麻豆约拍

John Murphy introduces reports with insight, wit and analysis from 麻豆约拍 correspondents around the world. In this edition:

NEPAL
Joanna Jolly writes from Nepal, which became a republic almost three years ago and has been struggling to overcome the legacy of a decade-long Maoist insurgency.

This remains one of the poorest countries on earth; yet -what it does have in abundance are mountains and rivers, perfect for generating hydro-electric power. But power cuts have become a way of life in this Himalayan country, governing almost every aspect of its people's daily lives.

GERMANY
And Steve Evans recounts his experiences covering the recent state elections in Germany.

Chancellor Angela Merkel has blamed the nuclear crisis in Japan for her party's "very painful defeat," as she put it, in these polls. Her governing coalition had been in favour of nuclear energy but, after the success of the opposition Greens and Social Democrats in Baden-Wurttenberg, there are signs that policy could change.

Steve Evans notes that whatever the issues of the campaign, the political dialogue which he witnessed was both open and refreshing.