.040 --> 11:29.040] for a much of North America. [11:29.040 --> 11:31.040] We have got glad to clear skies down [11:31.040 --> 11:33.040] into the south. [11:33.040 --> 11:35.040] This is a fizzling way, but we've got an area [11:35.040 --> 11:37.040] of ice, snow, and heavy rain [11:37.040 --> 11:39.040] moving through the northern plains, [11:39.040 --> 11:41.040] heading across the Upper Midwest into New England [11:41.040 --> 11:43.040] to eastern parts of Canada. [11:43.040 --> 11:45.040] Still very much in places, we go on through Sunday then. [11:45.040 --> 11:47.040] It will be a cold one for those central areas [11:47.040 --> 11:49.040] of Canada around Ontario, [11:49.040 --> 11:51.040] into Quebec, but for the United States, [11:51.040 --> 11:53.040] it's looking nicely fine and dry. [11:53.040 --> 11:55.040] Do you see getting up to a very respectable [11:55.040 --> 11:57.040] 14 degrees Celsius? [11:57.040 --> 11:59.040] Should be about 70 degrees at this time of the year? [11:59.040 --> 12:01.040] Some of the values too for Atlanta, [12:01.040 --> 12:03.040] let's add a D4 San Francisco. [12:03.040 --> 12:05.040] Someone she weathered towards a Pacific Northwest, [12:05.040 --> 12:07.040] but fine and dry for LA. [12:07.040 --> 12:09.040] Another warm one here, temperatures here [12:09.040 --> 12:11.040] at around 25 degrees Celsius. [12:11.040 --> 12:13.040] That's a sort of value we're looking at for Havana. [12:13.040 --> 12:15.040] Not too bad across the greater round till it's not too bad. [12:15.040 --> 12:17.040] In fact, across much of the Caribbean, [12:17.040 --> 12:19.040] Central America, seeing a rash of showers [12:19.040 --> 12:21.040] just across the southwestern corner [12:21.040 --> 12:23.040] of the Caribbean Sea. [12:23.040 --> 12:25.040] It's where the weather making it's where [12:25.040 --> 12:27.040] across the northwestern areas of Europe, [12:27.040 --> 12:29.040] but at least it's mild, we'll see temperatures [12:29.040 --> 12:31.040] under and also for Paris along with Berlin. [12:31.040 --> 12:33.040] We've got some snow making it's way [12:33.040 --> 12:35.040] over the higher ground, just around the alt. [12:35.040 --> 12:37.040] Certainly, very disturbing to that eastern side [12:37.040 --> 12:39.040] of the Mediterranean with the risk of flooding. [12:47.040 --> 12:49.040] No matter what direction you're taking, [12:49.040 --> 12:53.040] you will find us at your service all along the way. [12:53.040 --> 13:03.040] Q&B together forward. [13:03.040 --> 13:07.040] Untold stories, alternative perspectives. [13:07.040 --> 13:11.040] Share your opinions with our online community. [13:11.040 --> 13:15.040] Become part of it, join the stream. [13:15.040 --> 13:41.040] This time, on Al Jazeera. [13:41.040 --> 13:43.040] These are the top stories here in Al Jazeera. [13:43.040 --> 13:45.040] In the world celebrating the arrival of 2012, [13:45.040 --> 13:47.040] of course, hundreds of thousands of them [13:47.040 --> 13:49.040] packed, time-square in New York City, [13:49.040 --> 13:51.040] or the latest big cities to usher in the New Year, [13:51.040 --> 13:55.040] little over an hour ago. [13:55.040 --> 13:57.040] A series president declared a state of emergency [13:57.040 --> 13:59.040] in four states after a series of attacks [13:59.040 --> 14:01.040] by the Islamist group, Boko Haram, [14:01.040 --> 14:03.040] and in a separate incident in the eastern [14:03.040 --> 14:05.040] the country fighting between neighbouring communities [14:05.040 --> 14:09.040] over a land dispute is killed at least 50 people. [14:09.040 --> 14:11.040] To Syria, we're two of the country's [14:11.040 --> 14:13.040] opposition groups are joining forces, [14:13.040 --> 14:15.040] the