Podcast appearances and mentions of sebastian usher

Sebastian Usher, Middle East analyst with BBC World, reports on the latest shooting about half a kilometre from the aid distribution site of US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Fund in Gaza in the Rafah area.

Sebastian Usher is a BBC Middle East analyst, editor and reporter

US president Donald Trump has been in the Middle East this week - visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. The BBC's Middle East Editor Sebastian Usher wraps up the trip.

Hamas has formally rejected Israel's latest ceasefire offer, medical sources say dozens have been killed in Israeli strikes across Gaza and a UN agency says Gaza is running out of food. The BBC's Sebastian Usher updates Mihi from London.

The latest on Gaza, moves to try to get some kind of diplomacy going between Tehran and Washington again, and in Lebanon and Syria - has security situation stabilised at all? 

Hamas has rejected threats by Trump - saying it will only free hostages in return for a lasting truce. The BBC Middle East correspondent Sebastian Usher explains.

Hamas handed over the bodies of Israeli hostages today, including infant Kfir Bibas and his four-year-old brother Ariel who are the two youngest captives taken in the 7 October 2023 attack. Sebastian Usher, Middle East Correspondent for the BBC speaks to the News at One.

Middle East correspondent Sebastian Usher covers the latest on the fragile ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went ahead on Saturday after teetering on the brink of collapse. Sebastian Usher is a BBC Middle East analyst, editor and reporter.

Sebastian Usher, Middle East analyst BBC World, discusses the latest from the ongoing Middle East ceasefire talks in Qatar.

Sebastian Usher, Middle East analyst/editor BBC World discusses Israel's attacks on Syria and what the future might hold.

Syria's notorious Saydnaya prison is one of many that have been liberated as rebels take control of the country. We hear from our correspondent Barbara Plett Usher who has been inside the prison where thousands of opposition supporters are said to have been tortured and executed under the Assad regime. Family members rushed in to see if their relatives were among those released. But will these people find answers in their search? And what will this mean for Syria's future?On this episode Azadeh Moshiri is joined by the BBC's Middle East regional editor Sebastian Usher who compares the collapse of the regime to the start of the civil war, which began in 2011.The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.Producers: Alice Aylett Roberts and Beth TimminsSound engineer: Ben AndrewsAssistant editor: Sergi Forcada FreixasSenior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Sebastian Usher brings us up to date on the latest in Syria.

Sebastian Usher, BBC Middle East analyst, tells us about that much anticipated phone call between President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Israeli forces have recovered the bodies of six Gaza hostages held by Hamas. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says his government is committed to achieving a deal to release those remaining in captivity.

Sebastian Usher, BBC Middle East analyst, on the risk of further escalation in hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.

Sebastian Usher, Middle East analyst for BBC World, outlines the latest developments in the Israel-Gaza war.

Sebastian Usher, Middle East analyst for BBC World, assesses findings of a UN investigation which has found that nine UNRWA staff may have been involved in the Hamas-led attacks in Israel on 7 October 2023.

Middle East correspondent Sebastian Usher looks at calls by Western nations for their citizens to vacate Lebanon, as the possibility of a wider conflict in the region grows. Iran has threatened retaliation for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last week, and that could be aided by Lebanon-based Iran-backed group Hezbollah.

Iran has vowed to take revenge after the political leader of Hamas was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Tehran. The killing of Ismail Haniyeh came just 12 hours after a top Hezbollah commander was killed in Beirut, leading to fears of violence escalating in the region, BBC's Middle East editor Sebastian Usher speaks to Susana Lei'ataua.

Sebastian Usher, Middle East analyst for BBC World, assesses the implications of the death of a senior Hezbollah commander after an Israeli air strike in southern Lebanon.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has given his first interview to a local media outlet since Hamas' attack on October 7.

Sebastian Usher, BBC Middle East correspondent, on the latest developments after a helicopter carrying Iranian president, Ebrahim Raisi, crashed in northern Iran.

Sebastian Usher, BBC Middle East correspondent, on the latest developments after a helicopter carrying Iranian president, Ebrahim Raisi, crashed in northern Iran.

