At a joint press conference this week, chancellor Friedrich Merz and president Ahmed al-Sharaa encouraged Syrians to return home. But who benefits from the plan?

At a joint press conference this week, chancellor Friedrich Merz and president Ahmed al-Sharaa encouraged Syrians to return home. But who benefits from the plan?

​Presented by ​Andrew Mueller, Monocle’s flagship global-affairs show features​ expert guests ​and in-depth analysis of the big issues of the week. Nominated for ‘Best Current Affairs’ show and the ‘Spotlight Award’ in the 2022 British Podcast Awards. 

​Presented by ​Andrew Mueller, Monocle’s flagship global-affairs show features​ expert guests ​and in-depth analysis of the big issues of the week. Nominated for ‘Best Current Affairs’ show and the ‘Spotlight Award’ in the 2022 British Podcast Awards.

The Foreign Desk

Explainer 511: Why is Germany telling Syrians to return home? 

This week Marco Rubio hosted the latest round of talks between rival Libyan factions in an attempt to unify the country. But what’s in it for the US secretary of state?

This week Marco Rubio hosted the latest round of talks between rival Libyan factions in an attempt to unify the country. But what&rsquo;s in it for the US secretary of state?

Explainer 524: Why is Marco Rubio trying to unify Libya? 

Monocle reports from Almedalen Week, the annual political summit on the island of Gotland. We assess the state of Swedish politics in an election year, with guests including minister for gender equality Nina Larsson.

Monocle reports from Almedalen Week, the annual political summit on the island of Gotland. We assess the state of Swedish politics in an election year, with guests including minister for gender equality Nina Larsson.

Live from Almedalen 2026: The state of Swedish politics 

Poland has been one of Ukraine’s biggest allies since the full-scale invasion by Russia. But will that continue after Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky’s controversial tribute?

Poland has been one of Ukraine&rsquo;s biggest allies since the full-scale invasion by Russia. But will that continue after Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky&rsquo;s controversial tribute?

Explainer 511: Why is Germany telling Syrians to return home?

In 1 playlist(s)

The Foreign Desk

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips