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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: Laos and Algeria

Laos and Algeria

BBC World Service - From Our Own Correspondent, Laos and Algeria

Alan Johnston presents insight into Chinese money in Laos - and Russian brides in Algeria

Alan Johnston with despatches from correspondents worldwide. Today, Conor Woodman on how a flood of Chinese money is affecting Laos, and Chloe Arnold on the Russian brides who came to Algeria.

Alan Johnston introduces insight and analysis from BBC correspondents around the world. In this edition, Conor Woodman hears why some Laotians don't welcome the new flood of Chinese investment in their country, while Chloe Arnold hears the life and love stories of the Russian women who came to Algeria during the Soviet era.

"Place your bets": China gambles on (and in) Laos

China's new economic might is having an impact around the world. We've heard of Chinese businessmen striking deals in the mines of the Australian Outback to the chicken markets of Africa. They're also spending money much closer to home too, in South-East Asia. 

But as Conor Woodman has been finding out, their investments in Laos have sometimes been controversial. The neighbours don't always welcome the coming of the Chinese.

Marooned on a distant shore by the tides of history

A few weeks ago, Russians marked the anniversary of their historic defeat of Nazi Germany. As always, there was a victory parade with tanks rumbling across the cobblestones of Red Square. Across what used to be the Soviet Union, champagne was drunk in celebration. 

Also marking the date was a group of still-patriotic exiles in Algeria. Our correspondent, Chloe Arnold was with them, and she explains how these Russian women came to be so far from home.

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