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From Our Own Correspondent: Virtual politics in the US

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Virtual politics in the US

22/08/2020 GMT

BBC World Service - From Our Own Correspondent, Virtual politics in the US

The Democratic Convention in the US, plus stories from South Africa, Belarus and Beirut

The Democratic Convention in the US, alcohol ban lifted in South Africa, Belarusian leader asserts power and the lost dogs in Beirut’s blast.

Caroline Wyatt introduces analysis, reportage and personal reflections from correspondents around the world.

In just under three months, Americans will go to the polls to choose their next president. This week, the Democrats held their national convention and like most political events now, it was virtual. Journalists, including Laura Trevelyan, pitched up in Delaware, to Joe Biden – the Democratic Party candidate – to assess the appetite for politics during this turbulent summer. 

Belarusian president, Alexander Lukashenko, has stepped up efforts to reassert his control. It follows ten days of mass protests which were triggered by an election widely believed to have been rigged in his favour. Lukashenko has given orders to end unrest in the capital, Minsk, but these came after EU leaders announced they would not recognise the results of the election. Our correspondent Jonah Fisher has been following developments.

The South African government has eased coronavirus lockdown restrictions this week, including its ban on the sale of alcohol. The measure was introduced to ease pressure on the healthcare system. For Vumani Mkhize it was a moment to reflect on his personal relationship with alcohol.

More than 200 people were killed in the explosion in Beirut that was caused by large quantities of ammonium nitrate stored in a dockside warehouse. The blast took with it whole neighbourhoods, not only blowing apart homes and work places but spooking and injuring the city’s animals too. Communities have since taken it upon themselves to reunite owners with their beloved pets and it is this effort that has touched Leila Molana-Allen.

Presenter: Caroline Wyatt
Producer: Bethan Head/Bob Howard
Editor: Jasper Corbett

(Image: Joe Biden delivers a speech at the largely virtual 2020 Democratic National Convention, 20 August 2020. Credit: Reuters/Kevin Lamarque)

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