Only the Brave

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Pascale Harter introduces stories of persistence and determination from reporters and writers around the world. In this edition: Jenny Hill traces the roots of Angela Merkel's style back to her childhood home in the former East Germany, and reflects on what has shaped this notoriously discreet politician. Richard Hall reveals how he's seen the PKK - the rebel Kurdish force which Turkey considers a terrorist organisation - change over the years, as he's climbed into the Qandil mountains of northern Iraq for a series of meetings with its commanders. Robin Banerji explores the cultural and culinary glories of old Hyderabad - formerly a Muslim princely state in southern India. Memories of its courtly elegance may be fading, but it's still a centre of innovation, and fiercely proud of its heritage. It even claims to have invented biryani! And Andy Jones ventures into Gabon's teeming forest - where elephants, gorillas and poachers roam. Despite the lethal risks all around, he's in good company, as his guides belong to the Baka hunter-gatherer culture which has harvested this environment since time immemorial. Photo: German Chancellor Angela Merkel's hands in a typical on December 7, 2016 in Essen, Germany. ( Sean Gallup/Getty Images)