Focus

The fall of Bashar al-Assad last December did not erase the deep-rooted prejudices within Syrian society. Identity and political divisions remain vivid, and since January, sectarian clashes have been increasing. In a country as fragmented as Syria, old grudges are simmering, with many taking justice into their own hands – driven by a thirst for revenge against those they view as traitors or internal enemies. Amid this escalating violence, the authorities insist they are committed to holding those responsible accountable. Meanwhile, civil society is doing what it can to keep hope alive by calling for dialogue and pushing for national unity. Our correspondent in Syria, Jenna Le Bras, reports.

An increasing number of US veterans are sounding the alarm. Behind US President Donald Trump's patriotic rhetoric, fundamental social benefits for veterans are being eroded: access to healthcare is being slowed down, medical staff are being laid off, and aid for transgender veterans is being discreetly cut. Trump's plan also includes up to 80,000 job cuts at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Despite a majority of veterans voting for Trump at last year's election, some are now denouncing rampant privatisation that's impacting the most vulnerable in the community. A silent rift is opening up between the nation and those who risked their lives for it. FRANCE 24's Matthieu Mabin and Fraser Jackson report.

In recent years, the fight against air pollution has become a major issue for large urban areas. Measures such as low-emission and pedestrian zones in city centres are now beginning to pay off. According to the Paris-based air quality monitor AirParif, pollution in the Paris region has been halved in 20 years. The city of Lyon has also deployed a series of measures to discourage drivers from driving in the city's historic centre that sits between two rivers. But not everyone is happy about these changes to the urban landscape. Our France 2 colleagues report, with FRANCE 24's Guillaume Gougeon.

On May 30, five members of a music group in Mexico were found murdered in the northeast of the country. Their group played a popular musical genre known as "narcocorridos" or "corridos tumbados" – songs that glorify drug cartels. After a string of controversial concerts, this type of music has become the subject of heated debate in Mexico. The government is trying to curb the influence of songs that praise cartel bosses. Meanwhile, "narcocorridos" performers are complaining of censorship. FRANCE 24's Quentin Duval, Laurence Cuvillier and Ed Augustin report.

The world's largest landlocked body of water, the Caspian Sea, is evaporating at an alarming pace. Since the 1990s, its level has fallen by more than 3 metres. With ports drying up, fishing in decline and the economy in turmoil, Kazakhstan is bearing the brunt of the consequences. Like the Aral Sea before it, the Caspian could dry up almost completely if no action is taken. That would be an ecological disaster with massive consequences for the whole country. FRANCE 24's Lucie Berbey and Mathieu Beaudouin report, with Anna Hartley.

Artificial intelligence is becoming part of our everyday lives. More and more families are using it with their children, whether it's to help with homework or just for fun. But while AI has many benefits, it's important that both parents and children understand the risks. Our France 2 colleagues report, with FRANCE 24's Guillaume Gougeon.

The Maldives, a dream destination in the Indian Ocean that's popular with tourists from around the world, is threatened by rising sea levels – a direct consequence of climate change. Scientists warn the archipelago could even disappear by the end of the century. The country is building artificial islands to support its economy, which is heavily dependent on tourism. But these projects are accelerating coastal erosion, and NGOs are concerned about the devastating effects on reefs. As a result, some inhabitants have already been forced to leave their homes. FRANCE 24's Léa Delfolie and Aminath Liuvina report, with Anna Hartley.

As the French coastal city of Nice hosts the UN Ocean Conference, we take you to Kenya, where small-scale fishermen are struggling. Fish stocks are dwindling, and their nets often come up empty. The reason: some foreign industrial trawlers – mainly Chinese, Tanzanian, and Italian – are overfishing and damaging marine ecosystems, often with little oversight. But a grassroots response is taking shape. With protected areas, stricter fishing rules and coral reef restoration, coastal communities are working to reclaim and protect their waters. FRANCE 24's Clément Di Roma reports, with Olivia Bizot.

More than 200 Palestinian journalists have been killed by the Israeli army in Gaza. Their colleagues across the Palestinian territories aim to honour them by providing information, whatever the cost. In the occupied West Bank, the Israeli army has recently ramped up raids on Palestinian property, with the presence of journalists not welcome. FRANCE 24's Amira Souilem and Mohammad Abed went to meet Palestinian journalists in the West Bank to better understand the risks they face on a daily basis.

Burundi goes to the polls this Thursday to elect MPs and local councillors. But the election has already been heavily criticised, with many candidates disqualified by the electoral commission – including longtime opposition figure Agathon Rwasa. Burundi is also affected by the conflict in neighbouring DR Congo. More than 71,000 Congolese nationals have fled the fighting between the Congolese army and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels since January. Many have crossed into Burundi, making this the largest refugee influx the country has seen in decades. The chaos of war has torn families apart, as our regional correspondent reports.

