From Our Own Correspondent
BBC Radio 4 1 213 episodes Nov 7, 2026
Insight, wit and analysis from BBC correspondents, journalists and writers telling stories beyond the news headlines. Presented by Kate Adie.
Episodes
Ukraine: Escaping 'hell' in Oleshky
Kate Adie introduces stories from Ukraine, the USA, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Indonesia, and Kyrgyzstan.A temporary ceasefire part-brokered by Melania Trump enabled hundreds of civilians to finally leave the Russian-occupied town of Oleshky in southern Ukraine, where they had been trapped by fierce conflict. Dan Johnson met elated families who were finally reunited with loved ones after be
US Midterm Elections: Anger vs Loyalty
Kate Adie introduces stories from the USA, Brazil, Serbia, France and China.The cost of living is a crunch issue for many American voters but the question is whether that will favour Democrats at the ballot box or will President Donald Trump's loyalists help keep congress under Republican control? Sarah Smith takes the political temperature in Iowa and Michigan. Brazil's incumbent left-wing Presid
Israel elections: Netanyahu's big test
Kate Adie introduces stories from Israel, Albania, the US and Chile.Israel goes to the polls on Tuesday in a pivotal vote on the future direction of the country. Israel's longest-serving prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, is facing a serious political challenge in former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, though neither is likely to be able to win a majority reports Lucy Williamson.Student protesters
Saudi Arabia hit by the Houthis
Kate Adie introduces stories from Saudi Arabia, India, Lithuania, the Faroe Islands and Australia.Saudi Arabia has vowed to respond to recent attacks on the kingdom's airports and oil facilities by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis. The Houthis said they launched the attacks in retaliation for 'brutal Saudi aggression' against areas they control in Yemen. Frank Gardner reflects on the growing challenge
France rocked by wave of student protests
Kate Adie introduces stories from France, Israel, Yemen, Greenland and the US.France has been in the grip of nationwide school protests as students protest the dire state of the country's schools. Aside from the demands for classroom improvements, they've inflamed wider concerns over future prospects and political division, says James Waterhouse.Memorial events took place in Israel this week to ma
Nepal: Living on the Edge of Disaster
Kate Adie introduces stories from Nepal, Gaza, Ukraine, the USA and Norway.Recent catastrophic floods have heightened fears among Nepal's many at-risk mountain communities living under the looming threat of melting glaciers. Antonia Bolingbroke-Kent reports from the village and monastery of Halji in the country's high plains.UNICEF says some 98 per cent of schools in Gaza were either destroyed or
Xi, Trump and the battle for AI supremacy
Kate Adie presents stories from Mongolia, Turkey, Djibouti, Brazil and Africa.Xi Jinping met Donald Trump in Washington this week. Talking points included Taiwan, the Iran War, the trade truce – and Artificial Intelligence. Our China correspondent Laura Bicker has travelled to Inner Mongolia, where Chinese data centres are being built at a rapid rate as China seeks industry dominance. A court in T
Iran-backed Houthis rapidly advance on Red Sea coast
Kate Adie introduces stories from Yemen, South Korea, Sierra Leone, France, and Ireland. Yemen's Houthis recently claimed a major advance along the western Red Sea coast, capturing two strategic port cities from the Saudi-backed pro government forces. The BBC’s security correspondent, Frank Gardner, reflects on how the Iran-backed Houthis have transformed themselves from tribal militia to formid
Could Kyiv see another mass exodus?
