Erstellt am: 10. 2. 2015 - 13:53 Uhr

The world according to Bashar al-Assad

Reality Check: Syria's Bashar al-Assad; Obama & Merkel; Podemos; Venom bank; South Korea

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Syrian president Bashar al-Assad

Syria: Interpreting Assad

In a rare interview Syrian president Bashar al-Assad has spoken to the BBC for nearly a full half hour. Assad looked remarkably relaxed given the continuing civil war in his country and the threat posed by ISIS. The interview gives some interesting insight into how Assad thinks and why he remains in power as the Syrian civil war enters its 4th year.

Ukraine: Obama / Merkel meet

Hopes for a diplomatic solution to the crisis in Ukraine all rest on a meeting being held tomorrow in Minsk. Ahead of that meeting German chancellor Angela Merkel and US president Barack Obama presented a united front when they met in Washington yesterday. However, Obama is coming under increasing pressure to supply weapons to the Ukrainian government, something Merkel is strictly against.

EPA/CHEMA MOYA

Secretary General of Spanish Podemos Party, Pablo Iglesias

Spain: Podemos

Europe’s policy of austerity was always unpopular with countries that needed a bailout but now that unpopularity seems to be gaining momentum. While Greece is spearheading the campaign for a change of economic direction, Spain’s Podemos party is also growing more vociferous in its call for change. We take a closer look at the party and its leaders.

Venom bank

Australia is home to some of the world’s most poisonous creatures – both on land and in the water. Even the strange but cute-looking platypus is not exactly a cuddly toy. The world’s venomous wildlife is not as well studied as you might thing so today we bring you news of the first publicly available venom bank that’s to be housed in Melbourne Museum.

South Korea: Democracy and economics

The link between democracy and economic success is the focus of attention throughout the day today on FM4. In Reality Check we take a closer look at South Korea whose economic rise started during a period of authoritarian rule.

FM4 Reality Check

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