Israel is preparing for an offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah as the UK considers sending its troops to help deliver aid via a new sea route. 

Katie Adie presents dispatches from Armenia, India, China, Belgium and the Middle East.The flight of more than 100,000 Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh last year, after a rapid offensive by Azerbaijan, quickly faded from news headlines. Tim Whewell remembers how the self-declared republic first emerged, as the Soviet Union was in its last throes, and reflects on how nations are born, and re-buried.More than a billion Indians are heading to the polls over the next six weeks to vote in a general election. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a 'digital India' has been a policy priority during his leadership - but to what extent are the less developed parts of the country on board and online? James Coomarasamy visits a village in Karnataka.The Chinese government is focused on green growth, providing subsidies for the manufacture of solar panels and electric vehicles. Yet in some cities, factory workers have been laid off and fear being left behind. Laura Bicker reports from the once bustling manufacturing city of Dongguan.The Royal Museum for Central Africa in Belgium was originally built to showcase artefacts from the country's former colony, Congo. Today, visitors to the museum are encouraged to reflect on the impact of Belgium's colonization, finds Beth Timmins.Reporters always carry some kind of baggage with them when they head off to cover a story. It was on a recent deployment that the BBC's middle east analyst Sebastian Usher suddenly noticed that the often unwanted companion that seemingly always accompanied him on trips abroad… had suddenly gone missing.Series Producer: Serena Tarling Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith Production Coordinator: Katie Morrison

BBC World's Middle East correspondent Sebastian Usher joins Emile Donovan for the latest on the reported strike on the city of Isfahan.

Iran has launched a large-scale drone and missile attack at Israel, in retaliation for a suspected Israeli strike on an Iranian diplomatic complex in Syria. 

Sebastian discusses the US airstrikes targeting Iraq and Syria, following the deaths of three US troops in Jordan. And reports Israel and Hamas are inching towards a deal for a ceasefire. Several vital supplied of fuel and flour risk running out in Gaza, as several countries pause funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency. It follows accusations that several UNRWA took part in Hamas' initial attack on Israel. Sebastian Usher is a BBC Middle East analyst, editor and reporter.

Sebastian Usher brings the latest from the Israel-Gaza conflict.

The armed wing of Hamas says it is ready to release up to 70 children and women held in Gaza, for a 5-day truce. Hamas' negotiators have told Qatari mediators the truce should include a ceasefire and allow aid relief everywhere in the Gaza Strip. It comes as fighting has raged close to Gaza's biggest hospital Al Shifa where bodies are piling up inside and outside as the sick can't be treated due to a lack of power. The US says it remains in active discussions with Israel about pauses to the fighting in Gaza and President Joe Biden says the Al Shifa hospital must be protected. The BBC's Middle East correspondent Sebastian Usher joins Kathryn with the latest in Gaza.

Will Israel launch a ground assault in Gaza and, if they do, what is at stake? BBC World Affairs editor John Simpson gets the latest from Middle East correspondent Tom Bateman.Plus, World Service Middle East editor, Sebastian Usher, examines the position of other Arab countries in the region - is there a chance they will get dragged into the conflict?Meanwhile, the war in Ukraine rages on but, as the winter draws in, is Ukraine any closer to victory?

The United Nations and aid agencies are still waiting for a desperately-needed humanitarian corridor to be opened in Gaza, as Israel air strikes continue following the deadly attacks by Hamas. The Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza remains closed, with Egypt saying it's been made inoperable by Israeli air strikes. Kathryn speaks this morning to the BBC's Mid-East correspondent Sebastian Usher.

Kathryn is joined by the BBC's Mideast correspondent Sebastian Usher. Israel is continuing its retaliation for the shock weekend strike by Hamas. He'll have the latest on the conflict, and also look at how much it has changed the diplomatic situation across the wider region.

Israeli security forces are carrying out operations to rescue hostages taken by Palestinian militants from Gaza and clear areas they seized on Saturday. The surprise attack by hundreds of gunmen from Hamas, under the cover of intense rocket fire, has reportedly killed hundreds of people in Israel. Hundreds of Palestinians have died in counter attacks on Gaza. Newsable speaks to the BBC's Middle East editor, Sebastian Usher, to get an analysis of the background to this conflict and what might happen next.

