Last modification: 27/01/09
 
The car industry hits the brakes
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The auto industry is one of the hardest-hit victims of the global financial crisis. Tens of thousands of jobs are at stake worldwide. Detroit's once-mighty GM is on the brink of collapse, while in France, Renault employees fear job cuts.
Last modification: 24/12/08
 
Global capitalism on the brink?
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Billion-dollar bailout schemes and major bankruptcies have sent taxpayers and traders reeling with shock as global banking systems teeters on the brink of collapse. Is this the end of global capitalism as we know it?
Last modification: 06/02/09
 
Caring: humanitarian reports around the world
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A magazine reporting from the field about humanitarian aid workers. The programme airs on Thursdays, alternating with Beyond Business, at 10:15 am (GMT+2).
Last modification: 30/01/09
 
FRANCE 24 Special reports
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Special reports, investigations and hard-hitting coverage from FRANCE 24's reporters on the spot. Watch the weekly show 'Reporters' for more on Fridays at 10:15 am and 6:15 pm (GMT+2).
Last modification: 03/06/09
 
The Tigers' fall
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A 25-year separatist conflict ended on May 18, when Sri Lanka's President Mahinda Rajapakse declared victory against the Tamil rebel group LTTE, claiming that the elusive Tamil rebel chief Prabhakaran was killed in combat with the military.
Latest update: 23/09/2008 

In the papers
FRANCE 24 journalists present a daily round-up of the world's newspapers.

 

The Independent (UK). He was given the same brutal treatment as his victims

 

Let us start off today’s press review in South Africa with the resignation of  President Thabo Mbeki after nine years in power. The Independent says he has “finally staggered out of the wring after a bloody fight for power with his nemesis Jacob Zuma.” In a comment piece, William Gumede says his demise was as cold, calculated and brutal as his own reputation for discarding his political enemies. Mbeke was ousted in the end not because of his failings on domestic policies but because of a personal vendetta from those he had wronged in the past. Another article focuses on who will replace Mbeke. Firm favourite is parliamentary speaker and ANC chairman Baleka Mbete who, is she gets appointed, would be the country’s first female leader.

 

The Times (South Africa). New opposition on the cards

 
The editorial in South African daily The Times concentrates on what Mbeki’s departure means for the ANC ruling party, - Africa’s oldest and most powerful liberation party-. Mbeki's sacking by the Zuma - led ANC leadership has underlined the extent of the party split. The Times says what makes this most exciting is the possibility of a new opposition party springing up from within the ruling party. Many ministers are heading towards a “political wilderness”. The Times argues that the emergence of a strong opposition party would be great news for SA but ponders whether it would be credible without Mbeki.

 

Dawn (Pakistan). Waziristan link seen in attack on Marriott

 

Pakistani newspaper Dawn says that fingers are already pointing at Waziristan to find Saturday’s terrorist attackers. The newspaper asks how such a huge quantity of highly explosive material could have entered the capital and passed high security unnoticed.

 

The Indian Express (India). Expats in Pak ask if it’s time to say goodbye

 

Indian newspaper The Indian Express has a photo showing the depth of the crater left by the bomb attack outside the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad. The article reads “Expats in Pak ask if it’s time to say goodbye”. The article says the “sheer sound of the massive explosion left foreigners living in Islamabad shaken to their core – and for some of them it could be a tipping point.” The death toll includes two Americans; one Vietnamese and the Czech Ambassador. For many expats who frequented the Marriott, this latest terrorist attack has hit too close to home.

 

 

Le Figaro (France). New York se reveille avec la gueule de bois

 

French daily newspaper Le Figaro has a portrait about what life is like for New Yorkers living under the shadow of the economic crisis. One Lehman Brothers employee says he still doesn’t know whether or not his department will be among those taken over by Barclays. Others have already been laid off in the past few months and had to accept pay cuts of up to 50 percent. But when you consider that most financial sector employees take home around 270,000 euros a year, they are hardly on the breadline. The crisis is also having a knock on effect on consumer goods as high flyers have to tighten their belts. Car manufacturers and jewelers are among those expected to feel the shockwaves.

 

Liberation (France). Heureux comme un danois

 

Staying with the French press but on an entirely different subject, Liberation has an article about why the Danish are so happy. They come top of a study which takes into consideration various factors, including health, wealth and education. Apparently eating lots of sugary foods and drinking lots helps.

Latest update: 11/12/2008 
- Afghanistan - Gordon Brown - NATO - Pakistan - press - terrorism - USA - Yemen

In the papers
FRANCE 24 journalists present a daily round-up of the world's newspapers.
By Katherine SPENCER (text)

Pakistan's 9/11 - The Bangkok Post (Thailand)

Saturday’s terrorist attack on the Marriott Hotel in the Pakistani capital Islamabad has dominated many of Sunday’s papers. The Bangkok Post has a poignant picture taken before the bombing with the caption “on the wings of hope”. It shows a peace activist freeing doves in front of parliament in Islamabad to celebrate newly elected President Asif Ali Zardari's parliamentary speech, just hours before the blast.


Islamabad bombing is the latest in a long list of recent attacks - The Independent (UK)

British newspaper The Independent on Sunday pointed out that Saturday’s bombing is the latest of recent attacks. The article goes on to list a dismal string of attacks, including the assassination of Benazir Bhutto in December 2007.