National Coordination Committee, [14:15.040 --> 14:17.040] and the Syrian National Council, [14:17.040 --> 14:19.040] set aside their differences and signed an agreement in Cairo. [14:19.040 --> 14:23.040] The document calls for the legal protection of all civilians [14:23.040 --> 14:25.040] under international law. [14:25.040 --> 14:27.040] It talks about national unity, preventing [14:27.040 --> 14:29.040] sectarian divisions. [14:29.040 --> 14:31.040] It does also reject any foreign intervention [14:31.040 --> 14:33.040] that could affect Syria's sovereignty, [14:33.040 --> 14:37.040] and urge a new constitution to guarantee a transition [14:37.040 --> 14:39.040] to democracy. [14:39.040 --> 14:41.040] It's a free-to-report inside Syria, [14:41.040 --> 14:43.040] but Hashemah Al-Bara is getting information [14:43.040 --> 14:45.040] for us at the Turkish Syria border. [14:45.040 --> 14:47.040] It's been looking at the latest pictures [14:47.040 --> 14:49.040] to come out of the country. [14:51.040 --> 14:55.040] Swimming on to public squares across the country, [14:55.040 --> 14:59.040] if festive atmosphere here in homes, [14:59.040 --> 15:03.040] protesters remembering their dad and [15:03.040 --> 15:07.040] bowing to continue the fight to topple the regime. [15:07.040 --> 15:11.040] On the outskirts of Damascus, [15:11.040 --> 15:13.040] the scent is building momentum. [15:13.040 --> 15:17.040] These protesters are holding [15:17.040 --> 15:19.040] banners that read Bashar is a liar, [15:19.040 --> 15:23.040] and the Arab observers didn't show up here. [15:23.040 --> 15:27.040] Aleppo was for months unaffected by demonstrations, [15:27.040 --> 15:29.040] but that is changing. [15:29.040 --> 15:35.040] Defiant protesters denouncing President Bashar al-Assad. [15:35.040 --> 15:39.040] They are saying their dream is to be martyrs. [15:39.040 --> 15:43.040] The presence of Arab observers seems [15:43.040 --> 15:47.040] to have emboldened the anti-government movement across Syria. [15:47.040 --> 15:53.040] This observer is expressing concerns [15:53.040 --> 15:57.040] over the situation in the rest of the city of Dalhar. [15:57.040 --> 16:01.040] Elsewhere a video posted on the internet [16:01.040 --> 16:04.040] shows a woman complaining to another Arab-league observer. [16:04.040 --> 16:08.040] The government is making it difficult to get bread. [16:12.040 --> 16:16.040] The opposition has received a significant boost [16:16.040 --> 16:20.040] with a Syrian national council and other factions joining forces. [16:20.040 --> 16:24.040] They are talking about the transitional period [16:24.040 --> 16:26.040] and Syria after Al-Assad. [16:26.040 --> 16:28.040] With a united voice, [16:28.040 --> 16:30.040] they will call the international community [16:30.040 --> 16:36.040] to help ask the regime Hashim al-Bad Al-Jazeera and Takyah. [16:36.040 --> 16:38.040] With the violence escalating in Syria, [16:38.040 --> 16:42.040] the Philippines is calling back all of its expatriate workers. [16:42.040 --> 16:46.040] The government says it is concerned for the safety of more than 4,000 Filipinos in Syria. [16:46.040 --> 16:48.040] And the evacuation is mandatory. [16:48.040 --> 16:52.040] Most 500 workers have already fled the country. [16:52.040 --> 16:56.040] The embassy has helped more than 50 people leave on Saturday alone. [16:56.040 --> 16:58.040] Director of advocacy for Amnesty International's T. [16:58.040 --> 17:02.040] The government says he believes other countries will follow the Philippines' lead. [17:02.040 --> 17:06.040] Philippines actually waited because for Philippine government [17:06.040 --> 17:10.040] and Philippine as a country, the foreign investment [17:10.040 --> 17:14.040] that