Could kiwis could be forced to head back to the polls if a coalition agreement can't be reached? Say it ain't so! We're also breaking down the new Middle East crisis with the BBC's Sebastian Usher, and talking the upshot of doing business in cricket-mad India. Plus, the unmissable story of a buffet etiquette breach.

Sebastian says among the number of issues in Israel at the moment is the controversial judicial overhaul and the intensifying conflict with Palestinians. In Syria, there've been days of anti- government protests in the south of the country, Sebastian backgrounds what's motivating them and assesses the threat they pose to President Bashar al-Assad. And there's been a disturbing report about the hundreds of Ethiopian migrants killed in the past year at the Saudi Arabia border with Yemen. Sebastian Usher is a BBC Middle East analyst, editor and reporter.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has been trying to calm tension with a visit ot the West Bank city of Jenin. Three government officers had been forced to leave a funeral for two fighters killed in a two day long Israel operation. They were driven away by angry crowds. There have also been protests across Israel after the Government's push to overhaul the judiciary. The UN is speaking out about what it calls unacceptable conditions placed by the Syrian government on aid delivery to northwest Syria. And human rights groups are speaking out about Iran executing 354 people so far this year.

From the BBC World Service: Following the failed mutiny in Russia, how have the markets reacted? Jake Cordell, a former economic journalist at the Moscow Times, gives us his thoughts. Plus, Marketplace’s Jo Critcher explains why global consulting group PwC is selling part of its business in Australia for less than a dollar. Also, 3 million Muslims are expected in Mecca for their Hajj pilgrimage, and the government wants to ensure its tourism industry will benefit, as BBC’s Sebastian Usher reports.

From the BBC World Service: Following the failed mutiny in Russia, how have the markets reacted? Jake Cordell, a former economic journalist at the Moscow Times, gives us his thoughts. Plus, Marketplace’s Jo Critcher explains why global consulting group PwC is selling part of its business in Australia for less than a dollar. Also, 3 million Muslims are expected in Mecca for their Hajj pilgrimage, and the government wants to ensure its tourism industry will benefit, as BBC’s Sebastian Usher reports.

The latest from the Middle East, including hopes to end the war in Yemen, an Iranian-Saudi rapprochement deal, and the continuing saga of Israel's judicial reform. Sebastian Usher is a BBC Middle East analyst, editor and reporter.

Young Mexicans preparing to join the priesthood don't only have to struggle with matters of mortal sin or individual guilt. They are also often sent to serve communities where the country's drug-trafficking networks are highly active - and extremely violent. Will Grant spoke to some of the men who must run the deadly risks of ministering in 'cartel land'. The regional rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran has driven events across the Middle East in recent decades - with the two powers backing opposing sides in the conflicts in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen. Recently, Riyadh and Tehran agreed to re-establish diplomatic ties, but as Sebastian Usher explains, even as some red lines shift, the limits on public debate at home are still very much in force. The Chaco region of Paraguay was once called 'the green hell' for its spiky, almost impenetrable scrubland. It's now opening up to the outside world, thanks to a new highway called the Bi-oceanic Corridor. Some communities living in the Chaco - like the Mennonite groups whose dairy farms now dot the landscape, and the Ayoreo indigenous people of the area - welcome the new opportunities for their produce, but worry about whether newcomers will change their way of life. Jane Chambers heard their concerns. Deal or no deal? Not a game-show question, but a repetitive refrain in the long saga of diplomacy in the Balkans. The EU's foreign policy chief Josep Borell recently trumpeted 'we have a deal' after a round of talks between Serbia and Kosovo. Guy De Launey found the devil lay in the detail... or, rather, the lack of it. And on the beaches of Jersey, Christine Finn recently received some lessons in frugality - including advice on the best uses for foraged seaweed, and how to benefit from a cut-price, one-clawed lobster. Presenter: Kate Adie Producer: Polly Hope Production coordinator: Helena Warwick-Cross Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith

Sebastian looks at an escalation of tensions between Israelis and Palestinians, as Israel gets to grips with its new far-right Netanyahu government. He'll look at the poisoning of hundreds of schoolgirls in Iran over the past three months and how devastating earthquakes have seen Arab nations re-engaging with president Bashar-al-Assad in Syria.

