Is the time finally ripe for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas? Plus: Ukraine’s Ark Project with Czech help, why the US government could shut down on Saturday and the world’s first luxury theme park.

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Border tensions in Syria continue as Israel claims it will maintain a buffer zone in the country. Plus: a look at Asheville’s hurricane recovery, a flick through Monocle’s Greece handbook and how Portugal’s passports are getting a makeover.

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The European Union is reopening its delegation in Syria while France is sending envoys to Damascus. How can diplomacy help rebuild the country? Then: we look at what Moscow describes as “inevitable retribution” towards Ukraine following the killing of a top general. Plus: Ecowas approves three-nation exit from the bloc, Taiwan gets new US-made tanks to boost its defences and ‘Le Monde’ newspaper turns 80.

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As reports emerge of significant losses to North Korean troops fighting in Russia’s Kursk region, we assess whether the war between Moscow and Kyiv is at a turning point. Then: Israel’s isolationism continues as it shutters its Dublin embassy. Plus: transport changes in London, fashion news, ‘Forbes’ magazine opens a private-members’ club and we remember India’s legendary tabla maestro Zakir Hussain.

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German chancellor Olaf Scholz is expected to lose a no-confidence motion set for today. What will that mean for Germany and the world as yet another nation faces a governmental crisis? Plus: the latest from Israel, a look at the political situation in South Korea, the protests in Serbia and we meet Austrian singer Sofie Royer.

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As Syria plans to rebuild, Hafed al-Ghwell joins Christopher Cermak to discuss what the future holds. Plus: what next for the Nakagin Capsule Tower site, the Vatican’s keffiyeh controversy and a look at a Czech film that has outsold ‘Barbie’. 

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What will it take to resurrect Syria’s once-stunning built environment? Also in the programme: the humanitarian view from Odessa with Jan Egeland, the secretary-general of the Norwegian Refugee Council, and the results of a new poll from the European Council on Foreign Relations on attitudes towards EU-UK relations. Plus, we examine the global implications of Kenya’s illicit gold trade and take a dram from the seasonal whiskey menu at the Fife Arms.

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Following the overthrow of the Assad regime, what will happen to the millions of Syrians who were granted asylum abroad? We give you the latest and look at why strikes are continuing. Plus: Emmanuel Macron’s grand coalition talks, China sends its largest fleet in nearly 30 years to the Taiwan region – and we meet Finland’s ambassador to the UK, Jukka Siukosaari, and Business Finland’s director for western Europe, Jukka Holappa. 

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Following the collapse of the Assad regime, the UN Security Council meets to discuss what comes next in Syria. Also in the programme: the UK’s prime minister, Keir Starmer, makes a historic visit to Cyprus; we meet the president and CEO of Future Caucus; and a flick through the new handbook launched by Monocle last night. Plus: Fernando Augusto Pacheco on 2025’s Golden Globes. 

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The latest on Syria as Bashar al-Assad flees to Moscow and rebels claim Damascus. Plus, the future of Yoon Suk Yeol, Romania’s cancelled election and Saudi Arabia’s new date-based soft drink. 

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Ääniä is a journey through Finland in music, reflecting the natural beauty, serenity, vast spaces and many faces of the happiest country in the world. It lets you experience Finland or simply find your own, inner happy place. Composed by Lauri Porra.

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