means the remittance from these workers is a significant income. [17:14.040 --> 17:20.040] So imagine if they have decided to forego those significant income [17:20.040 --> 17:24.040] at the expense to protect their citizens. [17:24.040 --> 17:26.040] That says something. [17:26.040 --> 17:28.040] If Philippine government have taken this step, [17:28.040 --> 17:30.040] then you can pretty mature. [17:30.040 --> 17:32.040] Other government will follow suit. [17:32.040 --> 17:34.040] Very soon. [17:34.040 --> 17:36.040] We showed you some new years messages early in this broadcast, [17:36.040 --> 17:40.040] and North Korean state media has broadcasted new years message of its own, [17:40.040 --> 17:44.040] calling on the nation to defend their new leader to the death. [17:44.040 --> 17:46.040] A message also acknowledged the country's food crisis, [17:46.040 --> 17:50.040] and said the problem would be tackled this year. [17:50.040 --> 17:54.040] Harry force it as more from across the border in Seoul, South Korea. [17:54.040 --> 17:56.040] It was pretty amazing. [17:56.040 --> 17:58.040] 2012 was always going to be an important year in North Korea. [17:58.040 --> 18:02.040] It's the hundredth anniversary of the birth of Kim Il Sung, the founding father. [18:02.040 --> 18:06.040] Also the year that his son Kim Jong-il said would be the achievement [18:06.040 --> 18:08.040] of a strong and prosperous nation. [18:08.040 --> 18:12.040] Of course this year also will be the first that Kim Jong-un will be in charge. [18:12.040 --> 18:16.040] And there's plenty of reference to the new young Supreme Leader as he's known [18:16.040 --> 18:18.040] in this new year message. [18:18.040 --> 18:22.040] It says that the people and the Army should act as human bowels and human shields [18:22.040 --> 18:26.040] in defending Kim Jong-un under the death it calls in the eternal center [18:26.040 --> 18:28.040] of unity in the country. [18:28.040 --> 18:32.040] In terms of the achievement of strong and prosperous nation status, [18:32.040 --> 18:36.040] it says that they will glorify this year 2012 as a year of proud victory, [18:36.040 --> 18:38.040] a year when an era of prosperity is unfolding. [18:38.040 --> 18:42.040] Now you could read that to be something slightly different from a year when prosperity [18:42.040 --> 18:44.040] is actually achieved. [18:44.040 --> 18:46.040] And indeed there is reference to the food problem in North Korea. [18:46.040 --> 18:50.040] They say the food problem is a burning issue [18:50.040 --> 18:52.040] that requires resolution. [18:52.040 --> 18:56.040] In terms of relations with the South there is strong condemnation [18:56.040 --> 19:00.040] of South Korea's refusal to allow private citizens to travel North [19:00.040 --> 19:02.040] to express their condolences. [19:02.040 --> 19:08.040] Also criticism of what the North Koreans term as the South's refusal to exceed [19:08.040 --> 19:12.040] to consideratory moves from the North in the year 2011. [19:12.040 --> 19:16.040] And also calling for the United States military [19:16.040 --> 19:19.040] to pull out from the peninsula. [19:19.040 --> 19:22.040] There's no official reaction yet here in Seoul. [19:22.040 --> 19:25.040] We're expecting potentially a presidential address from the President [19:25.040 --> 19:27.040] Yim Jong-Bak on Monday. [19:27.040 --> 19:31.040] One anonymous government official though has been quoted in the local media saying [19:31.040 --> 19:36.040] that there's appears to be a less conciliatory message than the one at the beginning of 2011. [19:36.040 --> 19:41.040] There is less talk of willingness to talk with South Korea. [19:41.040 --> 19:45.040] But that doesn't mean he says according to local media