麻豆社

Alan Johnston presents wit and analysis from 麻豆社 correspondents around the world. In this edition, Fergal Keane delves into the long but fraught history between Ireland and the British Empire, while Andrew Harding finds Eastern Libya buzzing with hopes, dreams and frantic activity.

Britain and Ireland: breaking historical taboos

Queen Elizabeth the Second begins a visit to Ireland on Tuesday loaded with historical significance. Hers will be the first visit by a British monarch for a century, and first since the Irish threw off British rule.

The Queen will attend a ceremony at which those who died fighting for Ireland's freedom will be remembered. Fergal Keane points out that her visit will also recall occasions when men of the two nations have fought side by side in wars around the world.

Benghazi abuzz with energy

For now at least, Libya is still a nation bitterly divided. Colonel Gaddafi's government still holds sway over most of the west. But the east is in rebel hands. It's not yet three months since they managed to drive out the former regime's soldiers and secret policemen.

Andrew Harding has been in Benghazi, the city that was the cradle of the revolt, and finds it in the grip of revolutionary fervour, hope and uncertainty.