Will the war in Georgia help boost "commander-in-chief" McCain?
Haditha, Iraq, 16 March 2008. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Erin A. Kirk.
The sudden outbreak of war between Russia and Georgia last Friday was a glaring opportunity for the American presidential candidates to prove their worth in foreign policy. Despite it being one of McCain's strong points, both a Democrat and a Republican tell us that it was Obama who came out on top this time. Read why...
It’s an emergency call: "my wife's left me two salmon sandwiches"
A UK police force that got sick of people phoning the emergency services with trivial problems is making an example of the timewasters by posting recordings of their requests on YouTube. Their message: don't phone 999 if you're hungry, drunk, or filling out a questionnaire. Read more and listen to some of the best examples...
South Ossetia: "without the Russians we’d all be dead"
Russia has ordered an end to its military operation in South Ossetia, although a date has yet to be set for the withdrawal of Russian troops, which invaded the Georgian breakaway province on Friday. Our Observers in North Ossetia, South Ossetia and Georgia comment on the situation. Read more...
Noor, the soap that breaks up couples
Everyone's talking about Noor this summer. The Turkish series has caused such a storm in the Middle East, it's even been blamed for breaking up marriages and causing suicides. Read more...
Do NBA stars really make a difference?
Many of NBA pros will be playing for their national teams in China. The USA, with 12 NBA players, has the largest contingent. But does the chance of winning an Olympic title increase with the number of NBA players on the team? Read more
A strangely quiet city
Between installing hyper-security measures and exhorting locals to leave the city, the Chinese government has changed the face of the capital. Take a tour of an empty Beijing. Read more
D-day for the opening ceremony
Finally, residents in Beijing are delighted to see the Olympic flame burning in the Chinese sky. Our Observers present in Beijing and Shanghai sent their pictures and comments to help you experience the opening day of the Games. Read more
A FRANCE 24 article censored in Tunisia?
We’re all stuck in a social elevator says French union
In these modern times, it's a lift that takes you from one rung of the social ladder to the next. And in France, the lift is out of order. This is the scenario for a new French comedy, produced by a trade union. Seven colleagues, all desperate to get to the next level, but stuck in the lift. It's certainly funny, but will it attract people to get involved in unions? Read more and watch the clips...
Beijing dreams of a clean Games
Chinese authorities are determined to host a clean Games. To accomplish this, and avoid the repeated embarrassments of the 2004 Athens Games, a staggering 4,500 drug tests have been programmed. Twenty eight cases were revealed in the last Olympics, up from Sydney's 10 in the year 2000. Read more