Kate Adie introduces stories from Ukraine, Nigeria, Canada, US and Malaysia. There’s growing alarm in Kyiv and in European capitals over the intensification of Russia's jet-powered drone attacks. As another winter of war approaches, there are worries that damage to vital infrastructure might make the city unlivable, sparking a second exodus of citizens. Meanwhile, in rural towns and villages, elde
USS Abraham Lincoln's troubled deployment ends in Thailand
Kate Adie introduces stories from Thailand, Ukraine, Kenya, Spain and Hungary.After nine months at sea the USS Abraham Lincoln docked in Thailand this week. The psychological plight of its crew, which ran short on supplies, turned up the heat on Donald Trump and his longer-than-promised war with Iran. Jonathan Head reports from Pattaya, a long-time R&R spot for the American military which welc
Germany's far-right AFD eyes first state win
Kate Adie presents stories from Germany on the Alternative für Deutschland party's plans if it takes power in state elections; India's Cockroach party takes on a new fight; inside the factories of China's robotic revolution; how corned beef changed a Uruguayan town and the protesters of the peaceful anti-communist revolution in 1989 who've taken up a new cause.Jessica Parker has followed the campa
Russia blames West for deepening crisis
Kate Adie presents stories from Russia, with authorities defiant as the war impact is felt; a grim Ebola milestone in the DRC; Brazil's presidential campaign and the small Bulgarian city chosen to host Eurovision.Moscow has issued a warning to the UK of 'consequences' following confirmation that British-made drones were used in recent Ukrainian strikes . The authorities - and some citizens - are
Afghanistan's Taliban takeover: Five years on
Kate Adie introduces stories on the hidden networks providing vital lifelines to women and girls in Afghanistan, Gaza's tech entrepreneurs rebooting the digital economy, China's bogus dating agencies, and the hunt for a hard-to-find critter in the Australian bush. It's been five years since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan. Lyse Doucet and Mahjooba Nowrouzi report on the severe restric
China's alleged 'Fentanyl King' and the Mexican cartels
Kate Adie introduces stories about China's alleged 'Fentanyl King', how Odesa's famous sense of humour is responding to Russian attacks, Delhi's new EV push, and rising child obesity rates in southern Italy.After Zhang Zhidong graduated from China's most-prestigious university, he moved to Mexico to find work. Years later, US law enforcement named him as a key figure working with Mexican cartels i
France's 'David and Goliath' fight against wildfires
Kate Adie introduces stories from France, Ecuador, the occupied West Bank, the Thailand-Myamar border and South Korea. Firefighters across Europe have been battling wildfires this week and in the southwest of France, an area four times the size of Paris burnt outside Bordeaux. President Macron said it was the toughest situation the country had dealt with since the Second World War. Newyddion S4C's
India's 'cockroach' student protests
Kate Adie introduces stories on India's 'cockroach' protests, anger in Ukraine over army recruitment, the Iranian school bombed at the start of the war, fears over voting changes in America's deep south, and the bio-hacking phenomenon in Berlin.The Cockroach Janta Party, or CJP, is now one of India's most visible youth movements, driving tens of thousands of students to take to the streets to pro
From Vietnam to Vatileaks: A Tribute to David Willey
In this special edition of From Our Own Correspondent, we remember BBC Correspondent David Willey, who reported from around the world for more than half a century, and who died recently.David was a prolific contributor to this programme throughout his life and was still writing for the programme into his 93rd year.In an interview recorded last year for the ‘From Our Own Correspondent at 70’ progra
Bangladesh's deadly measles outbreak
Kate Adie introduces stories on Bangladesh's deadly measles outbreak, France's military flex on Bastille Day, Albania's 'flamingo revolution', Ecuador's bird-watching boom, and remembering BBC Rome correspondent David Willey. Bangladesh is experiencing a severe measles outbreak, with around 700 people dying of confirmed and suspected cases since March - most of them children. BBC South Asia Corres
