In July 2019 Nicolas Pelham, The Economist's Middle East correspondent, received a rare journalist’s visa to visit Iran. But on the day he was due to fly home he was detained by intelligence officials from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, one of the country’s most powerful institutions. He was questioned repeatedly and forced to stay in the country for seven more weeks. Although unable to leave, he was later allowed to roam the city without a minder and found a paradoxical liberation in captivity. He gained a rare insight into life in Tehran, recording the sounds of the city as he explored. In this podcast, he tells Anne McElvoy his extraordinary story.
Nicolas Pelham’s account, “Trapped in Iran”, is on the cover of 1843 magazine.  Subscribe at www.economist.com/1843offer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Economist Asks: Trapped in Iran

One question posed to a high-profile newsmaker, followed up with lively debate. Anne McElvoy hosts The Economist's chat show. Recent guests include Henry Kissinger, Chris Patten and Maggie Gyllenhall. Sign up for Economist Podcasts+ at www.economist.com/podcastsplus If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll have full access to all our shows as part of your subscription. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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The Economist Asks: What's the secret of happiness?

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Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions: www.economist.com/podcastoffer 
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The Economist Asks: Why is history a family affair?

After her brother died fighting in Luhansk in 2017, the historian and author Olesya Khromeychuk channelled her grief by writing “The Death of a Soldier Told by His Sister”. Host Anne McElvoy asks her how war and resistance has shaped the identity of Ukraine and Ukrainians and what the country could look like once the conflict ends.
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The Economist Asks: How is Ukraine coping with the trauma of war?

Days after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Olaf Scholz, the German chancellor, announced a radical shift in the country’s foreign and security policy. Host Anne McElvoy asks Christoph Heusgen, a former advisor to Angela Merkel, whether the Zeitenwende (“turning point”) will be delivered or derailed. The veteran diplomat, who now chairs the Munich Security Conference, also assesses Germany’s China policy and how to mend fences with European allies.
Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions: www.economist.com/podcastoffer
We're constantly thinking about how we can make better podcasts for our listeners. To help us do that, please fill out this short questionnaire: economist.com/economistaskssurvey  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Economist Asks: Trapped in Iran

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