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Microsoft gives free access to Kinect hackers
In the beginning, Microsoft’s Kinect sensor was simply meant to track body movement for video games. But since its the release, computer geeks around the world have been quick to find many more ways to use the device, ranging from designing on-screen invisibility suits to sign-language readers. Copyright © 2011 euronews

Italy releases aid to stop Tunisian exodus
Italy has released five million euros in emergency aid along with extensive credit facilities to help Tunisia’s turmoil-battered economy. The move has been triggered by Rome’s alarm at the mass exodus of thousands of Tunisian migrants turning up on a Sicilian island hoping to make it to mainland Italy and future employment. Italy’s Interior Minister Roberto Maroni is demanding the European Commission help with the costs of the crisis. “I have asked, and I think it is fundamental, that Europe – at its top levels – meaning heads of state and government – defines a strategy, takes the initiative and starts a strong diplomatic action towards all the countries that are touched by these phenomena.” EU Foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said on a visit to Tunis that a trade deal between Tunisia and the bloc should be agreed within months. It is hoped these efforts will stimulate the country’s economy, creating jobs and lessening the need for migrants to try for Europe. Over 5,000 illegal migrants have made it to the island of Lampedusa in just a week and that is set to quadruple according to some accounts. Italy has described it as a humanitarian emergency. With unrest spreading in the region more illegal migrants are likely to attempt to enter Europe via its Mediterranean border. Copyright © 2011 euronews

Libya: euronews reports from Brega
Although rebels are still in control of Brega, the situation in the town remains tense. Euronews has been hearing from journalist Francesca Cicardi, who is in Brega. She says: ‘‘The rebels in Brega are optimistic and confident after having fought off the forces of Gaddafi yesterday. They’re prepared to repel more attacks today. The rebels are not scared, they’re ready, they’re well-armed, and patrolling the streets of the city. Other men have joined them, mostly from Adjabiya which is the nearest city situated less than a hundred kilometres away, but also from Benghazi some 250 kilometres away. Like a young man who we spoke to this morning, who told us that he arrived yesterday from Banghazi to take part in the battle. This young man is an engineer who’s never fought before but in spite of that he said he’s ready to fight even if he only fired a gun for the first time two days ago.’‘ Copyright © 2011 euronews

Libyan military defections mount
There is mounting evidence that a growing number of Libyan military personnel are defecting and joining the opposition against Colonel Gaddafi. At the nation’s biggest navy base in opposition- controlled Benghazi, officers have declared a ‘free Libya.’ In the western city of Zawiya, amateur film shows soldiers being carried by protesters. “One Libya, one people” they chanted. Opposition sources say the military units defecting to them are well-armed, well-disciplined and well- organised. It remains unclear how much of the military is still under Gaddafi’s control, and how many soldiers have joined the demonstrators. Copyright © 2011 euronews

How NATO’s pipes keep airlines in the sky
Thousands of passengers pass through European airports every day without knowing that their journeys would not have been possible without a little military intervention. That is because their planes have been filled up with fuel carried by a vast network of NATO oil re-supply pipelines. Copyright © 2011 euronews

