The Briefing Friday 2 January
4 snips
Jan 2, 2026 Tyler Brulé, editorial director of Monocle, shares insights on the tragic New Year's Eve fire in Switzerland, discussing national shock and media responses. Inzimam Rashid, Monocle's Gulf correspondent, dives into the escalating tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE regarding Yemen, highlighting airport closures and military dynamics. Jeremy Bowen from Sirium discusses airline punctuality, revealing Aeromexico's success and challenges posed by weather and cyberattacks in achieving on-time operations.
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Swiss Shock Over Alpine Tragedy
- Switzerland is experiencing national disbelief and measured shock after the fatal New Year's Eve fire in Crans-Montana.
- The incident exposes limits in emergency capacity despite the country's reputation for preparedness.
Cross-Border Medical Support Mobilised
- Switzerland's medical system is under strain and looking abroad for burn-beds and specialist care after the fire.
- Tyler Brulé notes Poland and France offering beds, highlighting cross-border medical reliance in crises.
Local Control Shapes Safety Response
- Local Swiss communities hold significant regulatory power, meaning building codes and enforcement vary by locality.
- That decentralisation will likely prompt local crackdowns and self-imposed safety reviews in alpine hospitality venues.