Are strikes against civilians ‘the new paradigm’ in the Ukraine war?

The conflicts in Ukraine and Iran converge. Plus: What to make of political leaders’ attire?

Regional conflicts in Ukraine and Iran intersect as Kyiv hits a ship from Tehran in the Caspian Sea. Could the wars become global? Then: Can we learn from political leaders’ sartorial decisions – or are we too buttoned up? See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Is controlling the sun the brightest idea?

Tira Shubart and Andrew Mueller discuss the plans to reflect the sun’s rays in a way to capitalise on solar energy. What could possibly go wrong for life on Earth? Plus: a light round-up of the week’s events. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

The costs of war for the US and who will foot Pakistan’s mediation bill?

Charles Hecker and Patti Cohen on the effects of Yemen’s Houthis on global shipping, how much the Iran war will cost the US, whether Pakistan will get compensated for mediation and how fresh EU sanctions impact Russia. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

The message that a US deal allowing Saudi nuclear enrichment sends to the world

Hannah Lucinda Smith and Erin O’Halloran assess the global impact of a US agreement to build out Saudi Arabia’s nuclear energy programme. Plus: why Japan’s prime minister was pleased to get five hours of sleep over the weekend. And Guy De Launey reports on a Balkan conspiracy.  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

What UK prime minister Andy Burnham’s new cabinet tells us and the French far right shuns Elon Musk

Andy Burnham’s cabinet sit down for their first meeting: what can we learn from their early policy positions? Then: why is the French far right bucking the tech-bro trend and shunning Elon Musk? Plus: Chengdu’s West Village. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.