You're listening to a download from the BBC, this is from our own correspondent.

You can hear the version of the program we make for the BBC World Service by visiting our site

at BBC online.

But here's the latest edition broadcast on BBC Radio 4 and introduced by Kate Adi.

Today military experts from Africa, the UN and Europe prepare to tackle the Islamist rebels who've taken over in Northern Mali.

The Arab Spring comes calling in the Gulf State once known as a place of wind and spiders.

Georgians wonder if their new Prime Minister can restore chunks of their

nation now effectively under Russian control. And we have a useful tip about driving on the

planet Mars. It's not as easy as it looks. But first,

after winning a second term in office, President Obama has returned to Washington,

where he faces urgent budget negotiations.

Earlier he urged Republicans who retained control of the House of Representatives to work with

him to tackle the budget deficit. Unless they reach a deal, automatic tax rises and

spending cuts will come into effect in the new year and could, according to analysts, push

the country back into recession. But that's a story for the future. Right now,

our Washington staff, including Paul Adams, are still looking back at the days and weeks leading

up to this week's momentous vote.

There was a moment on Tuesday night when it suddenly became so obvious,

when all the other scenarios we'd entertained and discussed for weeks simply vanished into thin air.

Inside the cold cavernous convention center in Chicago,

it all seemed a bit flat.

The scene was set, but nothing was happening.

...