Newsline 27 August 2009: Newsline talks to Abdullah Abdullah who insists he still is in the running to become Afghanistan's next president; SA's President Jacob Zuma travels to Zimbabwe to try and ease tensions within the strained unity government, and we investigate the Dutch astronomers' mafia.
Listen to the programme:
Abdullah won't give up
With just over 17 percent of the votes counted from Afghanistan's presidential election, the gap between the two main contenders is widening. Incumbent Hamid Karzai has just over 43 percent and his rival Abdullah Abdullah has dropped back to 33 percent. But Mr Abdullah insists the race is far from over. He told our correspondent in Kabul that he was nowhere near giving up the fight.
Zuma heads for Zimbabwe
South Africa's President Jacob Zuma is making his first visit to Zimbabwe amid rumours about Robert Mugabe's health. Mugabe's spokesperson is playing down the visit, but Jacob Zuma has no plans to continue the "quiet diplomacy" policies of his predecessor and intends to speak out about the obstacles Mr Mugabe and his Zanu-PF are putting in the way of the unity government.
Listen to an interview with Zimbabwean journalist Wilf Mbanga
Is there a Dutch astronomers' mafia?
Many people know about the Netherlands' reputation as being experts in water management - but their expertise in star-gazing is less well publicised. But those in the know refer to a Dutch astronomers' mafia - something that began with the discovery of the telescope.
Listen to the Newsline report.
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