We examine the path of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, once a bookish cleric underrated by everyone—including himself. He has hung on to power perhaps in part by not making decisions at crucial points. Our finance correspondent looks at the shifting wisdom on how best to manage an inheritance. And why India’s addresses are so long, complex and ultimately costly.

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Western brands used to define cool and luxurious in China. No longer. Now consumers are turning to homegrown brands, some of which are becoming global tastemakers. Across Africa the Christian conservative movement is gaining ground fast—with a little help from American brethren. And why Britain is such a locus for the nuts and bolts of Formula 1.

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Iran’s strikes both before and apparently after a ceasefire began seem to threaten peace. If it holds, what will that mean for Iran’s ambitions, and for the wider region? A meeting of NATO-country leaders seems precision-engineered to appease the alliance’s most fickle member. And why Germany is considering cancelling one of its many public holidays.

Additional audio courtesy of Chatham House's “Independent Thinking” podcast.

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