22 February 2020
Episode 320
30 minutes
Photo: Shutterstock
A nine-year civil war has brought immense suffering upon the Syrian people. But this has never been only a Syrian conflict. Aside from the fighting between Syria’s government and Syrian rebel groups, the war has drawn in Russia, Turkey, Iran and the US, among others. Earlier this week, Turkey and Russia failed to reach an agreement on a ceasefire in Idlib. What are all the regional players fighting for? And is there any real chance of any of them getting it?
22 February 2020
Share episode
DownloadWant more radio episodes like these in your inbox?
Sign up to Monocle's email newsletters to stay on top of news and opinion, plus the latest from the magazine, radio, film and shop.
The Foreign Desk - latest episodes
The geopolitical consequences of Covid-19
As the US abandons its role as global leader, which countries are seeing an opportunity to fill the vacuum? In this episode Monocle’s editor in chief Tyler Brûlé talks to Nader Mousavizadeh, co-founder and co-CEO of Macro…
Explainer 209: Viktor Orbán’s power grab
Coronavirus was always likely to provide cover for budding authoritarians wishing to shore up their positions. Is Hungarian democracy another victim of the outbreak?
A century of multilateralism
If we date modern multilateralism from the founding of the League of Nations, it is an idea which celebrates its hundredth birthday this year. As the world attempts to tackle a global crisis, what have our multilateral…
Explainer 208: Abkhazia chooses a president... again
Andrew Mueller discusses an unusual election in the post-Soviet breakaway state of Abkhazia.
The Covid-19 recession
The Covid-19 pandemic is first and foremost a health emergency but it is also an economic crisis. Economist Vicky Pryce and finance analyst Louise Cooper measure the potential recession and discuss possible solutions, while…
Explainer 207: What are Kenya and Somalia really fighting about?
The militaries of Kenya and Somalia have been clashing back and forth across the border between the two countries. But is the real reason for the dispute off the coast they share?
Saudi Arabia: the struggle for power
Even by Saudi Arabia’s own Shakespearean standards of palace intrigue, this past week has been extraordinary. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has arrested at least two of his royal relatives, along with other officials and…
Explainer 206: Why are oil prices dropping?
Andrew Mueller explains why Russia is waging an oil war with Saudi Arabia.
Has the US learnt anything from its longest war?
Nearly 19 years after invading Afghanistan, the US has agreed a peace deal with the Taliban. But is that really going to be an end to it? And will the US ever try anything similar again? Andrew Mueller is joined by Belquis…
Explainer 205: Israel: third time lucky?
Last weekend Israelis went to the polls for the third time in less than a year. Andrew Mueller looks at Benjamin Netanyahu’s chances of staying in office – and out of prison.
Covid-19: how, why and what next?
Worldwide responses to Covid-19 have been robust: flight suspensions, travel restrictions and quarantines. There has already been a severe economic impact. The political impacts will take longer to become apparent. How are…
Explainer 204: Why did Malaysia’s prime minister pretend to quit?
This week, Malaysia’s prime minister, Mahathir Mohamad, resigned at age 94 – and then took it back. Andrew Mueller looks into what might lie behind Mohamad’s apparent change of heart.
Syria: who wants what?
A nine-year civil war has brought immense suffering upon the Syrian people. But this has never been only a Syrian conflict. Aside from the fighting between Syria’s government and Syrian rebel groups, the war has drawn in…
Explainer 203: Could Russia go to war with Belarus?
As Russia puts more pressure on Belarus, might tension between the two neighbours result in conflict?
A new Ireland?
Last Saturday’s general election in the Republic of Ireland ended a solid, century-old political duopoly. Sinn Fein, the party best known as the political wing of the IRA, won more votes than Fianna Fail or Fine Gael. How…
