Erstellt am: 10. 9. 2012 - 15:10 Uhr

Iraq's ever deepening divide

Reality Check: Iraqi vice-president sentenced to death, Austrian parliament begins its autumn session, Hollande's plans to turn France around, the Olympic legacy

The last few days have seen an upsurge in violence in Iraq. Over 100 people are reported to have died in attacks across the country, and it seems the sectarian divisions are opening up wider than ever.

Additionally, Iraq's vice-president, Tariq al-Hashemi, the highest ranking Sunni in the government, has been sentenced to death in absentia in a Baghdad court. Al-Hashemi was charged with terrorism and running death squads last December, and he fled to Turkey. He says he will answer the allegations in a full statement, but that the charges were politically movitaved.

Whether al-Hashemi is guilty as charged or not, the fact remains that Iraq is once again descending into sectarian violence that is threatening to destabilize the country.

Rosemary Hollis gives her analysis of the latest developments.

Back to school for the Austrian government

Parliament resumes business after the summer break today, and next year's elections will be foremost in many people's minds. Political analyst, Annelise Rohrer of Die Presse looks ahead to the new session and what it is likely to bring.

Hollande's false start

Just 4 months into his presidency, Francois Hollande is coming under fire for lack of action to kick start the French economy. In response, Hollande has announced a plan based on spending cuts and tax hikes he says will see recovery within two years. However, this is not the growth led recovery plan he promised in his election campaign. Hugh Schofield reports on the rise, and rapid decline of M. Hollande.

Olympic legacies

With the closing of the Paralympics last night, the party in London is finally over, and it's widely agreed that it was a huge success.

However, as the spotlight swings towards Sochi 2014 and Rio 2016, Johnny Bliss looks at some of the less well publicised aspects of the Olympic legacy. More on the Olympics here.

FM4 Reality Check

Monday to Friday from 12.00 to 14.00, and after the show via Podcast or fm4.orf.at/realitycheck.