Middle East correspondent Sebastian Usher joins Kathryn to look at how Iranians are continuing to defy a crackdown, as protests following the death of Mahsa Amini reach their 50th day. Benjamin Netanyahu is already trying to form a new government after his Likud party's decisive win in elections last week and 10 football unions have responded to a letter by Fifa to "focus on the football", amid concerns about the country's human rights record as the World Cup kickoff looms. Sebastian Usher is a BBC Middle East analyst, editor and reporter.

Sebastian talks about the horrific stabbing of Salman Rushdie at a book event in New York state and specifically the reaction in Iran given the fatwa on the author originated from there. Also the political showdown in Iraq between rival Shia factions, and how extreme rainfall and floods in Gulf region are affecting Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates Sebastian Usher is a BBC Middle East analyst, editor and reporter.

Stories from Saudi Arabia, Portugal, California and Greenland The meeting between US President, Joe Biden and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, at the weekend was closely watched back in Washington. Mr Biden said his visit would focus mainly on human rights and regional security - but a request for an increase in oil output was also on the agenda. Anna Foster was in Jeddah. Beyond the official meetings, Sebastian Usher speaks to artists who are taking part in an exhibition in Qatif, in Saudi Arabia's east, reflecting on some of the lost heritage both there and in the historic quarter of Jeddah, amid the rapid pace of development in the Kingdom. Wildfires have broken out across Europe as a heatwave has brought soaring temperatures. Portugal has seen 30 000 hectares of land destroyed by wildfires already this year, and its leaders have moved quickly to try and avoid repeating the same mistakes they did in the deadly fires of 2017. Alison Roberts has been following the story. Next, we visit the town of Pacific Grove, California which has become renowned for its butterfly visitors over the years - who migrate from the frostier climes of Canada to the Golden State. Ben Wyatt hears about efforts by locals to help protect the various species of butterflies which are at risk of extinction. Finally, we're in Greenland, which is prioritising tourism as a means of growing its economy, rather than mineral exploration. But the island remains a challenging environment in which to travel, as Ben Ecott finds. On his visit, he discovers a Michelin-starred restaurant on the shores of an Ice Fjord. Presenter: Kate Adie Producer: Serena Tarling Production Coordinator: Gemma Ashman Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith

The meeting between US President, Joe Biden and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, at the weekend was closely watched back in Washington. Mr Biden said his visit would focus mainly on human rights and regional security - but a request for an increase in oil output was also on the agenda. Anna Foster was in Jeddah. Beyond the official meetings, Sebastian Usher speaks to artists who are taking part in an exhibition in Qatif, in Saudi Arabia's east, reflecting on some of the lost heritage both there and in the historic quarter of Jeddah, amid the rapid pace of development in the Kingdom. Wildfires have broken out across Europe as a heatwave has brought soaring temperatures. Portugal has seen 30,000 hectares of land destroyed by wildfires already this year, and its leaders have moved quickly to try and avoid repeating the same mistakes they did in the deadly fires of 2017. Alison Roberts has been following the story. We visit the town of Pacific Grove, California which has become renowned for its butterfly visitors over the years, which migrate from the frostier climes of Canada to the Golden State. Ben Wyatt hears about efforts by locals in 'Butterfly Town USA' to help protect the various species of butterflies which are at risk of extinction. Finally, we're in Greenland, which is prioritising tourism as a means of growing its economy, rather than mineral exploration. The island remains a challenging environment in which to travel but is not lacking for luxury, as Tim Ecott finds. On his visit, he discovers a Michelin-starred restaurant on the shores of an Ice Fjord. Presenter: Kate Adie Producer: Serena Tarling Production Coordinator: Gemma Ashman Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith

Sebastian talks to Kathryn about the outcome of the Lebanon election - did it have any surprises and is it likely to bring change. In Iraq, Iran & Gulf huge dust storms have become almost daily occurrences this year testing the region's ability to cope. And the recent killing of an Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh has brought spotlight back on Palestinian Israeli conflict. Sebastian Usher is a BBC Middle East analyst, editor and reporter.

