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From Our Own Correspondent: Daily Summaries Delivered
by BBC Radio 4
Insight, wit and analysis from BBC correspondents, journalists and writers telling stories beyond the news headlines. Presented by Kate Adie.
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- 3 days ago29 min
Myanmar's civil war: the junta's fightback
Kate Adie presents stories on the deserters from Myanmar's military forces, African POWs in Ukraine, Ahmedebad a year on from the Air India crash, South Africa and Belize.Myanmar’s military, which seized power from the democratically elected government in 2021, reactivated a conscription law two years ago. Anyone 18-35 years of age, now has to serve between 2 to five years in the army. Quentin Sommerville spoke to some who defected from the country's military in rebel-held territory.African POWs are being held in western Ukraine, after being recruited to fight for Russia. Many say they were misled or coerced by illegal recruiters promising jobs and good pay. Sammy Awami went to meet some of them.A year after Air India Flight 171 crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad, killing 260 people, families of those who died are fighting for answers after failures in the identification process. Azadeh Moshiri has been to the crash site and met with relatives.South Africa has seen a rise in anti-immigration protests and reports of xenophobic violence, prompting repatriation efforts by several African governments. In Johannesburg, Mayeni Jones reflects on the tensions, her own unease, and the difficulty of separating fact from rumour.In Belize, a lesser-known musical tradition rooted in the unique history and culture of the Garifuna people is thriving. Simon Broughton explores this distinctive sound, shaped by a rich Caribbean heritage and a fiercely independent past.Series Producer: Serena Tarling Production Coordinators: Sophie Hill and Katie Morrison Editor: Richard Vadon
- 1 weeks ago28 min
Ebola in the DRC: Fear and Conspiracy Theories
Kate Adie introduces stories on Ebola in the DRC, Ukraine's stoic bus drivers, the rebirth of a river in Oregon, India's ethnic violence, and the return of the Griffon Vulture in Croatia.The Democratic Republic of Congo is experiencing another outbreak of Ebola, but as the virus spreads so too have rumours and conspiracy theories about the cause of the pathogen. Olivia Acland reports from the border between North Kivu and Ituri provinces.This week Ukraine came under one of the heaviest Russian assaults in months, with the country's energy infrastructure once again hit hard. Vitaly Shevchenko has been in Kherson, where he learned how public transport is now becoming a target for Russian drone operators too.In America's pacific northwest we go rafting down the Klamath river which is flowing for the first time in a century after a dam was removed - but not without resistance from locals, finds Ash Bhardwaj.Three years ago, the state of Manipur in India’s north-east erupted in violence, and hundreds of people were killed because of tensions between the Kuki and Meitei communities. Since then, the deeper causes of the conflict haven’t been resolved – and this year, communal violence has broken out again. Raghvendra Rao was there.Off the coast of Croatia an island’s once dwindling griffon vulture population is back in full flight. Mary Novakovich met the people responsible for the revival, and learns of this bird's vital role in ecological waste management.Series Producer: Serena Tarling Production Coordinators: Sophie Hill & Katie Morrison Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith
- 2 weeks ago28 min
Cuba’s collapsing revolution
Kate Adie introduces stories on Cuba's economic crisis as it feels the strain of the US fuel blockade, Lebanon's shattered ceasefire, the fevered debate over Australia's social media ban, plus dispatches from Greece and Iceland.Cuba is struggling to cope with the the US government's near-total fuel blockade and the Trump administration increased the pressure on the ruling Communist Party when it issued an indictment against Raul Castro this week. Will Grant has been gauging the mood in Havana.In southern Lebanon, Israel has stepped up its offensive on Hezbollah with daily strikes, which have killed dozens of civilians. This follows drone attacks launched by the Iran-backed group on communities in northern Israel. John Sudworth reports on the ongoing conflict.Six months on from Australia's introduction of a social media ban for under 16s, governments around the world are eagerly looking on as they consider rolling out similar policies… but is it working? Katy Watson has been following the debate in Sydney.In Greece, indignation over new labour laws introduced last October continue to simmer as the summer heat takes hold. The new law, which permits 13-hour working days was met with fierce opposition and nationwide strikes. Heidi Fuller Love heard some full-throated views on the subject in a local tavernaAnd finally, when a correspondent is on deployment, they often have to navigate sudden changes of plan. Sandra Kanthal found herself diverted by bad weather from an assignment reporting on Iceland’s arctic defences… and founded herself in an unusual museum.Series Producer: Serena Tarling Production Coordinators: Sophie Hill & Katie Morrison Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith
- 3 weeks ago28 min
Afghanistan: Shaiqa’s story
Kate Adie introduces stories on the fate of a sick Afghan girl, a surprising return to Sudan, Armenia's choice between Russia and the West, Germany's culture of remembrance, and a first-time visit to an Irish wake.In Afghanistan's Hindu Kush, where drought and hunger are rife, Yogita Limaye meets a father who made the unenviable decision to sell his young daughter into marriage to fund her medical treatment. Child marriage is not uncommon in rural communities, and the recent codification of laws under the Taliban government has made it more permissible.Sudan has entered its fourth year of a brutal civil war, though government forces have reclaimed the capital Khartoum over the past year, driving out the paramilitary Rapid Support forces. Mohanad Hashim grew up Khartoum, and recently returned for the first time since the government took back control.Armenia is holding key elections next month, which will serve as a major test of the country's political trajectory - to strengthen old ties with Russia, or to accelerate plans to join the EU. Rayhan Demytrie has been in the capital, Yerevan.Germany’s culture of remembrance has long been seen as a model for how others can reckon with dark episodes of their past. But this has come under some scrutiny after the culture minister announced plans to broaden exactly what the country chooses to remember. Chelsea Coates reports from Berlin.And finally, Vincent Dowd recently returned to southwest Ireland - somewhere he knows well after many years spent holidaying in the region. But this visit was more tentative than usual, as he was to attend his first traditional Irish wake.Series Producer: Serena Tarling Production Coordinators: Katie Morrison & Sophie Hill Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith
- May 16, 202628 min
Donald Trump's China summit with Xi Jinping
Kate Adie introduces stories on President Trump's visit to China, the Palestine marathon, the Venice Biennale boycott, a young woman's search for her mother in India, and living in the fast lane with Sierra Leone's First Lady.Laura Bicker has been in Beijing where military parades, red carpets and singing choirs of children greeted Donald Trump as he arrived for talks with President Xi. So what progress was made in China-US relations after a frosty period?Wyre Davies has been in Bethlehem watching on as runners from around the world took part in the 10th Palestine Marathon - a burst of positivity after the race was postponed amid the war between Hamas and Israel, following the October 2023 attacks.The Venice Biennale and the Eurovision song contest were both founded with the intention of bringing nations together through art - but Kirsty Lang finds, upon visiting Venice, an art festival swept up in a clash with global politics.In the Indian state of Maharashtra, Tanya Datta travels with a young woman in search of her birth-mother after she was adopted by a French family and grew up in France. As she goes to the place of her birth, she finds an unexpected connection.And Megha Mohan recounts a hair-raising journey travelling in the motorcade of Sierra Leone's first lady, Fatima Bio - en route to interview her in the Presidential Palace.Series Producer: Serena Tarling Production Coordinators: Katie Morrison & Sophie Hill Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith
- May 9, 202627 min
Putin and Russia's new normal
Kate Adie introduces stories on Vladimir Putin's declining popularity, peace protests in Japan, Serbia's anti-corruption anger, and how Canadian robots are patrolling the Arctic.The Kremlin has recently increased security measures around President Vladimir Putin after a string of assassinations of top Russian military figures. This comes as the president has retreated from public view, as the economic impact of Russia's war in Ukraine continues to bite. Steve Rosenberg observes the shift in the country’s moodJapan has taken a major step away from its post-war pacifist stance, lifting long-standing restrictions on arms exports. The government says it’s a necessary step in an increasingly tense region - but it’s raising alarm and in recent weeks there have been protests in major cities across the country. Kurumi Mori reports from Tokyo.Serbia has also been experiencing a series of protests over the past year – fuelled by anger over alleged government corruption. They began in November 2024 following the collapse of a train station roof in the northern city of Novi Sad, which killed 16 people. Jill McGivering has been to Belgrade to meet a woman whose tragic loss put her at the centre of the political crisis.Governments around the world are increasingly investing in military robots, as the nature of modern warfare evolves. Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney announced an investment of $32bn in Arctic defences, where robotic surveillance technology is being put to the test in icy temperatures. David Baillie has been following one of the trials, but finds human expertise is still far from obsolete.Series Producer: Serena Tarling Production Coordinators: Katie Morrison and Sophie Hill Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith
- May 2, 202627 min
President Trump, the King, and a special relationship
Kate Adie introduces stories on the King and Queen's visit to Washington, the current mood inside Iran, elections in Gaza and the West Bank, and why fish are front and centre in the politics of West Bengal.King Charles and Queen Camilla's state visit to Washington came at a fragile moment in the UK-US relationship. A gulf has opened up between the two nations over issues such as Ukraine, defence spending, tariffs, and the Iran War. Sarah Smith reflects on how far the visit has helped restore the 'special relationship'.Donald Trump’s admiration for the traditions of the Royal Family was on full display during the visit, as he praised the King as an ‘elegant man’. Sean Coughlan has travelled with the King on previous tours, and reveals what made this one different.Inflation has soared to 50 per cent in Iran and people continue to struggle with rising prices of staples such as rice, eggs and cheese, as the stand-off in the Strait of Hormuz continues to disrupt trade. Lyse Doucet reflects on her recent encounters while visiting Tehran.Municipal elections were held last weekend in the occupied West Bank and Gaza. Hamas was officially excluded from participating, as the Palestinian Authority requires parties and candidates to recognise the state of Israel - something Hamas refuses to do. Jon Donnison has been in Ramallah.And in West Bengal a fierce state election battle is underway. Indian PM Narendra Modi's BJP has mounted an aggressive push to unseat the Trinamool Congress party which is seeking a fourth consecutive term. Soutik Biswas reveals how a culinary tradition has become a surprising hot-button issue.Series Producer: Serena Tarling Production Coordinators: Katie Morrison and Sophie Hill Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith
- Apr 25, 202628 min
Iran War: Pakistan the peace broker
Kate Adie introduces dispatches from Pakistan, the Turkey-Iran border, Kenya, Ukraine, and Paraguay.Why was Pakistan chosen as the host of peace talks between the US and Iran? It's a question some in Islamabad have been asking themselves - and has fired-up a sense of national pride. Caroline Davies has watched on as the country gets ready for another round of negotiations.When the war in Iran began, there was a sense of jubilation among some Iranians, who had long-dreamed of the regime falling. Now that seems like a distant reality, and the mood is changing. BBC Persian's Omid Montazeri has been on the Turkey-Iran border, where he has found attitudes towards the war are shifting.This weekend marks the 40th anniversary of the nuclear disaster in Chernobyl, which remains the world's worst nuclear accident. Jordan Dunbar visited the city of Slavutych in Northern Ukraine, which was purpose built to rehouse workers evacuated from the power plant city of Pripyat - and recounts his search for a DJ legend of the 1980s.In northern Kenya farmers and their families are suffering the effects of consecutive seasons of low rainfall. A new report estimates around 400,000 people are experiencing acute levels of hunger. Sammy Awami reports from Turkana, one of the worst affected areas.And the semi-arid lowlands of the Gran Chaco span an area of around 280 thousand miles across South America - more than half of that is in Argentina, a third in Paraguay and the remainder in Bolivia. It’s the region’s second-largest forest ecosystem after the Amazon – and is also home to a wide range of animal, bird and plant species - as Sara Wheeler discovered.Series Producer: Serena Tarling Production Coordinators: Katie Morrison and Sophie Hill Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith
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