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.

After 18 years, America is at last outlining its drawdown from Afghanistan. Negotiations

with the Taliban seem to be concluding, but attacks by the insurgents continue.

These days, the country arguably represents the world's worst conflict. We ask where

America's longest war went so wrong.

And when's the last time you read? I mean, actually really read the terms and conditions

before taking that little box. Don't worry, barely anyone does. But our correspondent

reckons that leads not only to worst deals for customers, it also breaks some basic economic

principles. But first, it was Boris Johnson's first test as prime minister. He failed.

The eyes to the right, 328. The nose to the left, 301.

Now they're good stuff, Boris.

Last night, lawmakers, including senior members of his own party, inflicted a stunning defeat

on his government. By a surprisingly large majority of 27, they voted to take control of

today's parliamentary agenda. They'll push a bill that would stop Britain leaving the European

Union with no deal in October, and force the prime minister to ask for another extension

to the Brexit deadline. Mr Johnson responded with characteristic belligerence. He expelled those

in his party who would vote against him, including Sir Nicholas Soms, the grandson of Mr. Johnson's

idol Winston Churchill. And he said that if he were forced to request an extension to next month's

deadline, he would call a general election. I don't want an election. The public don't want an

election. I don't believe the right hon. of the government wants an election. But if the house

speaks for this bill tomorrow, the public will have to choose who goes to Brussels on October

...