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60. just how much has china changed since mao, and where is it heading now? hello. 1100 dead and counting. that is the latest figures from the humanitarian chief of the united nations as emergency crews worked for the night through the rain trying to find survivors from the two us? of the indonesian island of sumatra. hospitals, offices, schools reduced to rubble, and the emergency team spirit hundreds may still be trapped. from sumatra, alice reports. >> it is a desperate race to pull the survivors out from under tons of rubble. no one has any idea just how many people are trapped.

many are within reach, by as yet, beyond help. the machinery that is available is rescuing people, but there are so many buildings that have come down. so many people trapped, desperately waiting for help to come. this is where the injured would normally -- [inaudible] many of those pulled from the rubble are badly hurt. the scale of this disaster is overwhelming everyone. it is difficult to grasp the extent of the damage from the quake that had been predicted but that no one expected. the airport here has opened, and flights carrying eight have started to come in.

international organizations have sent urgent supplies and search teams. at the airport waiting to be lifted out was deletion francisco deletionfelicia francesca. >> the more you run, the more panic you became, and the more drowsy you fell. >> aid workers are starting to arrive at the main airport. it has been pretty chaotic throughout the day since they allow the aircraft to come in. supplies are coming year, medicine, as well as food and help and the search teams who are going to try to get people out. these people are waiting for relatives to come here. there is so little knowledge of what exactly is going on on the ground. further down the road here, the search and rescue efforts are underway and will go on through the night.

>> thousands of kilometers away in the south pacific, rescue workers on the islands of samoa, american samoa, and tonga are still searching areas wrecked by the tsunami which struck there on tuesday. recovery workers, complicated by the remoteness of the island -- recovery work is complicated by the remoteness of the island. >> the people of this remote part of the south pacific wonder if lives will ever be the same again. an ocean that has sustained them for so long has not inflicted untold misery. the search for survivors and more victims continues. there are fears that groups of islanders have been swept out to sea. amid the loss of lives and immense damage to coastal areas, there are those who somehow managed to defy nature is onslaught. charlie pierce, a schoolteacher from new zealand, was on a truck packed with schoolchildren.

the vehicle pulled over swamp. ms. pierce survive. >> it just kept coming in and coming in. [inaudible] because when i got my wits about me, i could feel them touching me. i knew that this was my time to come home. [inaudible] >> there are similar stories of survival elsewhere. those who cheated death. while the lives of many others, including a young british child, were destroyed by a freak event. these pacific islands will never forget.

>> staying in the asia-pacific region, the country is badly hit by a typhoon, still working to get aid to its victims. in the philippines, there are villages in the north still submerged. officials say the homes of two and a half million people have been swamped by the worst flooding in four decades. the death toll is nearing 300, but dozens are still missing. the news from vietnam is grim, too. at least 100 people dead. it is estimated the homes of about 1.5 million have been affected. there are warnings of more flash floods and landslides in mountainous areas and high water in low-lying areas. in neighboring cambodia, rescuers are picking through the remains of houses blown down or buried in landslides. many villages are still cut off by mud-clogged roads. at least 14 people have died, but that number is expected to rise. now, there are warnings that

another major storm will be rolling through the region. the typhoon is headed for the north of the philippines with winds gusting over 200 kilometers per hour. a constructive beginning, says president obama, but it must be followed by constructive action. that is his verdict on today's talks in geneva between members of the united nations security council and iran's nuclear negotiators. it is also the first time the american government has engaged face-to-face with them. president obama is insisting, too, on a rapid inspection of the iranians nuclear facility in qom. it was only revealed last week. >> the talks were held a long way from the world of trouble iran's nuclear ambitions could create. the most powerful countries on

the planet went into the negotiations wanting evidence before the leaves are often the mysteries that iran is not trying to get nuclear weapons -- before the leaves are off of geneva's trees. president obama kept up the pressure. >> we are committed to serious and meaningful engagement, but we are not interested in talking for the sake of talking. if iran does not take steps in the near future to live up to its obligations, then the united states will not continue to negotiate indefinitely, and we are prepared to move towards increased pressure. >> the meeting in geneva for the first time including american diplomats would better than expected. the two sides have made an agreement in principle, which, if implemented, could lower the nuclear tensions considerably. iran has enriched enough

uranium, many believe, to have the basis for a nuclear bomb, but the proposed deal would take most of it to russia and france and return it as fuel, which cannot be made into a weapon. and iran has agreed to let united nations inspectors and to the supposedly secret nuclear facility near qom. it is too early to say whether 7.5 hours of talks in a quiet swiss village will to see is a growing crisis, which could lead to war. difficult negotiations are [no audio] at the end of the year, iran will face more sanctions, either from the security council or from a consortium at the united states, britain, france, and their allies. beyond that are the veiled and not so veiled threats of military action. >> the insurgency in afghanistan

is growing, and the success of the western mission cannot be taken for granted. that is what the commander of u.s. and nato forces in afghanistan said in london today. it is easy to see why general stanley mcchrystal is concerned. they face almost daily gun battles with the taliban. the bbc went to one of the marines' most remote combat outposts. >> marching to war, taliban positions, just a couple hundred meters over in that direction. things have been acquired over the last few weeks, but the fear was that the taliban were regrouping. so far, that seems to be being borne out. they need cover and a volley of mortgages as fire in.

