Erstellt am: 19. 8. 2015 - 13:34 Uhr

Syria: a devastating loss of human capital

Reality Check: Palmyra beheading and a Europe without plastic bags

In May, the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria was captured by Islamic State militants. Not only was it of vital strategic importance, lying on the key route to the east of the country, it was also home to some of the world's best preserved architectural relics.

EPA/SANA

Palmyra's world heritage site was a major tourist attraction, comparable to Petra or Jerusalem.

Now, the 82 year old archaeologist who looked after the ancient ruins in Palmyra has been beheaded by Islamic State militants. Shashank Joshi explains the significance of this event, and of Palmyra, in the ongoing war.

Europe without plastic bags

Ariadna Rodrigo from Friends of the Earth explains why eliminating plastic bags could be a realistic prospect.

FM4 Reality Check

Monday to Friday from 12.00 to 14.00, Saturday from 12.00 to 13.00, and after the show via Podcast or fm4.orf.at/realitycheck.