Latest update: 26/03/2012 

- agriculture - economy - Spain


The rain in Spain isn't falling on the plain

An extraordinary drought is expected in Western Europe this year, with some countries saying they've only seen 30% of their average rainfall. The United Kingdom, Portugal and Spain are among the worst affected, and the dryness is having a catastrophic effect on farmers' yields. In turn, this will drive up prices for fruits, vegetables and meat in countries whose economies have already been hit hard by the financial crisis.

By Adeline PERCEPT / Clément PERROUAULT / Henry DE LAGUERIE
TV fans defend Afghan soap opera against conservative critics
24/04/2013 - AFGHANISTAN

TV fans defend Afghan soap opera against conservative critics

Afghanistan's TV industry is thriving. Since the Taliban were ousted in 2001, more than 40 channels have been created. Shows are usually imported from India, Turkey and even South Korea. But one of them is different: "University FM" is an Afghan-made soap opera that's breaking taboos by running storylines on arranged marriages and Islamism. The show has done well in the ratings, but it's provoked anger, particularly in a country where actresses are still considered by many to be prostitutes.
France legalises same-sex marriage in face of protests
23/04/2013 - FRANCE

France legalises same-sex marriage in face of protests

It's an issue that has divided French society for months, but this Tuesday, the National Assembly finally approved a bill making France the 14th country in the world to allow same-sex marriage. The bill also grants gay and lesbian couples the right to adopt children. But the past months have been marred by widespread demonstrations, for and against, and even a spate of violent homophobic attacks. We look back at the debate and division leading up to Tuesday's historic vote.
Polish community seeks to learn more about its Jewish heritage
23/04/2013 - POLAND

Polish community seeks to learn more about its Jewish heritage

Poland is marking 70 years since the start of the Warsaw ghetto uprising. It was the first major act of resistance against the occupying Nazis during World War II and went down in history as a heroic act to restore the dignity of a condemned people. Indeed, of the 6 million Jews killed by the Nazis, half of them were Polish. Poland had the largest Jewish population of any country before World War II; it now has only around 20,000.
Half of Guantanamo prisoners on hunger strike
22/04/2013 - USA

Half of Guantanamo prisoners on hunger strike

The United States military announced on Tuesday that half of the prisoners at the Guantanamo prison camp in Cuba are on hunger strike. They are protesting their indefinite confinement and a recent crackdown on behaviour. Yet until recently, detainees were said to be gradually enjoying more freedoms: most could spend up to 22 hours a day in recreation yards with fellow prisoners, watch satellite TV and take courses, including language lessons.
The most world's heavily guarded border
22/04/2013 - KOREAN PENINSULA

The most world's heavily guarded border

With recent tensions still casting their shadow over the Korean peninsula, we take a closer look at the dividing line between north and south. The DMZ, or demilitarised zone, stands on what was the front line of war in 1953. It’s remained a dividing line ever since. Few pass inside, except guided visitors, fascinated by the most heavily guarded border in the world.

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