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?

Monocle 24: The Foreign Desk

Explainer 207: What are Kenya and Somalia really fighting about?

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 military officers. Are these just the latest steps in MBS’s procession towards the throne, or is something else going on? And if MBS does become king, what kind of king will he be?

Saudi Arabia: the struggle for power

Andrew Mueller explains why Russia is waging an oil war with Saudi Arabia.

Explainer 206: Why are oil prices dropping?

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 Ahmadi and David Kilcullen.

Has the US learnt anything from its longest war?

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.

Explainer 205: Israel: third time lucky?

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 different governments responding? What have we learnt about what works and what doesn’t? How wary should we be of overreaction? Andrew Mueller is joined by Steve Tsang, Dr Chris Smith, Dr Sally Leivesley and Raffaello Pantucci.

Covid-19: how, why and what next?

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.

Explainer 204: Why did Malaysia’s prime minister pretend to quit?

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?

Syria: who wants what?

As Russia puts more pressure on Belarus, might tension between the two neighbours result in conflict?

Explainer 203: Could Russia go to war with Belarus?

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 and why did this happen, and what happens now? Andrew Mueller is joined by Naomi O'Leary, Pat Leahy and Siobhan Fenton.

A new Ireland?

The president of El Salvador stormed parliament at the weekend surrounded by armed troops. Opponents have accused him of attempting a coup d’etat. Andrew Mueller asks why someone already in charge would feel such a manoeuvre was necessary.

Explainer 202: Did the president of El Salvador stage a coup d’etat?

Burkina Faso has its share of problems – not least a growing number of attacks by jihadist groups. But with a weak government and underfunded security forces, what options does the country have? Will further French military support actually help? Andrew Mueller is joined by Mahamoudou Savadogo, Hannah Armstrong and Bakary Sambe.

Can Burkina Faso help itself?

The true story of Mad Mike Hoare is a throwback to a time when foreign policy could be made by a planeload of middle-aged white guys with guns taking over entire countries. Although this business model is now – thankfully – frowned upon, it has by no means disappeared. Andrew Mueller discusses the mercenary’s legacy.

Explainer 201: Who was Mad Mike Hoare?

But for how much longer? Two hundred years after humans first glimpsed Antarctica, it remains a diplomatic anomaly, designated for science. Could the only continent on which a war has never been fought become less peaceful? Andrew Mueller is joined by Joseph Cook, Camilla Nichol and Klaus Dodds.

Antarctica: A place of peace and science

No. No, it won’t. But that’s only if one assumes that the point of the plan is to actually provide a workable solution that suits both Israel and Palestine. Andrew Mueller looks at what could really be behind the so-called deal of the century.

Explainer 200: Will Jared Kushner’s Middle East peace plan work?

​Presented by ​Andrew Mueller, Monocle 24’s flagship global-affairs show features​ expert guests ​and in-depth analysis of the big issues of the week. Winner in the ‘best current affairs’ category of the 2018 British Podcast awards.

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Monocle 24: The Foreign Desk

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