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Media face-off

On 7 June, Lebanon holds the most hotly contested general election in its history. But this time the fiercest fights are not on the streets but in the media. We meet the key players from Hezbollah to the westward-looking Future party battling it out on the airwaves.
Paradise regained

The kibbutzim may have been born out of socialist ideals but for years their appeal has been fading. Now, to survive, they’ve formed into profit-making cooperatives and Israelis are returning because of their high living standards.
Yes we Khan

Mongolia is rich in raw materials and is thought to have huge oil reserves: resources that its neighbour China – with which it shares a rocky relationship – needs. The dust-bowl capital, Ulan Bator, is already flourishing but Mongolia needs to overcome its poverty and corruption.
Karachi cops

As the Taliban gains ground in Pakistan, the police can offer little in defence of the nation. Monocle spends a day with Karachi’s police chief as he worries about kit, corruption and crime stats. Then we meet the woman hoping to become Afghanistan’s president and tame the Taliban her way.
Buoyed up

The world’s second largest container transporter, the Mediterranean Shipping Company, has managed to sidestep the global slump in trade by diversifying into pleasure cruises.
Super modeller

From a childhood obsession with animal bones, Esben Horn has carved out a career creating detailed, large-scale models of bugs and beasts. Now his firm is sought-after around the globe.
Muscle display

The fitness industry appears to be outrunning the economic downturn. At the Fibo trade show in Essen in April, optimism was high – and so was the number of million-euro equipment deals.
Raising the steaks

Omi beef from Shiga prefecture is little known outside Japan, but its butter-soft consistency and low fat content means that restaurateurs, meat producers and diners from New York to Australia are starting to take notice.
Show starters

Worth billions but well below the radar; big in China but overlooked in London; consummately professional but often part-time – the lounge act is a fascinating and uncharted universe. Monocle explores an undervalued talent pool.
Busy BC

British Columbia craftsmen have been producing hard-wearing, well-made clothes and footwear for generations. Now these homespun manufacturers are finding new international markets. Their long-established reputations and promise of quality and skill are their trump cards.
Ship shape

Milanese architect Claudio Dini was handed a brief to create a residence with a maritime feel, without going overboard on the nautical theme, so that the occupants could feel all at sea in their city dwelling.

Cycling gear / Global

Saddle up

This summer, cycle around the Cyclades in primary colours, checked socks and comfortable pedal shoes and buy a copy of ‘Rouleur’ for something to read on the verge.

Cap by Two n Fro, twonfro.com
Polo shirt by Rapha, rapha.cc
Jacket by American Apparel, americanapparel.net
Socks by Y-3, adidas.com/y-3
Shorts by Rapha
Shoes by Two n Fro
Gloves by Rapha
Water bottle by Rapha
Rouleur magazine, rouleur.cc
Rucksack by Rapha
Shoes by Two n Fro
Reflectors by Two n Fro

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Live

Schedule

00:0001:00

Global Music

Field trip

Media face-off

Paradise regained

Yes we Khan

Karachi cops

Buoyed up

Super modeller

Muscle display

Raising the steaks

Show starters

Busy BC

Ship shape

Prime time

Pleasure as business

Europe briefing

Americas briefing

Asia briefing

Africa/Middle East briefing

Oceania briefing

Defence briefing

Business briefing

Travel briefing

Media briefing

Printed Matter

Art market briefing

Culture briefing

Fashion briefing

From Sofia, with love

The X-tractor

Manga juice

Great Sheikhs

Salone stars

Inventory no.24

Royal privilege

Spokes people

Saddle up

Villa de Leyva

Frédéric Malle

Who needs the agro?

Observation

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