Putin's World

They say it’s now a multipolar world but East vs West comparisons creep often into conversation when you discuss Moscow’s foreign policy. François Picard’s panel looks at Russia’s insistence on arming Syria and its more nuanced view of Iran.

DEBATE

Oleg KOBTZEFF. Historian and Geographer, American University of Paris;
Meir JAVEDANFAR. Middle East Analyst, Meepas (from Tel Aviv);
John LAUGHLAND. Director of Studies, Institute of Democracy and Cooperation, Paris;
Robert PARSONS. France 24 International Affairs Editor.

Produced by François Picard, Anelise Borges, Mary Colombel, Yi Song, Pauline Heilmann.

Watch the second part here.

Presenter

François Picard

12/06/2013 - THE DEBATE

Lebanon on edge: Hezbollah and the Syrian spillover

One hour’s drive is all it takes to reach the border with Syria from the seaside in the capital Beirut. But, if the capital seems oblivious to it all, hundreds have been killed and scores more wounded in Lebanon’s second city of Tripoli, where the sectarian divide has long been bitter. François Picard and his panel discuss, from Beirut, whether the spillover from Syria's civil war could push neighbouring Lebanon over the edge.

11/06/2013 - THE DEBATE

Turkey protests: Is the fight over?

People have been protesting for over two weeks in Turkey and the government has now sent in riot police. Prime Minister Erdogan says he has no more tolerance for protesters. Lara Baines and her panel discuss whether Erdogan is being to heavy handed, what brought about this unrest in the first place and why the government didn't see it coming.

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11/06/2013 - THE DEBATE

Turkey protests: Is the fight over?

11/06/2013 - THE DEBATE

US spying: Oppression or security measure? (part 2)

The scandal over US domestic surveillance activities now has a face: Edward Snowden. He is responsible for the leaks on the NSA-Verizon collusion and the NSA's internet surveillance. Efforts to fight terrorism continue to raise questions about morality, legality and effectiveness. Melissa Bell and her panel discuss whether government surveillance is a threat to democracy or indeed necessary to defend it.