We dive into the latest from Damascus and consider what journalists on the ground make of the country’s new reality. Plus: what are the UK Labour government’s key foreign-policy goals as it heads abroad? Then: we visit the Democratic Republic of the Congo for this week’s edition of ‘The Global Countdown’.

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As armed gangs continue to terrorise Haiti’s capital, Chris Sabitini joins Georgina Godwin to discuss the unfolding crisis in the country. Plus: German chancellor Scholz calls for a confidence vote, we reflect on a year of Javier Milei and consider whether the US is planning to annex Canada.

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Benjamin Netanyahu takes the stand for the first time today in his landmark corruption trial as Israeli forces move into Syria. Also in the programme: how will China spur its economy in 2025? Plus, we head to Jeddah for the Red Sea Film Festival.

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Leila Molana Allen and Renad Mansour join us to discuss Syria and what the fall of the Assad regime might mean for refugees across the globe. Plus, how a school in Norway is protecting Sámi culture and 'The Devil Wears Prada' hits London's West End.

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Iraq brings together the foreign ministers of Iran and Syria to discuss the escalating situation in the region and we look at the rising tensions between India and Bangladesh. Plus: an icon of London’s Oxford Street is set to be demolished, the latest fashion and retail news and our team meets Ginevra Moretti, owner of House of Nine, at the International Luxury Travel Market in Cannes. 

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As president Macron searches for a new prime minister and prepares to address the nation tonight, Brussels looks on in concern over France’s debt crisis. Plus, the latest from South Korea after the attempted martial-law takeover. Then, business news and a festive ‘Global Countdown’.

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South Korean MPs begin impeachment proceedings against president Yoon Suk Yeol after thwarting his attempt to impose martial law. Plus, how Syria’s instability could hurt Russia’s military capabilities, a roundup of nordic news and the latest from the design world. 

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We get the latest on the ongoing protests in Georgia. UK prime minister Keir Starmer encourages the transatlantic alliance to be bolstered but avoids discussing the Parthenon marbles with his visiting Greek counterpart. Then we check in on the International Luxury Travel Market and the UK Fashion Awards. 

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For one of his final international engagements as US president, Joe Biden arrives in Angola, making good on his promise to visit an African country. Another president on tour is Taiwan’s Lai Ching-te, who visits the Marshall Islands after trips to Hawaii and Guam over the weekend. Plus: Monocle’s Paris bureau chief, Simon Bouvier, on Donald Trump’s selection of property developer Charles Kushner – his son-in-law Jared’s father – as US ambassador to France. And we get the latest business news from Bloomberg and look ahead to the Fashion Awards.

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Emma Nelson discusses nuclear talks in Geneva and a “wonderful” phone call between Mexico City and Washington. Then: rising cinema out of Brasilia and Monocle’s design editor, Nic Monisse, speaks with Soane Medal winner Hanif Kara.

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