Profile Folgen

The IMF elects the French Finance Minister, Christine Lagarde as its new Managing Director. Front-runner Ms Lagarde, who's used to breaking glass ceilings in the world of politics and economics, becomes the first female head of this international financial institution. A yoga and exercise enthusiast - she once represented France in synchronised swimming - she wears Chanel and treasures the simple pleasures of her rural retreat in Normandy. A healthy contrast perhaps to the challenges facing the International Monetary Fund in Europe as Greece struggles to manage its political crisis and the threat of default. Adrian Goldberg reports.

Bashar al-Assad of Syria is facing a serious challenge to his rule in the form of widespread political protest across the country. Simon Cox examines how instead of training to be an eye doctor in London he was thrust into the role of leader of an Arab state in the of a political storm. Had his brother not died, Bashar would almost certainly have been destined for a quiet life outside politics and far from the spotlight. He came to power in 2000 on a wave of hope for political and economic reform. Under his leadership, the country underwent a degree of relaxation, with hundreds of political prisoners being released and a few tentative steps towards easing media restrictions. But the pace of change has slowed - if not reversed - and President Assad has made clear his priority is economic rather than political reform. The Syrian leader's vocal opposition to the US-led invasion of Iraq prompted US anger, but it was popular in Syria and in the region. His administration has also come under fire for its alleged support for Palestinian militants and insurgents in Iraq. For Syria's security services and army, the ruling Baath Party and the massive state bureaucracies, Mr Assad represents stability and continuity after the 30-year rule of his father, Hafez al-Assad. Some observers believe an old guard with entrenched interests may be holding back the young leader. Others say Mr Assad is firmly in the driving seat. So how much do we know about the real character of the man - is he reformer or autocrat? Presenter: Simon Cox Producer: Ian Muir-Cochrane.

Martin Amis has a reputation as a literary bad boy and has caused a stir in a recent interview with a French magazine talking about the 'moral decrepitude of England' and saying he would 'prefer not to be English'. It's not the first time Amis has courted controversy: he offended Muslims by saying they 'ought to suffer until they get their house in order' and earlier this year he riled children's authors by saying 'If I had a serious brain injury I might well write a children's book'. Those who've met him, however, say he can be charming and he commands the loyalty of several high profile friends.