For several years, the Kédougou region in the far east of Senegal has been experiencing a gold rush. This race for the precious metal has led to a proliferation of artisanal mining sites, drawing thousands of gold miners from across West Africa. But alongside the economic boom, the region has seen a surge in human trafficking. In particular, hundreds of Nigerian women are forced into prostitution at the mining sites. This exploitation is driven by extensive transnational networks whose reach spans nearly every gold mining site in West Africa and beyond. Our Senegal correspondents report.

An investigation by South Korea's Truth and Reconciliation Commission wrapped up on May 26 and its findings are damning. The body was set up in 2022 following a petition signed by hundreds of adoptees of South Korean origin from around the world, denouncing the illegal circumstances of their adoption. While the final report is still pending, the commission's interim findings make for difficult reading: they reveal serious human rights violations, including fraudulent registration of orphans, falsified identities and inadequate oversight of adoptive parents.

France's overseas territory of New Caledonia is facing a growing crisis. The number of healthcare workers has dropped dramatically, particularly since the unrest of May 2024. In response, authorities are offering incentives – such as annual contracts and free accommodation – to attract doctors and nurses back to the island. But in the meantime, volunteers are stepping in to train locals in basic medical care, as clinics and hospitals across the island remain closed due to staff shortages. Our France 2 colleagues report, with FRANCE 24's Guillaume Gougeon.

In Tunisia, operations to dismantle migrant camps in the olive groves of Sfax, in the east of the country, have been gathering pace since April. According to National Guard figures, between 20,000 and 30,000 migrants from sub-Saharan Africa had been living in these makeshift camps. But is this strategy effective, and at what human cost? Our correspondents Lilia Blaise and Hamdi Tlili report.

Behind the skyscrapers and luxurious resorts of the United Arab Emirates, a silent health crisis is looming. According to a study published in The Lancet, the prevalence of overweight and obesity among adult men in the UAE is set to rise from 84 percent in 2021 to 94 percent by 2050, placing the country among the worst affected in the world. This epidemic is fuelled by unbalanced eating habits, a growing reliance on home deliveries and a sedentary lifestyle. The consequences are serious: diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. The Emirati authorities are taking action, in particular by targeting younger generations, but significant progress still needs to be made. Our team on the ground reports.

As the war in Ukraine rages on, soldiers on the eastern front are taking steps to become less reliant on foreign aid. According to government figures, 40 percent of the weapons used are now produced in Ukraine, from cannons to anti-tank mines. Our colleagues at France 2 sent us this report. 

French deputies are set to vote Tuesday on a controversial bill regarding end-of-life options before it moves to the Senate. The proposed “right to aid in dying” has divided politicians and healthcare professionals and reignited heated bioethical debates. In this report from France 2, palliative care workers and patients share their views on the matter.

While all eyes are on Gaza, another war is being fought for control of Jerusalem. Hundreds of Israeli police officers mobilised Monday for Jerusalem Day, commemorating the city's total conquest by Israel in 1967. It's an opportunity for Israeli nationalists to reaffirm their hold on the city – and, increasingly, for scenes of violence against Palestinians in the Old City in occupied East Jerusalem.

In the United States, gun ownership is a constitutional right. Recently, a federal appeals court overturned a ban on Americans aged 18 to 21 purchasing firearms. Yet, they are the leading cause of death among children and adolescents in the country. Some, encouraged by their parents, learn to shoot at a young age. Others face tragic consequences. We bring you this report from France 2. 

In a rare glimmer of hope, 115 Gazans have resettled in France through a university refugee programme, though many had to leave their families behind. Meanwhile, the situation in Gaza grows dire, with 2 million people facing famine, according to the World Health Organization. The World Food Program has exhausted its aid supplies, and while Israel allowed a small number of food trucks to enter on Sunday, humanitarian organisations say it's far from enough after two months of a complete blockade. France 2 has the full report.

On October 29, 2024, flash floods in Spain's eastern Valencia region claimed 228 lives. More than six months later, residents are still struggling to rebuild. Beyond the economic toll, many say they cannot move on until accountability is addressed. Victims argue that lives lost – in cars, basements, and on the streets – could have been saved if regional authorities had issued timely and adequate warnings. FRANCE 24's Sarrah Morris reports.

