Erstellt am: 13. 8. 2015 - 13:32 Uhr

Myanmar's power struggle

Reality Check: Political upheaval in Myanmar/Burma; an end in sight for Syria?

EPA/NARONG SANGNAK

Shwe Mann may have been too ambitious for Burma's military leadership

A power struggle in the ruling USDP has see its chairman and the parliamentary speaker, Shwe Mann, ousted, and reportedly put under house arrest.

It following allegations he had been discussing an alliance with opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi. The events come ahead of elections scheduled for November.

These events cast a serious shadow over hopes that the country is progressing towards democracy.

Tony Cheng reports on the latest developments.

Shifting mood towards Syria

EPA/SYRIAN ARAB NEWS AGENCY

Iranian Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, meeting with the Syrian President, Bashar al-Assad

Iran's foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, is in Damascus to discuss a plan to end Syria's civil war with President Assad. Zarif was instrumental in the success of the Iran nuclear talks, and now, he could play a key role in Syria.

Russia is also becoming keen for a solution to be found soon that will halt the progress of Islamic State, and that's an important change.

Analyst, Paul Rogers, explains why these changing attitudes could bring an end to the Syrian civil war closer.

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