that the window for talks [19:45.040 --> 19:49.040] has been slammed shut just through this one new year message. [19:49.040 --> 19:53.040] U.S. President Barack Obama signed into law a huge defense spending bill [19:53.040 --> 19:56.040] which includes tough new sanctions against Iran. [19:56.040 --> 20:00.040] The sanctions will apply penalties to companies that do business with Iran's central bank. [20:00.040 --> 20:04.040] Wide-ranging bill also includes provisions about the detention, [20:04.040 --> 20:07.040] interrogation and prosecution of terrorist suspects. [20:07.040 --> 20:12.040] President said he signed the bill despite having some serious reservations about some of those measures. [20:12.040 --> 20:16.040] Early we heard from Richard Vites, the senior fellow at the Hudson Institute in Washington, D.C. [20:16.040 --> 20:20.040] about the possible ramifications of this bill. [20:20.040 --> 20:22.040] So it cannot too negative effects. [20:22.040 --> 20:26.040] The first, as you mentioned, is that the United States is very concerned, [20:26.040 --> 20:30.040] in the case of some countries detaining people they label as terrorists [20:30.040 --> 20:32.040] and just holding them without trial. [20:32.040 --> 20:35.040] And so we've tried to work against that. [20:35.040 --> 20:40.040] And the way some people could read the legislations in past recently [20:40.040 --> 20:44.040] and time by present today is allowing the United States to do that very thing. [20:44.040 --> 20:46.040] And so it would be, again, makes it a bit harder. [20:46.040 --> 20:48.040] There's also another problem. [20:48.040 --> 20:51.040] There's a bit of a concern that perhaps some European countries, [20:51.040 --> 20:55.040] other countries, which have a very strong tradition of legalizing human rights, [20:55.040 --> 20:58.040] might feel uncomfortable cooperating with the United States. [20:58.040 --> 21:01.040] If they say, giving us somebody who they think could be detained [21:01.040 --> 21:05.040] indefinitely, a provide information that could lead to the military seizure of somebody. [21:05.040 --> 21:08.040] So again, it could have a double-lead negative effect. [21:08.040 --> 21:11.040] If it feels like you're playing catch up with the latest technology, [21:11.040 --> 21:13.040] it's because you are. [21:13.040 --> 21:15.040] And in 2012, that is only likely to accelerate. [21:15.040 --> 21:19.040] Big feature of 2011 was the way technology information collided, [21:19.040 --> 21:22.040] helping to spur things like the Arab Spring revolutions, [21:22.040 --> 21:25.040] and sparring other mass movements like the Occupy Wall Street protest. [21:25.040 --> 21:29.040] Now, it's about making that information even more accessible [21:29.040 --> 21:32.040] and right at our fingertips if that were possible even more. [21:32.040 --> 21:34.040] Let's talk more about these developments. [21:34.040 --> 21:37.040] Alfred Sue is joining us on Skype, actually, just to illustrate some technology [21:37.040 --> 21:38.040] from Singapore. [21:38.040 --> 21:42.040] He's the founder of techgoondood.com website specialising in new technology. [21:42.040 --> 21:43.040] Alfred, thanks for joining us. [21:43.040 --> 21:45.040] We're going to talk about the gadgets in a moment. [21:45.040 --> 21:48.040] I want to start though with something when we're talking about information [21:48.040 --> 21:53.040] and storing it and using it and moving around this idea of cloud computing, [21:53.040 --> 21:57.040] where you store things not on your computer, but on a server, I guess, somewhere else. [21:57.040 --> 22:00.040] Is this something which is going to really start to take off in 2012 [22:00.040 --> 22:04.040] and change how we use