Iran: The Funeral of Ayatollah Khamanei
Kate Adie presents stories on the burial of Ayatollah Khamanei in Iran, a diplomatic correspondent's return to Moscow, a pioneering therapy centre in Ukraine's West, Italian lessons in Argentina and the restoration of the Casbah in Algiers.The streets of major cities across Iran have been lined with mourners attending the funeral procession of former leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamanei. But as the coff
Venezuela Earthquakes: Rescue and Recovery
Kate Adie introduces stories on Venezuela's earthquake recovery efforts, the rapid start of Hungary's new PM, a post-Soviet reunion at a border-town bazaar, and does the American Dream still hold up as America celebrates 250 years of independence.In Venezuela, family and friends have joined rescue workers in trying to find survivors after two earthquakes hit the country’s north last week. It was t
Afghanistan’s Secret Schools for Women
Kate Adie introduces stories on Afghanistan's secret schools, the tension around Jerusalem's holy sites, how Jamaica is bouncing back from Hurricane Melissa, Thailand's snakebite problem, and some nervous laughter in Moscow's comedy clubs. In Afghanistan women are facing ever tighter restrictions in almost every aspect of public life. Yogita Limaye has been in Afghanistan where she spoke to a youn
Trump, the G7, and the Iran Deal
Kate Adie introduces stories on the G7 summit and Donald Trump's Iran deal, the ongoing Ebola crisis in DRC, Peru's knife-edge elections, South Korea's feminist literary circles, and Ghana's World Cup dreams.President Donald Trump once again dominated the agenda at the latest G7 summit in France, as he presented his prospective peace deal with Iran, and agreed to continued support for Ukraine. Jam
Myanmar: The Junta’s Fightback
Kate Adie presents stories on the deserters from Myanmar's military forces, African POWs in Ukraine, Ahmedebad a year on from the Air India crash, South Africa and Belize.Myanmar’s military, which seized power from the democratically elected government in 2021, reactivated a conscription law two years ago. Anyone 18-35 years of age, now has to serve between 2 to five years in the army. Quentin S
Ebola in the DRC: Fear and Conspiracy Theories
Kate Adie introduces stories on Ebola in the DRC, Ukraine's stoic bus drivers, the rebirth of a river in Oregon, India's ethnic violence, and the return of the Griffon Vulture in Croatia.The Democratic Republic of Congo is experiencing another outbreak of Ebola, but as the virus spreads so too have rumours and conspiracy theories about the cause of the pathogen. Olivia Acland reports from the bord
Cuba's Collapsing Revolution
Kate Adie introduces stories on Cuba's economic crisis as it feels the strain of the US fuel blockade, Lebanon's shattered ceasefire, the fevered debate over Australia's social media ban, plus dispatches from Greece and Iceland.Cuba is struggling to cope with the the US government's near-total fuel blockade and the Trump administration increased the pressure on the ruling Communist Party when it i
Afghanistan: Shaiqa's story
Kate Adie introduces stories on the fate of a sick Afghan girl, a surprising return to Sudan, Armenia's choice between Russia and the West, Germany's culture of remembrance, and a first-time visit to an Irish wake. In Afghanistan's Hindu Kush, where drought and hunger are rife, Yogita Limaye meets a father who made the unenviable decision to sell his young daughter into marriage to fund her medica
Donald Trump's China summit with Xi Jinping
Kate Adie introduces stories on President Trump's visit to China, the Palestine marathon, the Venice Biennale boycott, a young woman's search for her mother in India, and living in the fast lane with Sierra Leone's First Lady.Laura Bicker has been in Beijing where military parades, red carpets and singing choirs of children greeted Donald Trump as he arrived for talks with President Xi. So what pr
Putin and Russia’s New Normal
Kate Adie introduces stories on Vladimir Putin's declining popularity, peace protests in Japan, Serbia's anti-corruption anger, and how Canadian robots are patrolling the Arctic. The Kremlin has recently increased security measures around President Vladimir Putin after a string of assassinations of top Russian military figures. This comes as the president has retreated from public view, as the eco
