Syrian Army Defectors ‘Attack Major Military Base Near Damascus’

Syrian army defectors have attacked a major military base near Damascus, Syrian opposition groups say. The BBC’s Jonathan Head tells host Marco Werman it’s a sign that events are moving quickly in Syria, and could presage the beginning of something like a civil war.

Turkish Troops Pursue Kurdish Rebels Into Iraq

Turkish troops backed by fighter jets and helicopter gunships have pursued Kurdish rebels into Iraq, following attacks on military installations which killed at least 24 Turkish soldiers.

Fighting Continues in Libya Despite Rebel Successes

Fighting is continuing in Libya, despite the rebels’ entry into the capital, Tripoli.

Fresh Protests Erupt in Syria

Many Syrians continue to flee into Turkey because of the government crackdown.

NATO missile defense plans

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

NATO has a plan to build a new missile defence system in Europe and Turkey.But Turkey wants a say, and that could complicate matters.Anchor Marco Werman finds out more from the BBC’s Jonathan Head in Istanbul. Download MP3

Fighting terrorism in Yemen

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

The US and Yemen share an interest in stamping out the Yemen-based group, al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, which has been blamed for the attempt to blow up flight 253 to Detroit on Christmas Day. So Washington has ramped up counter-terrorism aid to the Yemeni government. Jeb Sharp talks with the BBC’s Jonathan Head, who is currently in Sana’a. Download MP3

• BBC profile of Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula
• The World’s Matthew Bell on AQAP (Dec 30)
• Matthew Bell on counter-terrorism activities in Yemen (Dec 29)

Myanmar trial update

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Download MP3
Anchor Lisa Mullins speaks with the BBC’s Jonathan Head about the trial of Aung Sung Suu Kyi. The Burmese opposition leader is charged with violating the terms of her house arrest. The prosecution wrapped up its case today, and a verdict is expected in the next few weeks.