From Our Own Correspondent

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Ukraine reels from Russia’s missile onslaught Sep 07, 2024

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Kate Adie presents stories from Ukraine, Germany, China, Tonga and India

Ukraine suffered several devastating missile attacks this week on the cities of Poltava and Lviv. Despite the more buoyant mood in the country in recent weeks, following Ukraine’s incursion into Kursk, it served as a reminder that the threat is ever-present. Nick Beake has been in Poltava

Last weekend, the far right AFD party - won the most votes in a state election in the east German state of Thuringia and came a close second in the state of Saxony. The AfD were especially popular among young voters. Jessica Parker has spoken to some of them in Thuringia.

Several cities across China have been devastated by heavy rainfall this year and a super typhoon there this weekend is yet another warning for China’s leaders that the country is vulnerable to extreme weather events because the infrastructure in cities cannot cope with such heavy storms. Laura Bicker has been in Zhengzhou where she heard about a possible solution: sponge cities.

Last week, leaders from around the Pacific gathered in the small island nation of Tonga to discuss key issues they are facing. The Pacific Islands Forum is the region’s biggest meeting of the year – and topping the list of concerns was climate change. But on the agenda, there were plenty of other topics – and controversies - as Katy Watson found out.

And finally, the famine in Bengal in the 1940s led to one of the worst losses of civilian life on the allied side during the second world war. Many Indians see this as one of the enduring legacies of empire. Ant Adeane visited one of the survivors that period in his home in West Bengal.

Series Producer: Serena Tarling Editor: Tom Bigwood Production Coordinators: Sophie Hill & Katie Morrison

Civilians under siege in Sudan Aug 31, 2024

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Kate Adie introduces stories from Sudan, Calabria in southern Italy, Japan, the Californian city of Oakland and Tbilisi in Georgia.

The war in Sudan between its army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has torn the country apart for more than 500 days. Civilians are bearing the brunt of the suffering as aid agencies have had their access blocked in many areas. Leila Molana Allen has seen how Sudanese volunteers are bringing food and medicine to communities now full of hungry, displaced and often traumatised people.

The countryside of Calabria, in southern Italy, may look like a rural idyll. But much of its fertile agricultural land has been infiltrated by the local mafia network known as the Ndrangheta. Francisco Garcia met and talked to farmers trying to resist the organised crime groups which want to muscle in.

There's a record number of abandoned homes or 'akiyas' in Japan. Over 9 million houses are standing empty, as the population ages and shrinks, and younger people move to the cities. Particularly in rural areas, many heirs aren't prepared to take on the costs of emptying, demolishing or rebuilding old family homes. Shaimaa Khalil stepped into a couple of period properties now being restored by their new owners.

The city of Oakland, in northern California, once had a reputation for its political militancy and cultural inventiveness. These days it's known for bitter disputes over gentrification, homelessness, and public fear of crime. Lindsay Johns recently visited the city across the bay from San Francisco with of one of its most famous sons, author Ishmael Reed.

And in the shadow of the Caucasus Mountains, Beth Timmins attends not one, but three Georgian weddings - occasions full of heritage, music, poetry and toasts of thick red wine. Producer: Polly Hope Editor: Tom Bigwood

Thailand's handcuffed democracy Aug 24, 2024

Show notes

Kate Adie presents stories from Thailand, Australia, Senegal, Germany and the US

Thailand has seen its fair share of political drama over the years. In recent weeks, the dissolution of the opposition party and the dismissal of the PM showed the firm grip on the country by unelected institutions. Jonathan Head has been watching the events rapidly unfold.

In Australia, there’s a deepening housing crisis with 120,000 people facing homelessness in the country every night. Soaring property prices and underinvestment in social housing and a growing population have made the situation worse. Katy Watson has been in Perth, Western Australia.

