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From Our Own Correspondent

Latest episodes

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Jan 11, 2025 • 29min

The Israeli and Palestinian schism

Kate Adie presents stories from Israel and the Palestinian territories, South Korea, Canada and Finland.If and when a ceasefire deal is agreed between Israel and Hamas, it is likely to do little to mend the deepening mistrust between many Israeli and Palestinian communities. Jon Donnison has lived and worked in the region for many years, and he reflects on the challenges he faces as a journalist, navigating relationships with friends and contacts who hold starkly different views of the conflict.Feminism is facing a serious backlash in South Korea. Many women who advocate for gender equality are often depicted as man-haters, and are relentlessly trolled by anonymous online attackers - some women have even lost their jobs due to pressure from angry male activists. Jean MacKenzie heard one woman's experience.Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation this week after nine years in power. Neal Razzell reflects on Mr Trudeau’s meteoric rise as the darling of the country's liberal voters - and why many Canadians fell out of love with him.Finland's new status as a NATO member was put to the test recently, after a Russian ship was suspected of severing an underwater power cable on Christmas Day. Emilia Jansson was home for the holidays, and reveals how the incident has been met with both fascination and suspicion by Finns.Series Producer: Serena Tarling Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith Production Coordinators: Sophie Hill & Katie Morrison
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Jan 4, 2025 • 29min

Mexico prepares for Trump 2.0

Kate Adie introduces stories from Mexico, Lebanon, Liberia and Tanzania.Mexico's first woman president, Claudia Sheinbaum, is preparing for a potentially bumpy year, as Donald Trump returns to the White House with threats of tariffs and mass deportations. Will Grant looks at the challenges ahead in 2025.On Saturday 4th January 1975, Jim Muir pulled up in Beirut, marking the beginning of a decades-long career reporting for the BBC from the Middle East. He recalls what the 'Switzerland of the Middle East' was like in the months before civil war gripped the country, and how it has changed over the years.The Liberian warlord-turned-politician, Prince Yormie Johnson, recently died at the age of seventy-two. The BBC's former Africa Correspondent, Hilary Andersson, recalls meeting him when she was first starting out as a journalist.Last year, Reha Kansara and her friends challenged themselves to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. While they made it to the foothills to fulfil their promise, they also discovered a few truths about the adage that it’s the journey, not that destination that really matters.Series producer: Serena Tarling Production Coordinators: Katie Morrison & Sophie Hill Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith
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Dec 28, 2024 • 28min

A Song for Valentina

Kate Adie presents stories from Russia, Mayotte, Liechtenstein and France.BBC Russia editor Steve Rosenberg is regarded as a 'propagandist' by some Russians, but a song he wrote about a Russian friend seemed to thaw the ice, and unexpectedly struck a chord with fellow Muscovites.France held a day of national mourning this week in tribute to those who died after Cyclone Chido devasted the Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte earlier this month, bringing winds of up to 160 miles per hour. Mayotte was already France’s most impoverished territory, but the storm, which was the worst to hit the archipelago in 90 years, flattened areas where many people live in shacks, leaving behind fields of dirt and debris. Mayeni Jones describes the challenges of trying to reach the island when she was deployed there.Liechtenstein lays claim to being one of the worst football teams in the world. It was recently on a 40-game losing streak, until it recently faced Hong Kong on its home turf. Jacob Panons - a loyal supporter of the Hong Kong team - witnessed the stand-off between the two minnows.Thanks to his Christmas stories, Charles Dickens is often associated with this time of year. But our Paris correspondent, Hugh Schofield, has come to discover more about another passion in the Victorian novelist’s life – his love of France.Series Producer: Serena Tarling Production Coordinators: Katie Morrison & Sophie Hill Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith
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Dec 21, 2024 • 29min

Searching for Syria's missing

Rebecca Henschke, a correspondent focusing on Myanmar's military, shares the fascinating tale of 'watermelon spies'—soldiers who secretly aid rebels, shifting power dynamics in the region. Monica Whitlock highlights heart-wrenching stories of Syrian families searching for loved ones lost under Assad's regime, revealing their desperate quest for truth. The podcast also touches on the struggles of Ivorian cocoa farmers facing economic hardship despite rising chocolate prices.
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Dec 14, 2024 • 29min

Returning home to Syria

Kate Adie introduces stories from Syria, Ukraine, France, Ghana and Saudi Arabia.The speed at which President Assad was deposed was a shock to many, including the BBC's Lina Sinjab. She had been forced to leave her home country in 2013, after being detained and threatened by Syrian security forces. This week, she finally returned home, without the looming fear of arrest, to find a changed country.Paul Adams was in Kyiv on the first-day of Russia's full-scale invasion, and reported from the country during much of the early months on the war. He recently returned for the first time in over a year, and found a very different country, where the desire for the war to end is growing by the day.France has entered a period of political uncertainty, triggered by the collapse of Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s government ten days ago. On the surface, not much has changed in the country, says Andrew Harding - but what about further down the road?Like other polls around the world this year, Ghana's recent general election saw another incumbent ousted. The reasons behind this are familiar, too, says James Copnall - rising prices, rising rent and a general malaise and desire for change.Saudi Arabia was crowned host of the 2034 World Cup this week - the pinnacle of an orchestrated campaign to bring some positive PR to the Kingdom through international sport and culture. Emily Wither recently attended a star-studded film festival, and considers the degree to which Saudi Arabia has managed to pull off its much-desired rebrand.Series Producer: Serena Tarling Production coordinators: Katie Morrison and Sophie Hill Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith
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Dec 7, 2024 • 29min

