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From Our Own Correspondent

Life and war in Yemen

From Our Own Correspondent

BBC

News, News Commentary

4.41.3K Ratings

🗓️ 12 August 2023

⏱️ 29 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Kate Adie introduces correspondents' stories from Yemen, Brazil, Zimbabwe, Turkey and Ireland. The city of Taiz in southwestern Yemen has survived thousands of days of siege conditions during the conflict between Iranian-backed Houthi forces and the Saudi-led alliance. But there are still civilians trying to find moments of normality in wartime - and some surprising facilities on offer. Orla Guerin met a dermatologist who treats both the war wounded, and customers wanting purely cosmetic procedures. The summit on the future of the Amazon rainforest, held in the Brazilian state of Para, didn't result in a grand international pact. But it did showcase a new emphasis: on helping the tens millions of people who live in this vast region, as the key to protecting its biodiversity and tree cover. Katy Watson travelled there to hear from local farmers on what can be done to improve their lives. Zimbabwe's general election is due on the 23rd of August - but there seems little hope for great change through the ballot box. Charlotte Ashton was recently in Harare and found a mood of exhaustion - not least because the creaking economy leaves many people having to juggle several jobs, just to make ends meet. For centuries, the Turkish city of Antakya was a renowned centre of culture, trade and religion: a cosmopolitan metropolis home to Turks, Arabs, Kurds, Jews and Armenians. But six months ago it was rocked by earthquakes. Lizzie Porter found a place once famous for its historic, honey-coloured buildings now full of dust, smoke, and the noise of demolition. In Dublin, after years of economic anxiety after the collapse of the 'Celtic Tiger' and the European financial crisis, the Irish government now enjoys a very large budget surplus. Yet many don't feel they're prospering, as Chris Page explains. Producer: Polly Hope Editor: Bridget Harney Production Co-Ordinator: Gemma Ashman

Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0

BBC Sounds, Music, Radio, Podcasts

0:05.0

Today no grand bargain in Brazil over the future of the Amazon, but a new focus on the

0:10.5

people who depend on its rainforests.

0:13.6

The crushing cost of living in Zimbabwe, where many must now juggle several jobs just

0:18.9

to survive.

0:19.9

Six months after Turkey's earthquakes, life at ground level in an ancient city now full

0:25.9

of dust, smoke and demolition.

0:28.9

And as Ireland's government enjoys an economic surplus, should it save for a rainy day or

0:34.4

another recession or spend, spend, spend?

0:39.4

First to Yemen, a country brought to the brink of collapse by almost a decade of civil

0:44.8

war.

0:45.8

Millions of people have been displaced, at least 80% of the population now need food aid.

0:52.6

The conflict dates back to 2014, when Houthi rebel forces, backed by Iran, seized the capital

0:59.3

Sanaa.

1:00.3

A Saudi-led coalition backed by the UK and the US, intervened the following year, trying

1:05.7

to restore Yemen's government to power.

1:08.6

There's been less violence since the six months' truce last year between the Saudis

1:12.8

and the Houthis, but there's no sign of a comprehensive peace deal.

1:17.6

In the years of war, few places have suffered more than Yemen's third city, Tayyus, in

1:23.0

the southwest.

1:24.0

It's been besieged by Houthi forces for years on end.

1:28.2

Allagarin has just returned from the city, which, she discovered, holds some surprises.

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