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Owen Bennett Jones hears from Tim Whewell in Syria, James Coomerasamy in Russia, Jeremy Paxman and Michael Bristow in China, Will Ross in Ethiopia and Kate McGeown in the Philippines.

Syria’s underground

This time last year most Syrians who wanted change did not dare express their opinion in pubic. The Arab Spring changed all that. Now some people in the country are now not only calling for the downfall of the government, but are also engaged in running battles with Syrian army. Tim Whewell has been speaking to some of them.

Putin and the comedians

Like leaders before him, Vladimir Putin has projected a traditional image of strength. And he shows no signs of relinquishing power – in fact the upcoming Russian elections will likely see him returned to the Kremlin as President. And by way of reaction Russians have responded by reviving their traditional method of cutting the mighty down to size: political humour. James Coomerasamy has been hearing their jokes.

Focus on China: Tibet, economy, Africa

Also in the programme, three pieces on China. The treatment of China’s Tibetan minority has long been a serious issue inside the country, one that even features on the main news bulletins inside the country. But if outsiders try to talk to Tibetans, the government takes a dim view – as Michael Bristow found out in his travels.

Jeremy Paxman has also been travelling in the country, and examining firsthand its blistering pace of economic growth. He stayed with Mr Chen, who runs a guest house below the Great Wall – but is about to get thrown out.

And Addis Ababa has a gleaming new building, the headquarters of the African Union – paid for by China, which is eager to foster trade links with Ethiopia and the rest of the continent. Our correspondent Will Ross found that the Chinese overtures are falling on very welcome ears.

Witches in paradise

Finally we hear from Kate McGeown with a report from the Philippines. The island of Siquijor has gorgeous beaches and plenty of sun. But it also has a resident population of witches. Will a quick course of bulo-bulo drive out the evil spirits?

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