The day’s top stories from BBC News, including the latest on the conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, plus bringing you developments on US politics and the...
Syria's president meets the Iranian FM as he tries to marshal support against a rebel offensive
The Syrian President, Bashar al-Assad, has described help from Iran and Russia as "vital" in the fight against a surprise rebel offensive. Also: did Louis the XV really keep a rhinoceros at the palace of Versailles?
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Bonus: The Global Story - Which country educates its children best?
Your weekly bonus from The Global Story podcast. Every few years governments around the world compete in school system rankings. But in many countries there are often barriers to even getting children into the classroom - such as poverty, climate change and war.The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide, one big story every weekday, making sense of the news with our experts around the world.For more, go to bbcworldservice.com/globalstory or search for The Global Story wherever you got this podcast.
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Syria's President Assad insists he will defeat rebels
Syria's President Assad has insisted he will defeat the rebels who have attacked Aleppo. Also: Georgia's president vows to remain in post after her term ends, and why killer whales are wearing dead salmon on their heads.
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The Happy Pod: Swimming against depression
We hear from a Ukrainian refugee who says cold water swimming has helped her tackle depression and keep moving forward. Also: making fuel from washed up seaweed; how a community rescued a pod of whales; and driving rats.
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UK MPs vote in favour of assisted dying
The terminally ill in England and Wales could soon have the right to end their lives as MPs vote in favour of assisted dying. Also: Rebel forces take control of parts of Aleppo in Syria, and a big weekend for Hollywood.
The day’s top stories from BBC News, including the latest on the conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, plus bringing you developments on US politics and the climate. Delivered twice a day on weekdays, daily at weekends.