Economist Podcasts
Sects and balances: a violent flare-up in Syria
Mar 11, 2025
Join Gareth Brown, a seasoned reporter focused on Syria and Lebanon, as he unveils the grim realities of post-Assad Syria. He discusses the alarming rise in sectarian violence targeting the Alawite community, raising doubts about the leadership's ability to unify a fractured society. The conversation also ventures into how high-end satellite imagery is becoming accessible to all, potentially transforming various industries. Brown's firsthand accounts bring a chilling perspective on a country grappling with turmoil and emerging technologies.
22:36
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Quick takeaways
- Rising interest rates are leading homeowners to reconsider their financial strategies, nudging them towards paying off mortgages earlier than before.
- Escalating sectarian violence in Syria, particularly between Alawites and Sunnis, highlights a complex power struggle in the aftermath of Bashar al-Assad's regime.
Deep dives
Rising Interest Rates and Mortgage Decisions
Increasing borrowing costs are prompting homeowners to reassess their financial strategies regarding mortgages. With interest rates rising after a long period of low rates, many mortgage holders face the decision of whether to continue investing their spare cash or focus on paying down debt. Homeowners who secured fixed-rate mortgages at low rates during previous years are nearing the end of those terms and must consider the impact of rising mortgage payments. This shift in the financial landscape indicates that repaying debt may now be a more prudent option compared to past years when investing was generally favored.
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