Europe

Russia halts all gas deliveries via Ukraine

The continuing gas war between Moscow and Kiev entered a new phase on Wednesday when Russia completely cut off gas supplies to Europe through Ukraine.

Feedback

Not all about the size ....

Listener's New Year's greetings in this week's Feedback. We also highlight a correction, share some praise, some anger and get down to the nitty-gritty about weights, measures and size.

Europe

Gas fuels heated argument in Ireland

We all want gas. The gas price dispute between Russia and Ukraine and the subsequent cuts in supply highlight the need for alternative sources. But the village of Rossport in Ireland says 'No'.

Dutch affairs

Mayors to be told when paedophiles released

Mayors are to be informed when convicted paedophiles from their area are about to be released. The question is, what will they then do with the information?

Dutch affairs

A bed for the night

Times are hard for homeless people in the Netherlands. But while the temperature outside is below freezing, the Salvation Army's night shelter in The Hague has a warm bed for all those who need one. A video report.

Radio Books

Herman Brusselmans

Alcohol, sex and boredom are recurring themes in the semi-autobiographical work of Flemish author Herman Brusselmans. His quirky story ‘Coma' is no exception.

Dutch affairs

High price but no results in Holloway case

Aruba's chief public prosecutor claims the police investigation into the disappearance of Natalee Holloway was one of the most expensive homicide investigations of all time - but the case has still not been solved.

Dutch affairs

Suspicion and irritation

A meeting is taking place on Aruba in a tense atmosphere between Dutch and Antillean politicians. Dutch MP Hero Brinkman is widely seen as being the reason behind the difficult start to the meeting.

Middle East

Israel agrees to humanitarian corridor

Israel is to allow the opening of a humanitarian corridor to the Gaza Strip. The corridor is to supply the strip with urgently-needed food and medical supplies.

Dutch news

Cold snap and its problems continue

Unusually severe frosts are affecting the Netherlands. While skate race organisers are gauging the ice, traffic is having to cope with broken road surfaces and stalling engines.

Europe

Europe beginning to feel the pinch of gas row

Gas transport from Russia via Ukraine to Europe is being affected by the dispute between Gazprom and Kiev. As Gazprom shuts the valves, wintry Europe is feeling a drop in its gas supplies.

Middle East

Gaza war also waged online

The conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip has sparked a media battle with both sides using increasingly sophisticated methods to influence public opinion.

Middle East

Ten days of bloodshed in Gaza

Israel's military offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip is well into its tenth day. Middle East expert Bertus Hendriks assesses the strategies of both sides, and what they hope to achieve.

Media

Kenyan president approves 'press freedom muzzle'

Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki has signed controversial new media legislation into law. Local and international critics say the ‘ICT bill' undermines democracy and severely restricts media freedom in the east African country.

Dutch affairs

Heroes or collaborators?

The province of North Holland has agreed to partially fund a new investigation into the Velzer Affair, a murky World War II case involving the betrayal of communist resistance fighters and Nazi collaboration.

Europe

EU in disarray over Gaza crisis

The European Union appears to be squandering its opportunity to step in as the leading peacebroker in the Middle East thanks to its chaotic handling of the crisis in Gaza.

Dutch news

Netherlands' first Moroccan mayor inaugurated

Ahmed Aboutaleb is being called 'a world mayor for a world city', but the citizens of Rotterdam are only just getting used to the idea that their Dutch city now has a mayor of Moroccan origin.

The State We're In - stories

A bounty on her head

Valdênia Paulino is fighting for the rights of slum dwellers in São Paulo. She has received numerous death threats and there is now a bounty on her head, but she has no intention of giving up her battle.

Talking point

What rights will be important in 2009?

At the beginning of 2009, The State We're In is curious to hear your thoughts on the year ahead. What rights issues will be grabbing headlines, or your own interest, in the year ahead?

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