Foreign Correspondent

Inside the New Syria: Renewal and Revenge after Assad’s fall.

Tuesday 15 April at 8:00pm on ABC TV and ABC iview

When a former Al Qaeda commander and his allies swept the brutal Assad regime from power with stunning speed, it caught the world by surprise. There was jubilation over the fall of the Syrian dictator, but huge questions about what comes next. Ongoing outbreaks of violence between those allied to the new government and groups still loyal to Assad have only added to the uncertainty.

On Foreign Correspondent reporter Stephanie March travels to Syria on a journey that would have been unthinkable only a few short months ago. She sees first-hand the “new” Syria. With an economy in ruins largely due to imposed sanctions, she meets the people who are trying to recover from decades of Assad’s cruel dictatorship as well as those who have the most to lose if actions of revenge and retribution are allowed to continue.

Tasting Tokyo - Japan

Inside the kitchens of the world’s foodie capital

Tuesday 22 April at 8:00pm

Australian tourists are visiting Japan in record numbers, with one million travelers expected to arrive this year. In Tokyo visitors are increasingly attracted by the nation’s food – the city has become the number one destination for food lovers with more Michelin star restaurants than its nearest rival Paris.

On Foreign Correspondent the ABC’s north Asia correspondent James Oaten sets out to discover what’s driving this foodie obsession. He meets a world expert on tuna, one of the country’s best sushi chefs and a 96-year-old eel master to see first-hand what it takes to be the best. From the onigiri lunch shops to the world’s best ramen restaurant James goes in search of the secret to Japan’s culinary success.