It was an idea that first had its inception in the 1980s: fighting desertification by planting a wall of trees across the African continent. The Great Green Wall would snake through eleven countries, from Senegal in the West to Djibouti in the East. But progress on the project has been slow. Nick Hunt has been in Senegal.

The Baader Meinhof gang are an anti-American, anti-imperialist terrorist group that spread fear across West Germany in the 1970s and 80s. The group claimed responsibility for a series of unsolved murders in the early 90s. So, the arrest of one alleged member of the group in Berlin has attracted significant attention, as Tim Mansel reports.

And finally, a cast of political heavyweights, ranging from Hilary Clinton to Barak and Michelle Obama to Bernie Sanders took to the stage in the glittering halls of the Democratic National Convention this week in Chicago. But back in Washington, Rajini Vaidyanathan spoke to some street vendors who were somewhat underwhelmed.

Producers: Serena Tarling and Farhana Haider Editor: Tom Bigwood Production coordinators: Katie Morrison and Sophie Hill

Ukraine's incursion into Russia's border regions Aug 17, 2024

Show notes

Kate Adie presents stories from Russia, Nigeria, the US, Ecuador and Italy.

Ukraine’s surprise attack on Russia’s western border region of Kursk caused authorities to declare a state of emergency there. The incursion is now in its second week and is the deepest into Russian territory since Vladimir Putin launched his invasion. Steve Rosenberg has been watching the reaction in Moscow and reflects on another major news event soon after he first arrived in Russia.

Nigeria has been in the throes of an economic crisis which earlier this month led to 10 days of protests across the country. More than 700 demonstrators were arrested, 22 were killed and many more were injured. The marches eventually petered out but the causes of their discontent, though, don’t look likely to go away. Simi Jolaoso has been to an open-air market in Lagos.

In certain US states, parents are offered school vouchers as a means of paying for their children to go to private school, should they so choose, using public funding which would otherwise be used for state-funded school places. The vouchers scheme has polarised communities across the state of Arizona, says Mark Moran in Queen Creek.

In Ecuador, President Daniel Noboa has moved to clampdown on organised crime and the drug cartels since he took power, amid a surge in outbreaks of violence. Danny Wiser was in Guayaquil, which has seen the worst of the violence and learned how it's impacting key areas of daily life.

The Italian city of Trieste has a complex identity, thanks to its history and its geography. It was once part of the Austro-Hungarian empire. Sara Wheeler found out more about its past on a visit this Summer.

Series Producer: Serena Tarling Editor: Tom Bigwood Production Coordinators: Sophie Hill & Katie Morrison

Bangladesh: after Sheikh Hasina Aug 10, 2024

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The Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, has resigned following weeks of deadly protests, and a heavy government crackdown. Samira Hussain is in Dhaka and spoke to people about their experience of her autocratic rule.

It was the biggest prisoner swap since the Cold War: sixteen Russian dissidents, Germans and Americans were released in exchange for a convicted assassin and seven other Russians held in the West. Sarah Rainsford has reported on the activities of the Russian dissidents for many years and she reflects on her correspondence with Vladimir Kara Murza in prison, and his first big interview since his release.

Critical to any presidential candidate’s chances of clinching victory in November's US election, are the swing states. Wisconsin is one of these, and, along with Georgia and Arizona, had the tightest vote margins in the last election. James Helm was in Door County where he found out what locals were thinking as the country prepares for the final straight of the election campaign.

In Brazil, an ex-model and social media influencer was recently sentenced to 8 years in prison for the human trafficking and slave labour of a woman. Jack Garland describes interviewing her in the high-security prison just before her sentence was passed.

It's almost a year since a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains, killing more than 2 000 people. Proinsias O’Coinn spoke to some of the people about their memories of that day, and, amid the destruction and tragedy, found some cause for hope.

Series Producer: Serena Tarling Editor: Tom Bigwood Production Coordinator: Rosie Strawbridge and Katie Morrison

Venezuela’s disputed election Aug 03, 2024

Show notes

Kate Adie presents stories from Venezuela, Israel, Zimbabwe, Turkey and France.

