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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: Libya and the USA (California)

Libya and the USA (California)

BBC World Service - From Our Own Correspondent, Libya and the USA (California)

Alan Johnston with stories behind the headlines from BBC correspondents around the world

Alan Johnston with personal stories and deeper analysis from BBC correspondents. Today, Andrew Harding on the mood in Misrata, Libya and Ed Butler on the health & safety risks of making porn films.

Alan Johnston introduces insight, wit and analysis from BBC correspondents around the world. In this edition, Andrew Harding gauges the mood of the streets in Misrata, Libya and Ed Butler visits a porn film set in California - to hear of a new controversy over health and free speech.

Misrata's revolutionaries - amateurish but ardent

Since the fighting began in Libya, it has been most intense in and around the western city of Misrata. For weeks this ancient port was the scene of fierce street fighting. Colonel Gaddafi's tanks and snipers thrust deep into the city in an effort to rout rebels who had taken control. There were many deaths, and civilians suffered desperate shortages. 

But with the help of Nato's air power, the rebels have managed to hold the port, and even make advances. Andrew Harding has been getting to know more about these fighters - what they've given up, and what they hope to achieve.

Condoms - mandatory workwear for porn actors?

When it comes to California's film industry, Hollywood isn't the only story. The state is also the world's pornographic movie capital. But this wildly profitable industry is in trouble. It seems that the global economic downturn is even affecting porn sales. 

As Ed Butler explains, California's lawmakers, too, are now threatening to act against what they say are flagrant health and safety violations on set.

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