Affairs
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Defence
Under the Obama administration, the transatlantic relationship is expected to flourish, improving French-US relations. But it may not be as easy as many expect, as Obama and Sarkozy's top priorities differ.
Europe
We take a look at Silivo Berlusconi's motorcade, and some surprising differences between the Finns and the Swedes.
Premier league
Ahead of the COP15 climate conference, Monocle meets Danish prime minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen to discuss Denmark’s identity, global security and the impact of the ‘cartoon crisis’.
Oceania
Syndey's new take on speed dating - it involves tightrope-walking and clowning - plus witchcraft in Papua New Guinea, and political isolation in Fuji.
Expo 21: Trading places
Syria is moving away from staunch socialist principles. President Bashar al Assad has created a new merchant class and forged business links with Turkey, with Aleppo benefiting most from the city’s trade revival.
Show the world
May Arida, a national icon of Lebanon, has kept the Baalbek International Festival alive through wars and threats. Our new series introduces people who rise above politics to become symbols of a country’s strengths.
Muna Abu Sulayman
While in Dubai, 34-year-old TV host Muna Abu Sulayman met with Monocle for her ‘last meal’. The Saudi citizen and philanthropist chose Saladicious, a restaurant in the Jumeirah district.
Africa/Middle East
Is a fitness centre in Iraq entrepreneurial folly or a viable business? For Ibrahim Abdullatif, there is no doubt: he believes Iraqi Kurdistan is the place to invest, opening a gym in Dohuk.
Expo 22: Ship wrecked
Viking Line’s ferries ply the route between Helsinki and Stockholm. The 48-hour round trip is used for one chief purpose: the intensive sale and consumption of tax-free alcohol on the Baltic booze cruise.
Little Britain
We visit Stanley, capital of the Falkland Islands. Once best known for sheep and its 1982 war with Argentina, now oil and tourists are making this British territory an outpost of opportunity.
