Omission accomplished: why the Iran-war cycle spins on

On October 4th, Brazil faces a polarising general election: re-elect the octogenarian incumbent or pick the son of a former president jailed for attempting a coup. In some countries honour culture holds women back from even entering the workplace. And why artists are banning phones from concerts. Guests and host: Ana Lankes, Brazil correspondentRobert Guest, deputy editorVicky Jessop, culture writerRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Brazil, Lula, BolsonaroWomen, honour culture, equalityPhone-free, concerts, gigsListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Five men are in custody under suspicion of explosives and terrorism offences after being arrested near a British military base used by American aircraft. This could mark a significant escalation in Iranian hybrid warfare. What oil firms are doing with their profits from the Gulf conflict. And why women’s wages rise after their male managers have daughters. Guests and host: Matthew Symonds, contributing editor Matthieu Favas, commodities editorMichelle Hennessy, graphic detail editorRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Fairford, Iran, hybrid warfare, terrorist attackOil, oil prices, IranGender-pay gap, fatherhood, daughtersListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Not much of real substance appears to have emerged from the get-together. But our correspondent says there are clues of how both sides view an evolving relationship. Tommy Robinson, a British far-right influencer, is increasingly well known to MAGA types in America; we examine his rise to prominence. And remembering Bob Mackie, daring dressmaker to the stars. Watch extended clips from Insider here Guests and host: Simon Rabinovich, Beijing bureau chiefGeorgia Banjo, Britain correspondentAnn Wroe, obituaries editorJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Xi Jinping, Donald Trump, trade war, diplomacyTommy Robinson, American politics, TexasBob Mackie, fashionListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rich-world house prices survived the last fit of interest-rate rises; our correspondent lays out why they may not this time. Nine months after Australia banned social media for under-16s, we ask if anything has changed. And a critical look at Israel’s hit show “Fauda” as it tackles the atrocities of October 7th. Guests and host: Callum Williams, senior economics writerJosh Spencer, Asia news editorAndrew Miller, special correspondentJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: housing markets, bond yields, interest ratesAustralia, social media bans“Fauda”, October 7thListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marine Le Pen, party leader of France’s populist-right National Rally, starts her fourth presidential bid with a commanding lead. The country’s political centre is broad, fragmented—and flagging. A buffer zone against so-called infiltrators in India’s West Bengal state is making life miserable also for Indian citizens. And how Argentina’s supply of horses and cowboys led to world dominance in polo. Guests and host: Sophie Pedder, Paris bureau chief Kira Huju, Asia correspondentHamish Clayton, culture writerRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: French politics, Marine Le PenIndia, West Bengal, Bangladesh, Hindu nationalismArgentina, poloListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.