Listen to the story behind the Guardian's exclusive story on the daring but failed attempt to free American aid worker Peter Kassig

We're looking back at the revolutions in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya. With much of the region still in a state of ferment, what are the possibilities and dangers that lie ahead?

With the toll of cycling casualties growing, Hugh Muir asks what needs to happen for roads to become a safer place for bikes

Only half of those who took part in the summer riots said they felt a part of British society. We hear from five young Londoners on how they see their futures and their place in society

Unite's Rachael Maskell, Matthew Sinclair of the Taxpayers Alliance and Tom Clark discuss this week's public sector strike over the reform of pensions. With Hugh Muir

Hugh Muir examines the government's new housing strategy. Will it make any difference?

Analysis commissioned by the government suggests only 13% of those arrested in the UK's riots this summer could credibly be linked to gangs. So is a zero-tolerance approach to gangs missing the point?

Hugh Muir examines whether ex-servicemen and women are given the help they need to adapt to civilian life

Hugh Muir explores the political and business possibilities for post-Gaddafi Libya

Reverend Giles Fraser tells Alan Rusbridger how a protest on the steps of St Paul's Cathedral led to his resignation as canon

Hugh Muir examines proposed cuts to disability benefits. Is this a sensible plan to get the finances under control, or an attack on the most vulnerable?

This week the SNP announced it will hold a referendum on full Scottish independence. Hugh Muir explores what devolution offers to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

Hugh Muir examines whether home owners need more protection from squatters - and what effect criminalisation will have on the homeless

Chief political correspondent Nicholas Watt, RUSI defence analyst Mark Phillips and the Independent's Bruce Anderson join Hugh Muir to discuss the PM's first war

In 2008 £97m was made available for providing sites for Travellers. In this podcast, we look at what happened to the money, and examine the coalition's policy on Travellers

We discuss the implications of Palestinians asking for UN recognition of statehood, with views from the Middle East, the US and Britain

Will free schools drain funds and resources - or raise educational standards? Hugh Muir examines their likely impact

Last month disturbances in north London triggered riots around England. Hugh Muir looks at prospects for Tottenham as it attempts to move on

The Horn of Africa is experiencing a food crisis and the UN has declared famine in parts of Somalia. What does the relief effort look like? And what comes next?

Riots and looting that began in north London have spread to other English cities. Jonathan Freedland, Dave Hill and Stafford Scott discuss the causes of the worst civil unrest in a generation – and how it might be stopped