Fiona Mitchell

Correspondent

A portrait of Vladimir Putin taken on 11 November, 2018, in Paris, France

Putin's presidency under the microscope as Russia votes

This weekend, Russia goes to the polls, in an election the Moscow Times classifies as "a confidence vote on Putin". The focus for these elections will be on the party called United Russia and any analysis of how the party does this weekend inevitably reflects on Mr Putin's presidency.

World • 18 Sep 21

The view of One World Trade Center and lower Manhattan in New York City

20 years since the day that changed the world

It is often referred to as the day that changed the world, but the repercussions of the 9/11 attacks US were felt far beyond the locations of New York, Washington and Pennsylvania.

US • 10 Sep 21

Joe Biden at a drinks reception for Queen Elizabeth II and G7 leaders during the G7 Summit

Is Afghanistan testing US relations with its allies?

Events in Afghanistan have tested the notion that Biden is a US President who would be in lockstep with Europe, with many European leaders having now seen up close how Mr Biden intends to pursue his own domestic agenda without being swayed by western allies whose priorities are different from his.

World • 28 Aug 21

Baradar was one of the founders of the Taliban in 1994

What do we know about Taliban founder Mullah Baradar?

Disembarking a plane in Kandahar to be greeted by his supporters, the return of Mullah Baradar to Afghanistan is yet another indicator of the Taliban's consolidation of power after the tumultuous events of recent days.

World • 19 Aug 21

The destroyed grain silo has become a symbol of the damage caused by the blast in Beirut port

Beirut blast one year on: No answers amid economic woes

As well as chronic food shortages in Lebanon there are also severe difficulties accessing clean water, electricity and education as the country buckles under continuing problems.

World • 01 Aug 21

Power cuts caused by a fuel shortage in the Lebanese capital, Beirut

Lebanon 'days away' from social explosion, PM warns

Lebanon is a country on the brink with an economy and society careering further into crisis and is "days away from social explosion," according to its prime minister.

World • 06 Jul 21

48 people died and more than 200 were injured in the blaze in 1981

Coroner's court hears Stardust inquest can proceed

Dublin City Coroner's Court has been told that outstanding issues surrounding the provision of legal aid for the families of those killed in the Stardust fire have now been resolved, and the inquests into the fire can now move ahead.

Ireland • 23 Jun 21

Alexander Lukashenko has been in power in Belarus since 1994

Belarus, Lukashenko and 'Europe's last dictatorship'

It was the Bush administration which coined the term "Europe's last dictatorship" for Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.

Analysis and Comment • 25 May 21

That Dominic Cummings had the ability to hurt Boris Johnson was never in doubt

Spectre of unhappy Cummings returns to haunt Johnson

When Dominic Cummings walked out the door of Number 10 Downing Street in November of last year many wondered how long it would take before the rancorous ending to the Boris and Dom show would come back to the haunt the British Prime Minister.

Analysis and Comment • 01 May 21

Navalny a dominant opposition figure, even from prison

He was once described by the Wall Street Journal as "the man Vladimir Putin fears most".

Analysis and Comment • 24 Apr 21