Arab League observers begin mission, but the killing continues

Observers from the Arab League are visiting Syria as part of an agreement to monitor government efforts to end a bloody crackdown on protesters and release detainees. According to the UN, around 5,000 people have died so far. The monitors began their mission on Tuesday in Homs, a hotbed of revolutionary activity, but activists say more civilians were killed by security forces that same day.

FOCUS

19/06/2013 - MOROCCO

The battle for Morocco's Koran

In Morocco, the teaching of Islam is at the heart of a battle between modernists and ultra-conservatives. It has led to different versions of the Koran being printed, with some interpretations being more hardline than others. State publishers have launched an initiative to print a million "standard" copies to ship to Moroccan mosques, as well as Europe and West Africa, in order to promote their country as one of tolerance and not fundamentalism. Yet the tug of war continues in Moroccan schools.

18/06/2013 - CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

Central African Republic: a country in distress

Tensions are rife in the Central African Republic, 3 months after former President Bozizé was ousted by a coup led by a rebel coalition known as ‘Séléka’. For the country’s new president – Michel Djotodia, one of the leaders of the Séléka rebel coalition- the situation is “back to normal” and the Central African Republic is stabilized. In reality, with Seleka militias on the loose, violence abd looting remains widespread in the capital city Bangui and throughout the countries provinces.

17/06/2013 - BRAZIL

Brazil, the new El Dorado

Brazil has long been a magnet for immigrants from other Latin American countries. But now people are coming from as far away as Haiti, and even West Africa, driven by hopes of a better life. France 24 travelled to the small town of Brasileia on the border with Bolivia, which has become the main entry point for immigrants coming from the Third World.

14/06/2013 - IRAN

Iranians vote amid economic woes

As Iranians head to the polls this Friday, their country weathers an unprecedented economic crisis, due mainly to international sanctions over Iran's controversial nuclear programme. The economy is a major issue for voters. Some will come down on the side of reform. Others say they have had enough, and won't vote at all.

13/06/2013 - KUWAIT

Kuwaiti Twitter users face jail time for anti-Emir messages

Earlier this week a Kuwaiti woman was sentenced to eleven years in prison after criticising the country's Emir in a tweet. Observers say the government is cracking down on internet activists as the country's opposition prepares for a ruling by the country's constitutional court which could mean the forcing of new elections. France 24's Nathalie Gillet and Mark Thompson report.