The stakes of the Xi-Putin summit for Taiwan and Ukraine

Netanyahu orders fresh strikes in southern Beirut as Washington tables a new Israel-Lebanon peace plan

As civilians in southern Beirut prepare to leave, we consider the potential effects of Israeli strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Then: is Europe getting tougher on Russia’s shadow fleet? Plus: why are French and British football fans celebrating by rioting? And: would you fall for a holiday gimmick?  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Israel ramps up strikes on Lebanon and Gaza despite ceasefire agreements

Benjamin Netanyahu announces that he intends to take 70 per cent of Gaza as the IDF increases strikes on Lebanon. Plus: the Black Sea Security Forum in Odesa, Colombia’s Sunday elections and AI enters Tribeca Festival.    See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

How close is the US to invading Cuba?

We discuss how successful a US invasion of Cuba might be. Then: can Tony Blair save the UK Labour Party? Plus: should tap water be free in Italy and what makes a designer eligible for the Monocle Design Awards?  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

British waters and Latvian skies become new fronts in Russia’s war

What does Russia expanding its hybrid war fronts tell us about the state of the conflict? Then: Can the West tackle corruption in its politics? And: Global tourism trends venture off the beaten track in 2026. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Are the Abraham Accords the key to peace or pure puffery?

US president Donald Trump wants to make more Middle Eastern countries sign the Abraham Accords as part of a peace agreement – but would it actually make a difference? Then: The French presidential race hots up. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.