What is Crink and should it worry the West?

Beating the heat and our recommendations for books that transport you

Robert Bound returns to defend his ‘The Daily Weekly Quiz’ title. We head to the Gulf, North Korea and Australia for tips on how to beat the heat. Plus: stuck at home in August? Book recommendations that will whisk you away.  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

What is Crink and should it worry the West?

China, Russia, Iran and North Korea are increasingly co-operating militarily. How steadfast is this alliance and should it worry the West? Plus: Germany’s ‘spy revolution’, Karoline Leavitt leaves and the pros and cons of Unesco’s World Heritage List.  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Why has the US asked Ukraine to curb strikes on Russia?

Ukraine halts strikes on Russia’s tankers as per JD Vance’s request. Then: Donald Trump’s catering van controversy, French journalists go to war with AI and we get down to “Swissness”.  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

The ‘Ice Silk Road’: China’s new shipping route

Sea Legend shipping company is launching the first regular container service along Russia’s northern Arctic coast. Then: the World Bank helps Lebanon with its digital transformation. And: France says ‘non’ to unsolicited telemarketing calls. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Is the Iran war exposing the limits of US dominance in the Middle East?

Rejected by Israel and left out by Oman: is Donald Trump losing influence in the Middle East? Then: plans to change the French parliament spark outrage. And: would you wear air-conditioned clothing?   See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.