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Kate Adie introduces insight, wit and analysis from BBC correspondents and writers.

Kate Adie introduces insight, wit and analysis from BBC correspondents, journalists and writers telling stories from around the world.

From Our Own Correspondent: The Democrats' unconventional convention

22/08/2020

The Democrats' unconventional convention

BBC Radio 4 - From Our Own Correspondent, The Democrats' unconventional convention

Stories from South Africa, Belarus, Lebanon, Australia and on the Democrats in Delaware.

Stories from South Africa, Belarus, Lebanon, Australia and on Joe Biden at the Democrats' video-link party convention in Delaware. With Kate Adie.

Former US Vice-president Joe Biden accepted the Democratic party’s nomination for the presidency via video-link from his home in Wilmington, Delaware. The party convention was going to be a big celebratory event in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with balloons and standing ovations. But not during the pandemic. Laura Trevelyan reports from this unconventional convention.
South Africa banned alcohol to help keep hospital beds free for Covid-19 patients. So many have a drinking problem in the country that over 62,000 deaths a year are attributed to alcohol.  But banning it damages the drinks industry.  Vumani Mkhize reports on that dilemma and looks back at his own experiences with alcohol. 
There have been protests and strikes in Belarus since the contested elections of 9 August.  And now the long-term ruler Alexander Lukashenko has given orders to end the unrest.   The official result gave him 80% of the vote while the opposition denounced the poll as fraudulent.   But where do they go from here, asks Jonah Fisher in the capital Minsk.
The blast in Beirut cost many lives and caused thousands of injuries. One of those whose wounds still haven't healed is Leila Morana-Allen. But during the first days after the explosion, it wasn't just her injuries she was worried about, but her pet dog. Was he lost? Did he die? Would Lebanon's networks of dog-lovers be able to help?
Being a foreign correspondent may sound glamorous to some, but the reality is working long hours with lots of short-notice travel.  Correspondents accept that as part of the deal. But what's harder to deal with is the separation from loved ones. And now, as Shaimaa Khalil is finding in Sydney, due to pandemic travel restrictions she may not see her husband for a year. 
Presenter: Kate Adie 
Producer: Arlene Gregorius

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