They need to talk about Kevin: America’s near...

Five years after the American withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Taliban show little sign of moderation. Our correspondent reports from the country on what life is like for ordinary people. A giant earthquake reveals two very different Colombias. And celebrating the life of Gurkha ...  Show more

After American troops snatched Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro in a dawn raid in January, democracy did not seem like a priority. Yet this week, talks between the regime and opposition ended with small, positive steps. Why US consumers’ love of fast food may be slowing. And h ...  Show more

The literal 11th-hour deal to avert a government shutdown is only a stopgap—and the battle may end up <a href="https://www.economist.com/united-states/2023/10/01/by-averting-a-government-shutdown-kevin-mccarthy-risks-his-job?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_so ...

Another shutdown standoff, funding worries for Ukraine, more leadership chaos: the booting of America’s speaker of the House of Representatives bodes ill for governance. “Jawan”, a new Indian film, is non-stop action with Bollywood flourishes—and reveals how divisions in the coun ...  Show more

Marjorie Taylor Greene says she would’ve organized a more successful coup, Kevin McCarthy still cant find 218 votes for speaker, and Sen. Kyrsten Sinema leaves the Democratic Party. Then, Sen. Brian Schatz stops by to talk about democracy, the debt ceiling, Twitter, and Hanukkah. ...  Show more

A showdown between House Republicans and their leader, Speaker Kevin McCarthy, is heading toward a government shutdown.

Carl Hulse, chief Washington correspondent for The Times, explains the causes and consequences of the looming crisis.

Guest: <a href="https://www ...