Sebastian and Kathryn discuss whether we are about to see agreement finally on reviving 2015 Iran nuclear deal, and if the recent summit in Israel with 4 Arab countries will be a significant harbinger of change in the region. Also the two month ceasefire in Yemen. Sebastian Usher is a BBC Middle East analyst, editor and reporter

In the face of rising rates of the Omicron variant in its community the Israeli Government has approved a fourth vaccine dose for covid-19. It is one of the first countries in the world to do so and it marks a new phase for a country which was originally held up as a gold standard for management of the virus. It's also a bit of a test. Will another round of boosters have a profound effect against Omicron or not? Sebastian Usher is a middle east analyst and editor for the BBC World Service.

Sebastian talks to Kathryn about Iran and the nuclear talks - with a growing sense that they may fail and then what next?. And Libya's presidential election is due on Christmas Eve, but looks all but certain that it will have to be postponed. Mu'ammar Gaddafi's son is among the candidates.

Sebastian talks to Kathryn about Iran and the nuclear talks - with a growing sense that they may fail and then what next?. And Libya's presidential election is due on Christmas Eve, but looks all but certain that it will have to be postponed. Mu'ammar Gaddafi's son is among the candidates.

Sebastian has the latest on Lebanon's crisis with Gulf countries over war in Yemen that Saudis are still fighting, and Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi has survived an assassination attempt, after his home was targeted with an explosive-laden drone.

Sebastian has the latest on Afghanistan as the UN condemns the Taliban for their increasingly violent response to dissent. In Lebanon there is a new government has just over a year after the previous administration quit following the devastating Beirut port explosion. And Iran has agreed to let the U.N.'s atomic watchdog service monitoring cameras at Iranian nuclear sites. Sebastian Usher is a BBC Middle East analyst, editor and reporter.

The latest on the massive fuel tanker explosion in Lebanon which has killed 20 people and wounded dozens. Sebastian Usher is a BBC Middle East analyst, editor and reporter.

Sebastian has an update on the mutual ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza and he also talks to Kathryn where things have got to with the Iran nuclear deal.

Sebastian has an update on the mutual ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza and he also talks to Kathryn where things have got to with the Iran nuclear deal.

A mutual ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza will begin in about an hour - Israel hasn't yet confirmed the exact time. The ceasefire agreement follows a security cabinet meeting, held by Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. There has been growing international pressure in recent days for an immediate end to the deadly conflict. But as the ceasefire was confirmed by Israel, rockets into Southern Israel and airstrikes on Gaza continued. BBC Middle East correspondent Sebastian Usher has the latest.

A mutual ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza will begin in about an hour - Israel hasn't yet confirmed the exact time. The ceasefire agreement follows a security cabinet meeting, held by Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. There has been growing international pressure in recent days for an immediate end to the deadly conflict. But as the ceasefire was confirmed by Israel, rockets into Southern Israel and airstrikes on Gaza continued. BBC Middle East correspondent Sebastian Usher has the latest.

The Iran nuclear deal, with Tehran ruling out holding an informal meeting with the US and Europe on ways to revive a nuclear deal, adamant that the US would have to lift unilateral sanctions. Also the Pope has visited parts of northern Iraq during an historic trip to the country.

The Iran nuclear deal, with Tehran ruling out holding an informal meeting with the US and Europe on ways to revive a nuclear deal, adamant that the US would have to lift unilateral sanctions. Also the Pope has visited parts of northern Iraq during an historic trip to the country.

A number of facilities are now able to reopen including gyms, hotels and synagogues but they require a "green passport", a certificate that can only be obtained once you have been vaccinated. But it's not all been smooth sailing as the BBC's Middle East editor, Sebastian Usher explains. One country to the north of Israel is Lebanon whose struggling economy has taken a twin hits from Covid and last year's fertilizer explosion at the port in Beirut; the Lebanese government wants banks to increase their capital reserves to prevent a banking crisis and we ask James Swanston, Middle East Economist at Capital Economics, if it's working. The fallout continues following snow storms in Texas - we hear details from Texan resident, Diana Vela who's Associate Executive Director of the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame in Fort Worth. And despite lockdowns reducing traffic, air pollution was behind approximately 160,000 deaths in the world’s five most populous cities last year, according to a Greenpeace Southeast Asia report; we hear from Aidan Farrow, pollution scientist at Greenpeace.