Decommissioning the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Japan began soon after it suffered a triple meltdown in March 2011. Fourteen years on, the work continues. This summer will mark two years since Tokyo Electric Power Company, the plant's operator, began discharging water that was used to cool the damaged reactors into the sea. In November last year, workers removed a few grams of radioactive debris from a reactor for the first time. A second extraction took place a few weeks ago. Neighbourhoods closest to the plant are still off-limits, but other areas are safe to live in. For some residents, life is slowly returning to normal. Justin McCurry, Alexis Bregere and Airi Futakuchi Report.

Poland goes to the polls on Sunday for the first round of presidential elections. In a country that borders Ukraine and plays a key role in Western support to Kyiv, the stakes are high. So, the authorities say, is the level of attempted Russian meddling. From stoking a migrant crisis on the eastern border, to disinformation, cyberattacks and arson, Poland's government believes it is currently the most targeted country in the EU for Russian destabilisation efforts. Our correspondent Gulliver Cragg reports.

It's been a deadly start to the year in Peru. The country has already seen more than 700 homicides: a 20 percent increase compared to last year. These murders are often the result of extortion attempts, a crime that is also on the rise and affects all sectors: business owners, bus drivers and even private schools. To deal with the violence, the government declared a state of emergency in the capital Lima on March 18, but that has done little to help. Across the city, residents are exhausted and frightened. FRANCE 24's Agathe Fourcade and Martin Chabal report, with Wassim Cornet.

In the Gulf of Mexico, the prawn fishing industry has been undermined for several years by foreign competition, particularly from Asia and South America. US shrimp fishermen find it impossible to cope with the low import prices charged by these countries when they themselves are faced with rising fuel prices and inflation. In the state of Louisiana, one in 70 jobs is linked to fishing, meaning that an entire way of life is threatened by globalisation. Some of those fishermen say Donald Trump's import tariffs, which have now been suspended for 90 days, offer a glimmer of hope to an industry on its last legs. FRANCE 24's Fanny Allard reports, with Fraser Jackson.

Specialising in combat and equestrian aerobatics, Kazakhstan supplies many of the stuntmen for Hollywood productions such as "Mulan" and "Napoleon". With its spectacular landscapes and recognised expertise, the country is becoming a new hub for action films, attracting more and more international shoots. Buoyed by the success of its stuntmen, the Kazakh film industry as a whole is now enjoying a golden age. FRANCE 24's team reports.

The twin cities of Windsor, Canada, and Detroit, United States, separated only by a river, have a long history as automotive manufacturing hubs. But since Donald Trump launched a bitter trade war by imposing sanctions on long-time ally Canada in early April, this once friendly relationship has been on shaky ground. Our colleagues from FRANCE 2 travelled to the region to hear from residents on both sides of the border. 

80 years ago, on 8 May 1945, Nazi Germany capitulated, bringing the Second World War in Europe to an end. Although a large part of France was no longer occupied, there were still "pockets" of German resistance in several northern towns. Dunkirk, best known as the site of the remarkable evacuation of British and French troops in the spring of 1940, was one of them. In ruins, the town was liberated the day after the capitulation, the German soldiers having been ordered to hold out until the end.

It's a rare case of a species being saved from near-extinction. Twenty years ago, the Iberian lynx was the most threatened feline in the world due to poaching and the animals' natural habitat being turned into farmland. Today, the species is practically out of danger thanks to conservation efforts in Spain. Our correspondents report.

On March 11, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested by Interpol on a warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) and transferred to The Hague in the Netherlands to stand trial. The former Philippine leader is accused of crimes against humanity for his deadly war on drugs. Human rights groups say his policies left tens of thousands of Filipino men dead, many of them from poor backgrounds with no proven connections to drug use. But despite these accusations, many Filipinos continue to support Duterte and denounce a worsening security situation, particularly in the capital Manila. Meanwhile, relatives of victims are demanding justice. FRANCE 24's correspondents Alexis Bregere, Mélodie Sforza and Jan Camenzind Broomby report.

Romanians head to the polls on Sunday for a re-run of last November's presidential election, which was annulled following reports of foreign interference. Last year's vote saw the surprise victory of a previously unknown far-right independent candidate, Calin Georgescu. An isolationist and ultra-nationalist, Georgescu has ties to neo-Legionary groups, which have roots in the pre-war Iron Guard fascist movement. FRANCE 24's Maria Gerth-Niculescu reports. 

Since 2014, the regimes installed by Russia and its local collaborators in occupied regions of Ukraine have been arbitrarily detaining civilians on a massive scale. The Ukrainian government puts the number of those currently in detention at over 16,000. Journalists, activists, local politicians: just about anyone the occupation authorities take a dislike to is in danger of being taken prisoner. Some are held for a few days, others for years. FRANCE 24's Gulliver Cragg investigates with a consortium of media under the "Forbidden Stories" umbrella.

