Shock and thaw: Syria’s frozen war resumes

So far, Israel’s strikes have not accomplished the stated mission of crippling Iran’s nuclear programme. A war of endurance will be decided by which side runs out of materiel first. South Asia has not been heating up as fast as other regions—thanks in part to its notorious pollution. And a close listen to the music-production genius of the late Brian Wilson.  Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump escalated the tension in California when he deployed the National Guard—against Governor Gavin Newsom’s objections—amid protests against immigration raids. Trump had been facing pressure from the right for the slow pace of deportations. The protests in Los Angeles have calmed down, but they’ve spread to other cities.  John Prideaux hosts with Charlotte Howard and Idrees Kahloon. Runtime: 51:27 Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts  Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+   For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After Israel launches an all-out assault on Iran without clear US backing, our correspondent explains how the conflict could escalate. The Trump administration has reduced America’s readiness for hurricane season. And what FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup will mean for football. Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Germany was once the economic powerhouse of Europe. But since 2019 its economy has barely grown. The country is now under new leadership—but is Friedrich Merz the man to pull Germany out of its perma-slump? Hosts: Ethan Wu and Mike Bird. Guests: The Economist’s Christian Odendahl; Monika Schnitzer, chair of the German Council of Economic Experts; and Philippa Sigl-Glöckner, founder of Dezernat Zukunft, a macro-finance think tank. Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts. Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The all-famous Murdoch clan is engaged in a fierce battle over control of the family’s media companies. Our correspondent explains why turmoil at the top has not deterred investors. After decades of fruitless research into Alzheimer’s, there are finally some new drugs in the pipeline. And pop songs are getting shorter.   Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.