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Owen Bennett Jones presents personal stories, wit and analysis from ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ correspondents around the world. In this edition, Fergal Keane wonders whether Burma's economic as well as political future future really is brightening, while Umaru Fofana (finally) gets to meet and interview Gambia's President: His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji A.J.J. Jammeh.

This time it's different - perhaps

For years, Western correspondents visiting in, or reporting on, the country of Burma have tended to frame their reports about the country in terms of political freedoms – or rather the lack of them. But there is another way of looking at events there – through the prism of economics. As he wandered the streets of Rangoon, Fergal Keane reflected on what the Burmese people are really hoping for - and what the coming year is likely to deliver.

Few laughs on the "Smiling Coast"

President Jammeh of Gambia came to power in a coup in 1994 and his regime is often described as brutal. Yet in a recent election, he won over 70% of the vote, securing his fourth consecutive five-year term. The west African regional grouping – ECOWAS – boycotted the polls by refusing to send in observers because it did not think voting would be free or fair.

Mr Jammeh is not an easy man to get an independent interview with. Many journalists have tried for years – and the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ’s Umaru Fofana is one of the few to succeed.