As he marks 100 days since returning to office for his second term, US President Donald Trump is facing countless challenges, many of his own making. On-off tariffs have sent markets lurching. A public meltdown with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office shocked allies in Europe. Despite his pledge to end it within 24 hours, the war in Ukraine grinds on, as does the conflict in Gaza. FRANCE 24's Etienne Paponaud and Peter O'Brien recap the first 100 days of Trump's explosive return to power.

Eighty years ago, on April 29, 1945, the last SS troops fled the German camp of Ravensbrück, the largest Nazi concentration camp for women. Among those held there was Suzanne Bouvard, a young woman from Brittany. During her deportation, she became friends with Simone Séailles, a Parisian resistance member. In life and in death, the two women bound their destinies together. After the war, Suzanne decided to rebuild her life by planting orchards. Rooting herself in the land was her way of healing and forgetting the hell of the camps. FRANCE 24's Claire Paccalin and Stéphanie Trouillard report. 

The duel between the Liberals and Conservatives in Canada's federal election this Monday is shaping up to be a close one. Led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, the Liberals were struggling at the beginning of January but are now in leading in the polls ahead of Pierre Poilièvre's Conservatives, against the backdrop of a trade war and threats of annexation by US President Donald Trump. Our correspondents François Rihouay and Joanne Profeta visited the town of Peterborough in southern Ontario. Home to 40 percent of Canadians and more than a third of the country's parliamentary seats, the province is seen as key in the path to election victory.

The US Navy's Top Gun program is famous around the world thanks to the success of the Tom Cruise films. But the downside of this elite profession is the mental and physical toll it takes on the pilots. Many airmen suffer from neurological disorders and depression. Some have even committed suicide. The problem has now reached the US Congress, which has requested an investigation from the Navy. Our France 2 colleagues report, with FRANCE 24's Lauren Bain.

It's a price tag that has obsessed US President Donald Trump since his first term: the cost of the military shield the US provides to its allies. Particularly in Trump's sights are South Korea and Japan. Both countries pay around €1 billion per year for American protection on their own soil, a sum deemed insufficient by the US president. Last October, Trump even claimed that South Korea should pay 10 times more. Is the US president serious, or is this another high-stakes bluff? FRANCE 24's Adam Hancock, Alexis Bregere, Mélodie Sforza and Chloé Borgnon report.

On the streets of Governador Valadares, in the agricultural Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, references to the United States are everywhere. This wealthy town has become famous for the large number of residents who have left for the United States. Although US President Donald Trump has tightened his immigration policy, this change is unlikely to have a major impact on the flow of Brazilians to the US, according to experts and the authorities. The American dream continues to flourish in Governador Valadares, as FRANCE 24's Fanny Lothaire, Mathieu Leme and Jan Onoszko report.

Six years after the fall of the Islamic State group's self-proclaimed caliphate, thousands of women and children linked to IS group fighters remain detained in camps across northeastern Syria. Managed by Kurdish authorities since 2019, these detainees fall under a non-state jurisdiction — one that cannot try or extradite them, and where international humanitarian law offers little protection. This legal limbo could now shift with the fall of the Assad regime. The new government in Damascus is expected to take control over the camps. Kurdish officials — and the families themselves, including dozens of French nationals — are waiting anxiously to see what the future holds. FRANCE 24's Marie-Charlotte Roupie and Lina Malers report.

The first trials of those arrested during recent anti-government protests in Turkey are expected to open this Friday. The rallies were sparked by the arrest one month ago of Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, seen as a key rival of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The student-led protests began on the campus of Istanbul University, where young people say they won't be scared off the streets. FRANCE 24's reporters Andrew Hilliar, Julie Dungelhoeff and Amar al-Hameedawi went to meet them.

Land reform has been at the forefront of political debate in South Africa in recent months, leading to strained relations with Donald Trump and his administration. A new law allows the government to expropriate land without compensation in rare cases where the land is abandoned or not being used. This has led some farmers and activists to call on the US president and Elon Musk for help, claiming that White South Africans are victims of racial persecution. But on the ground, other farmers say the issue has been plagued with disinformation. To date, no private property has been expropriated without compensation in South Africa. Our correspondents report.

Mont-Saint-Michel, in the French region of Normandy, is more than just a UNESCO World Heritage site. It's also a tiny village, home to just 30 residents. But the tidal island welcomes around 3 million visitors a year. Our colleagues at France 2 take us behind the scenes to meet some of the people who call this iconic landmark home. They bring us this report, with FRANCE 24's Lauren Bain.