President Trump, the King, and a Special Relationship
Kate Adie introduces stories on the King and Queen's visit to Washington, the current mood inside Iran, elections in Gaza and the West Bank, and why fish are front and centre in the politics of West Bengal. King Charles and Queen Camilla's state visit to Washington came at a fragile moment in the UK-US relationship. A gulf has opened up between the two nations over issues such as Ukraine, defence
Iran War: Pakistan the Peace Broker
Kate Adie introduces dispatches from Pakistan, the Turkey-Iran border, Kenya, Ukraine, and Paraguay. Why was Pakistan chosen as the host of peace talks between the US and Iran? It's a question some in Islamabad have been asking themselves - and has fired-up a sense of national pride. Caroline Davies has watched on as the country gets ready for another round of negotiations. When the war in Iran be
Lebanon Ceasefire: An Uneasy Calm
Kate Adie introduces stories on Lebanon's deadliest day, life in an Israeli under-siege border town, Hungary's victorious new leader, fuel protests in Ireland, and the secrets of a long life in Japan.President Trump’s announcement of a ten-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon comes after Lebanon experienced its deadliest day of the conflict so far - what's become known as 'Black Wednesday'. Mo
Donald Trump and a dangerous ultimatum
Kate Adie introduces stories on President Trump's threats towards Iran, how the war in Ukraine has reshaped Kyiv, why the Trump family sees potential in Albania, Indonesia's plastic waste problem, and the dawn of the year 2976 in Morocco.Citizens of Iran and nearby gulf countries held their breath this week after Donald Trump threatened 'a whole civilisation would die' if a ceasefire wasn’t agreed
Viktor Orban's anti-Ukraine election gambit
Kate Adie introduces stories on the Hungarian elections, the Kurdish fighters readying to fight Iran, the Nigerian farmers working under armed guard, the Philippines fuel crisis, and how tourists are staying away from Jerusalem's holy sites.Hungary's prime minister Viktor Orban is facing a tough reelection battle, with the opposition centre right Tisza party ahead in the polls. During the campaign
Cuba's crisis deepens
Kate Adie introduces stories on Cuba's multiple crises from blackouts to food shortages, what it's like living under another war in Lebanon, how Persian new year festivities were muted this year, what China thinks about the war in the Middle East, and how an archaeological dig in Georgia led to a political purge. More than ten million people were left in the dark this week in Cuba, as the third ma
Iran War: A sharp escalation in the Gulf
Kate Adie presents stories from Qatar and Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, Latvia, South Korea and FinlandThe US-Israeli war with Iran saw a marked escalation this week with strikes on some of the world’s biggest gas fields. Israel’s attack on Iran’s south Pars gas field triggered a swift response from Tehran, who launched strikes on the Ras Laffan terminal – the world’s largest liquefied natural gas fa
Iran: Lives under bombardment
Kate Adie presents stories from Iran, Qatar, Ukraine, the US and NepalFor people living in cities under bombardment, it’s not clear how the US Israeli war with Iran will end. More than 1200 have so far been killed, amid attacks across the country. Iranians tell BBC Persian's Sarah Namjoo they are struggling to lead a normal life.Qatar is among several Gulf states that have faced Iranian strikes on
Iran Special: The Regional Fallout
After the US-Israel attacks on Iran, surrounding countries have quickly been drawn into the war following retaliatory strikes by Iran. We hear from Turkey, Lebanon, Israel and Cyprus.The US-Israel attacks on Iran hit major cities across the country, destroying civilian buildings in Tehran, as well as military sites in Natanz and Isfahan. Many Iranians are now trying to flee the ongoing attacks by
Mexico's deadly drug cartel feud
Kate Adie introduces stories on Mexico's cartel war, President Trump's State of the Union address, the Russian soldiers escaping the front-line, and a slow boat journey in Benin. Mexico was rocked by a violent rampage this week, after the drug lord, El Mencho, died following a fire-fight between his bodyguards and Mexican military commandos. It’s stark evidence of the challenges facing President C
