Robert Bound joins Andrew Mueller for a quizzical look at the biggest headlines from across the week. Then: garish golf garments, ‘What We Learned’ and a look ahead to Monocle Radio in the UAE. 

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Ahead of scheduled peace talks in Pakistan on Saturday, we discuss how much damage Israel has done to the fragile ceasefire with its deadliest attacks on Lebanon since the start of the war. Then: is Nato all but doomed? Plus: should we live in virtual-gated communities? And would you make a video call on a plane?

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Daniella Peled and Yossi Mekelberg consider why the US and Israel agreed a ceasefire in Iran but not Lebanon. Plus: why Pakistan is the Middle East’s mediator. And: are journalists liable for social-media comments?

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The US president warned Iran that “a whole civilisation will die tonight” if his demands are not met by the deadline. Then: Russia and the US apprehensively await the Hungarian elections and Kanye West is blocked from entering the UK. Plus: a look behind France’s premier intelligence agency, the DGSE.  

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Iran and the US examine a proposed ceasefire deal as the two sides trade threats. Russia’s former ally Syria agrees to security cooperation with Ukraine. Plus: the jet fuel crisis strains global aviation. And: the dark side of the moon.

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Hannah Lucinda Smith and Emma Nelson discuss the consequences for European leaders as they push back against President Donald Trump’s demands in the Strait of Hormuz. Plus: Why Brazil is allowing separated couples joint custody over pets.

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As Vladimir Putin issues a public warning to Armenia against forging closer ties with the EU, we assess the seriousness of the threat. Plus: India begins the world’s largest census. We explore why it is so controversial.

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As China pushes for a swift end to the conflict in the Middle East, we assess whether its role as a peacemaker will work. Plus: Japan’s new rules for cycling come into force today but do they go far enough?

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We assess the possible timeline for ending the war in the Middle East, as Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that more than half of his military aims have been achieved. Plus: Why Eurovision is heading to Bangkok.

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The US president has given Cuba a lifeline, despite wanting the country’s socialist leadership to fall. Then: Volodymyr Zelensky uses the Middle East conflict to his advantage and Viktor Orbán flounders on the campaign trail. Plus: how does political satire make light from darkness? 

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