our information, I guess? [22:04.040 --> 22:09.040] I think all of us are really using cloud computing somewhere. [22:09.040 --> 22:13.040] If we use web-based email, we use Gmail for example, right? [22:13.040 --> 22:15.040] I mean, all the messages are stopped online. [22:15.040 --> 22:17.040] You're not on computers. [22:17.040 --> 22:23.040] What do you see in 2012 probably would be more companies moving towards cloud computing [22:23.040 --> 22:27.040] by taking out rooms of IT equipment. [22:27.040 --> 22:28.040] But it's safe. [22:28.040 --> 22:31.040] I mean, the query I would have is on the hacking side of things. [22:31.040 --> 22:36.040] If you're going to store all your stuff elsewhere, away from your computer, [22:36.040 --> 22:37.040] the issue of hacking. [22:37.040 --> 22:39.040] All right. [22:39.040 --> 22:43.040] So the same question is whether you put money under the bed or in the bank. [22:43.040 --> 22:50.040] So in the bank typically, you have people more seasoned and experts in security than, [22:50.040 --> 22:53.040] say you have a rich IT manager in a corporation. [22:53.040 --> 22:58.040] And as you say your bank, actual bank, with really sensitive data, [22:58.040 --> 23:01.040] which you run really safe on your own. [23:01.040 --> 23:06.040] In the most corporations, we'll see every day in type of computing processes. [23:06.040 --> 23:11.040] They'll see benefits from moving this away from the IT in the content. [23:11.040 --> 23:13.040] Let's move on. [23:13.040 --> 23:16.040] I want to talk about the technology side of the hardware, [23:16.040 --> 23:18.040] the gadget side of things. [23:18.040 --> 23:22.040] I was saying before, a big feature is information and how we access it. [23:22.040 --> 23:23.040] Tablet computers have become a big deal. [23:23.040 --> 23:26.040] We've got some pictures here, which we're going to show a view of a concept [23:26.040 --> 23:30.040] which Samsung is putting out. It's a flexible screen computer. [23:30.040 --> 23:33.040] I think they're saying it's probably a few years away yet, [23:33.040 --> 23:34.040] almost a computer. [23:34.040 --> 23:36.040] A tablet that you could fold into your pocket. [23:36.040 --> 23:39.040] Is this the way it is that if you're in the technology business, [23:39.040 --> 23:42.040] you've got to be thinking mobile, mobile, mobile all the time? [23:42.040 --> 23:43.040] Yes. [23:43.040 --> 23:47.040] I think, you know, how about users in tablets? [23:47.040 --> 23:51.040] You know, smartphone, smartphone, and more powerful CPUs. [23:51.040 --> 23:53.040] I think you're going to be able to see the same thing. [23:53.040 --> 23:57.040] But, you know, one thing to notice, this phone is not transforming. [23:57.040 --> 23:59.040] You know, from just being phones or portable devices, [23:59.040 --> 24:01.040] to basically all in one devices. [24:01.040 --> 24:05.040] You think, whether we switch from, you know, that stops to that top, right? [24:05.040 --> 24:07.040] I mean, when you bring that top to work nowadays, [24:07.040 --> 24:10.040] we connect it to a big screen to a keyboard. [24:10.040 --> 24:13.040] You know, the same thing is going to happen to these handheld devices, [24:13.040 --> 24:15.040] your phones and your tablets. [24:15.040 --> 24:17.040] You know, in 2021, we're going to see a lot more of these tablets [24:17.040 --> 24:21.040] with powerful processors that allow you to connect to your screens and your keyboard. [24:21.040 --> 24:24.040] So that, you know, basically, you have only one device. [24:24.040 --> 24:27.040] You know, you will need a laptop or a desktop. [24:27.040 --> 24:32.040] This handheld device will be the central device for you to launch everything. [24:32.040 --> 