Latest update: 14/11/2012 

- Bashar al-Assad - refugees - Syria - Turkey


Syrian refugee camps in Turkey hit saturation point

More than 300 Syrians have fled to neighbouring countries since protests against President Bashar al-Assad began 18 months ago. 120,000 are in Turkey alone, sheltering in camps that are overflowing with refugees. The international community and NGOs have contributed to the cost of giving them shelter, with the bulk of the cost being shouldered by Ankara. But the influx of Syrians is continuing, to the point where Turkey might not be able to cope for much longer.

By Assia Shihab / Kate WILLIAMS
Cuban dissident begins first world tour after travel ban is lifted
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.
Brazil's social housing programme turns two million into homeowners
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.
Barcelona authorities aim to fund drug 'shooting galleries' despite cutbacks
02/04/2013 - SPAIN

Barcelona authorities aim to fund drug 'shooting galleries' despite cutbacks

Despite generalised cutbacks, the authorities in Barcelona still want to fund injection centres which have reduced deaths from drug overdoses by 40 percent since their introduction twelve years ago. In Spain, these units have the general backing of all political parties. However, in Barcelona, the conservative party now thinks it is time the centres are moved away from commercial and residential areas.
Berlin Wall remnants to make way for luxury apartments
01/04/2013 - GERMANY

Berlin Wall remnants to make way for luxury apartments

In recent weeks The East Side Gallery in Berlin has become a battleground. This 1.3 km strip of the Berlin Wall, decorated by artists after German reunification, is being partially removed to allow developers to build hotels and luxury flats. Berliners are up in arms and have hit the streets for the past four weeks to protest against the project. But on Wednesday the bulldozers appeared at dawn to remove the segments.
North Korea's latest threats: credible or empty?
29/03/2013 - KOREAN PENINSULA

North Korea's latest threats: credible or empty?

Ever since North Korea's third nuclear test and the subsequent UN sanctions imposed on Pyongyang last month, its leader Kim Jong-un has stepped up the bellicose rhetoric. He has now issued dire warnings to both South Korea and the United States, going further than his father ever did. But are these threats to be taken seriously?

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