The Stream - Season 3 / Year 2016

Al Jazeera's Investigative Unit looked inside the world of sports doping to find a network of medical professionals willing to help athletes stay one step ahead of leagues' anti-doping tests. What should be done to stop athletes from using performance-enhancing drugs?

US press coverage of Muslim affairs typically focuses on violent interpretations of Islam or Islamophobia, leaving Muslim Americans little room to assert their understanding of the faith. Who speaks for them, what values are they promoting, and what are the consequences of their efforts?

Food is deeply tied to our culture and our identity. Every place in the world has a dish, an ingredient or a cooking style associated with it. What we eat is an expression of who we are, where we come from and perhaps where we're going. Whether you eat to nourish yourself, as a social activity, or as a way of preserving cultural heritage, we all have stories about our cuisine. On the next Stream we speak to foodies from around the world about what they eat, and why it makes them who they are.

US President Barack Obama began his final year in office by making gun control and gun safety a top priority for his administration. Through a package of executive actions, Obama is taking the issue into his own hands and bypassing the Republican-led Congress, which has failed to act on gun control despite repeated calls to action.

At the top of the executive orders list is an effort to expand background checks on gun sales. The Obama administration wants to force more sellers to register as federally licensed gun dealers in an attempt to limit sellers who avoid the background checks by selling their weapons privately at gun shows or online. Other changes include improving reporting lost or stolen weapons and boosting guns safety technology.

This isn't the first time Obama orders executive actions on guns. In 2013 he signed 23 of them on gun safety followed by two in early 2014. Yet, more than 30,000 people die from guns in the US each year and last year, 355 mass shootings took place in 336 days.

The new orders, however, are being described as the boldest so far. But Obama's decision to move forward without congressional approval is already generating a political showdown with Republicans who are vowing to undo any actions he takes.

So in a country that has by far the highest rates of gun ownership in the world, how much of a difference will Obama's executive orders make?

Some internet advocates argue that social media companies' algorithms and monetisation schemes are destroying netizens' ability to reach their followers. How is the internet changing as a public forum and what should be done to protect it?

Homeopathy has become a multi-billion-dollar industry, with colleges and pharmacies dedicated to the alternative medicine system. But some scientists say it's quackery, and any improvement is a placebo effect. As India's prime minister is encouraging more alternative medicine, and US and UK authorities are taking aim at the alternative treatments, The Stream digs into the controversy

The new year began in Europe with predictions of a long, harsh winter and a number of countries tightening their border to control the influx of refugees. This has left many in a state of limbo, braving the elements. But it hasn't stopped the thousands fleeing violence, persecution and the search for a better life from reaching Europe's doorstep. Refugees continue to arrive by foot, over land and by sea. And for Syrian refugees and internally displaced, this begins a fifth winter, facing extreme hardship as the conflict rages on.

We'll put your questions to the UNHCR's Melissa Fleming on what lies ahead for millions of refugees. Then in the next part of the programme, we'll be joined by families hosting refugees on what it takes to resettle. How are both sides overcoming obstacles like culture and community reaction?

Lawyers acting for the Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT) have accused the UK government of breaching international law by selling British-made missiles and military equipment to Saudi Arabia which, they say, may have been used against civilians in Yemen. They've prepared a legal letter which warns that the government is failing in its legal obligation to take steps that prevent the violation of international humanitarian law.

The letter references the EU Council Common Position on rules governing control of exports of military technology and equipment which require member states to deny export licenses if there is "a clear risk" that exported weapons might be used in violation of international humanitarian law. The rules also require states to deny military exports if there is "likelihood of armed conflict between the recipient and another country". Since PM David Cameron took office, the UK has supplied Saudi Arabia with more than $8 billion worth of weapons. But the British are not the only ones selling arms in the Middle East. The United States is the world leader of major weapons transfers in the region, with sales up 23 per cent according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). In the last five years, they've delivered weapons to at least 94 countries, including Egypt, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Russia has also equipped Syria and Iran with missiles and other military technology. The Russians are reported to be arming Hezbollah as well.

As armed conflicts in the Middle East continue to drive the number and deaths and refugees to record-breaking highs, what responsibility lies on the countries that supply the weapons being used? .

