Tensions are building between the US and Russia regarding the Syrian conflict, so Phil and Cooper speak with Al-Monitor's Russia-Mideast editor, Max Suchkov, to get the lowdown. Also, the Saudi Arabia has a new crown prince, and what that spells for the rest of the Middle East.

• 03:25 - The long-term cost of Saudi succession shake-up (Bruce Riedel)
• 04:53 - Gulf rift sends tremors through Yemen (Maysaa Shuja Al-Deen)
• 05:23 - Influence-rich Saudis blow through Sunni unity (Bruce Riedel)
• 08:48 - US attack on Syrian jet puts Putin under pressure (Max Suchkov)
• 25:35 - Russia picks 'bull terrier' as new ambassador to US (Max Suchkov)

Music: Ya Soshla S Uma (All the Things She Said) by t.A.T.u. (Spotify | iTunes | Facebook)