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From Our Own Correspondent: Syria and the US (California)

Syria and the US (California)

BBC World Service - From Our Own Correspondent, Syria and the US (California)

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

Max Baring on double-think in Syria's schools and Rajesh Mirchandani on his California dreams (and complaints).

In this edition: Max Baring reflects on what Syrian schools taught him about the Assad regime and Rajesh Mirchandani explains why he loves - and hates - LA.

Syrian schools' lessons in leadership

For decades, the idea of questioning the Assad family's right to rule used to be unthinkable. But no longer. This year, President Bashar Assad's government has been rocked by sustained opposition protests. Hundreds of people have been killed, and thousands have now fled the country. 

Max Baring spent months filming life in Syria's schools before the current chaos. He remembers watching as the ruling Baath Party tried to mould the minds of its youngest citizens. 

The "Golden State" loses some of its shine

For generations, for many Americans and for the rest of the world, California has depicted as a kind of promised land - a place where you can prosper in the sunshine, where dreams of fame and fortune just might come true. It seemed blessed by nature, able to offer the kind of lifestyle the whole world might aspire to. 

Rajesh Mirchandani went to Los Angeles to be our West Coast correspondent. However, he soon developed doubts about the Golden State...

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