Erstellt am: 30. 1. 2013 - 14:59 Uhr

Why Merkel matters to Morsi

Reality Check: Morsi in Germany, Syria massacres, politics and climate change, "the British Obama"?, John Kerry to take over from Hillary Clinton

Egypt seems to be imploding, and it's hard to see how the country can get back on its feet.

Violent protests over the weekend led to a state of emergency and curfews being declared in three cities along the Suez Canal. There have also been protests in Cairo, and yesterday the head of the armed forces, General Abdul Fattah al-Sisi, wrote a post on the army's Facebook page warning of a "state collapse".

This week, President Mohammed Morsi had a foreign trip planned. He was due to visit Ethiopia, Germany and France. Ethiopia and France have been cancelled, and Germany shortened to a few hours rather than a few days. Some people are saying he should have cancelled Germany as well, in view of the crisis at home, but it seems he may want to retain some sense of normality and "business as usual" so as not to undermine prospects from abroad for economic aid, investment and tourism.

EPA/WOLFGANG KUMM

Morsi went ahead with a shortened visit to Germany, despite the crisis at home

There is, however, a sense that he may be clutching at straws. The opposition are not showing any sign of backing down, and they refused to attend the talks President Morsi arranged on Monday.

In today's Reality Check, Sammy Khamis explains the significance of Morsi's visit to German.

Syria massacres

Syria analyst Rime Allaf discusses the current series of massacres and the latest developments as the situation in the country deteriorates by the day.

The British Obama?

Ivor Gaber looks at the career of Adam Afriyie, who some people are saying could replace David Cameron at the head of the Conservative Party.

Politics and climate

As a part of our "Green, clean and forever" feature this week, we examine the crucial relationship between politics and action on climate change.

The new US Secretary of State

EPA / Jim Lo Scalzo

Rime Higazi introduces John Kerry, the man who will replace Hillary Clinton when she stands down on Friday.

Best known as the Presidential candidate who lost to George W. Bush in 2004, Kerry has other credentials that make him a good prospect as Secretary of State.

FM4 Reality Check

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