China scholars draw fascinating parallels between the Cultural Revolution and current U.S. dynamics. They explore the rise of cult-like figures in politics, highlighting media control during the Trump era. The discussion digs into striking similarities between Trump and historical Chinese leaders, particularly Mao Zedong. It also examines how checks and balances in American democracy are eroding, raising concerns about civil society's role in safeguarding democratic integrity. A thought-provoking look at global political trends!

A conference in Damascus brought together visionaries aiming to revive Syria's tech industry, a sector dormant during years of civil war. The resilient journey of a Syrian-American graduate student from Stanford showcases both the potential and the obstacles ahead. Participants shared hopes and challenges, highlighting ambitions that persist despite the harsh realities of the past. It's a tale of ingenuity and determination, capturing the spirit of rebuilding a nation from scratch.

The two month ceasefire in Gaza has come to an end with Israel conducting airstrikes, killing five Hamas officials along with over 400 others, including many children. The Israeli military has also restarted ground operations in Gaza, sending troops back to areas they had withdrawn from. They say they want Hamas to agree to a new ceasefire deal and release more hostages. But many Israelis are opposed to this return to war. We hear what this resumption of fighting sounds like in Gaza from our producer there. Warning, this episode contains graphic descriptions of war.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Watch as two influential leaders muster up the nerve to discuss a potential ceasefire in Ukraine, even if it doesn't quite materialize. Dive into the resilient spirit of Ukrainians, who employ humor amid war tensions, finding solidarity in laughter. Experience the poignant feelings of betrayal and anxiety among the Ukrainian people, as they navigate their complicated relationship with the U.S. and its leaders, shaped by the unfolding conflict.

In Germany's national elections a few weeks ago, one statistic stood out to our Berlin-based correspondent: almost half of young German voters cast their ballot for either the far-right or far-left parties. And the divide between extreme left and extreme right in young people seems to fall along gender lines. We try to find out why it seems the youth in Germany are moving to the extremes.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

In Syria about a decade ago, while the Assad regime was focused on crushing an uprising that challenged its rule, it faced a problem. It had too many children in detention, who had been swept up when their mothers were arrested. An NPR investigation has found that hundreds of children were separated from family and placed in orphanages around Damascus by government intelligence agents. They ordered the orphanages to keep this a secret. Now that the Assad regime has fallen, families are searching the Syrian capital for their missing children. We go to Damascus to learn more.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

President Trump has derided aid the U.S. provides overseas as rife with fraud. His administration has moved aggressively to eliminate such funding including cancelling contracts already in progress. This is all being challenged in court but the effects are being felt acutely by those providing the aid on the ground in foreign countries. We hear from three providers in Africa.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

With the U.S. undertaking a tariff war with countries like China, India sees and opening. As goods from China sold in the U.S. get more expensive, India hopes to lure away manufacturers. But can they do that while avoiding being hit with U.S. tariffs themselves? We go to an Indian manufacturing hub to see what the strategy looks like.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The podcast dives into the rising sectarian violence in Syria, spotlighting the tragic killings of Alawites amidst a shifting political landscape. Personal stories, like that of Wassam Bilal, reveal the deep scars left by conflict. Residents of the village of Meriam share their struggles against attacks from Sunni fighters, capturing their desperate quest for safety and a hope for coexistence. The challenges facing the new government in fostering national unity are underscored, reflecting the complexities of a country in turmoil.

Mark Carney's rise to leadership in Canada promises to shake up relations with the U.S., leveraging his finance background to tackle economic challenges. Additionally, the rich tradition of soap-making in Nablus, recognized by UNESCO, highlights the resilience of artisans amid political adversity. The podcast also dives into trade tensions and explores Canada's urgent need to diversify its international partnerships, underscoring the cultural significance of craft in the face of hardship.