Latest update: 05/12/2012 

- Bashar al-Assad - Hillary Clinton - Syria - USA


Could Damascus be preparing chemical weapons?

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The US says it has detected activity which could suggest that Bashar al Assad's regime is developing chemical weapons. 19 months into the conflict between Damascus and the rebel uprising, both sides have reached stalemate; the rebels appear to be holding their positions, even though they claim not to have received help from outside Syria. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has said using chemical weapons against their own people would be a "red line" that would force Washington to react.

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By Assia Shihab
The 'anti-Merah' movement in the south of France
19/03/2013 - FRANCE

The 'anti-Merah' movement in the south of France

It's been one year since French-born extremist Mohamed Merah launched his attacks in the south of France, which left 7 dead, including 3 Jewish children. The mother of soldier Imad Ibn Ziaten, one of his victims, has since launched a nationwide campaign to get parents more involved with their children, to stop them from being radicalised and growing up to become homegrown fanatics. Last week, three French jihadists were arrested on suspicion of conspiring to commit terrorist acts.
Pondicherry, the French outpost in India
18/03/2013 - INDIA

Pondicherry, the French outpost in India

On Wednesday, the French language will be fêted worldwide with the International Day of "Francophonie". While French is spoken in a number of former colonies in Africa, it's also spoken in the town of Pondicherry, India. While the number of speakers there are increasingly outnumbered by those speaking the local Tamil tongue, there is still a strong French tradition in the town - even though many of its residents have never set foot on French soil.
Electoral law reform could see religion deciding results
18/03/2013 - LEBANON

Electoral law reform could see religion deciding results

Lebanese parliamentary elections should take place this June. With tensions running high in the region, not least with the ongoing situation in neighbouring Syria, the balance of power in Lebanon is in the spotlight. A proposed electoral law has attracted controversy, as it calls for citizens to vote for the candidate who belongs to their own sect. Critics say it threatens the fragile equilibrium that has existed between the country's various sects for years.
Obama warns Iran is approaching nuclear capability
15/03/2013 - IRAN - USA

Obama warns Iran is approaching nuclear capability

US President Barack Obama has warned that Iran could have a nuclear weapon in around a year's time. Speaking to Israeli television just a few days before his first visit to the Jewish state, Obama reiterated that Washington wants to continue down the diplomatic route for the time being, even though Israel is pushing for a pre-emptive strike. However, the US president did acknowledge that all possibilities remain on the table.
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The Disunited Kingdom: does the UK really want to quit Europe?
15/03/2013 - UNITED KINGDOM

The Disunited Kingdom: does the UK really want to quit Europe?

Britain's debate on whether to stay in the EU is being driven by "corrosive English nationalism". Not the words of a Brussels spokesman, but a senior politician in charge of Wales. The call for a referendum on the UK's future in Europe is already causing a divide, with many in Scotland and Wales concerned that leaving the EU could cause untold damage to their economies. So, with Wales playing England on the rugby pitch this weekend, can they make their voices heard by their far larger neighbour?

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