The Intelligence from The Economist

This weekend, America and Israel launched long-anticipated attacks on Iran, killing Ali Khamanei, the country’s supreme leader. Our correspondents analyse what his death means for the country and the strategy behind Iran’s retaliation. We report how Gulf States are dealing with unprecedented instability within their borders. And we assess Iran’s military capability and what might happen next.

Guests and host:
Nicolas Pelham, Middle East correspondent
Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondent
Gareth Browne, Middle East reporter
Shashank Joshi, defence editor
Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”

Topics covered:
Iran attacks, military capability
Ali Khamanei, succession
Donald Trump, foreign policy
Gulf States, Dubai

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Just one generation after they gained independence, people in the Baltic States are watching the threat from the Kremlin creep closer and closer. In Lithuania, the government is preparing the population to resist an invasion.

On “The Weekend Intelligence” Katie Bryant travels to Vilnius to ask how facing up to threat is changing the nation.

Topics covered:

Lithuania
Civil defence
Disinformation

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Music by bluedot Sessions and Epidemic Sound.

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For all the promise of transformation that artificial intelligence offers, a close look at macroeconomic data shows little change. Sit tight. A brutal attack in Nigeria reveals how the security crisis is spreading ominously. And a tribute to Virginia Oliver, who cut an unusual figure on the lobster boat she skippered for decades.

Guests and host:
Alex Domash, economics correspondent
Ọrẹ Ogunbiyi, Africa correspondent
Jon Fasman, senior culture correspondent
Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”

Topics covered:
Artificial intelligence, macroeconomics
Nigeria, security, jihadism
Virginia Oliver, Maine, lobsters

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As a military build-up continues in the Middle East, President Donald Trump’s messaging remains ambiguous. What could, at this stage, head off conflict? Our series on America’s 250th birthday continues with a dive into our archive on the era leading up to civil war. And a couple of recommendations for the silver and the small screen.

Guests and host:
Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondent
Annie Crabill, senior digital editor
Alexandra Suich Bass, Culture editor
Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”

Topics covered:
Iran, nuclear deal, military build-up
American history
entertainment, “Dreams”, “Bridgerton”

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The targeting of “El Mencho”, the leader of one of the country’s two biggest gangs, has resulted in a predictable spate of violence—more of which is virtually assured. We take a rare look inside Russia to see how four years of war has changed the country. And some surprising advice on how to get your best marathon time.

Guests and host:
Sarah Birke, Mexico City bureau chief
Arkady Ostrovsky, Russia editor
Tim Cross, senior science writer
Ainslie Johnstone, data journalist
Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”

Topics covered:
Mexico, cartels, gang violence
Russia, economy, Ukraine war
Running, training, marathons

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