Ukraine: Four years of war
Kate Adie introduces stories from Ukraine, Iran, the United States and India. February marks four years since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Around 55,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed in that time and a large number are considered officially missing. Sarah Rainsford has witnessed the war since the beginning, and on her latest visit to Ukraine she met soldiers and civ
Japan's 'iron lady' Takaichi wins landslide victory
Kate Adie introduces stories from Japan, Saudi Arabia, Uganda, Poland and Pakistan.A snap election has given Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi the strongest majority for a Japanese government in more than 70 years, thanks to a growing fan-base among young voters. Shaimaa Khalil reports from Tokyo on growing cult around the country's first woman leader.The visit by the Prince of Wales to Saudi Arabia w
Gaza: Rafah border crossing reopens
Kate Adie introduces stories from the Gaza-Egypt border, Cuba, Bangladesh, Ukraine and Slovenia.The Rafah border crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt reopened this week after being mainly kept shut since Israel captured the Gazan side in 2024. It’s opening has brought relief to many Palestinians who see it as a lifeline to the world. However, there has been frustration over delays and the sma
Iran: Stories of a massacre
Kate Adie introduces stories from Iran, Myanmar, China, South Africa and Lithuania.The number of Iranian people killed by government forces in the crackdown on recent protests is now estimated to be at least 6000, with thousands more deaths being investigated by human rights groups. BBC Persian’s Parham Ghobadi has been speaking to people in Tehran about their experience of the protests. The final
Ukrainians fear another Chernobyl
Kate Adie introduces stories from Ukraine, Russia, France, Uganda and Morocco. As temperatures plummet in Ukraine, Russia is aggressively attacking the country's energy grid. Ukraine is heavily reliant on its nuclear power plants, which are also being targeted. There are concerns that without proper maintenance, it could trigger another nuclear disaster. Wyre Davies spoke to the head of Ukraine's
Greenlanders reject Trump's takeover plan
Kate Adie introduces stories from Greenland, Colombia, Uganda and Greece.President Trump has said the US needs to 'own' Greenland, to prevent Russia and China from taking it. Katya Adler has been in the capital Nuuk, speaks to Inuit women about the island's painful history of colonisation - and its now uncertain future. Colombia has also been attracting attention from Mr Trump, following the recen
Venezuela: Maduro's Downfall
Kate Adie introduces stories from Venezuela, the United States, Iran, India and Germany.The capture of Nicolas Maduro following America’s night-time military operation in Venezuela caught the world off-guard. Quickly transported to New York, Mr Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, will now face trial. Will Grant reflects on his own encounters with Maduro and the former leader's legacy in Venezuela.M
Rebuilding a life amid Syria's ruins
Kate Adie introduces stories from Syria, China, the USA, Greece and Brazil.In the devastated Syrian district of Ghouta, a man calls out from the ruins to our correspondent Lyse Doucet and tells the story of how he is rebuilding his home - and his life - after the fall of the Assad regime.Chinese ambition continues to strive for pole position in the global pecking order as it makes advances in gree
Iran's marathon hijab protest
Kate Adie presents stories from Iran, Norway, France, Ireland and Switzerland.A recent marathon race in Iran caused controversy after many of the 2000 women runners ignored the country's mandatory hijab law, and ran without a head covering. Years after deadly protests rocked the country, Faranak Amidi charts how women in Iran today are continuing to defy the religious authorities on a daily basis.
Iran's hijab protests
Kate Adie presents stories from Iran, Norway, France, Ireland and Switzerland.A recent marathon race in Iran caused controversy after many of the 2000 women runners ignored the country's mandatory hijab law, and ran without a head covering. Years after deadly protests rocked the country, Faranak Amidi charts how women in Iran today are continuing to defy the religious authorities on a daily basis.
