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Alan Johnston presents insight, wit and analysis from ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ correspondents around the world. In this edition: Justin Marozzi in Libya and Mariko Oi in Japan.

Religious royalty: Libya's Senussi dynasty

For decades, Colonel Gaddafi ruled Libya in the classic tradition of the strongmen of the Arab world. But now he's being challenged as never before, and memories are being stirred of the days before the Colonel came to power. That was an era when a religious order - known as the Senussi - wielded great influence all across Libya, and beyond. One of their number, King Idris, ruled the country before Colonel Gaddafi overthrew him in 1969.

Justin Marozzi travelled to the heartland of the Senussi order in eastern Libya, and met descendents, adherents and scholars of this religious and political dynasty.

Japan runs short of juice

When the massive quake struck Japan, the earth only shook for a matter of minutes. But in many ways its impact continues to be felt: the damage done to the Fukushima nuclear plant is having an effect well beyond the disaster zone.

Japan is now enduring severe power shortages, and the public is less and less accepting of nuclear energy. Mariko Oi has been reflecting on the mood in Tokyo as, all around her, the machines grind to a halt….