From Our Own Correspondent

4.3 (940)
NEWS COMMENTARY
UPDATED WEEKLY

Insight, wit and analysis from BBC correspondents, journalists and writers telling stories beyond the news headlines. Presented by Kate Adie.

1 DAY AGO

Trump, Putin and the new global order

Kate Adie presents stories from Russia, the occupied West Bank, Bangladesh, South Africa and India US relations with its Western allies have been upended recently amid a rapprochement between Washington and Moscow. The BBC’s Russia Editor Steve Rosenberg reveals how the warming of relations has been feted in the pro-Putin press, while ordinary Russians are seemingly more cautious. As the first stage of the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel comes to an end, Israel's defence forces are in the midst of another major operation against armed Palestinian groups in the occupied West Bank. Paul Adams visited one of the region's refugee camps to see what impact Israel’s military action is having on the thousands of people forced to leave their homes. Bangladesh remains politically unstable six months after the violent student-led uprising which brought down long-term leader, Sheikh Hasina. In the absence of political certainty, fundamentalist Islamic groups – previously side-lined in politics – have found fresh impetus, says David Loyn. Johannesburg in South Africa is often framed as one of the world's most dangerous cities - but there are signs of improvement, with both locals and tourists returning to explore areas once regarded as no-go zones. Ed Habershon met the Joburgers trying to change their city’s image. Each year, in the south Indian state of Kerala, ancient folk rituals, known as theyyams, are held in family estates and around temples. Sara Wheeler went to watch the dramatic spectacles, where performers become living embodiments of Hindu deities. Series Producer: Serena Tarling Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith Production Coordinators: Katie Morrison & Sophie Hill

29 min
22 FEB

Disappeared in Ukraine

Kate Adie presents stories from Ukraine, the United States, The Gambia and Uzbekistan. Its three years since Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, during which time hundreds of thousands of people have been killed or injured - though others have simply disappeared without trace. Sarah Rainsford travelled to Ukraine, where she met one woman trying to find out what happened to her parents after they were detained during Russia's occupation of her home town. US President Donald Trump has pledged to curb government waste by cutting spending. Under review are the billions of dollars set aside for research grants, intended for universities and scientific institutions. At the annual gathering of one of the country’s oldest scientific societies, which took place in Boston last week, Sandra Kanthal found a decidedly dampened mood. Each year thousands of people leave sub-Saharan Africa in hope of reaching Europe and forging a better life. It's a dangerous and potentially deadly journey - and for some the challenge is just too much. So what happens after they return home? Alex Last went to The Gambia to find out. The city of Bukhara in Uzbekistan is located on the route of the legendary Silk Road, and in the Middle Ages it became a major intellectual hub of the Islamic world. It's also home to a centuries-old Jewish community, which over generations blended culture with the Muslim community. Post-Soviet emigration means it's now much smaller than it used to be, but Monica Whitlock met one man who is still happy to call Bukhara home.

28 min
15 FEB

Germany's young people and the far right

In Saxony, our correspondent hears why young voters are increasingly supporting the AfD. The party is polling consistently in second place ahead of a snap election next Sunday LONG: Kate Adie presents stories from Germany, the US, Afghanistan, Spain and Morocco. Germany goes to the polls on 23rd February, with the conservative CDU party showing a strong lead. But the far right AfD is consistently polling in second place. The biggest rise in support for the party has been among young voters, and Jessica Parker has spoken to some of them in Saxony to hear why. Mahjooba Nowrouzi returns to Afghanistan, for the first time in nearly 30 years, having fled the oppressive Taliban regime as a young student. She describes how despite initial first impressions, not much had changed with the Taliban back in control once more. This week, Jordan's King Abdullah visited Washington, where he made clear to President Trump that he and other regional leaders were unanimous in rejecting plans to take over Gaza and transfer Palestinians to Jordan and Egypt. Tom Bateman followed the encounter between King Abdullah and the President. In Southern Spain, the olive yield has risen substantially after several years of punishing drought. But apart from the challenges of climate change and on-going desertification in Spain, farmers have another worry – crime. Last year in Andalucía over 500 tonnes of olives were stolen. It’s a headache for local law enforcement, as Linda Pressly found out on a visit to the olive groves there. Morocco has long been the film location of choice for many a Hollywood director, with its array of studios and versatile backdrops. But now, as John Kampfner discovered on a recent visit, a combination of tight budgets and technology, suggest that the good times might be running out in the ‘Hollywood of Africa.’ Series Producer: Serena Tarling Editor: Bridget Harney Production coordinators: Katie Morrison & Sophie Hill

29 min
8 FEB

Rebuilding lives in DR Congo

Kate Adie introduces stories from DR Congo, Israel, Ecuador, Malaysia and Germany. Hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced by the ongoing conflict in the DR Congo. Amid the violence, a clinic in Goma is helping civilian casualties recover and rehabilitate. Hugh Kinsella-Cunnigham met some of the people trying to rebuild their lives. Regional leaders in the Middle East are focusing their attention on the second stage of the ceasefire – and the continuation of the hostage and prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas. Some hardliners in the Knesset are demanding a resumption of the war, which worries families still waiting for their relatives to be released, reports Wyre Davies. Ecuador goes to the polls this weekend, in a vote which is seen by many as a referendum on President Daniel Noboa's hardline war on the country's criminal gangs, which critics say has led to innocent people arrested and detained. Ione Wells reports from the city of Guayaquil. A recent survey in Malaysia revealed more than 70 per cent of young Malaysians are in debt. Officials says this is down to a ‘shopping addiction’ and the growth of ‘flex culture’ on social media. Hannah Gelbart went to find out more about the country's appetite to spend. In an age of translation apps achieving fluency in a foreign language can perhaps seem a futile exercise. Undeterred, Lucy Ash recently moved to Berlin to learn German. After making little progress, she moved to the country’s Baltic coast where she volunteered as a farm hand - and could finally escape the multitude of English-speakers in the capital. Series producer: Serena Tarling Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith Production coordinators: Katie Morrison & Sophie Hill Image: Naomi at the Shirika La Umoja centre in Goma. Taken by Hugh Kinsella Cunningham

