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The Intelligence from The Economist

Rebel with a new cause: meeting Syria’s president

Feb 4, 2025
Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria’s transitional president and former jihadi leader, shares his vision for a new Syria, raising questions about governance and sincerity. Ethan Wu analyzes Japan's long-standing economic stagnation, highlighting recent signs of recovery and inflation. Meanwhile, Matt Hancock discusses the financial ties of British MPs to media, uncovering potential conflicts of interest. Together, they navigate challenges and transformations impacting Syria and Japan's futures.
28:44

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Ahmed al-Sharaa's leadership in Syria raises questions about his ability to unite a war-torn nation amidst skepticism of his democratic intentions.
  • Japan's economy is experiencing a potential transformation with rising interest rates, yet households face challenges from persistent inflation in essential goods.

Deep dives

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