British right torn over gay marriage

In the UK, Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron has promised a vote in Parliament over legalising gay marriage. The idea is supported by a majority of British politicians. Yet Cameron risks being ostracised by members of his own party, with many Conservative MPs and voters firmly against the reform.

FOCUS

30/12/2009 - UK

Has London become a breeding ground for terrorists?

London is where Nigerian Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab - accused of trying to blow up a US bound airplane on December 25 - was first in direct contact with Islamic extremism. Once again London is at the heart of an international terrorist investigation. Now the British Press wants to know: was it the city that turned them into terrorists?

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30/12/2009 - GAZA STRIP

Sowing seeds of hatred in Gaza

Farming used to cover around a quarter of Gaza's own food needs, and it employed more than a tenth of its work force. In addition, food exports provided the local economy with foreign money. But one year after the Israeli offensive on the Palestinian territory the farming sector is struggling to get back on its feet.

29/12/2009 - FOCUS - IRAN

Universities: a microcosm of the crisis?

Correspondent Alain Chabod is one of the few western journalists who has managed to gain access to the University of Tehran, one of the political centers of the Iranian capital. Religious figures preach from the university every week during Friday prayers, it's also a place where students debate politics and religion: a hotbed of ideas. But rare are those who speak openly against the regime...

29/12/2009 - IRAN

Students play key role in opposition protests

Iran's students and intellectuals form a key part of the opposition's protests against the government, but are kept under tight scrutiny, no more so than at Tehran University. FRANCE 24 got to talk politics on campus.

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29/12/2009 - COLOMBIA - VENEZUELA

Neighbourly friction

Ever since Bogota announced the arrival of more US troops in Colombia to combat the drugs trade, Venezuela has been convinced that a military attack is being hatched to topple its controversial leader, the very anti-imperialist Hugo Chavez. In the border town of San Antonio, the war against Colombia is no longer a bluff.

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