How the UAE’s departure from Opec could reshape diplomacy and oil markets in the Middle East
30/04/2026 | 58 min
The UAE’s exit from Opec is part of a broader strategic pivot, argues Pat Breen of Gas Strategies. We look at the diplomatic intrigue behind a move that has rattled oil markets. Plus: Kosovo faces another election and a preview of the Venice Biennale. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is Mali losing control to insurgents? JNIM, Russian forces and the fight for the Sahel
29/04/2026 | 58 min
A wave of attacks across Mali raises fresh questions about the state’s grip on security and the growing reach of jihadist groups such as al-Qaeda affiliate JNIM. Plus: the UAE quits Opec, the UK’s deepening political crisis and Nasa’s bid to buy more time for Voyager 1. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Iran’s top diplomat meets Vladimir Putin as US peace talks stall
28/04/2026 | 58 min
Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, is in Moscow on a high-stakes diplomatic tour, following visits to Pakistan and Oman. With fragile progress made in Muscat, what can the Kremlin do for Tehran? Plus: rising violence in Colombia a month before elections, King Charles’s US state visit and technology news. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Israel and Lebanon test fragile ceasefire
27/04/2026 | 58 min
Tensions between Lebanon and Israel remain high as questions grow over what comes next. We also discuss how jet fuel shortages are affecting the airline industry and go to Finland, where authorities are preparing for a possible oil spill linked to Russia’s shadow fleet. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Iran ceasefire tested by pressure at sea
24/04/2026 | 58 min
Washington says that the ceasefire still holds but shipping disruption in the Strait of Hormuz and signals from Tehran suggest the crisis is far from over. We also discuss Hakan Fidan, Turkey’s foreign minister, visiting the UK and New York’s new tax on the mega rich. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Monocle’s unrivalled coverage of news and current affairs kicks off on weekdays with ‘The Globalist’ at 07.00 GMT/08.00 CET. Anchored from London and Zürich, join our editors for insight and opinion on the big current affairs and business stories of the day and a review of the European front pages. Nominated for Best Daily Podcast in the 2020 British Podcast Awards.