The Foreign Desk

Explainer 505: Are the Winter Olympics apolitical?

Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych was not allowed to compete in a helmet decorated with pictures of athletes killed in the war with Russia. But is it really true that the Olympics are apolitical? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is it worth prosecuting the powerful?

As the Philippines’ Rodrigo Duterte awaits trial in The Hague, we consider the difficulties around prosecuting individual leaders. Does it work as a deterrent for governments? And what is it like to defend one?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Explainer 504: The jailing of Jimmy Lai: China’s stand against Hong Kong media and the UK’s middling response 

Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai has been sentenced to 20 years in prison. Despite having a British passport, the UK’s response has been limited. Andrew Mueller explains China’s latest blow to free press. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could this be the end of Iran’s regime? 

From the 1979 hostage crisis to strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, US-Iran tensions have simmered for decades. But are Trump’s latest threats against the ayatollahs serious? Or will imminent talks in Muscat cool the discord?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Explainer 503: Why is the US making nice with West African juntas?

Given Trump’s recent, more combative approach to foreign policy, it was surprising to see the US extend the hand of friendship to West Africa’s military dictators this week. So what’s behind this new alliance?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.