The assasination of Iran's top nuclear scientist has provoked outrage in the country.

The assasination of Iran's top nuclear scientist has provoked outrage in the country.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain have signed agreements fully normalising their relations with Israel at the White House, what's happening in Lebanon a month on from the catastrophic Beirut port explosion, and a showdown with the US administration and Iran.

Sebastian talks to Kathryn about the resignation of the Lebanese Government following Beirut's deadly port explosion Sebastian Usher is a BBC Middle East analyst, editor and reporter.

Sebastian talks to Kathryn about the state of emergency in Lebanon in the aftermath of the deadly port explosion which has devastated Beirut.

The trial of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on corruption charges has opened in Jerusalem, days after he began a new term in office. Mr Netanyahu is the first standing leader to face trial in the country's history. He denies accusations of bribery, fraud and breach of trust. Sebastian Usher is a BBC Middle East analyst, editor and reporter.

It’s now two years since Robert Mugabe was pushed out of office by the military and replaced by Emerson Mnangagwa. For many Zimbabweans economic conditions- already dire - have actually got worse. Now to add to their misery, there are water shortages and alarming evidence of the negative effect of climate change. But corruption and mismanagement have contributed to the power crisis and evening blackouts - it is no good just blaming the drought says Stephen Sackur. When the Buddha stipulated the rules for monks, he said each should only have a few possessions; an alms bowl, a water bottle, robes, a needle and thread and a razor. But now in Cambodia, within the folds of these saffron robes, there’s often a smartphone too says Sophia Smith Galer. Saudi Arabia is experiencing genuine social change - with woman ripping off their scarves at football matches, but there are still big questions over the man leading the process, Crown Prince Mohamed Bin Salman says Sebastian Usher. Nearly half a century after a university uprising which led to the fall of the military junta, Katy Fallon is in Athens and finds policies by Greece’s new centre right government have led to fresh clashes between students and police. And Hugh Schofield takes us to a bizarre French micro state in a castle in southern Germany - a bolt hole for Nazi collaborators at the end of World War 2.

Kate Adie introduces stories from around the world. Saudi Arabia's investment conference put on quite a show - and unlike many foreign investors scared off by the aftershocks of Jamal Khashoggi's death, Sebastian Usher was there to see it for himself. Lyse Doucet was in Afghanistan to cover its parliamentary elections, and found many changes to the streetscape in Kabul - as the city survives a rising tide of attacks. Airport security measures provided clues of their own to the way life is changing. Erbil, in Iraqi Kurdistan, was sometimes hyped as the "next Dubai" in the 2000s - but Samira Shackle found that many of its building sites, supposed to give rise to four-star opulence, are now abandoned shells occupied by internally displaced people who fled the advance of the so-called Islamic State. Tequila? No, mezcal - a smoother, smokier, and arguably more authentically Mexican product. Graeme Green takes a tipple or two in the state of Oaxaca, to hear how its aficionados and producers are torn between excitement and apprehension as their drink grows more famous abroad. And BANG goes the auctioneer's whalebone hammer at the Hotel Druot, a storied Paris auction house which sells everything from randomly-baled belongings from house clearances to great works of art. Hugh Schofield went along ... and picked up a thing or two.

Kate Adie introduces dispatches from writers and correspondents around the world. This week: Kevin Connolly reports from Bratislava as EU leaders have a perfectly normal get-together - except someone's missing; Sebastian Usher chronicles the war of words between Saudi Arabia and Iran during the Hajj; Jenny Hill visits Hamburg to discover if Mrs Merkel is right to say Germany "can do it" as it tries to absorb its large influx of migrants; Stephanie Hegarty tells the story of shocked shop owners in Lagos and their dramatic tussle with the local authorities; and what Adam Shaw learnt when he met aspiring techies in St Louis.