From Our Own Correspondent

The changing sights and sounds of Iraq's second city. Kate Adie introduces stories, wit, and analysis from correspondents around the world: Shaimaa Khalil meets a musician finally able to play his violin again and students returning to their studies in post-ISIS Mosul. John Sudworth finds that reporting from China’s Xinxjang province is difficult, risky and expensive – just the way the authorities there seem to want it to be. In Brazil, Katy Watson joins the queue for a Yellow Fever vaccine amid the panic caused by the latest outbreak. John Watkins delves into Albania’s national archive, where thousands of decaying film reels reveal much about its communist past. And Mike Wendling meets Swedish politician Hanif Bali who wants to close the country’s borders and keep migrants out. As well as being a social media star, the MP is also a migrant himself having left Iran as a child.

Opposition leader Raila Odinga declares himself the ‘People’s President’ in Kenya. Kate Adie introduces stories wit and analysis from correspondents around the world.Expecting trouble, Alastair Leithead attends a controversial swearing-in ceremony in Nairobi but the government’s show of force didn’t come from the security forces sent to police the event. The water crisis engulfing Cape Town is making headlines around the world, but Pumza Fihlani says a lack of running water has long been a way of life for millions of others in South Africa. Laurence Blair examines how immigration is becoming a political issue in Chile and how the recent arrivals and their hosts are having to adapt. In Switzerland, Katherine Forster revisits the site of a fancy dress party that changed her life and finds a country that, at first glance, appears the same. And Emma Levine plays chess in Armenia against an eleven yearold who is hoping to become one of the world’s youngest ever grandmasters.

Mishal Husain presents dispatches from journalists and writers around the United Kingdom that reflect the range of contemporary life in the country. In the latest programme, we hear from Chris Warburton on how Bolton in Greater Manchester is responding to the dramatically changing retail scene on its streets. The BBC's Religion Editor, Martin Bashir, draws on his own family's experience to consider the significance of the Church of England's intervention in the debate about pre-natal screening for Down's syndrome. Elizabeth Gowing reveals what one ex-offender has derived from his work with yoga and meditation - disciplines she has been struggling with - both out of gaol and while behind bars, and Martin Vennard explores a fifty year-old housing development with a new resident and the building's architect to see what ideas it may offer for tackling today's housing crisis. Finally, Felipe Fernández-Armesto - a globe-trotting historian with Spanish ancestry and impeccable British credentials - ponders the unrave

Mark Lowen reports from both sides of the border as Turkey launches an offensive against Kurdish militia in Syria. In the Colombian jungle, Mathew Charles meets the surprisingly well-groomed members of the ELN guerrilla group. Are Louis and Louise beautiful or handsome? Joanna Robertson offers a lesson in the sexual politics of French grammar. Hero or villain? Peter Hadfield reports on how Taiwan views its former leader Chiang Kai Shek. And Melissa Van Der Klugt discovers why pollution in Delhi is giving some of its residents green fingers . . . and a new found interest in growing their own veg.

Waiting for elections and trying to answer awkward questions about sex in the DRC. Kate Adie introduces correspondents' stories from around the world:William Edmundson is in the Democratic Republic of Congo wondering just how democratic it really is. Katty Kay looks at how the mood in the #metoo movement has gone from hope to concern in the US. Will Grant boards a rather empty flight from Miami to Havana and assesses US –Cuba relations under President Trump - there may be turbulence ahead. Natalia Golysheva travels to the Russian Far East to meet some of the Old Believer sect, who’ve recently returned home. And Chris Bockman reports on the French island of Faisans that is soon to be Spain.

The Salvadoran woman who claims she faces 30 years in prison for having a miscarriage Kate Adie introduces correspondent's stories from around the world. Benjamin Zand is in El Salvador investigating the country's abortion laws - some of the harshest and most stringently enforced in the world. Colin Freeman meets the survivors of the Gambian dictator Yahya Jammeh's HIV treatment programme. His 'miracle cure' turned out to be deadly for many. Lyse Doucet hears tales of Aleppo’s ancient souk from the traders who are starting to return. Rani Singh is on the roof of the world exploring relations between India and China, and hanging with a cool ex-monk. And Kevin Connolly returns to Bulgaria and remembers its communist past.

Why it's far too early to write Silvio Berlusconi's political obituary. Kate Adie introduces stories from correspondents around the world. With a general election in March, James Reynolds finds some familiar faces on the campaign trail in Italy but will the grey men triumph? In Tanzania, it's idle machines and empty buildings that greet Helen Grady as 'mitumba' or cheap, imported, second-hand clothes are destroying the local textile industry. Auliya Atrafi is in northeastern Afghanistan in a village where few working-age men remain - many are now in prison in Iran sentenced to death for smuggling drugs. Jannat Jalil ponders presidential gifts, Franco-Chinese relations, and horse-diplomacy. And Lindsay Johns returns to Martinique to mark the death of a woman he once called mom.

