Affairs
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Expo 7: The road to damascus
It’s a short drive from Beirut to Damascus but these cities eye each other without affection. Monocle navigates the pockmarked highway, taking the region’s temperature amid assassinations, bombed bridges and political tension.
Timber land
As ‘biomass’ becomes a buzzword, lumberjacks are at the forefront of the climate debate. Monocle visits one of Europe's largest forestry fairs to find out why wood is good for the environment.
Mussel men
For years, Danish fishermen dredged for mussels to be frozen or canned. Now, eco-aware pioneers are growing molluscs on lines, selling fresh produce to people willing to shell out for a gourmet delicacy.
Surfing safari
Rwanda’s capital Kigali is fast becoming East Africa’s communications hub. Foreign investment and a culture of anti-corruption are behind the boom. Monocle watches a city log on.
Sun bloc
Albania has a grim past and low income but one major asset outsiders want: its largely undeveloped coastline. For investors, it could be the last chance to buy into Europe’s empty beaches.
Yongkang Park and Daan
Taiwan has been out on a limb, diplomatically, for the past 35 years but that hasn’t stopped its capital Taipei from thriving. It’s a blend of Chinese, Japanese and indigenous influences.
Charm offensive
Tokyo may be peaceful, but its governor is certainly not. In a candid interview, Shintaro Ishihara explains his views on his city’s traffic, its modern appearance and Japan's kamikaze pilots.
Bank of the Nile
Despite Western sanctions over its government's actions, Sudan's capital, Khartoum, is undergoing a huge transformation. With Arab cash and expertise, the city plans to become the Dubai of Africa.
Architecture/Design
Muscular Icelandic gyms, Spain's eat in the White House and an explosive Beirut house.
