Affairs
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Mrs Dynamite
Oumou Sangaré sings from the heart about pain, poverty and polygamy. Her feminist lyrics and political stance have made her a role-model for women in Mali and across Africa.
Africa/Middle East
News from across the region, including Seychelles' first university, Iraq's drought-driven food imports, Israel's ambitious rail network plans and Angola's slow reconstruction after its civil war.
Air Rescue
Twenty years ago, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty was a busy place as the Iron Curtain was pulled back. Today, its signals are still focused on Russia as well as Iran and Afghanistan.
Business
A Canadian coffee shop in Kandahar, Chinese internet junkies go cold Turkey, and Jordan gets wired.
Life on the edge
This remote corner of Russia is a land of fire, ice and earthquakes. But with stunning scenery and vast salmon reserves, a seismic shift in its fortunes could be about to happen.
Africa/Middle East
Iraq lures tourists with romantic nights in Saddam Hussein’s palace. Elsewhere, Lebanon restores a Jewish landmark and Botswana’s presidential elections get under way (though the job is likely in the bag).
Americas
Colombian president Álvaro Uribe’s motorcade. Plus, the US launches its first national tourism organisation, Uruguay gears up for elections and São Paulo’s drivers get a respite from traffic jams.
In the hot seat
Chile’s first female president, Michelle Bachelet, lived in exile for five years after being tortured under Pinochet. Monocle talks to the leader about her term, male chauvinism and the financial crisis.
Oceania
Why did the Samoan cross the road? (It’s all in the name of regional harmony), Australia and New Zealand drop their guards and rock’n’roll rescues aboriginal languages.
Jock tactics
Canadian ice hockey commentator Don Cherry is a beloved anti-hero. At 75, he still enrages and entertains with his signature tough talk and strong opinions, making him a divisive but iconic figure.