An Al Jazeera America investigation on India's anti-malaria programme raises questions of whether doctored health data may be hurting the country's fight against the mosquito-borne disease. The findings follow a 2010 study that alleged malaria deaths in India may be as much as 13 times higher than a WHO estimate. What's being done to address the data gap, and how is it impacting Indians? Join the conversation at 1930GMT.

More than 50 billion objects from TVs to toothbrushes are expected be connected to the Internet in the next four years, collecting data about where and what we're doing. Cross-tracking gadgets is a big business for companies looking to cash-in on our lifestyles, and the technology is evolving faster than privacy laws. Tuesday at 19:30 GMT, The Stream plugs into the Internet of Things and explores the costs of being connected

"What are you?" is an often used opening question that doesn't always have a short and simple answer. For people with more than one racial background, identity is a lot more than one word; it's a sentence, a paragraph or a lived experience. As we become a more and more mixed race population world over, racial identity is also becoming more fluid. On the next Stream we'll speak to biracial and multiracial people about their mixed race journey. Join us with your questions and comments at 19:30 GMT

Drinking water for the nearly 100,000 residents of Flint, Michigan has been contaminated with toxic lead. Researchers discovered that children with high lead levels in their blood has doubled. President Barack Obama declared a state of emergency and sent in the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help with relief efforts, which have been focused on the delivery of bottled water.

The crisis dates back to April 2014, when the state of Michigan decided to switch water sources as part of cost-saving measures. Flint is a city that has been coping with serious financial struggles for decades. Unemployment is at 16 percent and poverty impacts 42 percent of its residents. The city's population today is less than half of what it was in the 1970s. When the decision to switch the water supply was made, the city was under the control of an emergency financial manager who had sweeping powers.

The new source of water, however, was highly corrosive to the city's lead pipes. Residents started complaining that their water looked, smelled and tasted abnormal. They also experienced rashes, hair loss and other health problems. Even a local General Motors facility stopped using the water because it was causing damage to their car parts. But the complaints were ignored for months and city officials insisted the water was safe to drink. It was not until October that state governor Rick Snyder admitted the situation was much worse than he previously thought and announced a plan to revert back to the original water supply.

While Snyder has apologised for the crisis, locals are still searching for answers. Despite a federal and state investigation into the mishandling, two lawsuits have already been filed by residents against the governor and other state officials. Join our conversation at 19:30GMT.

Five years after a people's movement ousted Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, how has the country changed? Ahead of the January 25 uprising anniversary, authorities have stepped up security, arrested activists and warned the public not to protest. Does Egypt's revolution still have a future? Join the conversation at 1930GMT

Denmark has just enacted one of the toughest measures yet to deter refugees from entering their country. Last week the parliament passed a law to seize assets totaling over $1450 from refugees seeking asylum. Items of "sentimental value" will be exempt. In addition, they will now have to wait three years before applying for their families to join them and their financial support will be cut by 10 percent.

Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen and his centre-right government have faced tough international criticism, but say the laws have been misrepresented. They add they're needed to balance the budget and support the costs of housing a refugee. Denmark has been considered a top destination for refugees because of generous benefits provided to them by the state. More than 20,000 people are expected to apply for asylum in Denmark this year. Supporters claim these moves will bring refugees in line with Danes seeking government assistance and assure a better future is paid for. One lawmaker said it's an effort to make the country look "less attractive".

Anger against the measures has been loud, widespread and polarising among Danes. The UN has said the move may violate international law and that it could fuel fear and xenophobia; they've also expressed concern that the legislation puts even more lives at risk. Critics warn the laws will keep asylum seekers from integrating and move them to the fringes. Some have also said it will have widespread implications across the Schengen Area.

The World Health Organization has declared the Zika virus a global public health emergency. The mosquito-borne Zika virus has been "spreading explosively" in the Americas. Cases have been reported in 23 countries and an estimated 3-4 million infections are expected in the next year. The virus, which was first detected in the Americas last year, has been linked with brain defects in unborn children and lifelong development issues. Most of those who are infected show no symptoms which makes tracking the virus extremely challenging.