Thousands of Venezuelans are protesting against the results of the presidential election last weekend in which the incumbent Nicolas Maduro claimed victory. The US said there is overwhelming evidence the opposition leader, Edmundo Gonzalez won the election. Since the election, several hundred people have been detained. Ione Wells has been in Caracas.

Hopes for a ceasefire deal between Israel and the militant group Hamas were dealt a serious blow this week with the assassination in Iran of Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas. He was targeted only hours after Israel killed a senior commander of Lebanon's Hezbollah movement. Barbara Plett Usher spoke to the people most desperate for a Gaza truce.

Zimbabwe’s government has launched public hearings into a period of ethnic killings in the 1980s when former president Robert Mugabe moved to dismantle the strongholds of his arch-rival. The killings laid the foundation for lingering ethnic tensions. Shingai Nyoka spoke to some of the survivors and victim's families.

Turkish society is fiercely divided over stray dogs and a new law aims to remove an estimated four million from the streets. A controversial provision of that law that requires euthanasia for dogs deemed ill or dangerous has further galvanized Turkish citizens, says Victoria Craig.

In Paris, residents had serious reservations in the lead up to the Olympics: ranging from the E. coli risk posed to triathletes in the Seine, to the impending deluge of tourists taking over the capital. But has the event itself succeeded in winning over Parisians, asks Andrew Harding.

Series Producer: Serena Tarling Editor: Tom Bigwood Production Coordinator: Katie Morrison

Fears of a wider war between Hezbollah and Israel Jul 27, 2024

Show notes

Kate Adie presents stories from Lebanon, Ukraine, Democratic Republic of Congo, Bali and Spain

In Lebanon, the risk of a wider war between Israel and the armed group Hezbollah remains an ever-present danger. Hezbollah has been trading fire with Israel since the Hamas attacks last October, devastating communities on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border. Orla Guerin reports from southern Lebanon.

Drone warfare has transformed the frontline in Ukraine’s east, making it more dangerous for those fighting. Russians have also used these to target civilians in the city of Kharkiv. Yana Lyushnevskaya fled Ukraine early in the war. She recounts the experience of returning to her life in Ukraine.

In Democratic Republic of Congo, hundreds of thousands of people are staying in overcrowded camps around the city of Goma that has been under siege by the rebel group known as the M23. The Congolese army has struggled to push back the militia’s advance. Hugh Kinsella Cunningham spoke to some of the people trying to flee to safety.

The Indonesian Island of Bali is a rich cultural heritage with its spectacular religious festivals and traditional craftsmanship. But there are concerns that such traditions such as mask-making are being lost with international visitors spending their money elsewhere. Michelle Jana Chan discovers one artisan persisting with his craft.

And finally, back in Europe, thousands of people have been protesting in Spain against a surge in tourism that’s being blamed for plummeting living standards among locals. Majorca has been at the centre of the protests. Nick Beake spoke to islanders who feel their way of life is being threatened.

Series Producer: Serena Tarling Editor: Tom Bigwood Production Coordinators: Sophie Hill & Katie Morrison

Republicans anoint Donald Trump Jul 20, 2024

Show notes

Kate Adie presents stories from the US, the West Bank, India and Italy

Donald Trump was confirmed as the Republican party's presidential candidate this week at their National Convention in Wisconsin. He also announced his running mate, JD Vance. Anthony Zurcher was at the convention and reflects on the impact of this last week, and the attempted assassination, on the Presidential campaign.

The Israel-Gaza war has exacerbated tensions in the occupied West Bank where around three quarters of a million Israeli settlers live, including East Jerusalem, alongside three million Palestinians. Under Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, settler expansion has risen sharply. Tim Whewell travelled across the West Bank and heard from both Palestinians and Israelis.

