Gay marriage? No hay problema

This Tuesday, the French National Assembly is to discuss legislation that would allow gay people to marry and have children. The issue has attracted a lot of attention, with several demonstrations taking place both in the "for" and "against" camps. Yet in neighbouring Spain - a country also known for its strong Catholic tradition - gay marriage has been legal since 2005, and today it barely raises an eyebrow among most Spaniards.

FOCUS

By Sarah Morris

POLITICS

Is the health of our leaders still a taboo subject?

What happens when a head of state is taken ill? We look back at some recent incidences in different countries and speak to Ed O'Keefe in Washington, DC and our correspondent in London, Bénédicte Paviot.

28/07/2009 - USA

Obama's push for health-care reform

Providing health-care insurance to the 47 million Americans without it is Barack Obama's ambition. With Congress unlikely to act before their August recess, an army of supporters is campaigning to keep the issue alive.

29/07/2009 - CHECHNYA

Kadyrov has declared an 'all-out war' on separatist rebels

In troubled Chechnya, separatist Islamist rebels are fighting Chechen special forces. President Kadyrov has launched an all-out war on the rebels and is also implementing ‘collective responsibility’ across the region to families of the rebels.

24/07/2009 - USA

Is the honeymoon over for Barack Obama?

With the US in a deep recession, unemployment rising and ballooning deficit, Obama's job approval rating has dropped by nine points since January to 55 percent. Is the US president's health care reform enough to combat growing criticism?

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23/07/2009 - MOROCCO

Ten years of Mohammed VI and the mystery remains

Ten years after his succession, Mohammed VI fascinates. Head of a distinctive monarchy combining tradition and modernity, he keeps his private life very private. However, when it comes to public matters, the King is everywhere.