
From Our Own Correspondent Rebuilding a life amid Syria's ruins
Jan 3, 2026
Lyse Doucet, a Senior BBC correspondent, shares poignant stories from Ghouta, highlighting efforts to rebuild homes and lives in the aftermath of war. Laura Bicker sheds light on China's ambitious tech and military advancements, alongside its domestic challenges impacting public confidence. Tom Bateman explores shifting sentiments among Republican voters regarding Trump's policies. Hester Underhill reports on the devastating sheeppox outbreak in Greece affecting farmers, while Justin Rowlatt provides insights on Amazon deforestation and the soy moratorium's risks.
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Returnee Rebuilds Home With Solar
- Lyse Doucet recounts meeting Waleed who rebuilt his Jobar home with solar panels after displacement and loss.
- He returned using savings to install essentials and insists, 'We are not born to give up.'
China's Global Strength Masks Domestic Worries
- Laura Bicker observes China's manufacturing and tech dominance across EVs, wind turbines, robots and AI investment.
- She warns domestic confidence has eroded because of a housing crisis and slowing consumer sentiment.
Homebuyers Stranded By Evergrande Collapse
- Laura Bicker tells the story of Mr Zhao left with an unfinished Evergrande apartment after investing his life savings.
- He lost confidence in the system that allowed developers to build while accruing massive debt.