Sudan and the story of Mama Nour

Nomsa Maseko, a correspondent known for her insightful reporting on South Africa, dives deep into the perilous world of illegal mining and the dire realities faced by miners enduring life-threatening conditions. She recalls her chilling experience entering an abandoned gold mine occupied by desperate workers fighting for survival. Additionally, the podcast highlights the bravery of Mama Nour in Sudan, who provides refuge for vulnerable women and children amidst unimaginable chaos, underscoring the humanitarian crisis plaguing the region.
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Nov 30, 2024 • 29min

The story of a Russian deserter

Kate Adie introduces dispatches on Russia, Germany, Hong Kong, India and Sweden.A Russian soldier who once responsible for guarding Russia's nuclear weapons reveals why he fled the army. In a secret meeting, at an undisclosed location, he tells Will Vernon what he makes of President Vladimir Putin's threats towards the West.Earlier this month German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s argumentative three-way governing coalition collapsed, triggering snap elections in February. Damien McGuinness ponders what Berlin's Christmas lights can tell us about the political mood in the country.In Hong Kong, Danny Vincent reports from inside the courtroom where the pro-democracy media mogul, Jimmy Lai, is on trial. Mr Lai is already serving a prison sentence following a separate trial for his involvement in pro-democracy protests in 2019. Since then, China has imposed a sweeping national security law which many fear is being used to dismantle and chill all political opposition.In Rajasthan, in India, there are efforts underway to rewild vast tracts of degraded land back to its natural state. In one area of Jawai, work has been undertaken to create a wildlife corridor for migrating wildlife. Michelle Jana Chan goes on the trail of a local leopard and her young cubs.Every home in Sweden recently received updated advice on what to do in the event of war. This isn’t new to Swedes – but the guidance has been updated because of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and ongoing concern that war could escalate across Europe. Miranda Colchester has been gauging public reaction in the Swedish capital.Series producer: Serena Tarling Production coordinators: Katie Morrison & Sophie Hill Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith
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Nov 23, 2024 • 29min

Life in the shadow of a melting glacier

In the breathtaking Gilgit-Baltistan, locals prepare for the chaos of melting glaciers and imminent landslides. Global political dynamics shift as world leaders gather in Brazil, recalibrating alliances ahead of Trump's potential return. Meanwhile, a couple in the remote Faroe Islands tackle the thrilling challenge of rounding up sheep, all while Austria’s Bad Ischl reveals historical layers linked to the Habsburg Empire. The podcast beautifully intertwines environmental crises, political intrigue, and rich cultural traditions.
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Nov 16, 2024 • 29min

North Korea and Russia's flourishing friendship

Kate Adie presents stories from China, Ukraine, Australia, Panama and Lithuania.Reports of North Korean troops being deployed to join the Russian offensive in Ukraine has compounded fears in Kyiv about its ability to win the war. And it’s proving a headache for Beijing too, which is an ally to both Russia and North Korea. Laura Bicker travelled to Fangchuan, where the borders of all three countries meet.In Ukraine, the use of drones has become integral to the war strategy for both sides. But since the Summer, there has been signs that Russia may be deliberately targeting civilians with unmanned drones – killing dozens. Yogita Limaye travelled to Kherson, where locals described the terror they face every day.Youth crime has become a big talking point in Australia, but critics warn tougher punishment may not improve the outcome for locals or young offenders, as Katy Watson heard in Northern Territory.In Panama, the rainy season lasts around eight months of the year, and yet hundreds of thousands of people struggle to access regular running water. Jane Chambers went to meet some people who've come up with their own solution.Lithuania became the last country in Europe to convert to Christianity back in the 1300s. But over the last century, many Lithuanians began exploring their pagan past once more, to build a sense of national identity. Simon Broughton went to one of the country’s biggest folk festivals to find out more.Series Producer: Serena Tarling Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith Production Coordinators: Sophie Hill & Katie Morrison
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Nov 9, 2024 • 29min

Donald Trump’s Sweeping Victory

Kate Adie presents stories from the US, Lebanon, Spain, Morocco and GreenlandDonald Trump won a resounding victory in the US election, heralding an imminent return to the White House. This was achieved through a new coalition of support - especially among African-American and Hispanic voters. Anthony Zurcher has followed the campaign from the outset, and reflects on how, despite a well-funded Harris campaign, Donald Trump pulled off a decisive win.Israel's invasion of Lebanon has continued, sparked by almost a year of cross-border hostilities. This latest conflict began with Hezbollah firing rockets across the border into Israel last October, in support of its ally Hamas in Gaza. Orla Guerin has been there since the conflict intensified six weeks ago.In Spain, thousands of troops, civil guards and police helped with the relief effort following flash floods in Valencia that killed more than 200 people. Amid a febrile atmosphere of blame and recrimination, Nick Beake has been building a picture of how events unfolded - and heard how tragedy hit one family.Morocco is a launch pad for many Africans trying to make the dangerous journey across the Mediterranean into Europe. Now, it's coming under increased pressure due to political instability in the Sahel. Richard Hamilton was in Tangier.In Greenland, an Inuit community living in the island's most remote settlement is facing profound changes to their traditional way of life amid melting sea ice. Mark Stratton went to hear about the challenges facing the community, such as climate change, tourism and polar bears.Series Producer: Serena Tarling Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith Production Coordinators: Katie Morrison and Sophie Hill

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