The background to global news stories, every weekday. Read more
now playing
29/06/2009
The background to global news stories, every weekday.
Iraqi oil
Iraq is about to open up to foreign oil companies for the first time in decades.
25/06/2009
Palestinian politics
How much progress has made in negotiations between the two main Palestinian factions?
24/06/2009
Pakistan Insurgency
Does the Taliban insurgency in Pakistan threaten the country richest's province?
23/06/2009
Financial Regulation
Can banks be regulated enough to make sure they never hit such a serious crisis again?
Bosnia's Future
Is Bosnia ready for complete self-rule - or would it revert to civil war?
Film Franchises
Do long-running series like Harry Potter represent the future of film-making?
Moon Landing
Should the United States be spending money sending more people to the moon?
Public Spending UK
The public spending debate that is dominating British politics.
Food Prices
Food prices are still high around the world -what can be done to bring them down?
Undersea Exploration
Why has deep sea exploration progressed so slowly over recent decades?
Inflation
Is inflation going to be the world's next economic challenge?
Falun Gong
Why the Chinese government is afraid of the Falun Gong movement.
Niger Delta
Is peace coming to the Niger Delta, Nigeria's oil producing heartland?
Russian History
Why Russia is nervous of misinterpretations of its history.
Africa Internet
The high speed cables bringing internet access to eastern and southern Africa.
Iran Leadership
The power struggle within the clerical elite of Iran.
Russia Religion
Does the resurgence of the Orthodox Church mean Russia is becoming more religious?
East Jerusalem
The growing tensions between the US and Israel over Israeli settlements.
Electronic Borders
Why rich countries are investing in the latest technology to create electronic borders.