Ukraine's defiant stand in Pokrovsk
Kate Adie introduces stories from Ukraine, Hong Kong, Australia, the USA and Laos.Russian forces have tried to capture the city of Pokrovsk for nearly two years as it seeks to control Eastern Ukraine, but Ukrainian forces have continued to resist the advance, helped by Ukraine's innovative arms industry. Jonathan Beale met battle-scarred troops at a command centre and visited a secret missile fact
Syria: a year after the fall of Assad
Kate Adie introduces stories from Syria, Ukraine, the USA, China and Germany. Syrians took to the streets to celebrate one year since the fall of the Assad regime, but in the background post-war reconstruction has been slow and sectarian violence is on the rise. Lina Sinjab has been travelling the country, and reflects on the challenges ahead. Despite the constant threat of drones and missiles, ma
Israel's ultra-Orthodox conscription bill
Kate Adie introduces stories from Israel, Honduras, Turkey and Lebanon, Georgia and Russia.Israel is facing an impending crisis over conscripting ultra-Orthodox Jews into the Israeli army, and the issue is threatening to undermine Israel's government and split the country. Lucy Williamson reports from the city of Bnei Brak. Donald Trump surprised many in his own Republican party this week when he
From Our Own Correspondent at 70
Anna Foster and some of the BBC’s best-known foreign correspondents are joined by an audience of Radio 4 listeners to celebrate 70 years of ‘From Our Own Correspondent’. Since the first episode was broadcast on 25th September 1955, FOOC – as it’s affectionately known – has reported from almost every country in the world. Anna’s guests for the event, recorded in the Radio Theatre in Broadcasting
Nigeria's school kidnapping crisis
Kate Adie introduces stories from Nigeria, Ukraine, the United States, Sweden and France.Nigeria's president, Bola Tinubu, has declared a nationwide security emergency amidst a spate of kidnappings in the country’s north. More than 250 children abducted from a Catholic school last week are still missing, according to authorities. Mayeni Jones reports from Minna, in Niger state.Moscow, Abu Dhabi, K
The Story of Abdelrahman and the Oud
Kate Adie introduces stories from Jordan, Bangladesh, Ukraine, Spain and the Black Sea.11-year-old Abdelrahman was injured during an Israeli attack in Gaza, which led to the loss of one of his legs. He was selected to travel to Jordan for hospital treatment, to be fitted with a new prosthetic leg. Fergal Keane met him while he was undergoing treatment - and learning to play the traditional Middle
The shadow of Islamic State in Syria
Kate Adie introduces stories from Syria, the Philippines, Tanzania and Brazil. During his visit to Washington this week, Syria’s interim president Ahmed Al Sharaa announced that Syria will join the coalition of 90 countries trying to eliminate the remnants of the Islamic State group. The threat of IS is increasing on Syrian soil, where 8,000 suspected IS fighters remain in jails, and 34,000 of the
Zohran Mamdani and the Democratic Party fightback
Kate Adie presents stories from the USA, Jamaica, Uganda, Kazakhstan and Germany.Zohran Mamdani won New York City's race for mayor in a contest that rallied young voters and sparked debate about the future direction of the US Democratic Party. BBC North America editor Sarah Smith considers the political choices and challenges ahead. The world watched last week as Hurricane Melissa slowly crashed i
Argentina's Milei wins big
Kate Adie introduces stories from Argentina, South Korea, Japan, Ireland and the Occupied West Bank.For decades, Argentina's cycle of boom and bust seemed endless, but two years ago, a chainsaw-wielding, self-styled 'anarcho capitalist' called Javier Milei promised a way out of all that. Since elected as president he’s shown some signs of being able to shrink the state – but are voters happy? Ione
Sudan's children of war
Kate Adie introduces stories from Sudan, France, India, the USA and Mauritius. Sudan's civil conflict has left millions of people displaced and at risk of hunger and famine. In the capital Khartoum, Nawal Al-maghafi witnesses the toll the violence has taken on families, and meets children whose young lives have been forever shaped by the war.France has been reeling this week from the fallout of la
Trump’s Middle East Victory Lap
Kate Adie presents stories from Israel and Egypt, Haiti, Italy and Ireland.President Trump received a hero’s welcome when he landed in Israel this week, following his central role in brokering the Gaza ceasefire and hostage exchange deal. He also flew into the Red Sea resort of Sharm el Sheikh, where he declared ‘an historical turning point’ to the gathered world leaders. Tom Bateman travelled wit