As a way to curb its spread, governments in a number of infected countries, including Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador and Ecuador, are advising women to avoid pregnancy. This has reignited the debate around reproductive rights in Latin America, where access to abortion or contraception is either illegal or limited for the most part.

There is currently no cure for the Zika virus. A number of institutions are scrambling to develop a vaccine, but it is unlikely to be available for wide scale use for a number of years. In the meantime, to fight the outbreak, many countries are fumigating areas with mosquito breeding grounds. Brazil, which has had nearly 1.5 million reported Zika cases in since May 2015, has promised the deployment of 220,000 troops to assist with the distribution of informational pamphlets and help find areas with dense mosquito populations.

While some are sounding the alarm over the Zika outbreak, others are urging calm. Have any comments or questions about this spreading virus? Join our conversation at 19:30 GMT.

Every day, 125 Americans die from prescription painkiller and heroin overdoses. The problem is so bad US President Barack Obama has proposed $1.1 billion be spent to fight the crisis. But unlike past drug epidemics riling black communities, opioid addiction surging in white communities is being treated as a disease rather than a crime. How did the US become so hooked on opioids and how can it recover?

Thousands of Armenians were displaced by a deadly 1988 earthquake, but more than 27 years later, why are some families still living in temporary shipping containers? We'll look at what's being done to help these families and discuss the long-term challenges in trying to resettle communities after a natural disaster. Join the conversation at 19:30 GMT.

Australia's asylum seekers, fast fashion in Bangladesh and the US' first hijabi Olympic fencer.

Thousands are giving up on their European dream.

If loneliness and stress are drivers of addiction, how can peer support help?

Are trillions stored in tax havens fueling economic inequality?

Young Democrats in the US #FeeltheBern. But is it enough to win the party's presidential nomination?

Indian activists go up against Facebook in the fight for net neutrality.

Why do only a small fraction of cases ever see a courtroom?

Latest discovery confirms Einstein's theory and opens new possibilities in research.

Ugandans reflect on election results and how they'll shape their future.

The arrest of an Indian student sparks protests.

From Angola to Venezuela, ordinary citizens are on the front lines of crashing oil prices.

As a tech giant stands up to law enforcement, what are the implications for consumers?

A new book explores psychology, neuroscience and human behaviour through the lens of sports.

A police officer's conviction turns into a rare racial flashpoint for Asian-Americans.

A look at the campaigns for and against Britain exiting the European Union.

The contentious practice of disenrollment in some tribes sparks a discussion about Indigenous identity.

Many US Republicans want to block controversial figure from being party's presidential nominee.

How countries are addressing sexual violence in conflict and post-conflict areas.

Five years after Japan's nuclear disaster, a new wave of political activism is trending

Social media campaign begs Ramzan Kadyrov to stay in power as he hints intention to step down.

After barring of two major presidential candidates, some are questioning the legitimacy of next month's vote.

Whose stories are publishing houses willing to tell?

Adults living with the virus face new challenges as they grow older.

Syrians reflect on how their lives have changed since the start of the conflict.

As three week ballot comes to a close, will Kiwis opt for change?

Indigenous science fiction authors and artists fire back at J.K. Rowling's depiction of their peoples.

Corruption allegations put South Africa's presidency and the future of the ANC in question.

Interpreters struggle to survive after working with US military.

Does the government's 2016 budget deliver on PM Trudeau's promises?

Controversial new measures restrict poll access for many US minorities and young voters.

Sectarian politics and financial woes put newspaper industry on verge of collapse.

Will the new UN-backed government find enough support to deliver stability to the country?

What stands in the way of solving the case of the 43 missing students?

Federal law aims to keep Native American children and families together, but for whose sake?

Data leak names politicians, celebrities, and criminals in its revelations on tax evasion around the world. But what do the leaks mean for you?

Palestinian members of the Israeli parliament say new law aims to silence minority views.

Country bridges public-private education partnership with US firm in multi-million dollar deal.

Why are 95 percent of airline pilots men, and what will it take to change that?

Two years after Boko Haram kidnapped more than 200 schoolgirls, questions remain about their fate.

First Nations renew demands for national intervention after spate of suicide attempts.

The Stream looks at the impact of concussion and other traumatic brain injuries on athletes around the world.

