Democratic Republic of Congo: continuing violence
For the Democratic Republic of Congo, still gripped by war, there’s little hope for much change in the coming year. The world’s largest UN peacekeeping force of about 20,000 troops is in the country but appears largely ineffective. Some say it is even made life worse for the population who have suffered attacks by both opposition and government forces. Al Jazeera’s Mohammed Adow is in Kiwanja, in North Kivu, where the fear of murder and rape is a daily reality.
Russia alcohol abuse
The Russian government has introduced a minimum price of about $3 a bottle for vodka as part of new year reforms aimed at curbing alcohol abuse among its vodka-loving population.
The move is one of series of measures designed to tackle the problem but it appears old habits die hard.
Neave Barker reports from Moscow.
Pakistan security
Pakistan’s government hailed its military campaign against fighters in the Swat valley as a great success. However, security forces remain on high alert with daily operations in the area. Al Jazeera’s Imran Khan travelled to Mingora where some aspects of life are returning to normal.
