Words often in the media these days

I listen to a moderate amount of news on the radio, especially in the mornings. There are two names that have been very present in the media lately of which the pronunciation by members of said media is driving me crazy.

The country bordering Afghanistan which is being used as a "partner" and launching ground for much of the United States' operations in Afghanistan, and has recently been attacked several times by militants recently is called "pah-kee-stahn", not "pack-ih-stan".

The slightly homely Chancellor of Germany who is apparently rather suspicious of our President's fiscal policies and charming charisma is called "Ahn-guh-lah" Merkel, not "Ayn-jeh-lah" Merkel.

Rant concluded.