Revolution fever throughout the Middle East
For years they had kept silent. But over the past few weeks they could not hold back. They put decades of fear to one side and took over the streets, telling their leaders: ‘The game is up. We don’t want you any more.’ From north Africa and the Middle East to the Persian Gulf, popular uprisings have been rattling long running dictatorships. TUNISIA: The first domino to tumble was Tunisia, ruled by Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali for 23 years. Population: 10 million, nearly half of whom are younger than 25. Unemployed: 13.3%. Tunisians celebrated their victory on 14th January. Ben Ali left the country. Their bet had paid off. Ben Ali’s fate was sealed when the Tunisian army had refused to fire on its own people. EGYPT: The message was received loud and clear in Egypt. Ruled by Hosni Mubarak for nearly 30 years, young people make up more than half of the 85 million inhabitants. Jobless rate: 9%. Anti-government protesters held Tahrir Square for 18 days despite attacks by pro-Mubarak partisans. They ignored the curfew and once again the army stood back instead of imposing it. The crowds proved even stronger than Mubarak’s legendary stubbornness. On the 11th of February he cracked, and protesters celebrated through the night. ALGERIA: The Tunisian disturbances started alongside unrest in neighbouring Algeria – 35.5 million inhabitants, more than 10 percent jobless, and fury about the high cost of basic food and lack of decent housing. Algiers began to rumble to the sound of revolution, despite the fear and the police barricades. A small group managed to demand publicly the removal of President Bouteflika. LIBYA: Even Libya has been touched by revolution fever. Run by the iron fist of Muammar Gadhaffi since 1969, half of its 6.5 million inhabitants are under 25. The unemployment rate is not known. Even Libya’s tight media control has not managed to prevent young activists posting these images on the internet showing demonstrators demanding the release of a human rights campaigner. Protests are rare in Libya, which has rich oil reserves. JORDAN: Jordan has been ruled by King Abdullah II since 1999. He has 6.5 million subjects more than half of whom are young. Officially, there is 12.3 per cent unemployment. Here too the grassroots dissent is springing from the high cost of living, but there is also a push for democratic reforms. The King has already replaced the prime minister. YEMEN: Ali Abdullah Saleh has held sway in Yemen since 1978. It is a country of more than 24 million inhabitants – 65 percent of them below the age of 25. The unemployment rate is not known. There is little ambiguity about what Yemenis are calling for. They want Ali Abdullah Saleh and his family out, and in an echo of Egypt’s revolt, opponents are not willing to accept his promise that he will stand down in 2013. BAHRAIN: Bahrain is a tiny kingdom run as an absolute monarchy by the Al Khalifa royal family. A large part of the million or so inhabitants are young – the jobless rate is not known. Most of Bahrain’s cabinet are members of the royal family. Spurred on by events in Tunisia and Egypt, the wave of unrest hit the heart of the Persian Gulf. IRAN: There have been similar scenes too in Iran where Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has been in power since 2005. Two thirds of the 75 million population are under 35 years old – and unemployment is running at more than 14 percent. It is a reprise of the events of two years ago when protests against the regime in Tehran were put down with violence. Copyright © 2011 euronews

Karzai names first phase of security transition
Afghanistan’s president, Hamid Karzai, has named seven areas which will be handed to Afghan forces from NATO troops. The announcement was the first step in a process that will see all foreign soldiers leave Afghanistan by 2014. Speaking at a graduation ceremony for Afghan military officers in Kabul, Karzai said: “The government and people should start this year by realizing that the reality is that defending our the soil is our own responsibility.” For the most part, the provinces being passed to Afghan control are relatively peaceful, however, Karzai did name Lashkar Gah in the group of seven, the capital of the volatile Helmand province. The handover is being seen as a crucial test for Afghanistan’s forces as the West tries to extract itself from the country. Copyright © 2011 euronews

Italian government partners stand by Berlusconi
Is the party over for Silvio Berlusconi? Several commentators in today’s newspapers believe early elections are inevitable after the Italian prime minister’s indictment for alleged sex offences and abuse of power. One wrote that Berlusconi was “worn down and gasping for breath”. But most expect him to fight on as he has done in the past. The Northern League, partners in the centre-right government, have their own reasons for not wanting the government to be toppled. “The judicial fury against the prime minister is evident to all. But if some judges think that this will also weaken the government’s business, they’re completely wrong,” said the League’s leader in the Senate, Federico Bricolo. The trial in Milan is due to begin in April. The judges who will hear the case are all women. Prosecutors say there is ample evidence that Berlusconi paid a Moroccan dancer for sex when she was under 18, and intervened with police to get her freed from custody. He denies the allegations. He still has his backers: “I judge him as a politician who’s made a big contribution, and will continue to do so for the good of Italy”, said one man in Rome. “They only talk about this … enough is enough. They’re not talking about politics anymore. They’re talking just about him…that’s all,” complained another. One opinion poll this week suggests that almost 50 percemt of Italians believe the accusations are true. As satirists have a field day, a well-known Italian band has adapted Shakira’s song “Waka Waka”, changing the title to “Bunga Bunga”… Berlusconi’s own term for his infamous parties. Copyright © 2011 euronews