In India, Hindu nationalism had been growing in prominence throughout Narendra Modi’s first terms in office. Its impact was pervasive – and left many Muslims feeling increasingly marginalised, even at risk. But the two communities share far more culturally than the febrile political atmosphere of the recent election campaign would lead you to believe, says Samira Hussain.

The ancient Roman city of Pompeii holds a certain fascination for archaeologists across the world. The current dig is the biggest in a generation and is underlining Pompeii's unique window on the people and culture of the Roman empire. Natasha Fernandes went to explore.

The attempted assassination of Donald Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania has shaken the US and triggered several Congressional investigations. Gary O’Donoghue was at the scene and reflects on a defining moment both in the presidential campaign – as well as US history.

Series Producer: Serena Tarling Editor: Tom Bigwood Production Coordinator: Katie Morrison

A daylight attack on Kyiv Jul 13, 2024

Show notes

Kate Adie presents stories from Ukraine, Australia, France, Nigeria and Costa Rica.

There was international outrage after the Okhmatdyt Children's Hospital in Kyiv was hit by a missile this week, during a barrage of Russian attacks on cities across Ukraine. James Waterhouse was returning to his base in the capital when news of the strike broke and saw how Ukrainians reacted during the aftermath. The modern Australian state was built by immigration but it's always had strict rules on who was allowed in. Katy Watson examines the current stringent regulations limiting entry and residence, which can make migrating to the lucky country difficult for people with disabilities or longterm illness. Contrary to many predictions, the second round of France's general election did not bring Marine Le Pen's National Rally party to power. But some say the party's political advance has merely been paused, not prevented. In the town squares, marketplaces and mosques of Lille, Rob Young heard from voters about their needs and fears. Emigration from Nigeria is nothing new but as it confronts a serious economic downturn talk of how to make the move to work abroad is everywhere. Though only a realistic prospect for the relatively well-off, leaving is a near-universal aspiration for young, well-educated workers these days. Hannah Gelbart talks to young Nigerians who're determined to 'japa' - or jump - away from home. Costa Rica is famous for its commitment to eco-friendly policies both at home and internationally - whether it's pushing to reduce global warming or to fight deforestation at home. In the rainforest of Monteverde, John Kampfner learns how a community of American Quakers put down roots here and what they're doing to help preserve their green haven. Producer: Polly Hope Editor: Tom Bigwood

The Trial of Evan Gershkovich Jul 06, 2024

Show notes

Kate Adie presents stories from Russia, The Netherlands, Taiwan, Vanuatu and Germany.

The trial of US journalist, Evan Gershkovich in the city of Yekaterinburg will be conducted behind closed doors. He is just one of many journalists who went to Russia to report on the country, as Vladimir Putin’s clampdown on media freedoms intensified. Steve Rosenberg was in Yekaterinburg and reflects on Russia's handling of the case.

Last year, just over 9000 deaths - around 5% of the total number - occurred as a result of euthanasia in the Netherlands, where it's legal. It’s very rare, but every year, there are more Dutch couples choosing to end their lives at the same time. Linda Pressly met someone whose parents made the decision to die together.

In Taiwan, civil liberties are strongly supported, and it is now one of the world’s most progressive countries regarding gay rights. On a recent visit to the capital Taipei, Lucy Ash meets some who fear that should China invade in the future, hard-won rights could be taken away.

In the South Pacific, Vanuatu is grappling with what happens when a significant proportion of its workforce is lured away by higher paid jobs in hospitality, agriculture and elderly care to the likes of New Zealand and Australia. In Port Vila, Rebecca Root speaks to locals about what that means for a country struggling to build up its own economy.

And finally, the UEFA Euro 2024 football championship is taking place at a time when Europe is seeing many political rifts. On a tour of some of the host cities in Germany, James Helm reflects on how football tournaments still have the power to unite rather than divide.

Series Producer: Serena Tarling Editor: Richard Vadon and Tom Bigwood Production Coordinator: Katie Morrison

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