Fears of a fresh conflict between Israel and Hamas

Israel has "opened the gates of hell" according to Hamas, the Islamist party in control of Gaza. On Wednesday, the head of Hamas's military wing, Ahmed Jaabari, was assassinated by an Israeli air strike. Three casualties were reported in Israel after rockets were fired from Gaza following the attack. Israel says it's ready to follow up the action on the ground; all signs point to a repeat of the Israeli incursion into Gaza four years ago.

FOCUS

By Yuka ROYER

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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29/12/2009 - IRAN

Divided Iran enters 2010

From a contested election and post-vote wave of repression, to an ongoing game of nuclear brinkmanship, Iran’s politics often dominated international news headlines in 2009. A look back at diplomatic and domestic developments in the Islamic Republic.

28/12/2009 - PAKISTAN

Pakistan: an uncertain future

Early December a court ruling overturned an amnesty for politicians who have been accused of corruption. The move by the Supreme Court could pave the way for charges being brought against several senior officials, including some government ministers. And even though President Zardari himself is still under immunity, the opposition is calling for his resignation...

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