Hello and welcome to the intelligence on Economist Radio.

I'm your host, Jason Palmer.

Every weekday, we bring you a unique perspective on the events shaping the world.

The art of origami might seem much more beautiful than useful, but there's an explosion of interest in using origami's principles for all manner of new technologies and products.

At an origami in science meeting, I was welcomed into the fold.

And our obituaries editor looks into the life of master accordionist Marcel Azzola

and shares a few thoughts on how lives can be celebrated in writing.

But first...

Yesterday, America's Senate issued a full-throated rebuke of President Trump's intent to draw down troops in Syria and Afghanistan.

They voted overwhelmingly to advance legislation introduced by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell,

urging the United States to keep forces in place.

Mr. McConnell blamed America's withdrawal from Iraq for the rise of Islamic State.

It's understandable that as we get farther from November the,

from September the 11th, many would grow tired of our military efforts

a long way from home.

But, as decisions from the Obama administration have made painfully clear,

leaving too abruptly carries its own

grave risk.

His proposal comes after a week in which progress appears to have been made in peace talks

between American officials and the Taliban, the insurgent group that sorely wants those troops

out of Afghanistan. On Monday, the man leading the talks from the U.S. side,

Zalmejal-il-Zad, told journalists a preliminary framework for a deal had been hashed out.

...