29 min
1 FEB

Donald Trump’s Rapid Start

Kate Adie presents stories from the US, Mexico, Bangladesh, Guatemala and Malaysia Donald Trump marked his return to the White House with a deluge of executive orders and announcements, which included an immigration crackdown, ending federal diversity programmes and withdrawing the US from the WHO. Anthony Zurcher travelled with the president on board Air Force One. In cities across the US, the Immigration Enforcement Agency has been conducting raids and arresting thousands of undocumented migrants, as part of President Trump’s crackdown. Mexico is preparing itself for the potential arrival of tens of thousands of people in the coming weeks. Will Grant reports from both sides of the border. In Bangladesh, deaths related to diseases, such as cholera and rotavirus are considered especially high, because of long-standing issues with overcrowding, poor sanitation and access to clean water. Rebecca Root visited a hospital in the capital, Dhaka, which is leading the way in treatment and prevention. Many of Guatemala’s indigenous communities live outside the major cities, and the stress of living isolated lives has fuelled mental health problems. A group of indigenous women is trying to change that. Jane Chambers went to lake Atitlan to meet them. The Malaysian state of Sabah, in northern Borneo, is a mountainous region covered in dense rainforest. On a recent visit there, Stephen Moss came across the increasingly rare black hornbill – and a new generation of keen birdwatchers. Series Producer: Serena Tarling Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith Production coordinators: Katie Morrison & Sophie Hill

29 min
25 JAN

Israel, Gaza and the ceasefire

Kate Adie present stories from Israel and Gaza, Syria, Denmark, Spain and Poland. After a faltering start, the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect last Sunday. Fergal Keane has been reporting on the conflict from the outset and was on Israel's border with Gaza last weekend – here he reflects on the human cost of the war and what the future might hold. Syrians have been embracing their new found freedoms since the fall of Bashar Al-Assad’s regime last year. But, at the same time, the scale of Assad’s intelligence and surveillance operation is now coming to light. Lina Sinjab retraces her own experiences of being arrested by Syria’s secret police. We visit the Danish town of Kalundborg – the main manufacturing centre for the weight loss drug Wegovy. Bob Howard paid a visit to find out more about life in a modern-day boom town Climate change is posing a major challenge for wine producers across the world. Sophie Eastaugh travelled to Catalonia to find out how one of Spain’s oldest family-run wine companies is looking to the past for answers. 80 years ago, Soviet troops liberated Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi extermination camp. Events are being held this week to remember the 1.1m people, mainly Jews, who were murdered there. Amie Liebowitz, a descendant of two women held at the camp, reflects on a recent visit there. Series Producer: Serena Tarling Editor: Richard Fenton Smith Production Coordinators: Katie Morrison & Sophie HIll

29 min
18 JAN

Escaping the LA Fires

Kate Adie introduces stories from Los Angeles, Cambodia, Argentina, Nigeria and Washington DC. The Los Angeles wild fires have left thousands of people homeless, and caused damage costing billions of dollars. Among those Angelenos who narrowly escaped disaster there is an overwhelming sense of relief - and, for some, a sense of guilt. BBC LA correspondent David Willis tells the story of his own close call. Cambodia’s 12th Century temple complex, Angkor Wat, is the world’s biggest religious site and a huge tourist attraction. Authorities want to increase visitor numbers, which has led to locals living in the jungle around the site being evicted from their homes. Jill McGivering went to investigate. Javier Milei was elected president of Argentina a little over a year ago, following an eccentric campaign in which he promised radical economic reform. Charlotte Pritchard visited a chewing-gum factory in Buenos Aires, to find out what business owners think of the progress the country is making so far. In Nigeria we navigate the bustling urban sprawl of Lagos to find a wildlife sanctuary in an unlikely spot. It's the work of a local school teacher who wants to teach locals about conversation and the importance of biodiversity. Kirsty Lang paid a visit. Washington DC is making preparations for Donald Trump's inauguration next week. As he enters the White House, the Republicans will control of all three branches of government. Paddy O’Connell looks back to his own time working in Washington, when American voters were seemingly much more willing to share support for both political parties. Series producer: Serena Tarling Production coordinators: Sophie Hill & Katie Morrison Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith

29 min
11 JAN

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

29 min

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4.3

out of 5

940 Ratings

terrific range

02/11/2021

Anita Swale

I used to use this as a way of keeping a sense of perspective & balance with the rest of the world. Recently though I have found some of the reporters somewhat self-absorbed and sometimes voyeuristic, which makes me uncomfortable.
Peerless global journalism

16/04/2023

Tommy Frieherr

In a format that brings out the best in strong journos. Precise insights
Always great

06/07/2022

davew80

I love FOOC and have listened for many years but lately the Kate Adie segues have some very painful sibilance. Keep up the good work though! Please don’t stop.
Bonus

23/09/2020

Mrscoombe

Bonus episode was actually the best! Loved the whole thing