Erstellt am: 15. 5. 2013 - 14:46 Uhr

Atrocity one-upmanship in Syria

Reality Check: Syria's shocking video, state of emergency in Nigeria, women ministers in Italy, Google search controversy, Latinnale festival in Innsbruck

A video apparently showing a Syrian rebel leader cutting out the heart of a government soldier and biting into it has been met with outrage and revulsion around the world. The tragedy is, for close observers of Syria, it is nothing new. It just just the latest episode in a war or of horrors playing out on both sides of the civil war.

EPA/Sana

The Syrian civil war is taking new and dangerous turns, according to analyst, Rime Allaf.

Although there has been a tendency in the West to consider the rebels to be the "good guys" and the government the "bad guys" in Syria, both sides have been engaged not only in physical combat, but also in a war of rhetoric and atrocities for a long time. Each side is trying to "out horror" the other.

As if that were not disturbing enough, there is a new dimension emerging in the conflict - that of a sectarian divide. Until now, the war has been largely political, but in recent months a sectarian edge has emerged that is causing even more alarm among observers and analysts. The rebel leader in the video called for the killing of all Allawites. Just a few weeks ago, a government officer was reported calling for the "cleansing" of a city.

Analyst Rime Allaf explains the complex relationship between the different groups, and why the moment for intervention may have already passed.

Nigeria state of emergency

Nigeria has declared a state of emergency, pledging to take "all necessary action" after a series of attacks by Islamist militant groups such as Boko Haram. Richard Dowden of the Royal African Society examines the latest attacks and the importance of the announcement and whether President Goodluck Jonathan can succeed in stabilizing the county.

Women ministers in Italy

Josephine McKenna looks at the women in the new Italian government and what they signify for the direction the country is taking.

Google search debate

A German court has ruled that Google must delete search completion texts that can be considered defamatory. Internet expert Graham Cluley explains the technicalities and realistic effectiveness of the decition.

Latinnale festival in Innsbruck

The festival aiming to break down stereotypes of the Spanish speaking world.

FM4 Reality Check

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