-- a volley of mortars is fired in. >> we got one marine shot. >> one of the marines is shot through the chest. he is able to talk but needs urgent medical care. the taliban had the troops in their sights. watch as the rounds land close by. >> we are going to try to shoot the birds down. >> as the emergency medical team arrives, the taliban again opened fire. two days later, another member of the platoon was shot and this time killed. they have lost 13 men in the last three months, and although they had driven the taliban back, they are stretched. >> the reality is we should be able to share tangible progress within a year because of we cannot, all the nations that are

participating are going to write to go back and look and say, "is it worth our the blood and treasure?" >> with that, an alternate ship. many want thousands more afghan soldiers, but that will take years. another idea is to pull back and focus on al qaeda instead. what is clear is that this conflict is at a critical stage, and the window of opportunity to win this war is rapidly closing. >> stay with us if you can on "bbc world news." still to come, we are remembering gondi. we will hear from one of the few men still alive who really knew the indian icon. first, though, europe's biggest defense contractor is facing the biggest corporate corruption prosecution in british history. the company is accused of paying hundreds of millions of dollars

in bribes to secure contracts from africa, the middle east, and eastern europe. it is not the first time they have faced such allegations. three years ago, tony blair called off a separate investigation with saudi arabia, citing the risk for national security. bae denies any wrongdoing. >> your biggest defense company any major player in the u.s. economy is now facing the possibility of prosecution. bae systems is alleged to have paid cash to gain foreign contracts. these include a deal to sell the czech republic the griffon fighter aircraft. in romania, there was a deal over for goods. in south africa, it was an estimated 1.5 billion pound contract. in tanzania, and military air traffic control system. clare short was international development secretary when the tanzanian deal was agreed. she opposed it then.

>> riping off a very poor country is a very ancient -- with some very engine equipment -- it was 20 million pounds in the case of tanzania. that they would go so far over what for them is a small amount of money says to me they do such things on a bigger scale elsewhere. >> at headquarters, the message is they want to drop a line under this affair and move on. sources say they are ready to reach a settlement, which could run to tens of millions of pounds, but they are contesting the idea that penalties could be as high as the 1 billion figure, which some have speculated. they're criticized for halting an inquiry. now, they want to take a tougher line on similar deals. >> the latest headlines for you on "bbc world news." the united nations now believes at least 1100 people have died

in the earthquakes in indonesia, two quicks twoqua -- quakes in 24 hours. this week marks 140 years since mahatma gandhi was born in the indian state of gujarat. he made a name for himself fighting injustice in south africa but returned home to india in 1915, determined to secure its independence from britain. he also had a social mission. he set about establishing a religious community. >> gandhi's quest to shake up the british raj began in his home state of gujarat. he decided to found ashram or

religious community that would be at the heart of his political work and an inspiration to indian society, but he had few followers and not much money. this was not to be a community said in a row a dull. he chose a location here in one of india's most industrialized cities. its many textile mills have given it the nickname "the manchester of ndf -- of india." ashram was built on the ways crowns on the banks of a river and soon grew into an organized community of about 300 people. gandhi wanted it to return to the virtues of simple village life, especially the spinning and weaving of cloth that he believed could make indians self-sufficient. i have brought back to the ashram and and who grew appear

in the 1920's with gandhi as a friend and inspiration. his father was gandhi's secretary and trusted adviser for over 25 years. today, he is one of the few remaining people who can claim to have gone up -- no mahatma gandhi -- claim to have known mahatma gandhi. he had his own views on his philosophies. >> that gave me an opportunity to write a letter to gandhi, saying, "this is what is happening in your ashram, and you talk about non-violence." >> even before the ashram opened, gandhi had drawn up rules for the community to follow. they are fascinating,

encapsulate a loss of the that would guide him for the rest of his life. their business. one cannot follow truth or low so long as what is subject to fear. so it was really important that people should not be afraid of anything. >> yes, that was the most important part. >> at the heart of the ashram, is gandhi's room, a place full of memories. do you remember him sitting here? >> i more remember my father sitting over there taking dictation, sometimes showing him the papers, etc. >> how do you feel when you are in this room? >> i feel as if i have come back to my old house. this is like my own place.

