This is the BBC.

Hello. Today, the Kurds who have no recognized nation-state are fighting ISIS in Syria.

A complex group of people now a significant force, and at odds with the Turks.

Hungary is stoking up its anti-migrant stance, but we meet Afghans and Iranians still

determined to start a new life there.

Dined on a good Biryani recently, we hear claims about its origin in the city of Pearls,

and our correspondent gets to know how to deal with the

wildlife in the tropical forests of Gabon. No one's going to rely entirely on

opinion polls these days to predict an election outcome, but there are signs

that Angela Merkel is likely to keep her job when the Germans go to the polls next weekend.

Her three terms in power so far have coincided with the financial crisis, the migrant

crisis and Brexit. So what is it that makes her want another four years? Even after

two decades in the public eyes she remains a very private

politician. Yes, we know she likes football. She has a doctorate in quantum

chemistry and is apparently afraid of dogs. But what really makes her tick? In search of

answers Jenny Hill took a tour of Mrs Merkel's childhood.

It's the kind of house that belongs in a fairy tale.

Tall and serene, it stands on the edge of a silent, mysterious pine forest.

There's no sign of life inside, but someone obviously cares for the old place.

It's meticulously painted in pale pastel colours and the red roof tiles are perfectly aligned.

This is where Angela Merkel lived for the first 18 years of her life.

It's a tranquil spot and on this sunny morning I find myself daydreaming

...