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Insight, wit and analysis from BBC correspondents, journalists and writers.

Insight, wit and analysis from BBC correspondents, journalists and writers from around the world.

From Our Own Correspondent: 05/02/2011

05/02/2011

BBC World Service - From Our Own Correspondent, 05/02/2011

Alan Johnston presents stories from Egypt, Greece, Zambia, France, and South Africa

Despatches from correspondents around the world. Alan Johnston presents stories from Egypt, Greece, Zambia, France, and South Africa.

The Egyptian government has been struggling to meet the aspirations of those people out on the streets demanding change. As the turmoil continues, Kevin Connolly reflects on the character of the man who has been at the centre of the political storm, Hosni Mubarak.

Globalisation is bringing distant parts of the world closer together, inspiring many people in poverty to go in search of a better life. Malcolm Brabant has met some Pakistani migrants who are struggling to survive on the streets of Greece.

The booming Chinese economy is hungry for raw materials and in recent years China has looked to Africa to supply its needs. But moving in the other direction a quiet diaspora of Chinese entrepreneurs has been setting up small businesses across the continent. And in Zambia Justin Rowlatt meets the Chinese chicken farmers who are upsetting the local pecking order.

It's truffle season in south west France, but this year the weather has not been kind to truffle-hunters. A dry summer and a cold winter have led to a poor harvest and fierce competition. And at a rural market near Toulouse, Chris Bockman hears of scuffles over truffles.

Festivals differ the world over. Hamilton Wende's been to visit one community in the far north of South Africa where men gather for a centuries-old ritual involving bare-knuckle boxing.

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