Hello and welcome to the Intelligence on Economist Radio. I'm your host, Jason Palmer.

Every weekday we provide a fresh perspective on the events shaping your world.

When West Germany and East Germany became just Germany in 1990, many were worried. Was

the unified state too big for Europe? We take a look at how its role has shifted over

three decades within Europe and in an even more turbulent wider world.

And a century ago, a curious little man appeared in the work of a little-known author named

Agatha Christie. We ask why Hercules Barrow, with his distinctive mustache and crime-solving

little grey cells, remains so popular in print and on screen.

First up though.

It's approaching ten years since the Civil War in Syria began.

The signs of battle are all around. And this in the middle of a residential area, which

both sides agreed they'd stay out of.

It's helped from Iran and Russia, and by bombing and gassing his own people, Bashar al-Assad,

the country's dictator, has all but won.

But Mr. Assad's hopes of rebuilding the country's devastated economy are far from being realized.

The currency is collapsing. America is continuing its sanctions. A financial crisis in neighbouring

Lebanon is adding to the pain, and COVID-19 is hitting the country hard.

While support from Mr. Assad, both abroad and within his own ranks, is weakening, it seems

unlikely that his grip on power will be loosened.

The humanitarian situation in Syria has never been worse, and economic desperation is gripping

the country.

Nicholas Pellum is our Middle East correspondent.

...