The Stream looks at the impact of concussion and other traumatic brain injuries on athletes around the world (part two).

With a congressional vote for the president's impeachment, what's next for Brazil?

Female photographers challenge viewers to look beyond an image.

The Stream looks at recent incidents of Muslims being removed from US airlines and how they are responding.

Glyphosate is the most widely used agricultural chemical in history. But is it safe?

The battered Syrian city faces humanitarian disaster.

What questions do you have for Eddie Izzard, Nurul Izzah Anwar and Glenn Greenwald?

After the media coverage fades, what happens to the people behind a hashtag campaign?

Derrick Ashong, Ahmed Shihab-Eldin and Imran Garda join us to mark five years in The Stream.

We speak to Al Jazeera correspondents about coverage of the election.

Scandal raises wider question of Jewish experience in UK.

The underdogs who shocked the world by winning the English Premier League.

Secret agreement that shaped the Middle East turns 100. Is it still relevant?

The European powers that drew up the Middle East's borders after World War One ignored religion, language and ethnicity. The Sykes-Picot agreement and the decisions that followed ushered in a century of political and military resistance from the people of the region. Colonial powers suppressed aspirations of statehood, particularly for Palestinians and Kurds, which remain key grievances today. As Sykes-Picot marks its 100th anniversary, one thing the Middle East's warring parties agree on is that it doesn't work. Will their conflicts redefine regional borders, and how will this change the dynamic of frequent foreign intervention?

Great progress has been made in the fight against HIV and AIDS, but is it enough to eradicate the virus? According to UNAIDS, in 2014, there were more than 36.9 million people living with HIV, and in sub-Saharan Africa there were more than one million new infections.

Women and children are the most vulnerable to the disease. Economic, social and cultural factors all complicate prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

High profile HIV activist singer/songwriter Annie Lennox and Sheila Dinotshe Tlou, UNAIDS Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa will be in The Stream sharing how they are fighting the pandemic.

Philippine President-elect Rodrigo Duterte was a relative unknown until videos of him cracking rape jokes and boasting he has killed criminals went viral. The former Davao City mayor's ordinary man persona and hardline approach to crime resonated with voters frustrated with the oligarchy dominating Manila politics. What will a Duterte presidency mean for the Philippines and the region?

Greater involvement of tech companies in the world of journalism presents questions.

Is Iraq's post-Saddam political order over?

#Zika, #BringBackOurGirls and #Transgender bathroom bills in the US.

What can the world learn from a temporary shelter that turned into a city?

How far have US-Japan relations come since World War Two?

What are the risks and rewards of motherhood later in life?

Can the country's government survive increasingly severe shortages of basic goods and services?

Government's medically assisted dying bill, C-14, proves divisive.

How will Kenya carry out the closure of the world's largest refugee complex?

What did the boxing legend and social justice icon mean to the world?

What would a viable solution to Yemen's war look like?

Thousands take to the streets to protest violence against women.

Is it worth the cost to cage animals?

On International Albinism Awareness Day, meet people with albinism who are breaking barriers.

South African activists join The Stream to reflect on how life has changed since the 1976 student protests.

Does the majority of the world have the wrong idea about love and marriage?

Britons prepare to vote on a British exit, or 'Brexit', from the European Union.

New voices are joining the push for reform, but can they succeed where others have failed?

Former US president joins The Stream to discuss his involvement with the Human Rights Defenders Forum.

Musical group Al Balabil shares the impact they hope to make on the world.

Female cricketers continue to clear boundaries.

Advocates urge lawmakers worldwide to rethink legislation that makes being HIV positive a crime.

How international media outlets are chronicling the race to the White House.

Teachers are risking their lives to stop education reform they say threatens their union and jobs.

In an era of political uncertainty, what lies ahead?

State-run broadcaster faces allegations of censorship.

How should companies in the peer economy address users' bias?

The holy month in Aleppo, profiting off the war and how Syrian refugees spent the fasting month away from home.

With less than a month to the Summer Games, will Rio be ready?

The toll of police brutality on the African American community.

Will first-ever public debate bring more accountability to the United Nations' top job?

As the United Nations selects a new leader, young people demand a seat at the table.

Can a social media movement enact real change?