Lucy Ash finds that morale is low amongst Ukrainian troops in the east of the country as they endure another winter at war and the frozen conflict rumbles on. John Sudworth assesses rural poverty in China from the dizzying heights of a village accessible only by climbing half a mile of ladders. Recent protests prompt Rana Rahimpour to reflect on previous rounds of unrest in Iran, and how parents are once again worrying if their children will return home. Sara Wheeler soaks up the scenery in the north of Vietnam and marvels at the foot rowers of Tam Coc. And Jeremy Grange finds that memories of the slave trade are still very much alive in Tanzania.

The migrants clinging to hope, NATO military manoeuvres and a jungle prince. Kate Adie introduces some memorable moments correspondents have shared on the programme in 2017. Benjamin Zand encounters 'lies, lies and yet more lies" as he follows the treacherous migrant route that hundreds of thousands of people have followed in the hope of reaching Europe from Africa. Shaimaa Khalil recalls growing up in Egypt and her first experience of sexual harassment aged 11 #metoo. Emily Unia watches a NATO display of military might in Romania, but can't escape noticing that some members of the press pack don't seem to be taking it seriously. Tim Whewell tries to talk his way into Abkhazia - a country which most of the world refuses to recognise. And Justin Rowlatt has the tale of the lonely death of an Indian prince reduced to living in abject poverty in a hunting lodge in a forest in Delhi. Producer: Joe Kent.

In a festive edition for Christmas Eve, Mishal Husain presents pieces by: Ian McMillan on the special pleasures of Christmas Eve; Sarah Oliver on advice for those daunted by the seasonal food extravaganza; Padraig O Tuama on what happened when Bethlehem came to Belfast; Datshiane Navanayagam on the make-or-break power of customer service departments at this time of year; and Jonnie Bayfield on how he fared in devising out-of-the-ordinary gift options.

Killing time on election day in Catalonia and the bitter experience of applying for a visa. Correspondents share their stories, insights, and complaints. Introduced by Kate Adie.Reporting restrictions on polling day prompt Kevin Connolly to explore Barcelona and take a bit of a gamble. Yolande Knell tries to ignore the tempting local delicacies in Jerusalem and sample public opinion instead. Linda Pressly meets the people hoping the river the Pilcomayo will once again flow through the Chaco – one of the most arid and unforgiving regions of South America situated along the border between Paraguay and Argentina. Chris Bowlby remembers New Year’s Eve 1992 and the moment when Czechoslovakia became the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. And of the many challenges that foreign reporting presents, the one Colin Freeman dreads most is applying for a visa.

What next for the ANC as its chuckling, charismatic and divisive leader Jacob Zuma departs? Kate Adie introduces correspondents' stories and insights from around the world. In South Africa, Andrew Harding looks back on President Zuma's time at the top of his party and his country. Joanna Robertson soaks up the seasonal spirit in Rome amid complaints about corruption, mafia collusion, a mangy municipal Christmas tree and a Christmas market with no stalls. Tim Hartley reports from Hong Kong as Beijing tries to blow the final whistle on protesting football fans who dare to disrespect the national anthem. Alexa Dvorson explores why all is not well in Bhutan, land of Gross National Happiness. And at an art gallery in Budapest, Nick Thorpe is reminded of both the censorship imposed by Hungary's former Communist rulers and the paradoxical freedoms granted to its people.

Hindu nationalism in India, making money in war-torn Yemen and family drama in Uzbekistan. Kate Adie introduces correspondents’ stories from around the world. It’s 25 years since Hindu mobs destroyed the Babri mosque in Ayodhya; Mark Tully was there and asks whether it really did mark the end of secularism in India, as was claimed at the time. Bethan McKernan finds that business is booming in Yemen for the tribal leaders, arms traders and khat dealers who know where to look. Peter Robertson dissects the rise and fall of Gulnara Karimova who was once seen as her father's favoured successor as president of Uzbekistan. Katy Watson explores the complex history and geography of the word ‘America’ – should it be used to refer to a country, a continent, two continents? And Hannah King joins the British soldiers training the Somali National Army.