Ukraine's death messenger
Kate Adie introduces stories from Ukraine, Madagascar, St Helena, Uzbekistan and Bolivia.We follow a Ukrainian army officer in the western city of Lviv who has the unenviable task of informing families that their loved ones have been killed on the battlefield. Richard Pendry witnesses the heartbreak and anger that has faced Major Serhiy Laziuk every day for the past three years. Gen Z led protests
Dubai's hidden sex trade
Kate Adie introduces stories from Dubai, The Dominican Republic, Denmark, Spain and Australia.Dubai is often described as one of the safest cities in the world - but safe for who? In the shadows of shining skyscrapers and shopping malls is an exploitative sex trade. Runako Celina has been investigating the suspicious deaths of two women who travelled to Dubai with big dreams.The Dominican Republic
Palestinian lives in the occupied West Bank
Kate Adie presents stories from the occupied West Bank, the US, Brazil, South Korea and Russia.The UK, France, Canada and Australia announced formal recognition of a Palestinian state - Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the move 'won’t bind Israel in any way.' Our Middle East correspondent Yolande Knell has been to Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank to speak to Palestinians about th
Europe's migrant challenge
Kate Adie introduces stories from across Europe, Nepal, Ghana, and Moldova-Transnistria,As countries across Europe harden their stance on immigration, Fergal Keane retraces the journeys refugees have taken over the years, including stories he has heard from Ireland, Syria, Turkey and Sweden.Nepal’s government was dramatically overthrown in the deadliest unrest seen in the Himalayan country in deca
Israel's ultimatum for Gaza City
Kate Adie introduces stories from Gaza, France, the Thailand-Cambodia border, Iraq and Slovenia.Around a million Palestinians have been told to leave Gaza City ahead of a new Israeli offensive - though many are wary of leaving, saying there is nowhere to go. Lucy Williamson was granted rare access to Gaza by the Israeli army, and was taken to see its planned new aid distribution site.Days after Fr
China eyes a new world order
Kate Adie introduces stories from China, Afghanistan, Spain, Armenia and Finland.In Beijing this week, President Xi Jinping declared his country to be ‘unstoppable’. Flanked by President Putin and North Korea’s Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un at a vast military parade, China put on a striking display of its growing military power. BBC China correspondent Laura Bicker was watching on in Beijing.Afghanis
Ukraine and the battle for the Donbas
Kate Adie presents stories from Ukraine, Greenland, the US and Germany.Ukraine has this week come under its heaviest bombardment in weeks, with the UK and the EU summoning their Russian envoys after their offices in Kyiv were hit. Quentin Sommerville has been in Donetsk, the area Vladimir Putin wants to fully control in the resource-rich region of the Donbas, as residents flee attacks and soldiers
Putin, Trump and the art of no deal (yet)
Kate Adie presents stories from Alaska, Washington, South Korea, Chile and France.From the military fly-past to the grandiose entrance on the red carpet, to the press conference, without any questions, the meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin drew dismay from Western governments. Steve Rosenberg was in Alaska - and reflects on the aftermath.After the pomp and pageantry of Donald Trump’s
Afghanistan's hidden lives
Kate Adie presents stories from Afghanistan, China, Japan and Tajikistan.In Afghanistan's Ghor Province, Mahjooba Nowrouzi reports from a small maternity hospital where two female doctors serve thousands of patients. With limited resources and financial support, the odds are stacked against them - and against the women they tend to and treat. Last year, BBC Radio 4’s Crossing Continents aired the
Ukraine's summer camp for children of the missing
Kate Adie introduces stories from Ukraine, Japan, Bahrain and Croatia.Nestled in the forest, far away from falling bombs is a pioneering summer camp for Ukrainian children whose parents have gone missing during the war. A Ukrainian charity is working to give them some relief – and much needed support – to help them cope with the ongoing uncertainty of not knowing where their parents are. Will Vern
Gaza: a turning point?
