蜜芽传媒

Insight, wit and analysis from 蜜芽传媒 correspondents, journalists and writers from around the world, introduced by Max Pearson. In this edition:

Where schools are morgues and lockers prison cells

The battle for Aleppo is now well and truly joined. To keep President Assad in power, Syrian government troops have surrounded key districts of the city - and the assorted militias of the 'Free Syrian Army' alliance face what could be a decisive moment in their uprising.

Ian Pannell has been seeing the impact of the fighting on civilians and everyday life in Aleppo and sent us this dispatch from the city's streets.

A fruitful harvest

In Africa's westernmost country, Senegal, melons in their millions are now being plucked and packed ready for a hungry European market. Foreign (especially French) investors have been moving in as the country develops its farming sector, and moves away from traditional practices to concentrate on growing fruit and veg for export.

Susie Emmett was there one day recently when work in the sandy melon patches finished early - because there was a football match to be played between the permanent workers and the casual staff.