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Writing a way out of war

How writers can envision hope beyond times of war in divided societies; the Ukrainians and Russians finding refuge in Bali; why Peru's luxury vicuna wool market has begun to fray.

Pascale Harter introduces insight, wit and analysis from BBC correspondents, reporters and writers around the world.

The Israel-Gaza conflict has been framed by harsh words, and when talk of peace and reconciliation seem more distant than ever, is there space for understanding - or hope? Our correspondent Fergal Keane has spent his career reporting on divided societies, and after spending the last few weeks in Jerusalem, he reflects on the question of hope.

The Indonesian island of Bali is half a world away from the war in Ukraine - yet it's become a home for thousands of Ukrainians and Russians fleeing the conflict in Eastern Europe. Michelle Jana Chan asks how the two communities are getting on there - and what plans they have for the future.

Up in the Andes mountains, the vicuna - a relative of the alpaca and llama - is well equipped to deal with the cold and wet, with some of the softest and warmest wool in the world. Vicuna fleece is highly prized, and seemed to be the key for a true conservation success story. But as Stefania Gozzer reports, the indigenous communities who once fed the world's supply chain for this luxury fibre now say they're spinning no profit from it.

Producer: Polly Hope
Production Co-Ordinator: Gemma Ashman
Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith
(Image: The sun sets behind Gaza City, seen from Israel on 09 November 2023. Credit: Menahem Kahana/AFP via Getty Images)

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23 minutes

Last on

Mon 13 Nov 202321:06GMT

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  • Sat 11 Nov 202317:06GMT
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  • Mon 13 Nov 202300:06GMT
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  • Mon 13 Nov 202321:06GMT