Profile Folgen

Mark Coles profiles Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, a key figure in the Syria crisis. Has this chain-smoking, vodka-loving diplomat managed to restore Russian power?Those who've dealt with him tell us just why he's such a formidable opponent, and how he survived the collapse of the Soviet Union to put Russian diplomacy back at the centre of world affairs.Producers: Chris Bowlby and Smita Patel.

Chris Bowlby profiles German Chancellor Angela Merkel - always underestimated, physicist and ruthless politician, the woman at the centre of the eurozone crisis. What has shaped a figure who grew up under East German communism, came to dominate united German politics and proclaims her love of football and opera? And as her friendship with David Cameron deepens, might she be key to Britain's EU future?Producer: Chris Bowlby Editor: Richard Knight.

Mark Coles explores the life of US Secretary of State, John Kerry, who is taking a global leadership role over Syria.As President Obama said when he nominated him for Secretary of State, "Kerry's entire life prepared him for this role."One of his childhood friends tells us that Secretary Kerry has kept the same principles he held as a young man at Yale. But others see him as a man of contradictions: a Vietnam veteran who lead the anti-war movement, then voted for war in Iraq.What are his guiding principles and motivations? Is he ready to handle the unfolding crisis in Syria?Producer: Helena Merriman.