24:33.040] You know? [24:33.040 --> 24:35.040] Yeah, all about handheld devices. [24:35.040 --> 24:39.040] I mean, I don't want to be premature about the death of the desktop computer. [24:39.040 --> 24:43.040] However, is it becoming, is it being phased out now? [24:43.040 --> 24:46.040] People opt for laptops more often than not now. [24:46.040 --> 24:48.040] Now, if you've got a tablet computer or mobile device, [24:48.040 --> 24:50.040] why would you want to desktop computer anymore? [24:50.040 --> 24:53.040] Well, they are specialized users. [24:53.040 --> 24:55.040] You know, for example, if you've got a config design, [24:55.040 --> 24:57.040] you might need a powerful computer. [24:57.040 --> 25:00.040] Or if you have playing games, you need a very powerful computer. [25:00.040 --> 25:02.040] But, you know, for everyday tasks, you know, [25:02.040 --> 25:05.040] for, you know, making a Skype calls, for example, [25:05.040 --> 25:07.040] to stuff the way to get email. [25:07.040 --> 25:09.040] Now, you don't really need a desktop anymore. [25:09.040 --> 25:11.040] There will be people who buy the desktop, right? [25:11.040 --> 25:14.040] Because, you know, because they're getting cheaper, you know? [25:14.040 --> 25:18.040] But, you know, the primary device or you will be a portable device, [25:18.040 --> 25:20.040] not a desktop computer. [25:20.040 --> 25:21.040] Now, for two, it's been great talking to you. [25:21.040 --> 25:23.040] Thank you for, for joining us there from Singapore. [25:23.040 --> 25:25.040] Thanks for your time. [25:25.040 --> 25:29.040] Kazakhstan now, the ninth largest nation in the world [25:29.040 --> 25:32.040] in terms of landmass and huge oil and gas reserves, [25:32.040 --> 25:34.040] but also a big polluter. [25:34.040 --> 25:36.040] However, it's recently been making headlines [25:36.040 --> 25:38.040] for its environmentally friendly initiatives. [25:38.040 --> 25:40.040] From forestry walker, has this report for us [25:40.040 --> 25:42.040] from the capital, Almaty. [25:42.040 --> 25:46.040] Majestic mountains, tower above Almaty, [25:46.040 --> 25:48.040] but even on clear days, [25:48.040 --> 25:52.040] you can barely see Kazakhstan's commercial capital. [25:52.040 --> 25:55.040] Under the blanket of Smog, [25:55.040 --> 25:57.040] cars are among the worst culprits. [25:57.040 --> 26:00.040] Almaty's residents are forced to breathe in [26:00.040 --> 26:04.040] hundreds of thousands of tons of year of exhaust fumes. [26:04.040 --> 26:07.040] Kazakhstan's biggest sources of pollution [26:07.040 --> 26:10.040] are aging, coal-fired power stations, [26:10.040 --> 26:12.040] and gas-flaring from the petroleum industry, [26:12.040 --> 26:15.040] which make the country one of the world's worst [26:15.040 --> 26:18.040] carbon emitters by population. [26:18.040 --> 26:22.040] In 2008, it produced 15 tons of carbon dioxide per person, [26:22.040 --> 26:26.040] but the government is committed to reducing such emissions [26:26.040 --> 26:30.040] by 15 percent from 1992 levels by 2020. [26:30.040 --> 26:34.040] To achieve it, a cap-and-trade system in the energy sector [26:34.040 --> 26:37.040] will put a price on carbon from 2013. [26:37.040 --> 26:40.040] It's a modest stain. [26:40.040 --> 26:44.040] Kazakhstan produces less than 1992 levels today. [26:44.040 --> 26:47.040] Still, workshops like this are preparing the industry [26:47.040 --> 26:50.040] and officials are optimistic. [26:50.040 --> 26:53.040] It will seem not just a reduction of greenhouse gases [26:53.040 --> 26:55.040] but the reduction of all dirty elements, [26:55.040 --> 26:59.040] so it means the environmental situation in the country will improve [26:59.040 --> 27:02.040] and the reduction of