Kate Adie presents stories from Gaza and Israel, the US, Lesotho, Taiwan and Peru.This week the British government pledged to recognise a Palestinian state, unless Israel meets certain conditions, including agreeing to a ceasefire in Gaza and reviving the prospect of a two-state solution. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the decision rewarded 'Hamas's monstrous terrorism.' Jeremy Bow
Syria's sectarian faultlines
Kate Adie introduces stories from Syria, Lebanon, Chile, Pakistan and France.Sectarian violence has erupted again in Syria, this time between Druze and Bedouin communities, leaving hundreds of people dead. The country's interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, blamed the violence on ‘outlawed factions’ and has vowed to protect the Druze. Though as Jon Donnison heard in the Druze-majority town of Suweid
Ukraine's war games
Kate Adie introduces stories from Ukraine, Ireland, Mexico, the United States and Italy.Kill Russian soldiers, win points: a sobering new scheme for Ukrainians soldiers rewards units with new battlefield equipment, each time they eliminate enemy troops. Paul Adams met the government minister behind the scheme, and hears what Ukrainian soldiers on the frontline think of it.In Ireland, the excavatio
Tibetan resistance in China
Kate Adie introduces stories from China, Kenya, Australia, Bolivia and the USA.Sichuan province in China is home to a long-standing Tibetan resistance movement. While Beijing views Tibet as an integral part of China – the allegiances of many Tibetans living in China lie with its exiled spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama - voicing support for him can lead to arrest or prison. Laura Bicker visited the
Israel's anti-war activists
Kate Adie presents stories from Israel, Zimbabwe, Taiwan's Kinmen Islands, Lithuania and Peru.In Israel a small group of peace campaigners has been going against the grain of the public mood to highlight the plight of Palestinian people in Gaza, and has called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to end the war on humanitarian grounds. Wyre Davies met them in Jerusalem. It’s 25 years since Robert
Iranians anxious over what comes next
Kate Adie introduces dispatches from the Turkey-Iran border, Russia, the USA, Paraguay and Transylvania. Israel’s attacks on Iran led thousands of people to flee cities under fire - now they must decide whether to return home, fearing further strikes and a regime still in power. Orla Guerin has been on the Turkey-Iran border, where she spoke to Iranians escaping the war, and others going back home
Israel strikes Iran's nuclear sites
Kate Adie presents stories from Iran, Israel, India, the US and Canada.Israel's decision to launch strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites has brought more uncertainty to an already volatile region. Several hundred Iranian civilians have been killed in the attacks and thousands more have fled Tehran. Jiyar Gol has spoken to people from across Iran, revealing a country - and a regime - under
LA protests and Donald Trump's crackdown
Kate Adie presents stories from the US, DRC, Hungary, Nigeria and Italy.There's been a heavy crackdown in Los Angeles after more than a week of protests over US immigration raids. Federal police had been targeting undocumented migrants in workplaces across the city. In a marked escalation, President Trump deployed the National Guard and the Marines, which drew sharp criticism from California's gov
Ukraine's 'Operation Spider's Web'
Kate Adie introduces stories from Ukraine, Chile, Indonesia, and France.Ukraine’s audacious drone raid on Russian airbases was met with disbelief that such an attack was even possible. Operation ‘Spider’s Web’ was 18 months in the planning, and caused huge damage to Russia's bomber fleet. But as Paul Adams discovered, civilians in Kyiv are uneasy about celebrating this success, fearful of how Russ
America's Russian Orthodox converts
Kate Adie presents stories from the US, Canada, Mexico, Myanmar and the NetherlandsAn increasing number of Americans - especially young men - are converting to the Russian Orthodox Church, enticed by its embrace of unabashed masculinity and traditional family values. Lucy Ash met some recent converts in Texas.The diplomatic fallout between the US and Canada continues over Donald Trump's repeated d
Turkey's chance for peace
Kate Adie presents stories from Turkey, the South China Sea, Ukraine, the US and Angola.Outlawed Kurdish group the PKK, which has waged a 40-year insurgency against Turkey, has announced it's disbanding. More than 40,000 people were killed during its fight for an independent Kurdish state - now the group says the Kurdish issue 'can be resolved through democratic politics'. Orla Guerin reports from
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