Stoicism, good humour and palpable tension as Rohingya Muslims flee Myanmar to Bangladesh. Kate Adie introduces stories from correspondents around the world. Justin Rowlatt finds mixed emotions among Bangladeshis about the refugees arriving from across the border. Tim Whewell reports on the women and children left behind as the so called Islamic State’s self-declared caliphate crumbles. Sally Hayden explores how an outbreak of fake news and misinformation is making it harder to stop the spread of the plague in Madagascar. Jonah Fisher tours the tented camp that has reappeared in the centre of Kiev – last seen before the revolution in 2014. And Bill Law tries his best not to talk politics as Canadians gather for the annual Grey Cup football match or Canada’s Grand National Drunk as it’s often known.

Mishal Husain presents pieces on a Devon pub admired by Prince Harry, why the future for local papers matters, executive pay and a moment of truth for a woman with breast cancer.

Is this the end of the Mugabe era? Kate Adie introduces correspondents' stories from around the world. “Which version of reality would you like to read today?” Andrew Harding is asked as he’s offered a selection of newspapers in Zimbabwe. Gabriel Gatehouse has been reporting on conflict for more than a decade but the plight of the Rohingya in Myanmar has affected him like no other.Caroline Bayley finds a surprising splash of red in a grey Moscow suburb – a strawberry firm turning a profit, not from harvesting fruit but producing houses.Bethany Bell hears memories of the largest forced migration in European history – of the ethnic Germans made to leave their homes following the Second World War. Their stories have often received little international attention - overshadowed by the crimes of the Nazis.And Clive Myrie has fulfilled a childhood dream – that of visiting Yemen. But the architectural wonders he longed to see have been disfigured by bullets and bombs.

Kenyan widows fighting sexual cleansing and talking to war criminals in the Balkans. Kate Adie introduces correspondents' stories from around the world. For some among the Luo tribe in Western Kenya, tradition dictates that widows must have repeated, unprotected sex with a stranger to rid themselves of evil spirits. Theopi Skarlatos meets the women fighting back. Mark Urban talks to convicted war criminals from the former Yugoslavia – some accept their sentences and have moved on, others claim they are the victims. Mark Stratton visits the Buddhist temple that has been at the heart of a long-running (and sometimes bloody) battle between Thailand and Cambodia. Sophie Ribstein embarks on a journey of musical discovery that provides an unexpected insight into the complex rhythms of Apartheid South Africa. And Lucy Williamson flies from Paris to the Gulf to spend seven minutes with the supposedly charming Emanuel Macron. He is a President that likes to talk, but what is he like to talk to?

The Prince’s purge: Mohammed Bin Salman’s moves to reform Saudi Arabia. Kate Adie introduces stories, wit, and analysis from correspondents around the world.Frank Gardner chronicles the meteoric rise of the Crown Prince reshaping Saudi Arabia.Kate Lamble meets the campaigners struggling to convince Muscovites that Alexei Navalny should be the next Russian President. They complain of political apathy and hostile media.Xavier Zapata mingles with the young Catalonians newly energised and politically engaged by the independence debate but struggling to get their voices heard. Andrew Hosken is in Albania where new attempts are underway to investigate the crimes of Enver Hoxha’s brutal dictatorship. Thousands of people were ‘disappeared’ - many ended up in mass graves. And Juliet Rix reports from the Inuit region of Nunavut – the newest, northernmost and largest territory in Canada.

Life in cash-strapped Venezuela and a return to war-ravaged Damascus. Kate Adie introduces correspondents' stories and insights from around the world. Katy Watson examines the staying power of Venezuela's ruling party. Despite ongoing shortages of food, medicine, and cash, Nicola Maduro's government has tightened its grip on the country. Simon Parker hears renewed talk of independence on the Faroe Islands, an autonomous region of Denmark, but struggles to decipher what independence would actually mean. Angellica Bell assesses the damage wrought by Hurricane Maria on the land of her grandfather – Dominica. And the travel writer Colin Thubron returns to Damascus fifty years after the publication of his homage to the city. He is surprised to find old friends still there, to stumble through an Old City largely intact, and to be taken in for questioning by the intelligence service. “We can’t see an end to it,” people tell him of the civil war.

A president in exile? The Brussels' press pack is in pursuit of Carles Puigdemont. Kate Adie introduces stories, wit, and analysis from correspondents around the world.It’s been a busy week for Adam Fleming in Belgium, as he tried to track down the sacked Catalan leader and figure out what is really going on.Colin Freeman reported from Liberia at the height of the Ebola crisis and has been back to see what has changed. Shaking hands is once again permitted, he finds, and the nation’s health service has been transformed. Justin Rowlatt has a tale of prince and poverty from the ridge forest in Delhi, India. And Amy Guttman is in Okinawa, Japan, home to thousands of American soldiers. And Stephen Smith has the story behind Dr Zhivago - one of the best-known love stories of the 20th century.