Profile

The IMF elects the French Finance Minister, Christine Lagarde as its new Managing Director. Front-runner Ms Lagarde, who's used to breaking glass ceilings in the world of politics and economics, becomes the first female head of this international financial institution. A yoga and exercise enthusiast - she once represented France in synchronised swimming - she wears Chanel and treasures the simple pleasures of her rural retreat in Normandy. A healthy contrast perhaps to the challenges facing the International Monetary Fund in Europe as Greece struggles to manage its political crisis and the threat of default. Adrian Goldberg reports.

Bashar al-Assad of Syria is facing a serious challenge to his rule in the form of widespread political protest across the country. Simon Cox examines how instead of training to be an eye doctor in London he was thrust into the role of leader of an Arab state in the of a political storm. Had his brother not died, Bashar would almost certainly have been destined for a quiet life outside politics and far from the spotlight. He came to power in 2000 on a wave of hope for political and economic reform. Under his leadership, the country underwent a degree of relaxation, with hundreds of political prisoners being released and a few tentative steps towards easing media restrictions. But the pace of change has slowed - if not reversed - and President Assad has made clear his priority is economic rather than political reform. The Syrian leader's vocal opposition to the US-led invasion of Iraq prompted US anger, but it was popular in Syria and in the region. His administration has also come under fire for its alleged support for Palestinian militants and insurgents in Iraq. For Syria's security services and army, the ruling Baath Party and the massive state bureaucracies, Mr Assad represents stability and continuity after the 30-year rule of his father, Hafez al-Assad. Some observers believe an old guard with entrenched interests may be holding back the young leader. Others say Mr Assad is firmly in the driving seat. So how much do we know about the real character of the man - is he reformer or autocrat? Presenter: Simon Cox Producer: Ian Muir-Cochrane.

Martin Amis has a reputation as a literary bad boy and has caused a stir in a recent interview with a French magazine talking about the 'moral decrepitude of England' and saying he would 'prefer not to be English'. It's not the first time Amis has courted controversy: he offended Muslims by saying they 'ought to suffer until they get their house in order' and earlier this year he riled children's authors by saying 'If I had a serious brain injury I might well write a children's book'. Those who've met him, however, say he can be charming and he commands the loyalty of several high profile friends.

On the day of her resignation, Edward Stourton profiles the former News International Chief Executive Rebekah Brooks. He asks how she became one of the most powerful women in Britain - and charts the mixture of charm and ruthlessness which took her to the top. Producer: Ben Crighton.

In the week that artist Ai Weiwei was detained by the Chinese authorities, Mary Ann Sieghart profiles the outspoken designer of the 'Bird's Nest' Olympics stadium.Reporter - Mary Ann Sieghart Producer - Ben Crighton (The programme includes material from Alison Klayman's documentary: Ai Weiwei - Never Sorry).

In the week that singer-songwriter Adele's critically acclaimed second album retains the UK top spot for the ninth consecutive week, Colin Paterson asks whether she can beat the record set by Madonna to become the female solo artist with the longest-running album at number one for consecutive weeks.At just 21 years old, how did this 'ordinary girl' from North London conquer the charts? Reporter - Colin Paterson Producer - Gail Champion.

Morland Sanders profiles the Secretary General of the Arab League, Amr Moussa. A key pillar in cobbling together international legitimacy for the coalition mission in Libya was support from the League of Arab States. But after bombing runs began, Amr Moussa appeared to criticise the coalition strikes as beyond the scope of the United Nations mandate. Is this apparent wavering a lack of consensus in the Arab League and does this limit its influence? How successful has the League been under the leadership of Amr Moussa? As he prepares to depart as head of the League and stand for President of Egypt what are the challenges now facing both the League and him personally?

Claire Bolderson profiles Marine Le Pen, daughter of Jean Marie Le Pen who now leads the party that her father founded, the Front National. She has a different style to her father - more smiles than snarls - but are her political views as divisive and controversial as his? A recent opinion poll shows that support for Marine Le Pen is overtaking support for President Sarkozy and she may do very well at the next presidential election in 2012.

He's a popular figure in the Conservative Party and a key player in the Coalition, but this week the Foreign Secretary, William Hague, was criticised after a bungled SAS mission into Libya. The Prime Minister has defended him, but others are asking whether Hague still has a passion for politics at the highest level. As Tory leader in 2001, he led his party to a crushing defeat and announced his resignation the day after the election. Over the next few years, he enjoyed a rise in popularity, probably helped by appearances on the TV show, 'Have I Got News for You'. Now, back at the top of the political game, he's again facing challenges which are testing his mettle.

As Paris Fashion week gets underway, one of its most successful designers is missing from the show. Chris Bowlby looks at the life and career of John Galliano, who was sacked this week by fashion house Dior after allegedly making anti-Semitic comments.