Pakistan on the brink - The Daily Times (Pakistan)

Liberal English-language Pakistani newspaper The Daily Times says that it’s vital for Zardari to get a grip on the war against terrorism. Journalist and author Ahmed Rashid says Pakistan is "at the centre of a gathering firestorm engulfing south and central Asia in the most volatile confrontation since 9/11". The article says that Pakistan's military has been caught off guard by the dramatic growth of the Taliban in the country. The Taliban, Rashid argues, are now a regional problem. He says a new UN Security Council mandate is needed for a major regional diplomatic initiative. Rashid adds that the Western coalition also needs to embark on a massive public information campaign which demonstrates that it is trying to solve regional problems rather than warmongering.


French soldiers unprepared for Taliban ambush - The Globe and Mail (Canada)

Canadian newspaper The Globe and Mail has investigated the deaths of a group of French troops killed in August during an ambush by the Taliban. The newspaper says it has obtained a secret NATO report which states that French soldiers didn’t have enough bullets, radios and other crucial equipment. The insurgents, on the other hand, were dangerously well prepared. Ten soldiers were killed. It was one of the deadliest ambushes against international forces since 2001. Journalist Graeme Smith says it’s the latest troubling sign that insurgents are mastering the art of guerilla war.


Yemen calls for help in fight against terrorism - The National News (United Arab Emirates)

UAE daily The National News reports that Yemen has issued a plea for help from the international community. It comes after last week’s bomb blast at the US Embassy that killed 17 people. Yemen’s foreign minister has said the country can not battle militants without more help from the United States. Washington currently gives Yemen about 45 million US dollars a year. Recent violence has slowed down development, crippled tourism and damaged the state’s reputation.

Latest update: 12/05/2008 
- press

In the papers
In the papers
FRANCE 24 journalists present a daily round-up of the international press.

The Irrawaddy ( Burma published in Thaïland)

Sarcastic cartoon

 

The Irrawaddy, Burma and South East Asia’s news magazine, uses a cartoon to criticize the military junta’s handling of Cyclone Nargis and its decision to go ahead with a referendum at the weekend amid widespread devastation.

 

 

 

 

Le Figaro (France)

 

“Limits to the right to interfere”

“Les limites du droit d’ingérence”

 

Le Figaro’s editorial column strongly attacks Burma’s military junta for not letting international aid teams into the country. The columnist describes how leaders celebrated their referendum results and continue to export rice each day to Bangladesh as people in their own country die of starvation.

 

 

 

 

The Nation (Thailand)

“Redemption time for Asean and Burma”

 

 

The Nation highlights how important it is for members of Asean leaders not to be associated with what it describes as Burma’s “thugs”. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations is currently working with the World Bank and the UN on long-term rehabilitation projects for Burma. According to the article, however, some of its member countries, such as Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, are suspiciously quiet about the situation.

 

 

 

 

Libération (France)

 

“Debate over Justice’s provocative clip”

“Un clip provocateur de Justice fait débat »

 

A music video posted online by French electro duo Justice has been causing controversy in the French Press. Libération features an article about the group’s choice of footage for its latest single, Stress. Showing a group of hooligans on a violent suburban rampage, it has been banned by some French television companies. There are currently debates over whether the clip is designed to be provocative, to denounce violence in France’s suburban areas, or if it is simply racist. At any rate, it has served as a strong publicity campaign for the group – there have been over one million hits on MySpace, YouTube and DailyMotion, since the video was posted.

 

 

 

 

 

El Mundo (Spain)

 

“Psychological secrets on the art of seduction”

« Secretos psicologicos del arte de la seduccion »

 

The Science section of El Mundo describes the style of the world’s different seducers. Depending upon genetics and early relationships with teachers, family and friends, most people fit into one of nine categories.
 

Latest update: 06/04/2008 

Montenegrins vote in first presidential poll since 2006
Montenegrins vote in first presidential poll since 2006
Voters across Montenegro are flocking to polling stations in the country's first presidential election since the tiny Balkan nation split from Serbia in 2006.

Montenegrins voted for a president on Sunday in an election that amounts to a popularity test for the ruling Democratic Party of Socialists, which has held all positions of power for almost two decades.

Polling stations opened at 8 a.m. (0600 GMT) and close at 9 p.m. About 490,000 people in the small Adriatic state are entitled to vote.

Opinion polls show incumbent Filip Vujanovic, an ally of popular Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic, could get the required 50 percent to clinch the largely ceremonial post in the first round, on a platform that stresses experience and continuity.

"We must devote ourselves to a better life, to new values, to a Montenegro within the EU," Vujanovic said in his final rally this week.

The former Yugoslav republic of some 650,000 people voted to end its loose union with neighbour Serbia in 2006, and has since enjoyed strong growth, faster progress towards the European Union and a positive image as a booming tourism destination.

The West says Montenegro's main challenges are weak institutions and endemic corruption, partly blamed on the DPS's continuous rule over a closely knit society that prefers getting things done through personal ties and political patronage.

Nebojsa Medojevic, Vujanovic's main rival in the race, has focused his campaign on these concerns. He accuses the DPS of systematic graft and has sought to win over voters with pledges to fight corruption and review suspicious privatisations.

"We must have an administration which is not stealing from its own state," Medojevic told supporters last week. "We are sending the message that we want changes."

The other challenger, Andrija Mandic, is wooing the votes of Montenegro's 25 percent Serb minority by promising closer ties with Belgrade and Moscow.

"I guarantee Montenegro will never slap itself and Serbia in the face by recognising Kosovo's independence," he said of the former Serbian province, which seceded in February with Western backing over the objections of Serbia and Russia.

A foreign analyst speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity said Vujanovic's likely win shows Montenegrins prefer to play it safe.

"If the DPS were to lose, a lot of people believe they will lose their jobs," the analyst said. "When people are still poor and living on the edge, these things influence their choices."  

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