renewable energy will help to reduce [27:02.040 --> 27:04.040] greenhouse emissions further. [27:04.040 --> 27:07.040] Green initiatives such as renewable energy [27:07.040 --> 27:11.040] and better public transport are still rare in Kazakhstan, [27:11.040 --> 27:15.040] this is the country's first cycle a bit last year. [27:15.040 --> 27:17.040] Infusionists lobbied for it, [27:17.040 --> 27:20.040] but say government doesn't always honor its commitments. [27:20.040 --> 27:23.040] Promises are for this year [27:23.040 --> 27:25.040] or to build up twice longer, [27:25.040 --> 27:29.040] by clay, but they didn't. [27:29.040 --> 27:31.040] Sometimes when you feel like, [27:31.040 --> 27:33.040] you hit in the wall. [27:33.040 --> 27:36.040] Solutions such as our Marty's new metro [27:36.040 --> 27:38.040] are grounds for optimism. [27:38.040 --> 27:41.040] It took 23 years to complete [27:41.040 --> 27:43.040] and there's only one line. [27:43.040 --> 27:46.040] The city needs it now more than ever. [27:46.040 --> 27:50.040] It's just open and our Marty's are very proud [27:50.040 --> 27:52.040] to be using it for the first time. [27:52.040 --> 27:54.040] Eventually there will be more lines [27:54.040 --> 27:56.040] and even if people start using it [27:56.040 --> 27:58.040] and leaving their cars at home, [27:58.040 --> 28:01.040] it can have a positive impact on the environment. [28:01.040 --> 28:04.040] The metro or carbon pricing won't alone [28:04.040 --> 28:08.040] in Kazakhstan, Green, but they show that the authorities [28:08.040 --> 28:10.040] aren't just sitting back and doing nothing [28:10.040 --> 28:12.040] and that the country might be heading [28:12.040 --> 28:15.040] in the new direction. [28:15.040 --> 28:17.040] Robin, for a steer walker, [28:17.040 --> 28:19.040] Al Jazeera, El Marty. [28:19.040 --> 28:21.040] Just finally we showed you some new [28:21.040 --> 28:23.040] celebrations a little bit earlier. [28:23.040 --> 28:25.040] Plays like New York and London and Paris, [28:25.040 --> 28:27.040] but what about the others? [28:27.040 --> 28:28.040] We're going to leave you in this [28:28.040 --> 28:35.040] bulletin with a quick spin around the globe. [28:35.040 --> 28:38.040] Yep, I'm New Yorker, I'm here from. [28:38.040 --> 28:59.040] Come on, come on, come on. [29:09.040 --> 29:14.040] So this is Al Jazeera, [29:14.040 --> 29:16.040] and these are the stories making the headlines. [29:16.040 --> 29:18.040] As you've just seen, people across the world [29:18.040 --> 29:20.040] celebrating the start of the new year, [29:20.040 --> 29:22.040] one of the latest big cities to lay up. [29:22.040 --> 29:24.040] New York, 100 of the thousands of people [29:24.040 --> 29:26.040] packed into Times Square to watch the countdown. [29:26.040 --> 29:28.040] Join by the cities. [29:28.040 --> 29:30.040] Excuse me, Mayor Michael Bloomberg [29:30.040 --> 29:33.040] and Popsinger Lady Gaga, was there, too. [29:33.040 --> 29:36.040] But it doesn't usually do the happenings. [29:36.040 --> 29:38.040] But it does for the arrival of 2012 [29:38.040 --> 29:40.040] or until 150,000 people out on the banks of the river [29:40.040 --> 29:42.040] Tames to watch the new year fireworks [29:42.040 --> 29:44.040] display big year for the British capital, [29:44.040 --> 29:48.040] which hosts their Olympic games in July and August. [29:48.040 --> 29:51.040] And this is Egypt, crowds gathering where else [29:51.040 --> 29:54.040] but Tuckery's Square to mark the end of a momentous year [29:54.040 --> 29:54.040] for the country. [29:54.040 --> 29:56.040] Alongside New York, New York celebrations [29:56.040 --> 29:59.040] they've paid tribute to those kids. [29:59.040 --> 30:04.040] They should be to those kids.