What's the beef?

French fast food chain Quick has come under fire for only selling halal meat in certain restaurants. The mayor of Roubaix, a town in northern France with a large Muslim community, has said the decision is discriminatory - though others are more concerned about the fast food phenomenon itself.

FOCUS

16/04/2013 - UNITED KINGDOM

UK welfare cuts come into effect

Since the beginning of April, the UK has put the accelerator on the government's austerity plans. So far, five different social service reforms have been implemented, nearly all at the same time, and the opposition is voicing its disapproval. A week after Margaret Thatcher passed away, many are drawing comparisons between the two conservative leaders.

15/04/2013 - FRANCE

French ministers ordered to publicly declare private assets

The first public list of French government ministers' private assets was revealed on Monday. Senior politicians now have to declare what they own, including property, vehicles, shares and other valuables. It comes as President François Hollande tries to reverse his falling popularity and regain voter confidence, after his budget minister Jérôme Cahuzac was forced to admit that he'd lied about having offshore bank accounts.

15/04/2013 - FOCUS

Religious violence threatens democratic transition in Burma

It was long a hermit state cut off from the rest of the world by military junta that controlled its people. Now Burma is opening up to democracy and it has been welcomed into the international community. But inter-ethnic tensions within are threatening the peace and security of thousands. Violence between ethnic Muslim and Buddhist communities has seen many killed and forced thousands to flee their homes.

05/04/2013 - CUBA

Cuban dissident begins first world tour after travel ban is lifted

Cuban dissident Yoani Sanchez has begun her first world tour. The author of a blog critical of the Cuban government, the young woman has in just a few years become the leading symbol of Cuban dissidence. This year, for the first time, Sanchez obtained permission to leave the country under a broad relaxation of travel restrictions. She is preparing a tour of Europe and Latin America, but her most anticipated visit was to Miami.

04/04/2013 - BRAZIL

Brazil's social housing programme turns two million into homeowners

In 2009, Brazil embarked on an ambitious social housing programme. Its aim was to turn two million poor families into homeowners. While the project has already changed the lives of millions, its long-term success is now being questioned. Observers say the programme could fail in the long term because the key question of location is being overlooked.