he was 56 years older than me, but there was no distinction of age between him and me. you felt as if he entered your heart when he spoke. >> a very special spot in gujarat. tanks and heavy weaponry from will through beijing today behind thousands of troops as china celebrated 60 years of communist rule. the president made a speech in the very spot where chairman mao declared the founding of the people's republic. then came folk dancing and fireworks. our world news editor was there. >> it all felt distinctly retro. president hu for his jacket. china could have emphasized how

capitalist it now is. it shows north korea and stead. "we have worked hard," she shouts, "and we serve the people." the iron rose, army volunteers not really maoist but definitely think. the clouds have been chased away by china's whether changing technology -- weather-changing technology. the latest missiles are wheeled out. these could hit washington or london, but none of this is really intended to scare the outside world. it is to make china feel good about itself at a difficult time. the leadership was all lined up, past, present, and future. the latest political buzz word is harmony. only socialism can save china,

says the president, and only reform can ensure the development of china. another communist tradition -- parading the leadership portraits. there is the last president, who established capitalism in the party oppose the constitution. he then handed over to hu jintao, who seems more conservative. in a way, we are right back where we used to be in the old days with china watchers examining every tiny little detail to see if they can get some clue as to what is really happening behind the scenes in the chinese leadership. while interpretation of what we have seen today is that at a time of high unemployment and anger against corruption, the government wants to get back to basics. the basics being the old communist way. tonight, it turned into a stunningly staged party, though no ordinary people were invited. the chinese are hugely proud of

their country. they will soon be the world's number 2 economy. they still have not sorted out their true direction. >> moment of truth is almost upon those cities competing to host the 2016 olympic games. friday is decision day, and the race has been close. chicago, madrid, rio de janeiro, and tokyo have been battling it out, each is passing -- each dispatching superstars to copenhagen to pitch on their behalf. most of the action has been away from public view. >> we can all see the official news conferences, but what is going on behind the scenes? someone who knows is amy rosewater, editor of the u.s. olympic web site. the amount of traveling must be intense. >> it absolutely is. as a five-ring circus right now with all of these cities and board members trying to wheel and deal and get these last

boats so that they can get their city and olympic games. >> it is not against any more. it used to be, but it has changed. >> it has. after the salt lake city scandal where there is bribery going on, they are no longer allowed to visit those cities, so instead, the stars are coming to them. now, there's this parade of people who are coming. obama is going to come. the president of brazil is going to make it. then it becomes a game in a different sort of way. >> do you think it was wise for barack obama to decide to be there personally tonight? >> i think it is. i think it takes the spotlight off of the domestic issues and the international affairs, but if chicago does not win, this could be brutal for him because people will say, her "you were off trying to win an olympic games when you had more pressing issues" or what some people think are more pressing. >> you have actually seen him in

action. >> i was with him on the white house lawn earlier this month, and he was talking about strategy. he could have just done a nice photo op, but he really talked to them about their sports. he is a really avid sports fan. >> there is a gap between voting were as one city blocks up, there is fresh haggling. you need a real presence there. >> absolutely because the kids and really tense schedule. as soon as one city is eliminated, they have three cities to vote on, so all the allegiances that these members have with each other changes, and it is like a fresh game. it is really a whole interesting ball game. it is not over until it is over. >> does it literally of of people running up and down corridors? >> it is going to be incredible. i think the motion and the chaos

behind the scenes, the things that people never see behind the actual announcements -- there is going to be a lot of tension. >> we will find out in just a few hours. thank you so much for joining us. >> we'll be broadcasting the announcement of who will be hosting the 2016 olympics from copenhagen. it is due to happen tomorrow at 16: 50 gmt. you can also get the background on all the international news on bbc.com any time. that is the gateway. click through their to the new site. thanks for being with us on "bbc world news." if you are staying with us, it is hard court next. was up to one of the most influential economist. u.s. and asia can see asia business reports live from singapore. the weather first and headlines.

>> well it is not the news that anybody in the philippines wants to hear, but there is another typhoon heading in your direction. a super typhoon set to make landfall in the north of the country on saturday, but even on friday, we are beginning to get some outbreaks coming in, and we still have some flooding after the tropical storm last week. on now to india, showers developing in delhi. the wettest places -- for the middle east, a good deal of sunshine, but the gulf of aden, just a few showers are around here, so they may get some of those. south america is try in rio. shall is by sunday. buenos aires for the moment holding on to sunshine. just in time for the weekend in new york, some showers are arriving here. the freeman foundation of new honolulu.

the newman's own foundation. the john d. and catherine t. macarthur foundation. and union bank. >> union bank has put its financial strength to work for a wide range of companies from small businesses to major corporations. what can we do for you? >> i'm julia stiles. >> i'm kevin bacon. >> i'm kim cattrall. >> hi, i'm ken burns. >> i'm lili taylor. >> i'm henry louis gates, jr., and public broadcasting is my source for news about the world. >> for intelligent conversation. >> for election coverage you can count on. >> for conversations beyond the sound bites. >> a commitment to journalism. >> for deciding who to vote for. >> i'm kerry washington, and public broadcasting is my source for intelligent connections to my community.

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