Small swimmers' big ambitions


Al Jazeera's Paul Rhys reports on Qatar's 12-year-old swimming prospect Noah Alkhulaifi who, along with his two younger brothers, is setting his sights on the 2016 Olympics in Rio. Noah will compete against grown men at the Arab Games taking place in the Qatari capital, coached by Olympic finalist and former European champion Ylasov of Ukraine. He will then settle back into a routine of school, training, and setting regional swimming records - one of which younger brother Jacob has already surpassed. For more sports news and info go to aljazeera.com/sport. Follow Paul Rhys on twitter: @Paul_Rhys_Sport. Noah and his brothers attend Qatar Academy. The school is run by the Qatar Foundation charity (www.qf.org.qa which provides training facilities to the family.


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The Stream - The growing militarisation of police


We look at the militarisation of civilian police forces and how technology is shaping protest response. Guests: Alex Vitale, Spencer Ackerman Thumbnail: REUTERS/Brian Nguyen/Files


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North Korea's Kim Jong-il dead at 69


Kim Jong-il, the leader of North Korea, has died at the age of 69 after suffering a heart attack, North Korean state media has announced. Kim, known in the communist country as the "Dear Leader", died on Saturday aboard a train during a trip out of Pyongyang, a tearful presenter for the official KCNA news agency said on Monday. Laura Kyle looks back at Kim Jong-il's legacy.


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Sudanese island fishes for tourists


Sudan's Suakin Island in the Red Sea has been fought over for centuries. Now residents are hoping that the island's rich history and fine weather will start drawing in holiday makers. Foreign armies from Alexander the Great to colonial Britain fought for control over this natural sea port that used to link parts of the ancient world. Today is is in ruins, with a few fishermen families still clinging to their old way of life. Al Jazeera's Mohamed Vall reports from Suakin Island, Sudan.


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Inside Story - Cracked Iraq


What prevents Iraq from moving forward? Guests to discuss the topic: Anas al-Tikriti, the chief executive of the Cordoba Foundation, James Denselow, a Middle East analyst at King's College London; and Saad al-Muttalabi, an Iraqi politician.


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Inside Syria - Who is behind the Damascus blasts?


As suicide attacks target Damascus for the first time, we examine the importance of increasing tensions in the country. Inside Syria, discusses with guests: Marwan Kabalan, Joseph Kechichian and Louay Safi.


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Inside Story Americas - Theocracy versus democracy


How important a role does religion play in next year's US election? Guests on the show: Frank Schaeffer, Michelle Goldberg, and Melissa Rogers.


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Turkmenistan's untapped gas wealth


Turkmenistan is sitting on one of the largest natural gas fields in the world and the country has the potential to meet energy demands from some of the world's biggest economies. But getting access to the world's fourth largest reserves, estimated at on about 25tn cubic metres, remains a major stumbling block for energy-hungry nations as it decides to do without foreign involvement. Al Jazeera's Robin Forestier-Walker reports from the Karakum desert in the Central Asian country.


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US invasion leaves lasting Iraq scars


The US has fully withdrawn all combats troops from Iraq, ending its occupation after nearly a decade. But the chemical effects of US bombardments continue to harm the future of the Iraqi people. Al Jazeera's Omar Al Saleh reports from the Iraqi city of Fallujah, where residents accuse the US of leaving behind a poisonous legacy apparent at childrens' births.


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Thousands protest against Russian government


Tens of thousands of people have rallied in central Moscow in the biggest popular challenge yet to Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's hold on power. Protesters were demonstrating on Saturday against alleged vote rigging in a December 4 parliamentary poll. They were chanting slogans against Putin's United Russia party, with many shouting "Russia without Putin". Protests also took place in St Petersburg - Russia's second city - where thousands of people gathered, and in other cities. Al Jazeera's Neave Barker reports from Moscow, the Russian capital.


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Paul Wilson speaks about Vaclav Havel


Vaclav Havel, the playwright-turned-politician who served as the last president of Czechoslovakia and first president of the Czech Republic, has died at age 75. Havel, a former chain-smoker who suffered breathing difficulties, died on Sunday morning at his weekend house in the northern Czech Republic. Paul Wilson was a close friend of Vaclav Havel, and his English Translator. He speaks to Al Jazeera from Ontario in Canada.


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The Stream - International sensation Sami Yusuf


The Stream talks to singer-songwriter Sami Yusuf about his music, the Arab Spring, and the Horn of Africa famine. Thumbnail image: EPA/MOHAMED OMAR


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Kim Jung-un meets South Korean delegation


The heads of two South Korean delegations met North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un during a visit to Pyongyang to pay respects to his late father Kim Jong-Il, Seoul's unification ministry said. A spokesman said on Monday that Lee Hee-Ho, widow of late South Korean president Kim Dae-Jung, and Hyundai Group chairwoman Hyun Jung-Eun paid respects to the late leader at the Kumsusan Memorial Palace and expressed condolences to Jong-un. Al Jazeera's Harry Fawcett reports from the South Korean border.


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Inside Story Americas - Cuba's economic revival


As Cuba introduces limited changes to its economic system, we ask what effect will they have on Cubans. Inside Story Americas, discusses with guests: Peter Kornbluh, Philip Brenner and Philip Peters.


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Inside Story - Nigeria's Christmas Day bombings


What lies behind the ongoing violent attacks in Africa's most populous country? With guests: Malam Garba Sani, David Anderson, and Patrick Wilmot.


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Inside Story US 2012: Are journalists US 2012 campaign insiders?


As the media coverage of the presidential campaign intensifies, we ask if 'embedded' journalists can do their job. Inside story US 2012, discusses with guests: Amy Goodman, Rocky Anderson and Eleanor Clift


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The Stream - Countering extremism in Pakistan


How the Pakistani group Khudi is spreading its message of tolerance. Note: In the Stream Leads segment we showed a photo of Italian politician Licia Ronzulli trending online. That image was taken in Sept 2010. Thanks to @AmandaFigueras for the tip.


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Inside Story - Darfur conflict: A rebel leader's death


Will the killing of Khalil Ibrahim help or hinder attempts to broker a lasting peace in the troubled region of Darfur? Inside Story, discusses with guests: Hafiz Mohammed, Ishag Meki and Rabie Abdul Atti.


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Iraq war: Predictions vs. reality


With nearly two million Iraqis displaced, tens of thousands dead and more than 4500 US soldiers killed, the overall result of the war on Iraq may not be what the US bargained for. Al Jazeera's Patty Culhane has been looking back at the promises and predictions that were made by Washington nine years ago.


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