Hello and welcome to the intelligence on Economist Radio. I'm your host Shashank Choshi filling in for Jason Palmer. Every weekday, we provide a fresh perspective on the events shaping your world.

The World Health Organization has a tiny budget and limited powers.

And if Donald Trump is re-elected, America will walk out.

But during the pandemic, it has been quietly effective, fighting misinformation and supporting

international cooperation on vaccines and public health.

And we look at what the Prophet Muhammad had to say about puppies.

In Egypt, the pandemic has pushed up the demand for pets,

but a debate over the role of dogs in Islam

reflects a deeper power struggle in the country between mosque and state.

But first.

In Japan, last month's abrupt resignation of Abe Shinsho left a void in a difficult time.

The country's longest serving Prime Minister had tried to revitalise the economy,

revamp the Constitution and boost national pride by hosting the Olympics. The woes of 2020

have left all that in doubt. Now, a successor has emerged to take on the job.

Yesterday, Suga Yoshihide was elected as President of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party,

all but guaranteeing he'll become Prime Minister after a parliamentary vote tomorrow.

He was Mr. Abe's Chief Cabinet Secretary and promised continuity.

We must overcome this crisis so that each person in Japan can feel safe and have a stable

life.

In order to do that, we need to carry on Prime Minister Arbe's measures and move forward with them.

I believe it is my mission to do so.

Mr. Suga was never really seen as a candidate for the top job.

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